 Poster: A snowHead
|
Hi, I would like some help/guidance
I'm looking to book 7 days skiing holiday for beginners early January 2017 - 2 young males (21 and 25) but both quite fussy in terms of what we like!
Food will be our main reason to booking a resort, good quality places to eat - restaurants/bakeries/patisserie etc...with the odd fast food/supermarket
We would both like to book a holiday that has the whole package - ski pass/lift pass/transfers etc..
A fairly large resort (not small) that has other young adults with a good nightlife but no party/ibiza/rowdy resorts
Somewhere that is beginner friendly and has good views
Medium sized budget so that we can book accommodation that is nice (you get what you pay for! does this apply to skiing?)
Thanks
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 13-06-16 13:47; edited 2 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I am not sure that Alpe d'Huez nor LDA are known for their food and anyway, Italy probably best for that.
Generally, you get what you pay for.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
I love Kitzbuhel but it is a low altitude resort so would not recommend it for early December.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
LDA and ADH do have nice restaurants - in particular the one at the Chalet Mounier in LDA is top notch although never managed to go yet!
We only ate out once in ADH and can't remember the name of the place but again, was nice.
Think anything from pizza and pasta to raclette and fondue and everything else in between.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@NewSki, welcome to snowHeads!
Have you given any thought to what ski school you will use? That can often make or break a first skiing holiday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Oh and @NewSki, early December, rather limits your possibilities. Many places won't even be scheduling to open before Xmas week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| rob@rar wrote: |
@NewSki, welcome to snowHeads!
Have you given any thought to what ski school you will use? That can often make or break a first skiing holiday. |
Thanks!
I didn't think we would need a ski school!, we both went skiing numerous times with the school when we were young, maybe just a few lessons to get back in the swing of things?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@NewSki, ah, sorry, thought you were beginners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| under a new name wrote: |
| Oh and @NewSki, early December, rather limits your possibilities. Many places won't even be scheduling to open before Xmas week. |
Oh I was thinking a break just before Christmas would be good. When is generally best to go? Might be hard getting time off from work 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Quote: |
When is generally best to go?
|
2nd week in Jan - after Christmas/New Year crowds and prices and Russian New Year - I've been to Cervinia then and seen no-one on the slopes for minutes. Ski into the ski lift entrance with no queues...great stuff!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@NewSki, Welcome to Snowheads.
Before booking your holiday, there are a number of things to consider:
1) DIY v Package
For your first trip, I'd recommend taking a Package from a Tour Operator, which is what you have described - flight/transfer/accommodation/lift pass/ski rental (and probably lessons) all organised for you. Crystal are certainly in this business, as are Inghams, Ski Olympic, Esprit and 101 other companies. You can research these individually, or use a specialist travel agent such as Alpine Answers to do the leg work for you. Almost all T/O packages are Saturday-Saturday (or Sun-Sun).
2) Accommodation: Self catering v Hotel v Catered Chalet.
You mention good food as being important. If you stay in a T/O hotel or chalet, this will usually include breakfast and evening meal, so the only restaurants that you'll eat at will be lunch on the mountain. If you choose self-catering or B&B, then of course you'll need to find your main meals yourselves.
3) Social interaction
If you self-cater or B&B, you get independence at the possible cost of some social interaction. Much of the fun (for me) of a ski holiday is meeting other people and sharing experiences. Staying in a catered chalet gives an immediate group that you can socialise with - some may well be in your ski class, so you can laugh/commiserate together.
4) Early December? Don't book yet!
You've said 2016, but this applies equally to 2015. The majority of resorts do not really open before the week before Christmas, so this year from 12th Dec. They may open earlier if there is sufficient snow and sufficient demand, and even snow cover can be a problem at that time of year. Last December, few resorts were able to fully open before New Year and many places had no snow to speak of before mid-December. As there are significantly fewer guests at this time, the restaurants, hotels, bars, rental shops and ski schools etc will not be fully open. I would not book before the last minute to be sure of getting a resort that is open at a decent price - booking a year in advance (if you really do mean Dec. 2016) is folly. You'll pay far too much with no guarantee that you can actually ski. Even better - go after New Year e.g. w/c 9th Jan 2016 - when the resorts return to relative normality after the Christmas/New Year/Russian peak weeks.
5) Where to go
As beginners, you can really pick and choose (e.g. you won't need acres of off-piste) but there are some resorts that are less suitable than others, either because of the relative lack of good beginners areas or because you're paying for an expensive lift pass that covers 200-300 km of pistes when you may only really need 50 km.
I can't comment on the Italian and French resorts, but the two Austrian ones that you've picked, St Anton and Kitzbuhel, would not be my first choices in Austria for beginners. Both are at the expensive end of the scale and both are relatively poor for beginners - but if they have snow in early December, then better to be there than somewhere without! I would suggest Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Mayrhofen, Wagrain or Schladming as alternatives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@NewSki, Before christmas the biggest issue would be snow so make that first priority.
Italy for the food and cost but not been to the Crystal suggestions so can't help there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
@NewSki, the food in the Arlberg is amazing as is their wine cellar! I really enjoyed my stays there. I think it features in several UK TO brochures as well as I've met many Brits there. Last time it was a Neilsons's hotel I think.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@NewSki, perhaps not an obvious choice but one that might tick your boxes is Baqueira Beret, especially if the notion of tapas, Iberian hams and craft beers floats your boat? We've been reading up on it recently and it sounds flippin' great.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Last weeks cod?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
First week in Jan is cheap and good snow often. I wouldn't pick any of those austria\french places tbh! Nor passo tonale. Cervinia might work, ditto sestriere, but not pre xmas - too early. High end catered chalet is the easiest way of getting decent food - try yseski in val d isere. Meribel lively and has some decent food and lots of high end chalets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
What's your budget for everything?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
For good grub, I don't think you can beat Italy. Cervinia would definitely work pre Christmas. The skiing from midstation up to the link to Zermatt has always been open when we go to Zermatt in late Nov (for the last 6 years) so for a cheeky pre Chrimbo trip, there will be even more open. I think they try and get the whole place officially open around 6th Dec. There is good skiing for beginners on nice wide slopes. Can't suggest hotels or accommodation though. If you really want a package trip, you may find no tour ops start their season till mid Dec in just a few resorts.
Val Thorens is also open in late Nov, with good beginner slopes and I think two Michelin starred restaurants in the resort now.
If you do a chalet trip, to be sure of good grub, you may want to look a bit more high end than the usual 18 year old with a 4 week chalet catering course under his or her belt.
At that time of year there's no need to book till late when you know the snow conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
We have stayed in Cervinia at the Excelsior Planet Hotel with Crystal. The food is amazing. Good breakfast and fantastic 4 course dinner. (We didn't really need much lunch)
The have reduced the week beginning Sunday 13th December to £770pp.
Depends whether you want half board and what your budget is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@NewSki, if you can go second week in Jan rather than Dec the snow will be better and there will be more choice of resorts. I have found that the general standard of food higher in Italy, but there are some excellent places in France but the general standard can be a bit more hit and miss. If you could go in Jan then there are lots of places to choose from, and there are normally some good package prices at that time of year as well - Crystal, Inghams to name two
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello again all, I didn't get very far in terms of booking anywhere as I broke my leg (just my luck). But am planning to go away in Jan 2017 and am thinking Austria. Any recommendations on where to stay? Criteria in the first post still applies but will only be Austria now.
Thanks Again
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a brilliant all-round resort with great apres, lovely mountain restaurants and plenty of intermediate terrain.
Get well soon!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@NewSki, have you considered a Snowheads Bash? Make your self a Snowhead in Livigno might work. ⛷ 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@NewSki, I'll ask my question again.... What is your budget for the holiday, to include everything, including travel, accommodation, rental gear, lessons, food, ski pass, entertainment? Are you happy to share a room?
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
@pam w, a skiing budget is to me an unfamiliar concept. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
@Hurtle, yes, indeed, but if the OP and his mate and have not been skiing since they went with school and their parents were paying, it might have to become a bit more familiar.... It's hard to advise sensibly without some idea of how much they want to spend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| pam w wrote: |
| @NewSki, I'll ask my question again.... What is your budget for the holiday, to include everything, including travel, accommodation, rental gear, lessons, food, ski pass, entertainment? Are you happy to share a room? |
At a rough guess 2k each for a week...
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| NewSki wrote: |
| pam w wrote: |
| @NewSki, I'll ask my question again.... What is your budget for the holiday, to include everything, including travel, accommodation, rental gear, lessons, food, ski pass, entertainment? Are you happy to share a room? |
At a rough guess 2k each for a week... |
With that kind of budget, all you need to do is pick the resort! Is there anywhere thats on your total "No No" list??
You could go for 2 snowhead bashes or spank it all on a week in Val Thorens!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Just having a quick look on Crystal and a weeks half-board, with equipment hire and lessons for 3 days would set you back around £800 each in Cervinia / early Jan. You've only got to find lunch and booze!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| letsgetpiste wrote: |
| NewSki wrote: |
| pam w wrote: |
| @NewSki, I'll ask my question again.... What is your budget for the holiday, to include everything, including travel, accommodation, rental gear, lessons, food, ski pass, entertainment? Are you happy to share a room? |
At a rough guess 2k each for a week... |
With that kind of budget, all you need to do is pick the resort! Is there anywhere thats on your total "No No" list??
You could go for 2 snowhead bashes or spank it all on a week in Val Thorens! |
Total No Nos...Somewhere thats not full of drunk people! lol! Its hard choosing a resort when basing it on food and then secondly it has to be Austria
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
For food - Italy all the way. Especially if you like coffee. About £1 for a very good expresso vs a small bank loan in france or switzerland for a slightly mediocre cup.
Or make friends with a snowhead with an Nexpresso machine in his bus... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
There are lots of good things about Austria but I don't think food is usually classed as one of them.
|
I've had some very fine food in Austria, but I agree with @pam w, Megeve would be good, if you are sold on Austria why not try Lech?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Out of the countries I've skied in Austrian food is my favourite. But that could just be me.
Söll has lively bars but isn't Ibiza mad - we were happy to take a 13yo in to bars there until 11pm-ish. It is a bit more cheap and cheerful than your healthy budget!
Flachau is also lively, but not mad. Food is excellent on the mountain. Fewer Brits than Söll or Saalbach. Generally not on the UK tour operator radar.
Saalbach is probably the liveliest of the three I'm mentioning, but it is easy to find quieter places too. Food also very good on the mountain.
If I had your budget I'd be planning 2-3 weeks away! But then I'm more of a quantity than quality person when it comes to accommodation!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| hammerite wrote: |
| If I had your budget I'd be planning 2-3 weeks away! |
THIS +1 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
But perhaps the OP has good money to spend on skiing because he works hard and can't take 3 weeks off!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reasonably lively places with good food that are decent for beginners:
To be honest you can eat well in pretty much all alpine resorts, but the choice and price can vary. Italy is generally best VFM and you get fewer disappointing meals than anywhere else but I've had plenty of good food in Austria, Switzerland and of course France. But given your criteria I'd go for a lively resort in Italy - I reckon sauze d'oulx would be a very good option. Skiing is good for beginners, it is pretty, has a bit of life and there is some superb food. There is some fantastic eating in Monte Rosa area but the skiing is a little less beginner friendly and its a bit quiet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
What is it about snowHeads that, when someone asks a question but stipulates certain conditions, most of the answers are concerned with trying to bat away the conditions? It happens every time. This person wants to go to Austria, for heaven's sake! (I too prefer Italy, but that's not the point.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
