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trip with the folks

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Hi there one and all

Apologies if this is the wrong place to post this, but I struggled between this generally-ski-stuff-y group and the trips thread. Thought because it's a two-parter that it might be best here.

Anyway, moving on... My folks (both mid-60s and of Scandinavian stock) mentioned at the dinner table that they would be interested in seeing what all this downhill piste skiing stuff that has absorbed me and the missus for the last few years is all about. I ventured that they would love the experience (and the back of the mind obviously calculating that they'd obviously want to hire a chalet and of course a ski pass for me and the missus to crash).

Now then, it seems they are serious.

Firstly, do you think it's a hopelessly selfish idea to encourage them to learn at that age? Neither is sporty, but keen to get away and share one of my pursuits. Ironman triathlon seems a little much at this time.

Secondly, where would you recommend? I assume April-time? Is it possible to get two/three room chalets? Am I being hopelessly optimistic (read as: self-indulgent).

Thanks for any tips!

Merry Christmas one and all...

H
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
rubberbullet, encourage them. There should be no problems with them learning to ski.

March/April would probably be better in terms of temperature. As far as the where is concerned, somewhere with plenty of activities other than skiing in case they don't like it.
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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?
scotia, thanks for the positives. I'm all for it. Would love it if they love it.

I imagine that to get them into it, I need to research it, price it, arrange it, and book it for them. I have no idea where to start, other than presuming late-season (cheaper, quieter) and away from the party resorts, in a private chalet, would be better.... Right?
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Avoid the mainstream French resorts + St Anton and Ischgl. British people suck ass on holidays!!

I'd say definitely toward the end of the season as it will be warmer, but avoiding the Easter holidays. I probably wouldn't say a chalet at all, but rather a hotel or apartment, quite central in the resort and near the main gondola, to reduce the walking to and from the slopes. You want a resort with very good beginner slopes which are easily accessible from the top of the main gondola. I presume they were going to have lessons when they arrive?


A resort like Zell am See may be suitable, it has relatively easy skiing. A nice, very traditional town centre and of course it sits by the side of a huge lake. (Conditions do deteriorate fairly early so you should be looking at Mid-March if you were to chose here.)
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
There are quite a few small chalets out there, but no real harm in getting a couple of rooms in a larger chalet through a TO. As long as the rest of the group isn't a Stag Do or anything (a decent TO will tell you the make-up of the group) and it could mean more people for all of you to socialise with.

Their age isn't really a barrier, though it is worth booking lessons with a sympathetic ski school - you'll get plenty of recommendations depending on the resort, but I'd look to get them doing a couple of hours in the morning, couple of hours in the afternoon, otherwise they are likely to burn out. If, of course, they love it and their fitness is up to it, they can spend some time practicing what they've learned around the formal sessions.

I've met a number of skiiers who are still going into their 70s and beyond, though insurance does get more difficult eventually, so no harm in them finding it late. After a couple of weeks they'll be up to venturing around the mountain and probably enjoying it with you and your partner, so could be a great way to spend some quality time doing something you all enjoy.

Also worth managing their expectations and getting them on a fitness drive if they're not as fit as once was. It's amazing the difference that 20 minutes a day on an exercise bike does for enjoyment on the slopes. I noticed it and I'm half their age.

Finally I'd suggest looking for ski in/out, but bear in mind the kind of slope you'll need access to. Reduces walking time, long bus rides at the start and end of the day, and they can come back early much more easily that way.
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rubberbullet,
aha, done this with my parents a few years ago, the answer is Innsbruck (beautiful old town with lots to do) a short bus ride / taxi or car to the Stubai glacier (quiet area but sensible to learn in with long season). I would suggest a local tourist board hotel/ski deal with your own flights to innsbrucke. Smile
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