 Poster: A snowHead
|
Hello all, I'd like to take my family ski-ing. I've ski-ed a few times before children, but not for over a decade. I don't think I want to do any black runs. I am not very fit these days either, will do exercises, but will no doubt remain one of the less fit on the slopes. we are both pushing 50. Hubby has never ski-ed. Children 8 & 10 have never ski-ed. I was thinking Andorra? Because back in my day Andorra was cheap. I liked the look of Finland as there are other magical things to do (reindeer sleigh rides, husky sleigh rides, northern lights) - is it very cold there?. I don't know where to start, I think I'd like a package as I will be doing all the organising & everything so I expect it will be more restful for me if it's a package deal? However, if you have recommendations for all parts of the holiday that would be really useful as prob cheaper? I don't know what type of accommodation is most suitable - I don't want to cook & wash up, I love a chalet maid service but am nervous of sharing a chalet with strangers who may not be suitable for a family to share with? Or with families whose parents might be verbally aggressive to their children, I find that very difficult. It would be excellent if we could go from accommodation to ski lift without a bus or long walk. Last ski hol there was snow outside the chalet so we ski-ed to the lift, very convenient. I have reservations about a hotel as we would be stuck in the bedroom then from kids' bedtime & a bit 'cooped up'? We do have savings, but would like to do a week or so for under 500 pounds each - is that possible? Back in the day it was 200-300. I think the kids will want to ski half a day then do activities in the afternoon. We will all need ski school. We live in Wales so we can go in school term time if necessary at Head's discretion. Also the half term dates are often different from English. Our Feb half term is penultimate week in Feb this year, 16th - 20th. Or we could go next season.
- which countries & resorts do you recommend & why?
- which type of accommodation do you recommend & why?
- which packages / companies do you recommend & why?
Thanks for your time, Helen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Take a look at Esprit. They are a family specialist and only allow families to book in the accommodation.
They are steep for school holidays but had some really good last minute deals for January a bit ago.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Hi, recommended them a few times, try Snowbizz. They only do the one resort - Puy St Vincent and are ideal for families with children of your age. They used to run their own ski school when we last went.
Accommodation is basic, and as its a relatively small resort, not too many drunken teenagers.
They are very child focussed so ideal for a family just starting to ski - we started with them 20 years ago and have never looked back.
PSV claims to have a microclimate that captures the snow - we were never disappointed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Definitely take the kids in term time. A family friendly package would make your life a lot easier and be fun for the kids. At present snow conditions throughout much of the alps are very poor but should improve a lot in next week or so.
Don't assume your kids won't want to ski all day. Mine always did. You are right about the advantages of "ski in/out" and it's also great to have snow to play in right outside your accommodation.
Sorry to say your £500 a week budget is very unlikely if you want catered accommodation though it's doable in low season with self drive and a "ski compris" package in self catering accommodation in one of the cheaper French resorts, lunching in your apartment or taking a picnic. Huge fun but hard work!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@helenhelen, I also had a ski break before resuming with child and wife - the only regret was not restarting sooner. My 2nd ski life have been us with another family with 4 kids and have been to chalets and self catering. For the adults, the chalet was the better option (no cooking, shopping and cleaning) while the kids preferred self catering as they had their own space (i.e. no sharing with others) and could choose content and time of meals. We got them involved in the shopping, cleaning and cooking which eased our burden. Not tried the hotel option as we had the same thoughts as you regarding being stuck in the bedroom after kids' lights out.
Of the resorts we've been, the unanimous thumbs up has been for La Plagne as it catered for all levels of skiing (maybe not for the pro level skiers), good ski schools (Lime and Oxygene were very good, Reflex was disappointing (contrary to others' experiences)), ski in / out from virtually all accommodation, great long blue runs at all altitudes (high up for views, "guaranteed" snow and low down for pretty tree line skiing). Downsides are that it is not pretty and some lift queues at peak times. If you're looking for some non skiing activity, I'm less sure LP is for you as the kids have only done some tobogganing although we've seen husky rides but not tried. There is also the bobsleigh but it's expensive and may have age / height / weight restrictions. I believe there is a swimming pool but don't know where it is. We've been more first lift / last lift and too knackered for much else after.
We live in Cardiff and I'd say our half term dates have not often been different from England, only once in the last 3 years if memory serves me correctly. I didn't realise you could take kids out at the head's discretion as I've had the letter warning against any out of term absences on pain of fines and children turning into delinquents. Many kids have had the "'flu" the week before and after half term to coincide with lower holiday costs. Easter is also cheaper than Feb half term but you'd have to choose your resort carefully.
Driving there lowers costs although it's not for everyone - lots of articles on Snowheads regarding driving. Done DIY and Tour Operators and have found the former being cheaper but unsurprisingly requires more effort and planning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Your children's school may fine you during term time. Easter is cheap -just go high and north facing. I took my family to Risoul for our first trip. It was fabulous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Easter is mid-March this year, so a better chance of good snow than usual.
If you go to Finland in Feb there is less light during the daytime.
I went to Andorra (El Tarter) with children for various reasons, including native English speaking instructors and as I live in Portugal, it meant I could drive and avoid plane ticket costs and transfers. Transfer from Barcelona to Andorra 3hrs or more, apparently. One thing we find with Iberia is eating times can be really late so personally we preferred self catering as we could feed them by 6pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scandinavia can be expensive, I've just done a Bulgaria trip for your budget but it was low season and we had some discounts.
With one of the packages for ski hire and lift pass you can effectively have free group lessons. It's not the picturesque Swiss mountain scene and there is adult entertainment promoted around the town but you can avoid it. Fits budget maybe not the remit.
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=122692 Has some cost examples in it from my recent report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Have a look at the operator crystal ski, just had a mail through from them about their sale. Been with them a couple of times and the lack of hassle was great. Did one holiday DIY and priced it against crystal in the same hotel and it was marginally cheaper DIY but not massively
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi HelenHelen, and welcome to Snowheads
I took my family to France for their first time last year, and it was great fun, even though it was probably the worst weather I'd ever experienced while skiing.
I think your budget may be optimistic, factoring in ski hire, lift pass and lessons. However, the advice that I've found on this board has been excellent and there is absolutely no reason to simply throw money at the problem - the research and planning is all part of the anticipation!
I've often taken myself off on a last minute deal with Tour Operators, admittedly outside of school holidays, but if you take your children out of school then I'm sure there will be some deals to be had, particularly in March.
For last year's family trip I got a really good deal on a catered chalet in Morzine, quite remarkable value even if it was the school holidays. The flip side was a minibus and cable car journey at either end of the day, to get up from green & muddy Morzine into snowy Avoriaz. Not ideal but the chalet was lovely. I found the deal on Chalets Direct, which is a clearing site for some chalet owners.
For this year's trip, I'm committed to a week in April with two other families so am booking in advance. Self-catering isn't turning out much cheaper than the good deal we got last year, but at least I'm aware of all the costs.
While I understand your concern about sharing with other people, maybe think of in terms of company - some other children for yours to play with in the evenings? (Yes, I've been on trips that seemed to be full of the clichéed loud Surrey-stockbroker types, but rarely. And it is just that, a cliché.) 
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Helen - example of late deals with Esprit
If you are ready to go next Saturday:
http://www.espritski.com/deals-now/latest-deals/
Chalet in Tignes (loads of snow was forecast for over this weekend):
10/01/2016
Southampton 2 Adults & 2 children (2-11 inc) any available room £999
10/01/2016
Stansted 2 Adults & 2 children (2-11 inc) any available room £999
10/01/2016
Heathrow 2 Adults & 2 children (2-11 inc) any available room £999
10/01/2016
Gatwick 2 Adults & 2 children (2-11 inc) any available room £999
10/01/2016
Edinburgh 2 Adults & 2 children (2-11 inc) any available room £999
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
+1 for Esprit, especially at the price for the deals @NickyJ, has found, leaves you money for lessons and hire etc within your budget. At those prices given you have kids I doubt you'd get much better. We've used them a couple of times and rate them highly. Kids care is great, for lessons they will be in a small group of Esprit kids only, so they will make friends in the day, and the groups are smaller than std resort school groups. Possible downside to any holiday in term time is that you may not have kids the same age with Esprit, last year our son was the only 10 yr old in Val d isere with Esprit and due to his previous ski experience had his own instructor for the week as there was no other kids at his level with them that week, there were a couple of slightly younger kids he met in the hotel and got on great with after skiing had finished and ate with them at tea time. The evening clubs with esprit are also very good, it lets you have a relaxed meal, then you can put them to bed and have a night cap before turning in yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can do Andorra for £500 in a S/C apartment. You could even include lift passes with food vouchers for that money, depending on what level of accommodation and location you want. We're doing 7 of us in a 4 bedroom luxury apartment for £570 each incl' lift passes.
You'll be impressed with the upgrades in Grandvalira since you were last there.
But you'll struggle with that during school holidays.
I haven't been everywhere, but I have to say that Tignes is not for beginners. I began there and my missus thought I'd never ski again. Got to say really tough for first time on snow and the instructor rubbish at best. Tignes for experienced is excellent. I actually think it's disgusting when I read TO's quoting it as good for beginners.
Bansko I wouldn't pay to go back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to help me out.
As always, your answers have raised a few further questions for me...
Are late deals always cheaper, or is there any benefit in booking way in advance?
I see a lot of people rate Esprit, is there a family firm who do Bulgaria?
It seems quite difficult to compare prices as the package doesn't include ski hire & lift passes. Any advice please? Are the ski & lift roughly the same price wherever you source them from? Is it usually cheaper to buy them in advance or in the resort after you arrive?
How can i tell whether the accommodation is 'ski in ski out' or not?
We are very close to Manchester airport. Any comments as to whether it restricts our choice to go from Manchester, will holidays all go direct or will there be connecting flights?
How can i tell how long the transfer is?
Thanks so much everyone, Helen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@CAPTA1N P, bit harsh writing off tignes on the strength of 1 instructor and your tough experience. I daresay that thousands of people have learned very well at tignes
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
I can also vouch for Esprit. Even when you're not getting a late deal the prices are reasonable, depending on when you go. £500 a person may be pushing it a tad, but the youngest child generally goes free, so that immediately gives you a saving. We went with them last year and have booked again this year. They have a babysitting service in the hotels so you're not stuck in your room once the kids are down for the night. Ours are a bit younger - an infant and a toddler, so the childcare was invaluable for us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Quote: |
It seems quite difficult to compare prices as the package doesn't include ski hire & lift passes. Any advice please? Are the ski & lift roughly the same price wherever you source them from? Is it usually cheaper to buy them in advance or in the resort after you arrive?
|
In my experience (French Alps only) the ski passes are generally the same price everywhere and there's no saving booking in advance. Best bet is to time it when the exchange rate is good, or wait until you get there and see what conditions are like. If they are good then it's more likely a local pass will keep you entertained.
Ski hire on the other hand can be a lot cheaper if you book it direct and in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| HelenHelen wrote: |
Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to help me out.
How can i tell whether the accommodation is 'ski in ski out' or not?
We are very close to Manchester airport. Any comments as to whether it restricts our choice to go from Manchester, will holidays all go direct or will there be connecting flights?
How can i tell how long the transfer is?
|
Tour operators will generally include include in the accommodation description a statement on whether it's ski in or ski out. They'll also tell you on their website how long the transfer is.
If you search some operator websites, then select your starting point as Manchester, they'll tell you what is available from Manchester. Tour operators won't offer you holidays where you need to change flights.
Have a look at the Esprit website and you'll get a feel for what level of information they give you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@holidayloverxx, really. I'm definitely not the only one that thinks that, I've seen others mention it on this forum/different threads and spoken to other more experienced skiers and instructors that say the same thing. A friend of mine went there 30 years ago for his first time, didn't ski again until last year. I'm yet to meet someone that started there as a beginner and enjoyed it.
I'm sorry, I should have put 'in my and a few others experience'. Thinking about it the conversation has actually gone down the road of the more beginners that go to Tignes, the less likelihood they'll ski again, keeps the slopes empty. We do laugh about it now
On a personal note, yes I feel I was conned as a beginner going there. I even go out of my way to tell beginners to avoid the place and I haven't booked with Crystal since.
As for the instructor, he had no comprehension of coaching techniques, systems or anything(I have coached another sport). The whole group were p***ed off with him and with the rest of the opinions about the ESF on here, I would question his credentials, quite simply a terrible teacher. A guide at best.
I'm sorry if you don't agree, but this was my experience as a beginner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@CAPTA1N P, I didn't say that I disagreed just it was a bit harsh. Who knows, with a decent instructor you might have been fine. I have no experience of ESF
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| HelenHelen wrote: |
| Are late deals always cheaper, or is there any benefit in booking way in advance? |
Usually late deals will be a bit cheaper as companies/owners would rather rent out rooms at cut rate than have them empty for the week. However you need to be quite flexible and I suspect that it would be more difficult if you've got kids. No doubt a more family orientated person than me could comment on that. As a someone on their own that's usually booking for myself or with a few mates then a late deal is the way I try to go. I booked for Christmas on the Tuesday before leaving, and TBH I probably committed too soon even then.
| HelenHelen wrote: |
| It seems quite difficult to compare prices as the package doesn't include ski hire & lift passes. Any advice please? Are the ski & lift roughly the same price wherever you source them from? Is it usually cheaper to buy them in advance or in the resort after you arrive? |
For the most part the lift pass will be pretty much the same price from tour operator as it is from resort, and whenever I've looked you don't really gain anything from booking in advance. Most of my trips have been with a TO but when I did my own trip I bought in resort on the first morning. The downside of that is that you'll have to queue, which might be more tricky with nippers in tow. Possibly a case of you/other half going to get them while the other one looks after the children.
| HelenHelen wrote: |
| How can i tell whether the accommodation is 'ski in ski out' or not? |
Most operators will state it in the description or how far it is from nearest lift/bus stop. Failing that then just google the name of the accommodation, for a lot of resorts now Google maps shows the lifts so you can get an idea. Or check to see if the resort has a 'village map' that shows the lay out.
| HelenHelen wrote: |
| Any comments as to whether it restricts our choice to go from Manchester, will holidays all go direct or will there be connecting flights? |
I think Manchester flights are generally quite competitive, certainly not worth the added hassle/fuel cost of driving to a London airport. Might be worth checking what flights are out of Midlands but I'll doubt it'll be much cheaper. When I was booking my last trip I was contemplating driving from Exeter to M'cr as there were some slightly better deals than going to LGW.
| HelenHelen wrote: |
How can i tell how long the transfer is?
|
Google can be your friend again here, or check with the operator. Crystal usually state a rough time from airport to resort, but allow a decent factor for messing around. Last trip we had quite a short transfer but then on the way out had to wait for a guy who's bag was still in the UK and on the way back a child was ill so we had an unscheduled 20 minute stop.
Depending on what you're expecting for the money (e.g including lift pass/food/skis?) then £500pp could be a bit of a stretch with lessons/pass included, unless you're going self catering where you can take food with you. You've mentioned that you could possibly get the kids out of school during term time and you'll almost certainly need to do that if you want to stay in budget. Finland will probably blow the budget out the water, Scandinavian cost of living/wages are much higher than ours so it can be really expensive. I went to Sweden for Christmas a few years ago (not skiing) and ended up not doing much because we couldn't really afford it. La Plagne could be a decent bet, it's a big resort (buildings aren't too pretty but the scenery is fantastic) with a lot of nice blue runs. Coach transfer is probably about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on what airport you use. I did a really cheap deal for 3 people s/c a couple of years ago. Came in at £455pp for flights, transfers, lift pass and ski hire. The room was tiny though and would probably feel claustrophobic with a family in it.
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Sat 2-01-16 16:41; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yeah sorry I ranted a bit.
We feel a little cheated due to so many people saying how their first week was the funniest and great time, ours was truly terrible. The reason we ski'd again was because we had a coffee at the top of the mountain and decided that not all instructors could not be this bad and the slopes so hard for those in plough. The Fitzwilliam even tried to get everyone down a red, only 1 of 10 went, he left the group!
And then there is the big 'GREEN/VERT' area, really?????????? A couple of beginners think oh look a nice easy green area to practice, got to be the biggest most fraudulent piece of piste grading in the history of skiing.
We've enjoyed our times in Italy, Austria, even Bansko due to masses of fresh snow, but especially Andorra(great atmosphere, lots of smiles) and the best tuition we've had by a mile. We haven't been back to France due to our experience, but none of those we ski with want to go back either, due to their own experiences. I also know others that only do France, they laugh at our experience, but don't disagree.
I just don't like the thought of another beginner going through what was a poor and expensive first experience of skiing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HelenHelen wrote: |
Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to help me out.
As always, your answers have raised a few further questions for me...
Are late deals always cheaper, or is there any benefit in booking way in advance?
I see a lot of people rate Esprit, is there a family firm who do Bulgaria?
It seems quite difficult to compare prices as the package doesn't include ski hire & lift passes. Any advice please? Are the ski & lift roughly the same price wherever you source them from? Is it usually cheaper to buy them in advance or in the resort after you arrive?
How can i tell whether the accommodation is 'ski in ski out' or not?
We are very close to Manchester airport. Any comments as to whether it restricts our choice to go from Manchester, will holidays all go direct or will there be connecting flights?
How can i tell how long the transfer is?
Thanks so much everyone, Helen. |
Don't even think about Bulgaria or Romania, especially not with young children. These are still poor countries and healthcare is limited. Before we discovered SNOWBIZZ, we tried both and regretted it. My son hurt his wrist in Bulgaria and a doctor was called. He diagnosed a broken wrist. Luckily my wife is a nurse and challenged him showing a test she used in casualty. His treatment was then to soak a bandage in potassium permanganate and strap his wrist with that. Very old school 
Late deals are generally cheaper, but you have to take what's on offer, sometimes not suitable for children.
As said elsewhere, skis and lift passes are generally the same. Advance purchase can save money. However as most in your group will be learners, you could save money with a learner package - many resorts have free ski lifts by learners slopes so they don't need lift passes for first days. Also with big linked resorts like Espace Killy (Tignes and Val d'Isere) you only need lift pass for part of the area.
Most companies will tell you the distance to the piste, but not all ski in/out is suitable for learners, i.e. could be a red run! What's more important to you will be distance to ski school. Again, TO should let you know this. Don't forget you will end up carrying the children's skis!
Again most companies will quote transfer time (in good weather) but generally expect 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
I had a look at the Snobizz site earlier, their prices are around your £500 target. It's self catered but there is a catered option which is not excessive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Got to agree with Captain P regarding Tignes not really the best resort for the first timer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I reckon your first step is to decide WHEN to go. Term time will be hugely cheaper with a tour operator. look at your LEA's Code of Conduct on unauthorized absence rather than rely on the Daily Mail style rants. The majority allow a fair number of sessions before any action is taken.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Sorry, don't want to hi-jack the thread, but just wanted to comment that my first ever ski holiday, and first time on skis, was in Tignes and my husband taught me to ski in 6 days going from absolute beginner to reasonably competent and able to hold my own on the Reds around Tignes. I skied my first black run in Tignes at the end of that holiday. Definately not for everyone, but horses for courses and all that. Good luck to the OP in booking your holiday and I hope the family love it and you all have many ski holidays in front of you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Taking a car down is cheaper if you are paying a lot for flights and are taking your won skis where airlines charge a premium.
Budget flights to Italy, in particular can work out a lot cheaper than a car, ferry, fuel and tolls. You'll be far less tired in resort too.
There are always late deals but often from Gatwick or other mainstream airports - if that suits you it's great.
Lift passes are alway a huge percentage of cost- try and fid a place offering a good deal for kids or gree beginners lifts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Kennyboyo, @CAPTA1N P, +2 The runs at the bottom end of the Val / Tignes grading (Blues / Greens) are harder than other places i've been. The Red / Blacks aren't really.
@Steveee, agree to some extent i wouldn't want to get injured there either...
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Most resorts have adequate nursery slopes but not all have gentle progression to steeper slopes. However, especially for adult beginners the quality of the instruction is more important than most other factors. IME kids cope Ok without an English speaking instructor but talk is much more important for adults. Small group tuition with a native English speaker is ideal but will naturally cost a lot more than being in a group of 12.
Lots of older beginners struggle with the modest fitness levels required for reasonably effective learning. Time spent acquiring a tad of cardio fitness won't be wasted. Cycling is great, or walking briskly uphill. No need to go mad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
If you're old, untrained and unfit, it's best to stay low in altitude and be very close to the lifts and beginner trails, to save energy and minimize heart attacks.
Try a catered family chalet or selfcatered apartment (eat out) in somewhere like Les Arcs 1600, France.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Personal view, stay away from France purely from a cost perspective no doubt others will disagree but to get France & Cheap you need to put a reasonable amount of effort in and compromise on convenience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
France can certainly be more expensive for food and drink on the mountain but lift passes, lessons and ski hire are much the same and there's plenty of cheap piste side accommodation
. The "ski tout compris" offers in lesser known ski resorts are very hard to beat but probably not ideal for the OP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@HelenHelen, welcome to Snowheads. Try to go during term time if you can - a lot cheaper. Next (2017) Feb half term for us in Cardiff is different from most of England - we have found that this usually reduce costs considerably, especially if you book with tour operators who tend to ramp the prices for Feb half term. If it's your first ski trip, you may want to book with a tour operator because this takes away a lot of the hassle - but if you are a seasoned traveller and don't mind organising things yourself, then you could save money booking everything yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
+1 for Esprit
Went to La Rosiere with Ski Beat a couple of years ago with my children (aged 1 & 5) and they were very good too. Similar setup to Esprit as far as the kids go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
We went with skihillwood to Zauchensee last year. First time for kids 8,11,13,14. Great Hotel ZauchenseeHof and skischool v good. All very convenient ski in ski out with swimming pool in the afternoon and kid entertainment. Cant praise it enough. So good we are doing it again in march.
www.familyskiholidays.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@HelenHelen, welcome to snowHeads. In response to some specific questions you asked in your last posting.
I don't think Esprit offer Bulgaria. I also think Esprit would meet your needs very well, from past experience of them.
Late deals nearly always cheaper then advance booking, especially if flexible on where you go. By late, I mean within 1 week of departure.
Manchester airport well served for winter flights and should not restrict your choice.
As for transfer time, that information should be easily available, from TO or search engine.
Equipment booking, if happy to DIY on internet, often better value than from TO.
Ski passes cost much the same from any source, but worth finding out different options, area included, what extra benefits included, etc, to meet your group's needs.
As you've already seen, lots of experienced snowHeads ready and able to offer good advice!
I hesitate to recommend specific hotels from TOs but have recently returned from one which ticks most of your boxes I think and has some of the best price offers I've seen in the last 10 years..ONLY IF that promised snow arrives soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you all again for your generous help.
I've read, reread, read again & read through with hubby.
We are thinking about March / April 2017. 1 spin off of that is that I can search late deals this Easter to see what the availability is like. Hubby is keen to book well ahead so he can have firm work plans, which will give us a chance to get a free child place. Easter school hols are weird this year, starting on Easter Fri instead of the Monday before. But School Easter hols are 2 weeks later in 2017. Hmmm.
So, further questions ...
How long do i need to allow for passports to come through after posting applications for me & kids?
Any ideas on insurance? Do the TO offer insurance & is that usually a good deal for a 1 off ski trip? Are there any other companies who are famously good at ski insurance? Thanks in advance.
What I really fancy is a snowheads Family bash!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@HelenHelen, Passports - 3 months (usually quicker though depends on volume)
Insurance i just go with a multi-trip package with winter sports and business travel, about £130 for me and the Mrs. There are cheaper alternatives but i can't comment on the cover as i've never actually (touch wood) used it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@HelenHelen, yes, TOs will offer insurance though it may not be best value. For a late Easter you should aim for a resort with access to high altitude skiing. Specifically high altitude nursery slopes accessed by a gondola and therefore requiring no skill to get up. And those resorts won't be cheap. The only way of getting close to your budget will be to go in cheapest January term weeks and/or self cater.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
