 Poster: A snowHead
|
If you’ve been following the saga that is my and my missus going boarding, you’ll be fed up with posting answers, but be patient…. ?
We were originally planning on joining the other SHs at the PSB but with a conflict in here work times this was a no-no. Then I was gonna surprise here with a short trip to Tignes thanks to the £99 Atomic Boot Camp, but let the idea slip to her (oops) and she wasn’t too keen.
However, out of this, she’s said she’d like to go somewhere for a week, just the two of us, so I can get my fix of boarding before or around Xmas and she can spank my @rse in a downhill thrash (or so she reckons!!) 
We are looking at La Plagne, simply because we know the area, or Les Arcs, because we’ve heard good things about it. We were looking at the 8/9th December for a week but are these resorts open this early in the month? If not, we’ll most probably do 5th or 6th January week.
We aren’t bothered about hectic boarding, just simple ‘motorway’ pistes that we can do together, another reason why we like La Plagne. I’ve heard Les Arcs is pretty much the same but even better suited to boarders (fewer mogully runs??).
Does anyone know of a tour operator that specialises (or caters for) running holidays with couples in mind? We don’t want to book and have to pay supplements for beds we won’t be using. I know we can stay in a hotel, but as these tend to be more expensive, a self-catering option would be best for us. Also, we can’t be bothered with the hassle of renting cars etc, so want a full package (flights, transfers).
Are there any other suggestions for resorts that would suit us? Mrs. Specialman can board but isn’t too comfortable on reds (I don’t mind them) so we want nice flowing runs, rather than hard-core ones that demand superior boarding skills. What about Bulgaria or Andorra? I know these can be cheap but is the boarding limited because of the resorts sizes?
We’re looking in the region of £350 - £450ea (including lift passes) for a stay in Europe. I know we may get a better option if we leave it until last minute with TOs like Crystal and Neilson but can any likeminded couples recommend any other companies that would be able to sort something?
The other plan is to go to Canada/USA and blow a big wedge of cash as a birthday treat for Mrs. S. I know the flights are long and we’d be best going for 11 nights rather than seven (we might be able to stretch to nine or 11 depending on her employer) and with many TOs offering h/B or full board accommodation, it kind of makes sense as a couple. I know we’d be looking at a hell of an increase on our budget (I fully expect to spend £650 - £1000 each including lift passes). Where is recommended for good on-piste boarding that will suit us, with some good après? Also, which tour operators would you recommend? Again, Crystal seems to have some really good deals at the moment (£541 to Fernie, half-board for a week) and I have a Virgin brochure that looks reasonable – any suggestions on others to investigate?
Cheers all
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
I think that's a week too soon for Les Arcs, which IIRC opens on the 15th December. Not sure about La Plagne.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
rob@rar, hade a sneeky feeling you're right. I know all the tour operators start 22nd December, which could be an indication
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Specialman, if you go 6th Jan it will be very quiet. You WILL get some spanking  very late deals for that week in some good accomodation. If you have been to La Plagne then try Les Arcs. Companies such as Silver & Ski Olympic always have late deals. SO have a big chalethotel in Vallandry thatis very sociable (la Foret). They even do hosting to help you get around and meet other folks.
if you are set on LP then both have places in LP with Silver Ski having a bigger range.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Went to la plagne for first weekend in jan this year and it was great – no crowds, great snow and just an all-round good time. Will check those out.
Still have a good feeling about surprising her with a trip to Canada though - any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Specialman, can't help with Canada, but guess it could be v cold in January. As for a "surprise", she wasn't too impressed with your last idea, by the sound of it. Surprises aren't for everyone; if I was going to be spending lots of money on a ski holiday I'd want to be clear from the outset what my own priorities were. If you plan it and decide together, and it's not great, at least you won't get all the blame! Personally, I would not want any kind of a "surprise" holiday of this kind if the money being used to pay for it was joint money, so to speak!
In Europe you'd be spoilt for choice 6 January and can be pretty well 100% certain of far better snow than in mid December. Are you not keen on catered chalets? There will be some good deals, and if you choose carefully and take advice, you could find some really nice deals, with good food and hopefully pleasant company. As
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I agree with pam w, go in January and you'd have great choice, and a catered chalet could be fun. I don't know if I'd be so keen on a total surprise either...maybe do some research and surprise her with the greal deal you've found *before* you book it??
I've been to Canada (Whistler, though I don't know if it's really what you're looking for) in January and had a wonderful time though. The same applies, you can get some brilliant deals and, especially with the dollar so low, you'd get a lovely property. The general standard of accomodation is a lot higher there, I think, you could probably find a nice little condo for two with a hot tub. If you can spare the time and don't mind the long flight, it's a great idea. I've only ever heard good things about Fernie and that's a brilliant price.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialman, If you like the Paradiski area I can recommend www.mountainheaven.co.uk for self catering great quality apartments right on the piste in the village of Montalbert. From here you have access to the La Plagne and also les Arcs (on my board I have made it from village to Vanoise Express in 80 mins). Village has 9 restaurants and a few good bars.
I think self catering good for couples and you also have more space and flexibility in terms of eating.
With regards to timing the December option I would say is too early and your best bet would be January which will be very quiet and you will have some motorway pistes to yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Cervinia - more motorway blues than you can shake a stick at and its cheap, you can ski across into Switzerland to Zermatt as well. Its as high as they come so you'll be relatively snow sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Once again, sorry for yet another post extoling the virtues of Banff (can't praise the place enough). You can get there with thomson ski and stay in the Banff Springs Hotel around those dates in Jan. for approx. £600ea. (room only). The hotel is the last word in accommodation. I have been fortunate enough to stay in some seriously smart hotels around the world and felt that the Banff Springs was one of the most impressive. It will be very rose-mantic for you and the other half. The skiing is snowsure too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Good advice guys.
What's the deal with these catered chalets? I take it you book as a couple, get a room in the chalet and basically share the chalet with loads of other poeple you don't know from Adam? Not sure if she'd be up for that without some serious cajolling – she's more of a 'private' person.
Do like the look of Canada though. It's her 30th in the moddle of Jan so could hold back on the hol until then. I see there are quite a few options to have a two-centre holiday, several days in a resort and then a few days in a city - has anyone done this?
Mouth, looks good but a bit pricey for the area (once you cost in flights and transfers). Big fans of this area though as it just seems a really pleasant ski area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
Specialman, If you go for a bigger chalet then it is more like a small hotel and you can avoid peeps that you don't like.. Personally I think chalet holidays rock. If you stay in a hotel then you are also staying with loads of folks you dont
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Specialman,
Chalets are usually friendly places and most skiers on holiday tend to be convivial enough folk but there is a certain amount of enforced company at mealtimes etc even in the bigger chalets and may not be the most suitable places for having a romantic holiday a deux.
There are literally hundreds of places whose slopes would probably suit , if your Mrs is a bit anxious on more difficult slopes I think there is a lot to be said for booking late where the snow is. As well as often getting cheap deals at the last minute having good snow is great for the confidence. Good quality snow in a 'difficult resort' is usually a lot more confidence inspiring and enjoyable than icy pistes in an 'Easy resort'
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
I enjoyed the only two chalet holidays I've ever been on - slightly to my own surprise - but maybe not for everyone. I'd love to try Banff one day too.
Having some city time is great. When we went to Whistler, we had a couple of days in Vancouver first and had a brilliant time. Had a mad trolley dash on a street full of wintersport shops (canadian dollar prices!) and then some time exploring the city.
Last year we did a similar thing in Denver - bookended a long Colorado trip with a weekend in Denver at the start and a weekend in a gorgeous romantic hotel
http://www.thepeckhouse.com/
which was wonderful, at the end. It was great to see a bit more of the country than you normally do on a snowboarding holiday.
Also - totally agree with T Bar. Mid january, you can have your pick of places - book the flights now and decide on the area later, when the snow situation is clearer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Specialman, you might like to have a look at La Rosiere, you'll probably find it ticks a lot of the boxes you've listed. We have a chalet there so we're biased about chalet holidays, there are quite a few reviews in the resorts section and you'll find lots of guest's comments on our website www.tracksvacations.com together with details of the resort. If you're interested we've got some good offers for January and some availability for the w/c 6th January.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Why Canada? You're not taking enough advantage of the low "dollar" there! If you're going to fly across the pond RIGHT NOW, US should be your destination.
| Quote: |
We aren’t bothered about hectic boarding, just simple ‘motorway’ pistes that we can do together,
|
Steamboat Spring is one such resort. Aspen is another. Both charming villages and plenty of motorway cruising. Specially for the "just two of us" kind of holidays. In fact, you can do one for the first week and the other for the second. Neither are cheap. But this is the time to cash your pound sterling for maximum amount of dollar.
Sliding-wise, Vail, Breck/Copper/Keystone are all good places for cruising. But the base-charm department falls down.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Specialman, maybe you should get your OH to tell us what her priorities for the holiday are? One of the fun parts of a ski holiday is the planning - sitting with a nice glass of something and a load of brochures, maps etc. When you do that, you realise that nowhere is "perfect" and have to prioritise your objectives. Always something best done for yourself, I reckon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
abc, for some reason, USA hasn't registered on my 'resort radar'. Canada just sprang to mind because I've always wanted to go there.
What are the resorts like in the north east (Maine etc)? Seen the info int he Virgin brochure and it looks nice.
pam w, Mrs. Spesh has said she'd really like to go back to La Plagne, as she really liked it there, although she hinted that Les Arcs would be a good spot to try.
I have strategically placed brochures aroudn the house but she's basically said she aint' bothered - she's not a 'geek' like me, checking webcams etc  She just wants to get on a plane, get off and go boarding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialman, did Whistler last Feb and the outer region/bowls - Symphony, Harmony/ Seventh Heaven - were fanstastic - like off-piste but controlled with some pisted bits, better than motorway pistes by far - Give it a go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Specialman wrote: |
abc, What are the resorts like in the north east (Maine etc)? Seen the info int he Virgin brochure and it looks nice.
. |
IMHO if I was going to the US I wouldn't goto north east for skiing, higher potential for rain, freezing temps and any combination of the two!
You'll find east coast skiers travel to the west, but not vice-versa....
cheers,
greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialman, if it's a nice treat, a condo in Whistler with it's own private hot tub might appeal. Or if going to Les Arcs some of those Intrawest places are pretty good looking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| T Bar wrote: |
Specialman,
Chalets are usually friendly places and most skiers on holiday tend to be convivial enough folk but there is a certain amount of enforced company at mealtimes etc even in the bigger chalets and may not be the most suitable places for having a romantic holiday a deux.
|
I agree with T-Bar but I'd suggest the following
1) Agree what type of holiday you want -
a) just "lovey dovey" couples or one where you can mix & ski with other people - skitrips can make/break relationships - so sharing a chalet might be a good idea. It's often the norm for chalets to have their own bathrooms (check with TO however) so you're not sharing that bit..plus if you book late and ask politely you might get an idea of the demographics of the other group - if you're 40 somethings you possibly don't want to be sharing with a group of 20 someting ravers..
b) Do you want catered/self-catered.
c) Do you want pimp resorts/accommodation or are you happy with cheap an cheerful
2) Book the 1st full week in Jan off work - cheapest week going.
3) Come up with a list of preffered resorts. I'd agree with most on here and IMHO then any of Les Arc, Alpe D'Huez, Cervinia, Lech would tick those boxed.
4) Have a nice xDecember and then book something just before or after xmas. You'll find unsold inventory going cheap within a couple of weeks to departure..and with the way this country shuts over xmas I reckon they'll start clearing 6th Jan departures from around 15th Dec.
Enjoy..
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Female translation..........
If Mrs. Spesh has hinted that she'd like to try Les Arcs then book a holiday to Les Arcs.
Go in Jan - best time to go imho. We always go the 1st Week in Jan. Only the 2 of us. That said we are going to Banff this Jan for 10 days and would thoroughly recommend it as it's a fantastic ski holiday. Can get a good deals with Crystal/Thomson/Inghams. But I would check with her first that this is what she would be happy doing. If not then Les Arcs it is.
Try the Chalets direct web site for Les Arcs. Go into the solutions room and post what you want - dates/area/ensuite etc and the chalet owners come back to you. Then book your own flight.
Good Luck
Minx.
ps. Just looked on Crystal website.....
12th Jan - departing Gatwick - 11 nights
Banff Aspen Lodge B&B - good central hotel.
£1176.00 for flights, transfers and accom.
Liftpasses will be about £550 - 575 for the 2 of you 7 or 8 out of 9 or 10 days.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
get to jasper in canada ,guaranteed snow, quite slopes .great scenery and theres a few of us snowheads going mid jan
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
However appealing January may be to some of you I think Mrs Spesh's birthday was said to be at the beginning of February.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Helen Beaumont wrote: |
| However appealing January may be to some of you I think Mrs Spesh's birthday was said to be at the beginning of February. |
An early birthday present then, which usually means you get another present by the time your birthday comes around proper .
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
thewahwah, but personally, I would prefer to be taken away for the birthday, not before. Afterwards possibly, if the tickets were wrapped up as my present.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Helen Beaumont, of course it would be preferable to be taken away on your birthday but I was thinking more in terms of getting two birthday presents rather than one, which is the way early birthday presents tend to work out (in the wahwah household anyway).
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Her b'day is 24th Jan but one of our usual group (Mrs. Spesh's best mate) has hers on the 4th Jan. Talked to her hubby yesterday and he's thinking the same as me - birthday bash in the Alps, so we may split the difference and go on the 12th or 19th – ergo, my missus gets an early present and my mate's other half gets tickets for a holiday on her birthday.
Everyone's a winner!!
He's proper skint through so I think France it will be on a late deal.
| Quote: |
| Do you want catered/self-catered. |
Not fussed. Do enjoy doing our own cooking on our own time though.
| Quote: |
| Do you want pimp resorts/accommodation or are you happy with cheap an cheerful |
Either. We are going for the boarding and basically make our own fun with Kronenbourg and cakes.
| Quote: |
| Come up with a list of preffered resorts. I'd agree with most on here and IMHO then any of Les Arc, Alpe D'Huez, Cervinia, Lech would tick those boxed. |
We like France and Paradiski suits us for cost, transfer time and selection of boarding on offer
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Specialman,
I you like La Plagne and France fair enough they have great slopes . If your mate is skint though you will probably find Austria significantly cheaper.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| T Bar wrote: |
| Specialman, If your mate is skint though you will probably find Austria significantly cheaper. |
Really? Was given the impression that Austria is the same as Frogland - hmmmm, will have to have a butchers. Cheers
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
It seems that in cheapo Austrian pensions there's a lot of sharing amenities. Is there a certain price level when you start to see en-suites come into play? There's something a little unromantic about having to share the bog with the other guests!!!
Am I right in thinking with Canada that you'll rarely (if ever) get accomodation that's right on the slopes? I've done a few searches on Igluski and Neilson and most seem to be several KMs fromt he lifts - is this usual and accepted as the norm?
Looked at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Jan and it's well cheap – less than £500 for a week. Anyone been here? It seems to have a good rep and looks pretty nice too. Suppose it's more like £700 - £750 each when you add one the lift passes (which are well expensive in north america is seems!!).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialman,
I've always done DIY in recent years to Austria and never had shared amenities,I'm not sure if there is aprice range that they kick in at but the quality of the apartments is usually well above French ones. Can't help with Canada as I've only been to Whistler.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Specialman wrote: |
Am I right in thinking with Canada that you'll rarely (if ever) get accomodation that's right on the slopes? I've done a few searches on Igluski and Neilson and most seem to be several KMs fromt he lifts - is this usual and accepted as the norm?
Looked at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Jan and it's well cheap – less than £500 for a week. Anyone been here? It seems to have a good rep and looks pretty nice too. Suppose it's more like £700 - £750 each when you add one the lift passes (which are well expensive in north america is seems!!). |
Big White, Canada has all its accommodation ski in/out. It is a favourite with a few snowHeads (including me!), if you do a search on here you'll find lots about it. UKtrailmonster (snowHead) has a 2 bed apartment there that may be available for rent - PM him if you're interested in more details.
Fairmont Banff Springs has very tiny rooms but if you can get a good deal then worth going for. It's a bit of a walk from main downtown Banff but there are frequent town buses running.
Banff can get very cold in January. Big White has a milder climate with not such extreme cold. Normally 
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Thu 27-09-07 17:39; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| cathy wrote: |
| Fairmont Banff Springs has very tiny rooms... |
Can never understand that complaint. All I need is a double bed, a couple of chairs and an ensuite. Didn't find the rooms especially small when I was there. Now, the Hudson Hotel in New York is a different story: stepping out of the shower could lead to you putting your feet in the toilet  .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
.