 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all
Just wondering how many people head away on their own for a weeks skiing? My main hobby is horse riding and that is what all my friends are into and not many can be convinced to part with the money to try snow sports. The one friend I did convince to give it a go came to Saalbach with me a couple of years ago and ruptured her ACL so isn't in a hurry to give it another go! Until now I have always managed to find someone to go with but this year have struggled and decided to go it alone!
I have just booked a week in Zell am See for January through a tour operator. I'm sure I will look like a billy no mates on the coach and sat on my own in the restaurant but I'm sure I will manage! More worried about meeting people to go out with in the evenings really.
How many others go alone?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Millie have a look at the bashes (snow head trips) and also in the solo skiers / organising group trips forum I get the impression quite a few but don't do it alone for long!
I went alone for a few days last year as the chap I was going with had to stay home and come out a few data later. I'm used to it so didn't bother me at all iPad / book with dinner ski where you want when you want have lunch if you want or don't... Easy 
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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?
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SCGB have a rep there. They will have a programme for the week for skiing during the day and a social hour every evening. I went to Zermatt on my own a few years ago and ended up having a very entertaining week.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I'm going away on my own in less than two week's time, and hopefully again in March. I always go with Mark Warner on solo trips as there are generally quite a few solo travellers and it's not seen as weird at all. Plenty of women go on their own so there's always people to chat to and ski with.
I'm sure there will be groups who'll be happy for you to join their company, I think skiers are quite a breed and generally a friendly bunch. The Snowheads bashes are proof of that!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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hi Millie
That's one of the reasons for the snowheads bashes - http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=49389
If you're a more mature skier then the singlesport trips would also be good - http://www.singlesport.com/
I have also gone on a number of coaching clinic weeks with Inside Out skiing - http://www.insideoutskiing.com/ which gives you an instant 'group' to ski and socialise with as well as too improve one's technique. There are other coaching clinic weeks from the likes of Snoworks and others
I've also done a billy no-mates week, and rate it in my top 10 of holidays - http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=2431074&highlight=bouquetins++tania#2431074
If I was travelling alone again - I'd pick a chalet run by a small operator where you might be able to get some idea of the groups before you go - for example on the la tania trip above whilst I knew there were two other families I also knew they had adult children so more chance of them being out for apres, rather than early tea an in bed by 7.
I'm sure a number of the larger operators would be running single specific ski weeks
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| Claude B wrote: |
| SCGB have a rep there. They will have a programme for the week for skiing during the day and a social hour every evening. I went to Zermatt on my own a few years ago and ended up having a very entertaining week. |
That's what I've done in the past, and in spite of the bashing the club sometimes gets on here, there's no arguing with the fact there are folk in resort all season.
This will show you who's around Zell am See when you're there
http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/skiresorts/skiclubleaders.aspx/Zell-am-See
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Thank you for the links and replies. Although I normally ski this winter I will be snowboarding which I am not great at! I will be booking lessons most days which will ensure I won't be alone all the time
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I used to go on these trips with people on their own in a chalet in Morzine owned by some northern guy called Ian who organised these trips to ski with people and get wasted in the evening. They were an absolute blast and the lift was a 5min walk away. It was really reasonably priced too, but alas it all stopped a couple of years ago and never heard anything more.
I've stayed in a ski hostel in Kirchberg but that wasn't so good. The hostel wanted to make sure you stayed in the hostel and spent money behind the bar, so people didn't go out much and it got boring. If I had been with someone else I would've definitely gone out more.
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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.
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@Millie10, have you looked at the holidays at UCPA centres, through Action-Outoors? They are great value (and there's a discount code or two on here too). All the reports here, mostly from people who went on their own, are positive. Tuition, hire of gear, lift pass and FULL board are included and there are loads of young people (it's for young people, though some oldies sneak in).
The bars are convivial in the evenings. And not expensive. The Centres are in some of the top French resorts.
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I went last year by myself. I loved skiing by myself to go at my pace and chill out.
In the evenings there were loads of people to make friends with.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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+1 for Bashes and coaching clinics. The only solo holidays I didn't enjoy were two Ski Club of GB ones I did some years ago - I didn't find the social mix nearly as congenial as on Bashes. I also don't mind skiing on my own, which I did for some years when on winter holidays with a non-skier, but since I discovered snowHeads, I've hardly skied on my own at all.
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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.
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I had a week in the Moris in VdI on my own many years ago. In fact it was the the first week of the season and many of the people were return guests who all met up together on that week. Despite that they were all really friendly and keen for me to ski with them and I had a really great trip.
I feel guilty that I didn't keep in touch so Hi to Polish Viktor (a very graceful skier who was a pensioner) and his son Stefan if they are on this forum
I also know several people who have done the UCPA thing and had a great time
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I love the Moris! Old and smelly as it is, it's always such a great laugh staying there. I'll be going back for a 4th time in March.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Millie10, I have been a billy-no-mates for all my skiing life, cos my significant other hates snow like the plague! and have always had a ball, met some good friends. Just remember that everyone there has a common interest, so there's alway folks to talk to (ahem, drink with, must remember to tell the truth!), especially in Austria
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Poster: A snowHead
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My first ski holiday for many years (Courmayeur), I took the billy-no-mates option and had a great time. Going back to the slopes in February, Bardonecchia this time and again on my lonesome.
I did try to interest friends in coming along, but skiing has to be one of the best ways to spend a holiday when you're by yourself. It's about doing, so less chance of feeling at a loose end, and plenty of opportunity to meet other people each morning in ski school. I can't wait. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@robhogg, would strongly agree that ski school is brilliant for social stuff, even if you don't learn very much whilst having such a good time . . .
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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?
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Just booked and paid for 5 days group tuition
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Millie, like the others always go, have too, on my own but always meet up with others.
I always book a few days lessons a great way to meet others.
This year off to Obertauern for the first time on Jan 24th with Inghams.
Only bug bearer for me is the supplement for single rooms. Why a supplement when there is only one bed in the room !!! Fed up wit arguing with TO & Hotel receptions so try and look for supplement free places.
You will have a fab time and look back and think why was I worried.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi @Millie10,
Loads of people go on snowsports holidays by themselves and I'm sure that you'll find you aren't the only one in the hotel travelling alone.
Have a great time!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Millie10, I love going away alone.
I really need my space although I am a very sociable person, there is something so liberating about being alone.
This year I booked a riding holiday alone in Andalucia and it was the best holiday I have ever had. I met some amazing people.
I prefer to ski alone because I like to be able to just stop and look at the mountains, just to take in the way the sun hits certain peaks or the way the clouds look. You cant do that in a group.
I always get talking to people in the huts or on the chair so there is an element of "being with people", but then I can just sod off and do what I want.
ENJOY IT!
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@Millie10, I've done it several times too. I'd concur with the post about using a smaller chalet operator and especially if you can leave it lateish to book then you can get some idea of the mix of folk going (at least to make sure they are not all necessarily one big group and you are odd one out). Did this with @Snow and Sunshine's outfit last season in a chalet with a couple of couples plus I think four of us travelling singly, we had a great time and no single supplement the week I chose. The season before that I went with Mountainsun to Italy, again no single supplement and met up with a good group and had a great time. Plus of course I would +1 for bashes, will be on the BB yet again this season, happy days!
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@Millie10, I have just added a link on another thread to www.friendshiptravel.com
I had been trying to remember what they were called. They have used Mark Warner hotels in Tignes and appear to be a very sociable and well organised.
Good luck. 
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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.
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@Millie10, I've been trying to decide what to do. I've got the chance to go on a second break. I love the chances I get to ski alone although it would be cool to ski with people who like my kind of skiing. But It's more the social side where I'm not quite sure what I want. I'm happy to be on my own but maybe not for a whole week. On the other hand I don't really want to go on holiday specifically to meet people. I've considered the End of Season bash, a Ski Total holiday and a break with @Snow and Sunshine. The last one sort of seems to be the most gentle.
But to answer your question: I had a job when I was young that meant I moved about and stayed in hotels and learned quickly that if I wanted to do anything I'd have to do it on my own. And I really enjoy it. It doesn't have to be about meeting people. Sometimes it's just nice to be on your own.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thread drift alert:
@admin, Do you have a few clones running around on a bash to help with the organisation 
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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.
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@halfhand, not really: I just try to devolve power, where I can, to the snowHead-masses and they make the most of it to see that everything's great for themselves and everyone else - simples!
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Hard to clone les pantalons jaune.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I always try to do 1 week with friends and 1 week solo every year and these days go with HOFNAR in Morzine. In fact I'll be back there with them in a little over 5 weeks and would recommend them if you're looking for a chalet full of like-minded people who are in the same boat. There's always a couple of people at the same level as you that are interested in doing the sort of things you want to if you want ski buddies, or you can just go off on your own if you prefer.
The usual age range is 20s-30s, but I'm in 40's and have only been the oldest in the group once.[/url]
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Millie10, I was in the same situation and first skied on my own about 6 years ago, I booked a stupidly cheap flight to Turin, hired a car, drove to Serre Chevalier and stayed in a French Youth Hostel, not the best trip. There was a lot of school kids there but good ski area, I just didn't meet many people.
So for next solo holiday I went on Neilson ski forum and chatted to a few people, we ended up booking to Courmayeur in Italy (with Crystal, who are quite good for single rooms and not too high supplements) we flew from different airports and met there. It was a good week apart from one of them getting an ACL injury and spent most of week on crutches.
It was one of the guys on this trip that told me about snowheads so I had a look and this Saturday I am away on my 6th Bash. They are great fun, usually with 100+ people so always someone to ski with or go out with. I have met some fabulous people who are now lifelong friends and have been on ski trips out with snowheads and meet socially.
I've also been on ice and fire chalet holiday to La Plagne which often has no single suppliments, I skied with others in the chalet, they also have a free bar with beer and wine, so evenings spent in the chalet are very sociable.
Another option is UCPA/Action Outdoors which is a non profit French association which encourages people to try out door activities. I went to the one in Val Thorens the week prior to this years EoSB and really enjoyed it. You share with 3 others in new fresh rooms, sk/board hire and full board meals are included in the price and instruction is on offer for a great price. The bar is a great meeting point with cheap beer and wine.
I went to Kaprun in November this year on my own, as it was early season I got a great deal on hotel and flight and one of my snowhead friends came over for his stag weekend which coincided with a music festival, great time had by all, lol.
One other snowhead friend also came out to Kaprun to join a trip organised by single sports, I met up with them, they had coaching all week and were getting on great by the time I left. I was so empressed with single sport that I booked to go to Winter Park with them in Febuary, like SH bashes they pair you up with another of same sex to avoid single supplements, you can pay extra for your own room but I find it helps to socialise and meet others if you share,
Well there you go, my solo trips so far. I always have a book or tablet for dining alone but usually after a couple of days you usually end up chatting to folk as you all have sliding on snow in common 
Have a look at the EosB its great value and fab company in a pretty amazing place.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Millie10, just go for it, whilst I have always been with the family & several other families I wouldn't hesitate to go solo, the opportunity to ski where, when would be really quite frankly selfish...but hey so what!
I would endorse choosing a small chalet or going with a group/organisation such as snowheads, couldn't think of anything better
And booking lessons no matter how proficient you are will always be an ice breaker...Do It
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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?
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Wow, thank you for all the positive replies! Pretty excited about my week away Everything is booked and paid for and I have doubled my efforts in the gym in advance. Now just doing a snow dance!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Millie10, if you add your details to the snowbuddy thread any other SH in area can meet up
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Millie10, i've done quite a few (invariably business related) trips on my own. I'm quite happy skiing on my own and spending the evening in the bar with a good book.
But I've had a few fun adventures and met lots of good people.
Approach with open mind, you'll have fun.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@speachmaus, that's cool. I've just done that.
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@Millie10, See you in Zell... I am out in that region at the same time
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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.
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@Millie10, And you can meet up in safety knowing hes not going to try and chat you up - he has his eyes on Baaaaarrrrbara 
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@Millie10, just don't go pff piste with @Scarpa, his other name is Avalanche Poodle
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FAQ
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