 Poster: A snowHead
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A friend and I want to go on a "boys' trip" for a long weekend at the start of Feb.
We are both decent snowboarders in our late 40s. He is limited by being a South African (living in the UK with indefinite leave to remain/British Residency Permit) and cannot currently get a Schengen visa (so normal places like Switzerland/France/Austria/Italy are not an option). Because of his passport issue, we are limited to one of the following:
- Scotland
- Romania
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Turkey
We are both based in London so would want to fly from here - preferably direct flights.
I have done 3 dozen or so trips over the past 16 years, but never to any of these places.
Any thoughts on where would be best at that time of year? Any specific resort recommendations?
Thanks!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Been to Scotland, Montenegro, Turkey and had a great time in all three.
Been close to Serbia, the Serbian bit of Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Serbia is on my list for later this season if conditions are good.
For greatest chance of snow and value for money I would say head East not North.
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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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@boardiac, The only non Schengen country I've skied in in Europe (let's ignore Andorra since you cannot actually get there) is Bulgaria which doesn't join until March. If the conditions are right then Borovets offers some decent skiing for a few days and is IMHO a better choice than Scotland.
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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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Scotland should only be considered as a last minute option as conditions are so changeable. If I needed to buy flights now I'd be heading to one of your other option.
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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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@boardiac, Is Georgia an option? They've tonnes of snow right now. Gudauri is handy from Tbilisi and is well worth a trip. I've not been to any of the others on your list though.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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A short vacation needs a short transfer.
Go to Borovets, in Bulgaria.
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If Bulgaria was an option, I'd go there - but on an SA passport he needs a visa...
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Then, Kopaonik, the biggest ski resort in Serbia.
Or Glencoe and Nevis Range, in Scotland, if they have snow.
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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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just out of interest, is Norway in schengen ? it would be a far better option than all the countries listed
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ust out of interest, is Norway in schengen ?
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Yes
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Scotland should only be considered as a last minute option as conditions are so changeable. If I needed to buy flights now I'd be heading to one of your other option
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This. Scottish conditions and weather could be amazing and you could have a fantastic time; OR there might be a lack of snow; OR there could be full snow cover with the ski areas stormbound and all the lifts closed (wind can be a massive factor in The Highlands).
Maximum flexibility is required and a Scotland trip should never be booked until the weather forecast is nailed on and favourable - which can sometimes be only 24hrs beforehand.
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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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Serbia
IU have a Serbian friend and he's always on about the great skiing (although he doesn't ski...)
There is some sort of option with Ryanair to get close-ish to the ski area(s)
Sorry that's a bit vague
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Can’t add more to what’s been said about Scotland (I’m about an hour away from Aviemore and a little more from Glenshee) other than to second the comments. You simply can’t plan that far out to come. You’ve got to react when it’s good.
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You know it makes sense.
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Gudauri does look nice - but must admit to being slightly worried about the fact that it sits on the wrong side of the Russian/Ukrainian front line in Easter Ukraine...
Fair points on the Scotland comments.
So down to Kopaonik (Serbia) vs Straia vs Poiana Brasov (Romania) vs Kolašin (Montenegro). Leaning towards Kopaonik - thoughts?
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