 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello Snowheads, I’m looking for options for skiing in Jan/feb/early march 24, I’ll be joining solo so would like to be part of a group, ideally that includes some folk also joining on their own. Some of the options I’ve looked at have said they are for older folk 60+ (I’m 41). Have been looking at Club Med…as they offer group guiding and lots of facilities, but have never been to their resorts before so I would love any suggestions as it’s my first time skiing solo (have done q a bit of skiing with others over the years). Many thanks in advance! Olivia
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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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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Yes, definitely a snowheads Bash if any of the dates suit you. A unique formula. Or a coaching week could work well. For example https://www.insideoutskiing.com/ Highly recommended. Great tuition, sociable group, always other solos.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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I've skied solo all over, and my best times have always been in Japan. Friendly, but also culturally good/refreshing as so many Asian couples happily holiday apart. Club Med have lots of options on Hokkaido - see Tomamu etc. I'd consider Powder Recon too - excellent on the mainland, and based at Myoko (fly to Tokyo) with lodge, guiding, friendly atmosphere. See https://www.powder-recon.com.au
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A lot of it depends on what kind of skiing you want to do, with what kinds of groups. I’m also 41, & these are some of the things I’ve done recently, &/or am planning on or thinking about doing. When I’m looking for trips, it’s usually because I want people to share the costs of instruction or guiding with; if airport transfers or similar are included then so much the better.
Most recently, I went on a UCPA advanced off-piste week in Val Thorens, and had a great time. Really nice group to ski with, age range c.30-60 (two Swedes, a Kiwi, two Belgians, one French, myself), we socialized together and with others at the Centre. Excellent value, good food for the price. Cheap and cheerful accommodation (4 in a relatively small bunkroom). The Ben’s Bus transfer stops right outside the Centre, so it’s easy and cheap to get to from GVA, even on your own, at least on a Saturday. Will likely do another trip or two this season, although not necessarily to the same centre.
@pam w has mentioned Inside Out up-thread: I’m booked on their Season Opener and Technical Tune-Up in Meribel in December. My first trip(s) with Inside Out, and I’m very much looking forward to it. Focussed coaching with video review. & the course has booked a chalet, with optional transfers, so I imagine it’ll be pleasantly sociable as well.
I’ve also done a couple of SCGB trips: an early-season instruction weekend in Tignes, and a guided off-piste week in Alagna. These were good, if pricey, although not necessarily poor value. For example, the Tignes weekend included return transfers from GVA, 3 (well, 2.5) days of exceptional group instruction (from Rab and India at NewGen), both of which would have been a lot more expensive if arranged privately for a smaller group. However, my expectation of something one could reasonably call a club is that because of the club’s resources, preferential deals etc. you would pay a bit less (or at least, not much more) than you would pay if you got a group together yourself—this was emphatically not the case (presumably because of the costs of staffing the London office and the need to cover the accommodation of the rep on the trip), which leaves me asking what it is that makes the SCGB a club in any meaningful sense. There were also a few things on the part of the club’s organization that left something of a sour aftertaste, which I’m happy to talk about if anyone’s interested, but don’t want to hijack the thread with yet more SCGB complaints. But they were good, and the guiding and instruction top-notch. The groups were pleasant enough, and I’ve met people I’m still in touch with and would (and will) gladly ski with again, although they definitely also had a higher quota of, erm—shall we say, of a certain kind of character?—than I’ve seen elsewhere. But it’s a ready-made English-speaking group, which is an advantage for some anglophones. tl;dr: I’d go on another SCGB trip, if the right thing came up over the right dates, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to, and would try or revisit other things first.
The other thing on my radar is a Snoworks trip: they look great. A slight disadvantage for me over some of the others is that it doesn’t seem to be as easy to arrange twin accommodation for solo travellers (if that’s your thing) or shared transfers. But I don’t think that’s an insoluble problem, and I imagine posting a topic on here asking if anyone else was interested in that particular course might have a good chance of success.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, and it’s very much tailored to my preferences: intensive work on technical improvement on-piste, and increasing the range of things I can do comfortably off-piste. If you’re looking for more ‘social skiing’, options might be better. I’m also not at all averse to getting a group of people together (some combination of friends of friends and people from here, perhaps), although it seems to me that the groups of that kind that arise on this board also tend to be closer to 60 than 40.
Anyway, I’ll also be looking at the replies on this thread for inspiration. @wiigman, I’d love to hear more about your trips, in Japan and elsewhere!
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@oliviamarcia, snowHeads bash all day long if the dates suit.
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@oliviamarcia, another option to take a look at is hofnar.com - the short version is they hire a couple of 12/13 bed chalets in Morzine then sell individual beds back to solo travellers, sharing single beds in either twin or tripple rooms. On top of the holiday cost you just book your flights to Geneva/a €100 return shared minibus transfer/ski hire if you need it.
I've used them many time, and in fact already have them booked for 2 solo weeks this season and generally it's solo travellers, with the occasional couple. You avoid single room suppliments and have people to share dinner/evenings with as well as people to ski with, if you want (but if you want to do your own thing you just say so and everyone will just say "OK, see you back at the chalet then.").
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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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The Snowheads bashes I've done had a considerable range of age but age really didn't seem to matter in any way. It was just totally irrelevant.
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| Mjit wrote: |
@oliviamarcia, another option to take a look at is hofnar.com - the short version is they hire a couple of 12/13 bed chalets in Morzine then sell individual beds back to solo travellers, sharing single beds in either twin or tripple rooms. On top of the holiday cost you just book your flights to Geneva/a €100 return shared minibus transfer/ski hire if you need it.
I've used them many time, and in fact already have them booked for 2 solo weeks this season and generally it's solo travellers, with the occasional couple. You avoid single room suppliments and have people to share dinner/evenings with as well as people to ski with, if you want (but if you want to do your own thing you just say so and everyone will just say "OK, see you back at the chalet then."). |
Oooh, this looks great, and I'd not heard of these: will check them out. What sort of mix of ski levels do you get on the trips, and is it all English-speaking?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| JayRo wrote: |
| Mjit wrote: |
@oliviamarcia, another option to take a look at is hofnar.com - the short version is they hire a couple of 12/13 bed chalets in Morzine then sell individual beds back to solo travellers, sharing single beds in either twin or tripple rooms. On top of the holiday cost you just book your flights to Geneva/a €100 return shared minibus transfer/ski hire if you need it.
I've used them many time, and in fact already have them booked for 2 solo weeks this season and generally it's solo travellers, with the occasional couple. You avoid single room suppliments and have people to share dinner/evenings with as well as people to ski with, if you want (but if you want to do your own thing you just say so and everyone will just say "OK, see you back at the chalet then."). |
Oooh, this looks great, and I'd not heard of these: will check them out. What sort of mix of ski levels do you get on the trips, and is it all English-speaking? |
English is the most common language, both amongst the guests, company owner, and these days generally Irish passport holding chalet hosts.
As for ski level, outside of the dedicated "Beginners and Improvers" and some of the "Off Piste" weeks there's really no guide as every week is a different melting pot of people. What I would say is there will be at least one other person who wants the same balance of; green/blue/red/black slope, ski time to coffee time, minimum turn to maximum turns, go out for beers/stay in for beers/read a book and go to bed as you. Some week's everyone's about the same level/same mindset and you all ski as a pack the whole week, other times you have a split of 'first lift' and 'La Paradis disco till 3am' groups. Generally you get up for breakfast when you want. If that's early you'll generally get a group who set off before the rest, then there's a main pack who follow 15min later, and worst case you get up to an empty chalet, a note telling you to help yourself to breakfast and a direction/meet point for lunch if you don't run into anyone before.
Oh, and to be clear at heart these are "solo" ski weeks, as opposed to "singles" ones 
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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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| Mjit wrote: |
As for ski level, outside of the dedicated "Beginners and Improvers" and some of the "Off Piste" weeks there's really no guide as every week is a different melting pot of people. What I would say is there will be at least one other person who wants the same balance of; green/blue/red/black slope, ski time to coffee time, minimum turn to maximum turns, go out for beers/stay in for beers/read a book and go to bed as you. Some week's everyone's about the same level/same mindset and you all ski as a pack the whole week, other times you have a split of 'first lift' and 'La Paradis disco till 3am' groups. Generally you get up for breakfast when you want. If that's early you'll generally get a group who set off before the rest, then there's a main pack who follow 15min later, and worst case you get up to an empty chalet, a note telling you to help yourself to breakfast and a direction/meet point for lunch if you don't run into anyone before.
Oh, and to be clear at heart these are "solo" ski weeks, as opposed to "singles" ones |
Thank you: that's both great to hear, and (more importantly) a really clear, helpful description of what to expect!
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That bit about 'solo' vv 'singles' made me laugh. Finding a decent/fun/similarly skilled person to ski with is hard enough, with all the extra excitements!
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You know it makes sense.
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@JayRo there's a lot to bore on about re Japan (ever been?) as I also did a bullet train/two-week JR rail pass thingy, which is a bit of a swine logistically on your own - but amazing to look back on. And you can knock off many resorts. It's just making the train meet the free resorts shuttle each way that causes head explosion. If ever doing it, shout for info. Or for a taste:
https://www.fall-line.co.uk/one-lift-for-the-rest-of-your-life-sanroku-sancho-ropeway/
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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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@wiigman, its easy peasy on a bash
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Quote: |
sharing single beds in either twin or tripple rooms.
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That sounds a bit of a squash
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Mjit wrote: |
| @oliviamarcia, ...another option to take a look at is hofnar.com - the short version is they hire a couple of 12/13 bed chalets in Morzine then sell individual beds back to solo travellers, sharing single beds in either twin or tripple rooms. .... |
Cosy!
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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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@oliviamarcia, you could look for a late deal in a catered chalet. (Late meaning probably less chance of being stung with a big single supplement). Whenever our group hasn't filled a chalet we've often skied with whoever takes the last one or two rooms. Get chatting over dinner: where you plan to go tomorrow, or where you skied today. If of similar ability people are often happy to group up.
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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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| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @wiigman, its easy peasy on a bash |
Snowheads in Japan? Now there's a bash to sign up for!
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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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| JayRo wrote: |
| although it seems to me that the groups of that kind that arise on this board also tend to be closer to 60 than 40. |
I'd be interested to know what your assumption is based on?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| admin wrote: |
| JayRo wrote: |
| although it seems to me that the groups of that kind that arise on this board also tend to be closer to 60 than 40. |
I'd be interested to know what your assumption is based on? |
Impression (highly fallible) based on my (equally fallible) perception/recollection of threads such as this over the last year or so.
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@oliviamarcia, hey. I’ve done both as a solo skier and can highly recommend both the bashes here (any of them!) and also inside out ski trips. Feel free to msg me if you have any specific questions.
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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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| adithorp wrote: |
| JayRo wrote: |
| admin wrote: |
| JayRo wrote: |
| although it seems to me that the groups of that kind that arise on this board also tend to be closer to 60 than 40. |
I'd be interested to know what your assumption is based on? |
Impression (highly fallible) based on my (equally fallible) perception/recollection of threads such as this over the last year or so. |
But that's not a  bashes. It's a (very) few member organising their own trip. For 3-4 strangers getting together to travel/stay together, age may be a relevant factor. |
Yes, wasn't it obvious that I was talking about that kind of trip rather than about the bashes? I had just talked about 'getting a group of people together (some combination of friends of friends and people from here, perhaps)'.
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| JayRo wrote: |
Yes, wasn't it obvious that I was talking about that kind of trip rather than about the bashes? I had just talked about 'getting a group of people together (some combination of friends of friends and people from here, perhaps)'. |
Sorry, I must misunderstood and conflated it based on your second post mentioning trips with UCPA, SKUK, InsideOut, Snoworks
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| adithorp wrote: |
| Sorry, I must misunderstood and conflated it based on your second post mentioning trips with UCPA, SKUK, InsideOut, Snoworks |
No worries, and I could perhaps have been clearer that I wasn't talking about bashes, which look great (not to mention incredible value), if they're your kind of thing, and if you can make the dates. (I do confess, though, that I'm somewhat confused by the willingness of certain posters to shout 'JUST GO ON A BASH' at absolutely anyone looking for advice as to where to go, regardless of whether there's a bash that actually meets their needs, like the poor guy looking to ski in mid-January!)
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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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Could we have a Bash-type UK social/half a shandy one day? In Manchester/the north? I can never make the tests at Chill Factore.
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Sorry, that's totally off topic... so we would obviously advise on options for Solo Skiing at said meeting.
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You know it makes sense.
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I ski with a group of singles. We share rooms to save on cost. This year we (15 of us)are going to Beret Barqueira in Spain on 14th Jan and have a spare spot available because of a late withdrawal due to a medical problem. We are a mixed group in ability and age from low intermediate to really good, 25-73, a mix of male and female. Cost is about £850 plus lift pass flying from Manchester or Gatwick. PM me if interested. Check out the resort and hotel on Ski Miquel.
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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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As already mentioned, the Bashes are super for solo skiiers. Also, just another shout-out for UCPA, but highly recommend the specific solo weeks which are:
UCPA Val Thorens NY week starting at UCPA on 30th December 2023
UCPA Tignes week starting 20th January 2024
UCPA Chamonix week starting 24th February 2024
UCPA Val Thorens week starting 16th of March 2024
More info: https://www.action-outdoors.co.uk/holiday-types/solo-travellers/
(I'll be at the Tignes and Val Thorens ones with a few friends - trying to cram as many UCPA ones in before I hit the age 45 cut-off  )
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Poster: A snowHead
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Dear SH community,
thank you all *so* much for all these responses, hugely appreciated. There was so much there in the threads you’ve given me / all of us a pHD in skiing options! Now just need to narrow it down…… and be great to connect with some of you if I do make it to one of these infamous bashes! Thanks again, Olivia
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@oliviamarcia, coming to this a few days late, but would also add a recomendation for UCPA, have done several of their trips - just note that they are _predominantly_ (but not totally), aimed at 'young' people - talk to their UK agents Action Outdoors (as @sambatamba mentions). The 'off-piste' trips in particular are more flexible on age - and I've certainly done them at 40+. Very good social mix!
Would also suggest SCGB Freshtracks - notwithstanding the other comments, the main advantage of those trips is that they are 'ability-graded' - this may not be your priority, but if you _do_ want to ski with 'similar ability' for the entire trip, this is really their main focus.
[url=]https://www.skiclub.co.uk/holidays/our-concept/[/url]
otherwise pick an SCGB repped resort, there'll be someone to show you round / book lunches etc, but the ability level varies by day...
Do let us know what you plan!
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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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One last suggestion: The Ski Gathering do solos ski/board holidays to chalets and hotels in France, Austria and Italy. I've booked onto a short break holiday to Morzine with them in January. First time, so I can't review them personally yet!
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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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Ski Club of Great Britain would be worth a look, range of options from holidays to skiing in groups in resort
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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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@oliviamarcia, ,I’m off to 3valleys 27th Jan solo,good skier happy to meet
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Take a non-aspirational jacket. E.g Dare2B or something from Decathlon.
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@oliviamarcia, I hope you have a great holiday, whatever happens. Just like I found, (I was one of the over 60s you mentioned) you've had loads of helpful suggestions and kind offers.
Derek
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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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Thanks again all for all these amazing suggestions. Wondering why I hadn’t discovered this fabulous community before 
I’m now booked onto the birthday bash, coming from bristol (tho poss via london depending on flights). Look forward to meeting some of you there. Can’t wait! xOlivia
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FAQ
