 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
I am trying to get some prices for a family ski holiday for next Feb half term. We have skied extensively in the Dolomites pre-children, and would like to ski again with kids. The issue is that the youngest child would be 4 1/2 and would be in ski school for the first time, AND it's half term. The Simply Dolomiti travel company came up on a Google search, but they aren't ABTA registered, and I can't find any reviews of their holidays anywhere. The price they quoted for a hotel in Arraba (Malita) for the 5 of us was very competitive, as it basically included LOADS of extras (ski pass, 1 days instruction, transfer, ski guiding). But, loathed to book without some feedback AND I'm worried about putting youngest in ski school in Arrabba for a half day. I might just have to sell a kidney on eBay and go back with our tried and trusted Ski-2 to Champoluc for half term. Other options welcomed..... We have just come back from a truly wonderful holiday in Champoluc with Ski-2, but the prices for half term next ear are eye watering!
Would consider other resorts and companies, the deal breaker is the ski school for youngest as the other two can ski. Esprit was >£11400 for Obergurgle! I think St Anton is too hard for a youngster (Espit go there as well), and are running out of other options. Esprit go to Gressony, but then we might as well get a quote from Ski-2. many thanks in advance.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@gaschick, just wondering, if you're not sure you trust that tour operator, is it impossible to get similar (or better) price by booking flights, transfers and accommodation direct and separately?
I did this earlier this season in Arabba, a different hotel, but it was straightforward and very good value, when compared to British TOs offering packages that were very similar.
We did flights to Venice Marco Polo (EasyJet). Subsidised mini bus transfers airport to Arabba return, through tourist office. Then direct half board booking with hotel. The hotel also offered small discount on both lift pass and equipment hire.
Or does this particular TO offer childcare or some other benefits you wouldn't get with DIY bookings? You mention ski pass, guiding, etc but guess some charge must be included in package for those ??
I've never booked with Simply Dolomiti but have been aware of them for a while and imagine there should be plenty of independent client reviews.
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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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Thanks@PeakyB. Yes, I had thought of doing things seperately. We have three children, and it is nice to have some security of a presence in the resort if something goes wrong.
Which hotel did you stay in? IMHO, they all are pretty good around there. The hotel suggested by the tour operator had some large interconnecting attic rooms which would suit us perfectly. i just thought it a bit odd that they didn't seem o have any reviews on their website, or on FB/Twitter feed. Pictures on the website show a branded minibus. They must have a reasonable operation to be able to offer a ski guiding serve.
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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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@gaschick, did 2 trips this season. One staying in Portavescovo (HB). One in Garni Laura, opposite church (B&B but took dinner in Portavescovo again, just around corner). Both very comfortable, friendly, great food, handy for main chairlift and town.
I don't know Hotel Malita but it looks very good from reviews. I'd hang on to your (spare) kidney and go with the good value option I think. Assuming just deposits needed until a few weeks before departure?
Know what you mean about presence of rep in resort if anything goes wrong. My impression from visiting Arabba and Dolomites generally is that local organisations (ski schools, tourist office, hotel staff, restaurant staff, police) are very helpful anyway. In an unfortunate situation you'd be likely to have the support needed. If TO rep is good though it's an added benefit.
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks for the review information. I will see whether I can actually contact the reviewers via TA!
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@gaschick, Good idea -- the reviews I linked are all from a couple of years ago and things can changed quickly in this modern world........
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@gaschick, I've asked them for a quote for next season too, so will let you know how that goes 
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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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We used Simply Dolomiti about 3 years ago, and stayed at the Malita. They were really good, everything went without a hitch and the hotel was great. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
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