 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
[quote="David Jarvis"]Hi all
What I don't particularly understand is why people would want to spend their own time AND money DIY-ing when we can do it cheaper and quicker for them and they have the security of us being there if the worst comes to the worst.  "
I'm afraid it is because your holidays aren't that cheap for a family of two adults and two children travelling by rail or car.
Most Crystal holidays are flight based which is fine for those looking for a catered skiing holiday by air. For those who aren't there are other operators who offer more flexibilty in terms of travel and accommodation and lower prices for rail/self drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
We always go cc just 2 of us in with crowd of strangers always great crack still in touch with loads of these friends who are no longer strangers
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Boris, page 2 already, what have you done? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
David Jarvis We used to use Crystal,and also other TO's and went on many holidays with them, a mix of hotels, SC, and chalets. Why did we stop? Too many small things didn't work out- we got the wrong lift passes (and had to chase the rep all over Belle Plagne to sort it out), we were in the beginners ski school classes and we'd already skied for 5 years, and the rep in one resort (Serre Chevalier) was wandering around with a broken leg, so we still had to go and get our own passes and find the ski shop. It eventually ended up that the only thing I could trust the TO to sort for me were the plane, accommodation and transfer. Then, on our final TO trip, the accommodation did not have the beds we required (2 6ft kids shared a 4ft bed !!),all we were offered was extra bedding, and a suggestion we purchased an airbed. The lift passes they were offering cost us a packet more than we could organise ourselves (there was no 'youth' option available for our teens, which could be purchased in resort). I upgraded the coach transfer into car hire, and we arrived long before the coach. We'd showered and were going out for dinner before the rep arrived to welcome us.
A problem with the return flights clinched it, and there was no rep at the airport to sort it for us. I had to sort it myself.
When I realised how much of our 'package' I was now organising it no longer made sense to book a package deal.
As I live in NE England, I am restricted in our choice of resorts by the limited flights available. So we drive to Serre Chevalier. And I do have to thank Crystal for the marvellous deal they were offering to Serre Chevalier in Easter 2001 , even though we had to fly from Gatwick.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
abc,the internet makes them so much easier to find, and it is so much quicker to organise everything.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| Quote: |
What I don't particularly understand is why people would want to spend their own time AND money DIY-ing when we can do it cheaper and quicker for them and they have the security of us being there if the worst comes to the worst. NehNeh
|
David Jarvis, well I wouldn't expect you to say anything else  Oh and kudos for coming on here to have your say 
Of course you and the others provide a valuable service (one I have used myself in the past) and for anyone who was thinking of going skiing for the first time I would recommend a TO. But for myself - cheaper, maybe would need to benchmark, faster, a couple of emails and 2 mins on a booking site, I doubt it
Security is an interesting one - granted I was looked after well by a TO when a flight was cancelled and I can see the benefits there. But, I drive now, and I can't see any situation which I can't sort out myself.
So let me turn that question around - what can you offer me which I couldn't do myself? Family of 5, self-drive, Eurotunnel free with Tesco vouchers, will travel Friday and Sunday to have an extra couple of nights, self-catering, have own kit.
Lou, I know I'm ashamed of myself
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boris, our only major travelling problem in the last 6 years was due to booking a flight and a volacno erupting. The uncertainty made us book a ferry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
David Jarvis, we usually go skiing 4 times a year and probably 2 of those will be with TOs. In general I am happy with the service. Chalets can be hit or miss but I have found that for hotels, TOs are cheaper than DIY. TUI must get good rates as with flight, transfer and accommodation it is always cheaper to go with TOs. (I don't go school holidays so don't know if it is true then.)
| Quote: |
| they have the security of us being there if the worst comes to the worst |
This seems to have become more relevant recently, with the ash cloud and closed airports. Also, having a hire car break down in the cold and dark in the middle of nowhere is no joke!
However, it does seem that, in the present economic climate, TOs seem to be cutting costs. Many people have commented that the standard is going down in TO chalets/chalet hotels. And, if it's your only ski holiday, and you've been saving up and looking forward to it all year, and you don't get what is promised ..... you are entitled to let everyone know just how that TO didn't fulfill their side of the contract. It's not like buying anything else. It's hopes and dreams that have been destroyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Horses for courses..
I always stay in hotels when I'm skiing. I've done a few chalet holidays before (both catered and S/C) and frankly I was bored when I wasn't skiing! I like meeting new people and the company of other guests in hotels.
Didn't like the self-catering part either, I don't want to do washing up and cooking when I'm on holiday!
I do Mark Warner holidays every year and I love them, I've also used lots of other TO's including Crystal and Neilson and haven't really had a bad experience yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
PS They're not my pajamas
Or cuddly dog
Or fluffy ear muffs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
sev112, Great pics 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
sev112, that's really very sweet - can see why you were impressed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
sev112, aw.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
We haven't been with a TO in Europe for a decade (apart from the odd chalet weekend) but this is largely down to their not offering what we want, when we want or our being able to do it cheaper, rather than any bad experiences we've had. Actually our experience with the large TOs was pretty good in general - no major mishaps and while it could be said that we've been lucky, I'd guess our experience is actually that of most of their customers. I really don't believe that most people these days are so feckless as to not vote with their feet and DIY if they weren't getting reasonable value in terms of the service they want, the ease of getting it and the price they pay. And as far as customer profiles go, I am decidedly pedantic, like to be in control and am quite discerning but I am also capable of being realistic and sanguine about what I can reasonably expect when others do the organising, and can say that I've always really enjoyed chalet holidays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| David Jarvis wrote: |
Hi all
To add my two-penneth worth from a tour operator's point of view...
Snowheads in general does have a slightly rarified and critical atmosphere overall and while I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily, in some threads I do think Crystal and other tour operators get a bad rap.
For example if you look at our Facebook page (http://facebook.com/crystalski) you'll see (generally!) lots of glowing holiday reports from our customers, whereas here we do tend to see more negatives. It's just the nature of the beast I suppose. You can't stop people from being critical but it's certainly more productive to take up your issue with your holiday company rather than having an anonymous rant online about it!
What I don't particularly understand is why people would want to spend their own time AND money DIY-ing when we can do it cheaper and quicker for them and they have the security of us being there if the worst comes to the worst.
Had to get a plug in there somewhere!
Cheers
David |
I think everyone knows that for every serious complaint on here, there's 100 others who didn't feel the need to complain at all, and probably many who loved their trip. Everyone's expectations are different. There are a number of trip reports which are glowing in their praise of good companies working hard to do a good job, at least 2 or 3 of mine have been, unfortunately 1 or 2 of mine have been fairly critical of companies that I consider have let me down, badly, then treated me like the proverbial on their shoe when back in the UK.
I fairly strongly agree with your last comment, where it applies. If DIY was the same price and same itinerary/accommodation as TO, I'd go TO every single time. I think many TOs have worked out that flexibility is key - offering accommodation only options, the standard of food in my opinion is better than almost all of our group are capable of producing, even in the worst chalets we've experienced (which were still good)
The big saver for me is the TO ability to get flights and transfers sorted at a price that I can't get online. Later in the season the balance shifts a bit, but for the first week of the season in a high altitude resort, something we've done for a couple of years running, we get the whole package for approx £400. This year significantly less than that due to the large size of the group. The flights would cost me minimum £100, self driving works out at that for 4 people in the car anyhow, transfers £50 each, if not more, that leaves me £200 for 6 nights accommodation and 5 days food. That's not realistic if I try and do it separately, somewhere along the line the budget is blown, or we end up eating on the cheap, instead of good standard 3 course dinners.
The security aspect is an added bonus. Having been caught out this year by booking our own flights and then having problems with a transfer bus leaving too late, it became very clear to me on the way home that if the flight had left on time I'd have been paying for another flight, if I could get one, or sleeping in Grenoble airport. With a TO that is their problem or the airline's problem, not mine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Pragmatism is key. My first choice is always DIY, but three of my last nine trips have been with TOs because the price has been right and convenience has won. Yes, the privacy and independence of DIY are fantastic. But sometimes its great to be waited on and to let someone else make the beds and wash the towels. I'm happy either way so long as the skiing is good.
You can always get unlucky on holiday. Put it down to experience; do your best to enjoy the good bits; and never give the bad guys any cash next time. I hardly ever bother to complain about anything: my time is to precious to waste telling some incompetent company how to treat their customers better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I don't think Snow Heads just plays host to the whingers at all. There have been loads of threads about skiing with children and lots of people have praised tour operators such as snow bizz and esprit. We had a wonderful holiday with snow bizz and I have always recommended them to people going with children the first time.
I have also been very pleased with recent holidays with Ski collection/Peak Retreats and have recommended some of their resorts/appartments on snow heads threads.
I prefer to book with a smaller company as I think you get more flexibility over travel and appartment size and much better customer service. Having studied french at university I like to visit resorts slightly off the mass market beaten track.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just to carry on stirring - I went with Crystal to the US in 97,98,99 they were great trips
I went with Ski Beat in 2002,03 and 04 - they were also good trips.
I am sure I will go with a TO again in the future - I can see the reasons for them and understand they suit many many people and that the majority of trips are fab.
But doesn't give me the flexibility I want in my own particular set of circumstances
I only started this as a bit of a joke/trolling session
THE END
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Hi there. As one of my reports was selected to start this thread I thought I'd post. I have done a couple of DIY holidays and loved them but they turned into a very expensive way to travel for us. Also I have had great holidays with TO's. I have used Crystal this year too and had a fantastic New year holiday in Niederau. Also in my report I wasn't really slagging off the TO just saying I was disappointed in a few things from the year before. In my review I made it clear that It was a fantastic holiday the year before and that this year we still had a great time. The good outweighed the bad by far. I just wanted to put a review in the review section of my holiday. I would still use TO's in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
Yes, the privacy and independence of DIY are fantastic. But sometimes its great to be waited on and to let someone else make the beds and wash the towels.
|
as snowymum said earlier in this thread, this is a false dichotomy. You can go DIY, rather than package, and still stay in a hotel, or an independent chalet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
After a few hours on the phone with the CC technical staff, I gave up and phone the transfer company and ask them to bill to my hotel! The same thing I would have done before the internet were available.
