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Skiing 20/21

  • 11-01-2020 9:31pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 199 ✭✭


    Folks hubby turning 50 in summer. We used to go skiing in the good oul days before kids. I have around 3500 to spend but would like Austria and it’s 3 adults 1 child. Is it doable or am I kidding myself?? Want to go Xmas or if any of u fabulous lot have a better idea of a nice trip. We have a summer holiday to canaries already sorted so that’s it. Tried to get Glastonbury but. Missed out


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Comments

  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,679 Mod ✭✭✭✭Rew


    Folks hubby turning 50 in summer. We used to go skiing in the good oul days before kids. I have around 3500 to spend but would like Austria and it’s 3 adults 1 child. Is it doable or am I kidding myself?? Want to go Xmas or if any of u fabulous lot have a better idea of a nice trip. We have a summer holiday to canaries already sorted so that’s it. Tried to get Glastonbury but. Missed out

    I have done Austria for 2 adults and 3 kids all in (bar food and drink) for 3.5k start of Feb.

    Flights to Munich with Ryanair
    Transfer with www.tirol-taxi.at
    Acom via the local tourist board site
    Lessons for the kids
    2 x adult passes 1 x child (the others are free)
    Ski rental 2 x adult 3 x kids

    Christmas is going to push the price up though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Yeah Christmas is bonkers money I'm afraid. But if you avoid that and the February ski holidays I'd say you could get within that budget self catering.

    Edit: actually Christmas itself tends to be relatively cheap if you're willing to go there for the 25th, its the week after that is bonkers money


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 146 ✭✭Some12


    I brought the family (2 adults + 2 kids) skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen from 26 to 30 December 2018 and found all very reasonable.

    Two bed apt found on the gapa.de website, Ryanair flights to Munich and Flicks bus return from Munich. I think about 400 Apt + 500 flights then ski & food costs.

    The hardest thing was finding food for the apartment on the 26th! Only found petrol stations open.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    I'm thinking sauze d'oux if it's a gang of us next year. And today fm if not.

    Is it too early to be dreaming?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    I'm guessing you've all seen on facebook / instagram / etc that places are open at the moment for the end of season skiing. Does this mean that we can expect fairly normal skiing next year? I don't know what the story is about limiting numbers on the slopes or anything like that. It would suck if you missed out because of a cap in numbers. Or had to pay extra. But it would be amazing if the slopes were empty as a result. But the bars still full for the atmosphere. And also the crowds like standing so there's always a seat and a table when we get to them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    blue note wrote: »
    I'm guessing you've all seen on facebook / instagram / etc that places are open at the moment for the end of season skiing. Does this mean that we can expect fairly normal skiing next year? I don't know what the story is about limiting numbers on the slopes or anything like that. It would suck if you missed out because of a cap in numbers. Or had to pay extra. But it would be amazing if the slopes were empty as a result. But the bars still full for the atmosphere. And also the crowds like standing so there's always a seat and a table when we get to them.

    No one knows her and we won’t know until very close to the time either, there is just far too many variables. If there is skiing I’ll be there though wherever that may be.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    I've seen in the states that they are selling limited numbers of lift passes for resorts.

    I assume it'll be the same as normal except for lifts and cable cars / gondolas. This will mean longer queues and if the resort feels they can't limit the numbers in queues they may limit the number of lift passes.

    Then one assumes there may be restrictions on the numbers in restaurants, which could obviously be a big problem if there's bad weather and people can't eat outside. Though I gather in austria they've been a bit more liberal about restaurants?

    Hopefully this might be offset by fewer people going

    There are a couple of glacier resorts in europe open right now so if you look online you may see what they're doing. Had a quick look at Hintertux, beyond masks being compulsory and people being told to distance I'm not sure what else they're doing.

    But numbers in summer are very low, winter will be a different story

    One things for certain - like madness, i'll be there, at some point! Days getting shorter from today lads!

    In fact might not be a bad idea to get a trip in before Christmas to beat any second wave or travel restrictions


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭lbj666


    a148pro wrote: »
    I've seen in the states that they are selling limited numbers of lift passes for resorts.

    I assume it'll be the same as normal except for lifts and cable cars / gondolas. This will mean longer queues and if the resort feels they can't limit the numbers in queues they may limit the number of lift passes.

    Then one assumes there may be restrictions on the numbers in restaurants, which could obviously be a big problem if there's bad weather and people can't eat outside. Though I gather in austria they've been a bit more liberal about restaurants?

    Hopefully this might be offset by fewer people going

    There are a couple of glacier resorts in europe open right now so if you look online you may see what they're doing. Had a quick look at Hintertux, beyond masks being compulsory and people being told to distance I'm not sure what else they're doing.

    But numbers in summer are very low, winter will be a different story

    One things for certain - like madness, i'll be there, at some point! Days getting shorter from today lads!

    In fact might not be a bad idea to get a trip in before Christmas to beat any second wave or travel restrictions


    Ya its really hard to know hows it is going to pan out. But it is hard to imagine places without some form of social distancing measures on lifts, which means halving the capacity possible unless they have sort of buddy system.

    Theres some mad ques in bikeparks in europe at the minute even though the bike provides distancing in itself.

    The mad austrian apres bars will probably have to tone it down alot. Regardless of the virus, even for optics Ischgl and St. Anton will have very different atmosphere next year.

    I reckon ischgl might be a good bet because most people go for the apres anyway so if they cant do that they wont go.

    I reckon ski passes will have to be booked in advance, the popular places will sell out fast.

    It might be time for me finally consider something a bit more off grid, i except the they might expand the market for touring stuff like that.

    Curious of people views or does anyone have any further insight.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,679 Mod ✭✭✭✭Rew


    Thinking of passing on the 20/21 season to be honest, time will tell though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    lbj666 wrote: »
    Curious of people views or does anyone have any further insight.

    All valid points I think


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    If there is not another big outbreak and lockdown then there should be skiing. Resorts will do whatever they can to open up and make some money and I will do whatever I can to ski. A lot of casual skiers won’t bother and that’s completely understandable too.
    The interesting question is whether it will be cheaper or more expensive as a result?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    maddness wrote: »
    The interesting question is whether it will be cheaper or more expensive as a result?

    I guarantee you it'll be more expensive. There might be bargins out there, but it'll cost more the majority of the time. Even if demand goes down by more than their supply is restricted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Yeah for some reason commentators seem to be suggesting it'll be more expensive. Like you'd think they'd drop prices to encourage people to go but if numbers are down or have to be limited then their bottom line might also be affected. Plus they lost the end of last season.

    I have a fear of visiting resorts and seeing lots of shuttered hotels and restaurants as Covid scars for years to come. I fear we'll see as much in our own communities.

    The US model seems to be for much more expensive lift pass prices. While that's less likely to be tolerated by thrifty Europeans who can commute to resorts for a day, I think the reality is that skiing has gotten more and more elitist, and the demographic older and wealthier. So high US lift pass prices set a precedent that some resorts may look to adopt. Strange times.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    Normally at this time of year I’d have one or two trips booked already and would be starting to look at the various ski sites but not this year.
    I know in the grand scheme of things it’s not that important but I really miss the organising and research involved in booking a ski holiday.
    It’s impossible to know if a few days skiing will be viable but if it is I think it will be very last minute.
    Let’s hope.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭Bloody Nipples


    Same, booked August last year, got to Bulgaria and Austria. Thinking that if anything gets booked it won't be until after Christmas. Wouldn't try DIY, too likely you'd be relying on travel agent guarantees if something gets cancelled.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭Bloody Nipples


    Also looked at top flight for mayrhofen out of curiosity, seemed to have less options, prices were the same for the places I've stayed or slightly more expensive if anything.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Evenings noticeably shorter. Time to start thinking but a big blot on the horizon at the moment. Can't see it happening. Too guilt tripped by government / social consensus to go for family holiday in green list country, where we'd be in a holiday home, on a beach and eating takeaway or outdoors. So can't see myself being morally willing to go on an opulent, unnecessary holiday in weather that requires me to spend so much time indoors with other people. Also can't see how cable cars could be a good idea. Ski holiday may be an actual risk to the the irish public when you come home.

    Ireland offers a lot to someone interested in an active outdoor summer holiday, but not skiing unfortunately.

    Maybe a camper van based trip to scotland with touring? I've always wanted to try it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭irlirishkev


    The thought of not getting one, let alone our usual two ski trips in next season is killing me. Just can't see it happening though. Have been watching the deals come and go recently from the operators.

    Scotland has crossed my mind. Tried it a few years ago, but when we got there the lifts were closed 'cos there was too much snow - and that was after a day's delay because the snowgates to the Highlands were closed due to conditions.

    So.. I dunno :(

    I guess we'll just see how everything pans out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    I always do a few short trips but think this is the year to book a week with a tour operator.
    I’d imagine early season might be very difficult but I’m holding out hope for March or April 2021.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    To be honest madness early season might be your best bet - should be quieter and stuff won't have gotten shut down yet.

    Unfortunately I see zero hope of this thing having been sorted by late season - though you would be able to sit out more

    Hard to know what's best - but if you were willing to try and it was available early season I'd go for it. Sure Christmas will be one big long quarantine anyway.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 308 ✭✭DoraDelite


    I've booked a refundable ferry to France for January with the ability to work from home, I'm going to see if I can stay somewhere for a couple of months (Serre Chevalier looking the likely candidate) and get a ferry back in March. I can quarantine at both ends if required but if it looks a lot worse in Jan than it is now I will be able to cancel the ferry.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 614 ✭✭✭random_banter


    DoraDelite wrote: »
    I've booked a refundable ferry to France for January with the ability to work from home, I'm going to see if I can stay somewhere for a couple of months (Serre Chevalier looking the likely candidate) and get a ferry back in March. I can quarantine at both ends if required but if it looks a lot worse in Jan than it is now I will be able to cancel the ferry.

    What an amazing plan! Great idea. I wonder can I convince the o/h to do something similar.

    Our trip this year was to be from March 14th and we ended up cancelling just two days before departure. I'm dreaming about potential trips next season but keeping the expectations low for now.

    Murphy's law this happened the year I finally bit the bullet and bought my favourite pair of skis! Will they ever get used? :D

    I feel like age is catching up with me and other life commitments will start to get in the way (like potentially having a kid) over the next few years so really hoping I can get a trip or two in next year. :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    That's a savage plan, super jealous, if you can't beat them join em!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 308 ✭✭DoraDelite


    Working from home full time has really opened up some possibilities and with some places having decent co-working spaces (this is the one I'm looking at in Serre Che: https://cloudcitadel.co/) it's a real possibility now to drive over and ski/work for a couple of months. It saves on the holidays as you could work 3 or 4 days a week and ski the rest of the time. By driving across, you can stay away from airports and planes so cuts that risk and staying in the same place lowers the risk too. Plus I'm not going for any Aprés or jamming myself into any bars, happy to just be going for the skiing and a glass or two of wine in the evening.

    The more I look at it, the more it makes sense! so much so that I'm considering the MTB equivalent in the summer :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 308 ✭✭DoraDelite


    What an amazing plan! Great idea. I wonder can I convince the o/h to do something similar.

    Do it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭irlirishkev


    DoraDelite wrote: »
    Working from home full time has really opened up some possibilities and with some places having decent co-working spaces (this is the one I'm looking at in Serre Che: https://cloudcitadel.co/) it's a real possibility now to drive over and ski/work for a couple of months. It saves on the holidays as you could work 3 or 4 days a week and ski the rest of the time. By driving across, you can stay away from airports and planes so cuts that risk and staying in the same place lowers the risk too. Plus I'm not going for any Aprés or jamming myself into any bars, happy to just be going for the skiing and a glass or two of wine in the evening.

    The more I look at it, the more it makes sense! so much so that I'm considering the MTB equivalent in the summer :D

    It makes great sense if you can do it. I'd love to, unfortunately the OH needs to be able to go to her office. I wonder if she'll miss me :D


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,679 Mod ✭✭✭✭Rew


    Today FM cancelled their 2021 ski trip


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    Ah sure there was no way that was going ahead. I'd absolutely love to go on one, but we'd a kiddo on the way in March. I'm guessing there's no point in going with a kid? Or else just go separately to the missus.

    I'm working from home now and usually stick on youtube for background noise. I've started sticking on a few ski videos recently. This is the time of year I usually allow myself to get a little excited about skiing in the new year. It's a bit depressing now. While in previous years I didn't think I'd get away, this year there's not a chance I will. It's still nice to look at slopes, there are few views as beautiful than those from up a snowy mountain. And the thought of trying to get down them more comfortably than I did the previous year gets me excited. But alas, youtube will be the closest I get.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    I’ve decided to book a week skiing for March 2021 with Crystal Ski.
    I normally go on a couple of short trips that I organise myself but reckon that this is a far safer option.
    Not sure where to book for yet but have spoken to Crystal who have told me I can change to another resort in a different country if needed depending on green list and other restrictions.
    If I was a betting man I’d say it’s about 50/50 if I’ll end up going but feck it it’s something to look forward to!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,913 ✭✭✭Pintman Paddy Losty


    Have booked the family in for a week in France in the run up to Christmas.

    Not going with a tour operator for a change. Gives us a bit more flexibility.

    Considered Austria but they make everyone get a test on arrival and it's quite intrusive so don't want to put the kids through it. (neighbour got one and said it's like scraping your brain! :eek:)

    There's great value out there at the moment. I don't expect apres ski to be like it normally is but should still be nice to get out and enjoy the bit of skiing. Back home on the 23rd and hopeful we can have a normal Christmas this year if level 5 works.

    Anyone else heading over? What country are you thinking?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    Have booked the family in for a week in France in the run up to Christmas.

    Not going with a tour operator for a change. Gives us a bit more flexibility.

    Considered Austria but they make everyone get a test on arrival and it's quite intrusive so don't want to put the kids through it. (neighbour got one and said it's like scraping your brain! :eek:)

    There's great value out there at the moment. I don't expect apres ski to be like it normally is but should still be nice to get out and enjoy the bit of skiing. Back home on the 23rd and hopeful we can have a normal Christmas this year if level 5 works.

    Anyone else heading over? What country are you thinking?

    Sounds great but what will you do when you come home on the 23rd? Will you all quarantine for two weeks? No having a good at you just genuinely interest to see how you will manage.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    I was thinking similar as Christmas is one of the easier times to quarantine - not in work, only seeing close family

    The one good thing about this current lockdown for skiers is that we may have low numbers come early December and be a green light country for easy access to ski countries. Depending, obviously, on what kind of traffic light system is in place.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    a148pro wrote: »
    I was thinking similar as Christmas is one of the easier times to quarantine - not in work, only seeing close family

    The one good thing about this current lockdown for skiers is that we may have low numbers come early December and be a green light country for easy access to ski countries. Depending, obviously, on what kind of traffic light system is in place.

    That’s what I am hoping for too. If say Italy/France/Austria was a green light country it would be very easy to get a few days pre Christmas. The issue i would worry about is coming home and spending Christmas Day with elderly parents.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Yeah. My "hope" is that they'll decide not to do an indoors christmas dinner. To be honest I don't think I'd relax indoors whether I'd been skiing or not? I mean cumulatively there'll be like 9 different grandkids from probably 6 different schools there. A careful ski trip might be the least of their worries.

    But there's no right answers here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,403 ✭✭✭✭the beer revolu


    maddness wrote: »
    Sounds great but what will you do when you come home on the 23rd? Will you all quarantine for two weeks? No having a good at you just genuinely interest to see how you will manage.

    Obviously, Paddy and all his family will isolate for two weeks after returning. Just like anyone would, right?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,225 ✭✭✭✭Dial Hard


    a148pro wrote: »
    But there's no right answers here.

    Eh, there are: everyone on the trip self-isolates for two weeks. End of, no exceptions. That literally means no leaving the house except for short walks, alone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    I would have thought people would be unsure about Christmas Dinner with their parents this year and if you go skiing I would have assumed it was out of the question while you're supposed to be self isolating.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Dial Hard wrote: »
    Eh, there are: everyone on the trip self-isolates for two weeks. End of, no exceptions. That literally means no leaving the house except for short walks, alone.

    I was talking about having Christmas dinner with my parents, irrespective of whether I'd been skiing, not travelling.

    By the way, people can be as pious as they want about self isolating, but it's predicated on either the place they have visited having a greater incidence than here, or the act of flying itself being dangerous. I've just seen the first report today of cases being spread on a flight. I think in months of reading the news thats the first confirmation I've seen.

    If you're visiting a place with the same or lower incidence of the virus and if you are not engaging in any more close contact than you are at home then there's no argument for self isolating, unless flying itself is more dangerous.

    At the moment I am forced by incompetence of others to work in a building with perhaps 400 visitors a day. The incidence is reasonably high where this building is located (Dublin). But I'm not required to self isolate after each work day.

    We were fixated on foreign travel for a while, probably correctly, because people were coming from places with high prevalence and low control. But once we're all as ****ed as each other place that concern probably diminishes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    To be clear I am NOT advocating not self isolating. I'm just questioning where we're going with travel and society into the future. We can't live in this bunker for ever, at some point we are going to have to live properly with these things.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,984 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    a148pro wrote: »
    I was talking about having Christmas dinner with my parents, irrespective of whether I'd been skiing, not travelling.

    By the way, people can be as pious as they want about self isolating, but it's predicated on either the place they have visited having a greater incidence than here, or the act of flying itself being dangerous. I've just seen the first report today of cases being spread on a flight. I think in months of reading the news thats the first confirmation I've seen.

    If you're visiting a place with the same or lower incidence of the virus and if you are not engaging in any more close contact than you are at home then there's no argument for self isolating, unless flying itself is more dangerous.

    At the moment I am forced by incompetence of others to work in a building with perhaps 400 visitors a day. The incidence is reasonably high where this building is located (Dublin). But I'm not required to self isolate after each work day.

    We were fixated on foreign travel for a while, probably correctly, because people were coming from places with high prevalence and low control. But once we're all as ****ed as each other place that concern probably diminishes.
    Surely on a personal level you'd still be concerned about picking up the virus and risk of same.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    I don't know - would depend on what I was doing. Visiting a country with high prevalence and spending a lot of time in Ski bars and cable cars, yes. I wouldn't do this obviously.

    Visiting a warm country with low prevalence (say greece early summer this year), staying in self catering and eating outside in restaurants would be low risk. Functionally little different to getting the train to Cork for a staycations.

    In the middle, going to a country with same prevalence as us, staying in a hotel and getting chairlifts, eating in mountain restaurants. Gets messy.

    I just don't know but I think where you're going and what you're doing is more important a factor than that you're going abroad in itself?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,984 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    a148pro wrote: »
    I don't know - would depend on what I was doing. Visiting a country with high prevalence and spending a lot of time in Ski bars and cable cars, yes. I wouldn't do this obviously.

    Visiting a warm country with low prevalence (say greece early summer this year), staying in self catering and eating outside in restaurants would be low risk. Functionally little different to getting the train to Cork for a staycations.

    In the middle, going to a country with same prevalence as us, staying in a hotel and getting chairlifts, eating in mountain restaurants. Gets messy.

    I just don't know but I think where you're going and what you're doing is more important a factor than that you're going abroad in itself?

    I think getting on a plane with other individuals and passing through airports and the commutre to and from airports is the issue, together with the general issue of not knowing who your contacts are or where they've been.
    While where you are going to maybe relatively low risk you cannot say that your method of travel or those you travel with are low risk. All it takes are a few people on the flight to have come from/passed through a higher risk spot and the best laid plans are up in the air and very little you can do about it.
    Never mind the heightened issues around travel insurance and/or actually getting/being sick with the virus while there or here just before you go etc...

    So where you are going may not be the problem but the logistics around it may be.
    Just not worth it for the next few months/years/whatever length of time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Yeah, I think when I was debating greece I figured it was a plane full of irish on the way out and back, and probably half full if even, and I figured that was no worse than the train.

    I see what you're saying about airports, and obviously hubs would have a lot of through traffic but others wouldn't. I mean there's probably a difference between Heathrow and a small regional airport. But it's hard to quantify that.

    Re plane travel in general, that study reported today in the irish times was literally the first confirmation I've seen of people getting it on the plane. I'm kind of surprised there haven't been more. I'd like to get the actual study as they often refer to the other literature or studies on the same topic. I mean you can see why it would be an issue - you're all sitting close together breathing recycled air. But it's also been suggested the filters might "clean" the air.
    kippy wrote: »
    Just not worth it for the next few months/years/whatever length of time.

    Well that's a question I'm increasingly knowing the answer to. I mean we were all very scared of this virus at the start but even from the off the death rate looked to be about 2.5 - 5 per cent. Worth worrying about giving it to the population generally, and certainly worth avoiding but not worth losing sleep over.

    But now i'll seems it's much lower, and if you take the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions, it's miniscule. There's a lot of controversy about this figure but I've heard as low as 0.05% if you're under 80 and have no underlying conditions.

    If that is a realistic death rate I'm travelling. You can't live your life running from stuff like that. I'll quarantine if necessary and reasonable. It'd be worth it. I'm not going another year without a sun holiday and I'm very unlikely to miss skiing. We have to live.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,984 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    a148pro wrote: »
    Yeah, I think when I was debating greece I figured it was a plane full of irish on the way out and back, and probably half full if even, and I figured that was no worse than the train.

    I see what you're saying about airports, and obviously hubs would have a lot of through traffic but others wouldn't. I mean there's probably a difference between Heathrow and a small regional airport. But it's hard to quantify that.

    Re plane travel in general, that study reported today in the irish times was literally the first confirmation I've seen of people getting it on the plane. I'm kind of surprised there haven't been more. I'd like to get the actual study as they often refer to the other literature or studies on the same topic. I mean you can see why it would be an issue - you're all sitting close together breathing recycled air. But it's also been suggested the filters might "clean" the air.



    Well that's a question I'm increasingly knowing the answer to. I mean we were all very scared of this virus at the start but even from the off the death rate looked to be about 2.5 - 5 per cent. Worth worrying about giving it to the population generally, and certainly worth avoiding but not worth losing sleep over.

    But now i'll seems it's much lower, and if you take the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions, it's miniscule. There's a lot of controversy about this figure but I've heard as low as 0.05% if you're under 80 and have no underlying conditions.

    If that is a realistic death rate I'm travelling. You can't live your life running from stuff like that. I'll quarantine if necessary and reasonable. It'd be worth it. I'm not going another year without a sun holiday and I'm very unlikely to miss skiing. We have to live.

    Yeah look, I can see the rationale in wanting a sun/ski holiday but personally with so little known about the virus, including long term effects, if any, I'd rather not get it at all or at least until a bit more is know about it. Each to their own on that I suppose.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Ok - so here is the report:-

    https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.42.2001624#html_fulltext

    Makes for fascinating and sobering reading. Basically the cases involved people whose journeys commenced in three different continents. They looked at the dna of the virus in each of their samples and it looks like all were related - ie, they only could have logically gotten it on the plane.

    You can see the seating plan in the study and they were seated throughout the plane, well away from each other. Plane was less than half full. Most seem to have been wearing masks (I presume all were).

    Cliffs - even if sitting well away from someone on a relatively empty plane with everyone wearing masks you may get covid.

    Now it does seem the authors were surprised at quite how many got it, so this may be an outlier, but pretty sobering stuff.

    Oh, and, very surprisingly, multiple passengers on the flight were not traceable. Reassuring given that those traced passed the virus on to multiple others.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭blue note


    I'd absolutely love to ski this year, but I there are a number of points on a ski trip that jump out to me as being unavoidable opportunities to get the virus. The airport and plane, they'll try to keep gondolas safe, but you'll end up in them with other people, getting straight in after people get out and breathing that air, restaurants and toilets on the slopes will have some interaction, queues will get crowded close to the lifts, the ski lockers of they're open will have lots of shared air. If you're staying in a hotel or pension you'll have shared spaces there too.

    There's just a good bit of risk to skiing. If you're in a job where you're at risk as well, I'll just be honest and say it - I think Christmas Dinner with family would have to be cut. You'd be a high risk person yourself, grandkids would be high risk too and grandparents are vulnerable from a covid point of view.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,403 ✭✭✭✭the beer revolu


    Considered Austria but they make everyone get a test on arrival and it's quite intrusive so don't want to put the kids through it. (neighbour got one and said it's like scraping your brain! :eek:)

    YOur neighbour is talking rubbish. I sat next to my wife while she had a test done and there wasn't a wince or a murmur from her and she never even mentioned the experience afterwards. While I do accept that for a very small minority of people with nasal medical issues, the test can be quite uncomfortable, why do people go around saying how awful this test is? What do they hope to achieve by this?

    Also, your kids are mature and resilient enough to go skiing, you are willing to put them through the journey and a skiing holiday in the middle of a pandemic but, for some reason, they are too delicate to have a cotton bud put up their noses for one second.
    Really?

    Edit, I spoke to my wife about the test after posting here. She described it as not pleasant but went on to say that that sensation that you get when you get water up your nose when swimming, is much more unpleasant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    May be taken out of our hands anyway, europe is seeing huge surges and lockdowns likely which may close ski resorts. Cervinia opened on saturday and was closed by government decree on sunday after images of the lift queues went viral. I think they've closed all Ski resorts for next month.

    Between that and travel restrictions will be significantly tougher to ski this year. At the moment at least - maybe if there are lockdowns and numbers go down there might be better prospects later in the season.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,808 ✭✭✭maddness


    I’ve only missed one winter skiing since 2004 and that was due to a ski injury from the previous winter but I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that unless things change drastically this winter it’s just not going to happen.
    Big sad face emoji


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    I'm kind of making it my mission to go. Not sure how exactly, but will manage it. Kind of like a determined secret agent in the war.

    It'll happen, I'm nearly sure of it. The more the circumstances conspire to stop me the more I'll want to go!


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