 Poster: A snowHead
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Hey All
I really want to go skiing next year. Problem is as a teacher I have to go at February half term which is an expensive time to go. I have joined snowheads hoping to find other people who would like to ski then. I dont really care about the location. I can ski competently but would not be happy on a black run at the moment!
STU
PS
I am a 25 years old, male, based in brum so can fly pretty much anywhere.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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S.Hodgson, Welcome to Snowheads. Worst time to go to be honest. Most expensive time and we're probably divided. Those going away then with the kids or those without avoiding it like the plague. There may be a few in a similar situation to you though. Have you considered Easter instead?
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sun 11-10-09 20:21; edited 1 time in total
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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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S.Hodgson, why not take a trip at Easter instead, when it is less expensive?
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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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S.Hodgson, Go at Easter
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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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S.Hodgson, I am also a teacher and am going to Folgarida (Italian Dolomites) in Feb half term and you can get an all inclusive price, which may or may not suit you depending on your budget. Looking at the website - www.folgarida.co.uk - there are not many rooms still available but you could try contacting Wayne (another snowHead) on the number on the website and seeing if there's anything he can do for you  Or, as others have suggested, you could go at Easter.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi,
I'm also a teacher looking to go skiing in Feb half term. It's a tricky one, isn't it! Most friends want to go when it's cheaper and there are fewer kids on the slopes. I've been searching for groups with similar minded people on the net, but the idea of 'singles' holidays is all I seem to find and that's not want I'm looking for.
Anyone heard of any groups that get skiers together, including lone skiers ... in schoool holidays...no singles shinanigans? (South West / West Midlands area).
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S.Hodgson, tricia, By the way, welcome to snowHeads
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S.Hodgson, tricia, By the way, welcome to snowHeads
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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, Iski! For the welcome and the link! It looks promising. 
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I used to go skiing with Oak Hall in my young single days and their prices are probably very reasonable at half term. It is a Christian organisation..so depends how comfortable you would feel with that aspect. I went with them to Zillertal (Austria) and Andalo (Italy) and thoroughly enjoyed the holidays. The skiing lessons were good and all the costs were a fraction of the costs of other companies.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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S.Hodgson, welcome to SHs. Try UCPA, the French youth sports organisation _ you can get v cheap all in hols and they don,t put up prices at half term like the commercial organisations: I think the UK firm that links into their hols is called Action Outdoors.
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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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Iski, S.Hodgson,
Sorry can't help out.
We're fully booked for the whole of next season. Taking bookings already for 2011.
May be an idea to put a post up asking if anyone want to get a group together and if you get an takers then sort out where and when. If you pop into your local Thomas Cooks they may be able to help
I have some flights left over as we booked just over 1,000 and I think that we have about 20 to 25 left that we will release soon (BA out of Heathrow to Venice for the HT week - Sat to Sat). So if you are having problems getting things sorted contact me with some numbers and I may be able to help
EDIT.
ooops.
Just looked at the list - we have 1 (one) room left for 3 or 4 people for HT so S.Hodgson if you have a couple of mates wanting to go, PM me.
18 seats left on the BA heathrow/venice flight
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S.Hodgson, Can't you go at Easter? I'm a teacher too and go every Easter
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You know it makes sense.
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garethjomo,
Just an idea
A teachers ski club ??
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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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Hi All,
If its of interest to any of you we offer ski holidays exclusively for single travellers and operate out of Chamonix and Morzine. This guarantees that you will be with others to ski with each day and a large group to socialise with in the evening.....
We still have availability for the Feb half term and so get in touch!
Please view our website for further information www.coldfusionchalets.co.uk
Kind Regards,
Steve
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Poster: A snowHead
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Take yourself out of school for a week.
The parents of the students have deemed this to be acceptable 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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we have a room for 2 available for 4nights in Chamnoix 24-28Feb all inclusive package including airport transfers, catering/Breakfast/wine/Beer, 4x4 transfer, ski in ski out..Luxury package for those who want to spoil themselves, group is mixed women/men singles and couples/international group
Contact me if interested  )
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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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Guys I otally agree with you. Also a teacher, but we cnnot change our holidays so going when its cheaper isnt an option. And payiong an extra £100 quid to get good snow at a good resort far beats the saving and being a miserable monster hoping for snow flakes...!! I have learned my lesson the hard way. If I want to ski, I organise trips for teachers and others so that I can afford to ski. Check out www.free-me.com for some deals. I make sure I go to the snow sure, high resorts and do it as cheap as I can by getting a group together. EG. New Year we did an all inclusive to Flaine for £595 and that was with transport, lessons, accomm and food, plus hire included even a full grand massif lift pass. I am going again in Feb half term and at Easter.
EG
I have a few places left for the week 27 March at in Val Thorens. For those that know, this has some awesome skiing. It is on the very high with ski in and ski out facilities. This is not advertised as a beginners trip. Some experience necessary as it is quite an advanced resort. A very good spot for powder hounds. The deal is for everything INCLUDING transport. So accommodation, boot and ski hire, food, lift pass and full lessons are also included. The price is £617. As you know this is a premium week in a great location. First come first served.
Donovan Smith
www.free-me.com 
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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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| tricia wrote: |
Hi,
I'm also a teacher looking to go skiing in Feb half term. It's a tricky one, isn't it! Most friends want to go when it's cheaper and there are fewer kids on the slopes. I've been searching for groups with similar minded people on the net, but the idea of 'singles' holidays is all I seem to find and that's not want I'm looking for.
Anyone heard of any groups that get skiers together, including lone skiers ... in schoool holidays...no singles shinanigans? (South West / West Midlands area). |
Hey Tricia
I'm also a teacher without ski buddies (who in their right mind wants to ski at the most expensive time of year if you don't have to!). Did you find a group to go with next week or did you decide to go Easter?
Caz
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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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My girlfriend is a teacher too.
Have you thought about going over Christmas or New Year instead. We have done the last 2 Christmas's skiing and I cant ever see me staying home by choice again. And as for New Year, now that is pants in the UK 
It is a damn sight cheaper than peak season as well
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Looks like I have a late cancellation for that week: 
Will PM S.Hodgson,
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I'm planning on skiing or learning to board next week - prob UCPA. Open to any offers/suggestions though 
20something/m/london.
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Ignore all the smug 'go at a different time of year, not to France' comments. Wanting to go during February half term is perfectly reasonable. Good luck finding ski buddies.
You'll find that even in France, so long as you avoid the absolute first division premier resorts, it's not as busy as the naysayers bang on about. Especially if you get away from the handful of runs that converge around the ski school or front de neige.
It's also not as expensive as people claim, unless you go for a package deal, in which case you'll be ripped off. DIY it and it's barely any more expensive than any other time of year - so long as you sort out your flights absolutely the second they are released. They're usually the killer, as they go up by a tenner a day. Figure out when your route of choice will go on sale (6, 4, or 3 months before the fly date) and get used to pressing F5 on Easyjet/BA/whatever's website
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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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paulio - you may be able to get the transport for not much more but there is a vast difference in appartment costs in school hols vs term time. What kind of acccommodation are you booking that is the same price at half term as any other week.
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Self catering.
It's not the same price, no. But it's not troublingly more expensive. At the risk of repeating myself, as I have posted about this before, my last two half term costs per person have been.
2008: £325 (for flights, car hire and accomodation).
2009: £520 (for flights, car hire, accomodation, lift pass, and ski hire).
2008 was La Thuile, Italy.
2009 was Valmeinier, France.
Neither was appreciably more crowded than when I've holidayed in January (although avoiding the ski school runs is always a good idea). Obviously if you travel in January it is cheaper than that, but the clarion cry of 'It's crazy expensive and pointlessly busy, avoid at all costs' just isn't justified in my (admittedly limited) experience.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| paulio wrote: |
Self catering.
It's not the same price, no. But it's not troublingly more expensive. At the risk of repeating myself, as I have posted about this before, my last two half term costs per person have been.
2008: £325 (for flights, car hire and accomodation).
2009: £520 (for flights, car hire, accomodation, lift pass, and ski hire).
2008 was La Thuile, Italy.
2009 was Valmeinier, France.
Neither was appreciably more crowded than when I've holidayed in January (although avoiding the ski school runs is always a good idea). Obviously if you travel in January it is cheaper than that, but the clarion cry of 'It's crazy expensive and pointlessly busy, avoid at all costs' just isn't justified in my (admittedly limited) experience. |
Hey Paulio
Thanks for you info...i think very early prep is essential! That's where i've fallen down! If anyone is thinking of skiing around April 2nd (if any snow left?) even for a couple of days and has space i'll be interested. Otherwise i suppose its next feb 2011! Maybe all teachers who want to ski (and restricted to feb half term) should all get together and book something sooner rather than later?! I'l be up for it.
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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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tricia, hey Tricia...have you manage to find/book a half term ski trip yet? If so where did you go for. I'm also a teacher and still searching!
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cazzy46, Have you thought about going on a ski leaders alpine course in the half term? These are courses designed to train teachers in how to look after kids on the mountain. Basically you ski all day and socialise etc in the evening. Will be other teachers attending on their own. You can get the details from the interski website or give them a ring. Snow sports england also run the courses i believe.
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You know it makes sense.
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you need to book sooner - here is a link to "all" term dates in England
http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/MapLocationSearch.do?map=1&LGSL=36&LGIL=8
Just as a note here is a chart that may interest you
the blue blocks are half term bookings - the red are non half term bookings
The data source is the average bookings (weeks prior to departure) for the last 7 years.
The figures are slightly scewed as we always under book the number of beds we need, so there are no "near to departure" bookings for HT as we are always fully fully booked.
As the Gov puts out term dates normally around 2 years in advance there really is no reason that teachers can't get the holiday they want
The chart shows quite well that most people (over 65%) book HT trips during March, April and May for the following year.
After undertaking some highly detailed studies and quite complex calculations I can say with some confidence that there are exactly a Gazillion teachers in the UK.
Why not form a club?
It doesn’t have to be too organised. Just “We’re going to XYZ resort on ## of Feb, it will cost £### per person, anyone who wants to join us contact ABC tour operator and book, we’ll see you there”
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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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You could try hucksterslodge for half term vacancies. They had lodges in fantastic position on the piste in Vallandry. You can get the coach from Birmingham included in the price or fly to chambery and your transfers to resort are included. They are always full of school groups at half term but guess you are used to that.
Happy skiing
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Poster: A snowHead
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cazzy46, Try On The Piste at www.otp.co.uk.
I always used them when I went skiing at half term with my son. They only go to Switzerland although we did ski at Champery one year, which gives you access to the whole Portes du Soleil area, so skiing into France as well.
They don't surcharge for the half term weeks but their standard offering only includes cross-channel with a car. They will, however, include airport to resort transfers if you want to book flights on your own, or they will arrange flights for you. This will add to your costs, as flights will be expensive on these dates.
I have no connection with the Company other than using them on quite a few occasions and finding their service to be excellent.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hello all
Just scanned through this post so apologies if people have already booked something and are all sorted - but - I'm a teacher too and looking for others also constrained to school hols. Female, 28, based in the South, don't mind where I ski just want to have some fun people to go with. Can you let me know where you're at with this?
Cheers
Rebecca
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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cazzy46, From your post onwards it really is a new thread. Easter is almost in summer and all the previous comments are ancient history 
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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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Hi
I'm a teacher, but I want to go away Feb Half Term - is anyone booking anything as a group and got spaces?? It is working out way too expensive for just two of us to go but I went as part of my uni group a couple of years ago and I remember it being a lot less.
If anyone knows of any groups planning anything please let me know
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Look at Action Outdoors - still all in half term holidays, including everything, available for less than £700.
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ActionOutdoors has just put up everything over 720... guess because of late bookings.
I might be putting something together for Jasna Slovakia out of desperation. I am a teacher as well and can't go any other time.
Found a chalet, though it is in the nearest proper town, so it is a 20 minute drive into the resort each day.
So far there are 5-6 in my group.
Trip is:
Flight to Bratislava saturday 11th feb
-hire rental cars (as a group, have drivers volunteered, split petrol cost)
chalet sleeps 8-9, but could get a second if larger #'s.
-fireplace, 2-3 person per room
-fitness and gym/pool/spa in town
-tesco in town, could do group dinners or eat at restaurants, well cheap in Slovakia
-Beers are apparently 1.50 euro even on piste
Flight home gets back in stansted around 1pm saturday 18th
I've crunched numbers and on full occupancy, with flights, rental cars, lift pass, rentals, chalet =549 quid... don't need rentals? knock off 80 quid, but add for luggage.
Just my thoughts, wanted UCPA for chamonix, but the price has shot up too much for my liking.
PM or email ronahamilton@me.com
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S.Hodgson, tricia,
Hey, wondered if anything was eventually organised? I'm hoping to book Les Deux Alpes for that week - I'm a teacher too.
Flight with easjet from Liverpool to grenoble sun- sat, £250. Accommodation hb, E350. However, I've not booked yet, I'd be interested in what you guys have booked or we could investigate L2A further??
Let me know ASAP, im keen to book and get it sorted,
Libby xx
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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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Easter this year, for me, is 31/3/12 - 15/4/12....
Assume it's the same all over?? I'd be willing to go at this time too!
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Scouselibby, Hi did you get anything booked for the weekend? I'm looking for a last minute half term holiday.
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FAQ
