 Poster: A snowHead
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Greetings all.
It's been a while. 8 years I reckon since I last did a ski trip. I've managed odd days here and there in the Lakes where I live and up in Scotland. I've 2 reasons why I've not skiied in such a long time a son and a daughter. I also blew my knee out rather badly playing rugby but touch wood it held up fine on a recent trip to Lapland to see Santa I managed 1.5 days of skiing in Levi and the bug has returned
I dream of the day they will get into skiing and we can ski as a family but that's maybe a year or two off min and I'm not getting any younger. The kids are now at an age where we don't feel bad for leaving the other with it all to do, my wife goes on regualry girls holidays with her friends so I have a pass so to speak.
Trying to make a trip with mates work but my worry is as with many things it will all be big talk and won't happen.
Have things in terms of options/providers changed much during my hiatus?
I've skiied many weeks on my own/independently in the past.
I've done several weeks with Snoworks. I see they're still operating which is good but don't seem to offer a full sort of package like they used to. On some of the trips I did with them I ended up booking my own accommodation, few times I went to Gressoney manged to get a B&B. Something along these lines would be ideal, full day options. I was an OK skiier, have zero finese but can get down most things. Some great weeks with Snowworks doing their back country courses which was a blend of instruction with their coaches and guiding with local guides. Given that they're no longer offering to sort accommodation getting a room share mught be more difficult.
They used to do a chalet type deal in Tignes where they'd match you up with someone of the same sex similar age. It was good in the evenings to drink and eat with the rest of the group but to be honest I'm less bothered about this element. I'm quite happy in my own company and after a full day off skiing I'll be happy to head off eat and just crash. Ive skiied on my own before and it's ok for a day or two then have got a guide and/or some local tuition.
I've used the SH sub forum and found someone else in the same boat to share a room with.
Anything/one else to consider? Unlike pre ski break I'm less budget conscious, I'm used to paying for holidays for a family of 4 so anything less will feel like a bargain 
Main priority is to have some structure and people to ski with throughout the day of not too dissimilara level. I'm no extrovert but can get along with most. I used to be one of the youngest on the SW courses-Im now 42.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Good for you!
I’m coming to the conclusion I want to go and do a solo trip too. My hubby goes off with his mates at least once per year and we do a family trip with the kids (does your other half not want to ski? My kids love it - the eldest was asked if she would prefer a smaller pile of presents and go skiing or usual Xmas this year and she didn’t even blink before she said skiing!)
I don’t really have any friends to ski with. Well there are people I could go with I.e some girl friends of mine but they will be one green run one aperol. One blue run one bombardino. Etc. I actually want to ski. 
Why don’t you do one of the bashes on here?
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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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| v1cky24 wrote: |
Good for you!
I’m coming to the conclusion I want to go and do a solo trip too. My hubby goes off with his mates at least once per year and we do a family trip with the kids (does your other half not want to ski? My kids love it - the eldest was asked if she would prefer a smaller pile of presents and go skiing or usual Xmas this year and she didn’t even blink before she said skiing!)
I don’t really have any friends to ski with. Well there are people I could go with I.e some girl friends of mine but they will be one green run one aperol. One blue run one bombardino. Etc. I actually want to ski.
Why don’t you do one of the bashes on here? |
Hi Vicky. Frustrating with my wife as she's actually a really good skier. Pre kids we used to do ski holidays together but priorities have changed. I expect if the kids get into it she will make a return.
I've kind if got it in my head that with kids it's all about timing in that I'd want them to enjoy it rather than fall a lot and it put them off. Time was just too tight to organise anything in Finland in terms of lessons so I'm planning on booking something at the Manchester indoor slope for half term and see how it goes. I think my 8 year old daughter will take to it well but my 5 year old son just isn't in to anything at the moment other than gaming. Took him swimming lessons and he just switches off and doesn't take instruction so I'm hoping it's just an age thing.
I'll look at the bashes thanks.
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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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@Grizwald, have you looked at Inside Out Skiing? Run by skimottaret and rob@rar of this parish. Very good and fun instruction weeks, not dissimilar from snoworks of old: certainly you can apply for a room share and the instruction is carefully graded according to ability.
But Bashes will also fill the bill (more cheaply) and a lot of the Bashes provide first rate instruction and guiding.
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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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Can’t help your singles question. For future there is good native English instruction in Grandvalira, Andorra from age 6, or there was up to a few years ago when I went. My two started there. We always stayed in El Tarter, it was a bit quieter than Soldeu and with little ones in bed at 8 we wouldn’t last that much longer.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I did that same Tignes Snoworks course as you, staying in the big Mark Warner hotel.
I highly recommend SCGB Ski Freshtracks holidays. Not cheap, but still far, far cheaper than our family ski holidays. I liked the other guests, had a good time.
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Warren Smith academy in Verbier an option and they have accom, I go solo.
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As others have said check out the SH Bashes. If the dates/destinations work for you you'll have a huge pool of other generally solo skiers just looking for people to skis/chat with.
If the dates/destinations don't work for you or you just want something smaller take a look at hofnar.com. Price covers a single bed and food/drink in 12/13 person chalets in Morzine so just flights to/transfers from Generva to add on top.
I've done both Bashes and HOFNAR trips multiple times and in fact have done my 2 Bashes for this season/have a HOFNAR trip at the end of the month and would recommend either option.
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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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@KSH has already suggested the Inside Out trips and I'd endorse that.
Should be ideal for you. But yes, a bash would be good too!
At 5 and 8 your kids are the ideal age to learn to ski. One suggestion would be a taster session for them at one of the snowdomes (not a dry slope) with an experienced instructor. Much more fun than swimming lessons.
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Thanks for all the responses folks I've got some good option to consider. The end of season Bash would work and maybe the Gressoney one too.
On getting the kids into Skiing I'm going to look to book some lessons for them at an indoor slope over Feb half term. It's a shame the Glasgow one folded as we have family in Glasgow so easier to include in a trip visiting them. Castleford (sure there is one in that area?) And Manchester are roughly the same distance for us.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I took our kids for the first time when they were 7 and 5. Both prob spend too long on screens and son is on his nintendo way more than he should be - It can be hard to peel them away (and they go into grumpy zombie mode if they are on too long), but they adapted really quickly to the beginner group lessons - it helps that everyone is a beginner and that the instructors make a big deal of trying to make everything fun.
I'd recommend going at easter when its a little sunnier and warmer and try and find somewhere high up and close to slopes - we've had success in Flaine and Avoriaz.
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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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@Grizwald, my son goes to castleford on sunday mornings. Has done the snoacademy sessions before too. I would recommend.
Just an alternative to you going solo in the future!
Though some people prefer this
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@Grizwald, get those family ski trips off the ground asap. They are great.
Making it adventure and fun. Keep plenty of chocolates in your pocket.
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You know it makes sense.
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| AliAfro wrote: |
I took our kids for the first time when they were 7 and 5. Both prob spend too long on screens and son is on his nintendo way more than he should be - It can be hard to peel them away (and they go into grumpy zombie mode if they are on too long), but they adapted really quickly to the beginner group lessons - it helps that everyone is a beginner and that the instructors make a big deal of trying to make everything fun.
I'd recommend going at easter when its a little sunnier and warmer and try and find somewhere high up and close to slopes - we've had success in Flaine and Avoriaz. |
You could be describing my son he's addicted to his Nintendo! We live in the Lakes so we do get out for hikes etc regualry when once he's out he enjoys himself. My daughter does lots of activities and tried and gave up on others. She's good on roller skates and ice skates so think she'd take to skiing well. My son on the other hand has zero patience to take instruction but also has zero sense of self preservation! Future ski holidays would probably mean them going into ski school in the mornings then ski together as a family in the afternoon.
Agree with timing. My wife and I had some really nice holidays in Obergurgl and always thought it would be ideal with kids. We've stayed in some of the best hotels we've ever stayed at skiing or not. Spa and pool facilities meant my wife could have an afternoon with a book while I went off with a guide
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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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| Grizwald wrote: |
| AliAfro wrote: |
I took our kids for the first time when they were 7 and 5. Both prob spend too long on screens and son is on his nintendo way more than he should be - It can be hard to peel them away (and they go into grumpy zombie mode if they are on too long), but they adapted really quickly to the beginner group lessons - it helps that everyone is a beginner and that the instructors make a big deal of trying to make everything fun.
I'd recommend going at easter when its a little sunnier and warmer and try and find somewhere high up and close to slopes - we've had success in Flaine and Avoriaz. |
My wife and I had some really nice holidays in Obergurgl and always thought it would be ideal with kids. We've stayed in some of the best hotels we've ever stayed at skiing or not. Spa and pool facilities meant my wife could have an afternoon with a book while I went off with a guide |
I’ve fond memories of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, some recent.
Have you stayed elsewhere in lovely hotels across the Austrian Alps? In our experience they’re in every village, something they do so well and generally they keep improving the facilities and rooms through serious investment.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
| Grizwald wrote: |
| AliAfro wrote: |
I took our kids for the first time when they were 7 and 5. Both prob spend too long on screens and son is on his nintendo way more than he should be - It can be hard to peel them away (and they go into grumpy zombie mode if they are on too long), but they adapted really quickly to the beginner group lessons - it helps that everyone is a beginner and that the instructors make a big deal of trying to make everything fun.
I'd recommend going at easter when its a little sunnier and warmer and try and find somewhere high up and close to slopes - we've had success in Flaine and Avoriaz. |
My wife and I had some really nice holidays in Obergurgl and always thought it would be ideal with kids. We've stayed in some of the best hotels we've ever stayed at skiing or not. Spa and pool facilities meant my wife could have an afternoon with a book while I went off with a guide |
I’ve fond memories of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, some recent.
Have you stayed elsewhere in lovely hotels across the Austrian Alps? In our experience they’re in every village, something they do so well and generally they keep improving the facilities and rooms through serious investment. |
Off the top of my head Salbach, St Anton, Kitzbuhel, Iscghl, Soll, Zell Am See.
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