 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Colorado? You got English speaker instructors guaranteed.
Normally, N. America is considered cost prohibitive due to the flight cost. But for a month, you flight cost is a much smaller portion of the total cost.
Another "usual" drawback of N.A. hills are their size, or the lack of, that is. But in Colorado, you have the option of a season pass covering 5 mountains. 1 of the 5 being the largest in America. There's definitely enough terrain for a month. The season pass cost is relatively cheap at US$499 (last I checked).
3 of the 5 mountains are linked by bus. The same bus also covers 2 real town where people live. So you have a good shot at social life. The other 2 are link to each other but requires a shuttle or hired car to get from the other 3. Or you could move your bed base for 2 of the 4 weeks.
Lodging should not be too costly if you don't choose the peak time (3rd week of Feb).
I have no idea of the social life. But if you're staying at Frisco, which is a real town, you should be able to find some locals to hang out with. Again, no language barrier (well, maybe there is  )
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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.
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Go to Tahoe then, where the "locals" are actually Kiwis. 
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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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Sounds like you're living the dream! If it were me I'd still mix it up and maybe do 2x fortnights, but it does make more sense if you go to the US or Canada. I sort of see what you mean about our American cousins, most come across as being very confident and with that perhaps a little arrogant but once you get passed that they're generally very nice folk! Just like anywhere else, less of a language and cultural barrier than anywhere in Europe though.
In Austria, France, Italy etc you'll find plenty of Brits working over there, not sure how easy it would be to break into social circles that consist of seasonal workers or holiday makers though. If you're doing lessons then that would be the obvious way to meet people but again 99% will be holiday makers so will only be there for a week.
As for ski coutries/areas your money will go further in Austria than France, Italy is nice but doesn't have as many large ski areas which if you have 4 weeks you'll want a big area or other resorts a short bus journey away.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| abc wrote: |
Colorado? You got English speaker instructors guaranteed.
Normally, N. America is considered cost prohibitive due to the flight cost. But for a month, you flight cost is a much smaller portion of the total cost.
Another "usual" drawback of N.A. hills are their size, or the lack of, that is. But in Colorado, you have the option of a season pass covering 5 mountains. 1 of the 5 being the largest in America. There's definitely enough terrain for a month. The season pass cost is relatively cheap at US$499 (last I checked).
3 of the 5 mountains are linked by bus. The same bus also covers 2 real town where people live. So you have a good shot at social life. The other 2 are link to each other but requires a shuttle or hired car to get from the other 3. Or you could move your bed base for 2 of the 4 weeks.
Lodging should not be too costly if you don't choose the peak time (3rd week of Feb).
I have no idea of the social life. But if you're staying at Frisco, which is a real town, you should be able to find some locals to hang out with. Again, no language barrier (well, maybe there is ) |
I think you got it right this time, but might suggest Breck over Frisco...more of a single social scene. Another plus about Breck and Keystone would be the unlimited adult lesson plans for 269 (last year).
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I am also taking a month off and I am going to Tahoe. I have already bought a Tahoe Value Pass for US$369.
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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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My initial thoughts were that perhaps live in a shared chalet somewhere (val d'isere, morzine, les arc, whistler) as this would give you instant "ski mates"........... Not all are full of 17 year olds on the lash and most of our operators in these resorts try and sort their guests so that properties will have like minded people in them.
Then I saw your budget (£3/5k for a month) which compared to what most people want to spend doing a month is quite high!! So my thoughts/suggestion changed.......... Why not decide where you want to go to and then if France contact some of the private catered chalet operators in that resort and see what sort of deal they would give you for 4weeks.
I would imagine if you were flexible on dates and looking to avoid the peak weeks, then a most would give you a room, full board and all the usual catered chalet offerings for a lot less than your budget. The benefit of this is that each week your "ski buddies" would change, the conditions would also change so that you would improve your skiing no end.
The 3rd option is that you could easily afford a nice apartment of your own but then you would need to put some effort into going out and meeting people to ski with.
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Pick one resort and as Marcellus suggested negotiate with an operator. Then pick an english speaking ski school like TDC who operate in Val and Tignes. Again negotiate for a package of lessons - rather than take them in one hit - do a couple of mornings - followed by a couple of days practcing. this way your skiing will progress and keep your costs down, Also by staying in the same resort you will make friends to ski with and the lift pass will be cheaper for a month than 2 separate fortnights in different resorts (and you could always come back for a weekend later). You may wish to avoid Feb anywhere in Europe as it is full of school kids - I'd go for Jan or April when the slopes will be quieter and the prices and deals will be better.
If you want contacts in Tignes please ask -
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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billy_boy_2010, as others have suggested, I'd avoid Feb (or at least the middle two weeks which are normally busier) if you can and opt for January or March instead when prices are more competitive and the slopes less crowded.
Maybe take a look at an operator like these guys? http://www.skivo2.co.uk/
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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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If ski mates and social life are a priority over personal space I'd consider a hostel in a Canadian ski town, contact the hostel direct and ask if they have long stay rooms. Quite a lot of people will be there for a month or more and they usually have plenty of events like BBQs/keg nights/hockey.
..and I suppose we should mention it as well a lot of the gap year "instructor course" providers are tapped into this market for month long improvement courses with accomodation etc. Personally I think its a bit of a lazy option and you pay a premium for it all being done for you but its a good way of ticking your boxes and might be the only way to get lots of lessons cost effectively in Europe.
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billy_boy_2010, I'd aim for January if in France and even consider going a tad early if you select a high resort (>2300m) and look carefully and quickly at the season deals for passes.
Alternatively you could to the UCPA and ski a number of resorts –as there deals already include passes –Tignes/Les Arcs, Flaine (not great socially), Chamonix –
I’d also suggest a look at Crystal mountain – some of my best skiing ever there, absolutely fabulous: I'd kill for a month there! You can still book good flights into Seattle quite reasonably and you can call the to work out packages –Accommodation is limited there so don’t dawdle: They are selling pre-season passes now!
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You know it makes sense.
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Wow what a response thanks so much guys 
| Grizwald wrote: |
Sounds like you're living the dream! If it were me I'd still mix it up and maybe do 2x fortnights, but it does make more sense if you go to the US or Canada. I sort of see what you mean about our American cousins, most come across as being very confident and with that perhaps a little arrogant but once you get passed that they're generally very nice folk! Just like anywhere else, less of a language and cultural barrier than anywhere in Europe though.
In Austria, France, Italy etc you'll find plenty of Brits working over there, not sure how easy it would be to break into social circles that consist of seasonal workers or holiday makers though. If you're doing lessons then that would be the obvious way to meet people but again 99% will be holiday makers so will only be there for a week.
As for ski coutries/areas your money will go further in Austria than France, Italy is nice but doesn't have as many large ski areas which if you have 4 weeks you'll want a big area or other resorts a short bus journey away. |
I may have enough holl to do a long weekend or two anyway- so would rather keep the rest to a big month. I feel my skiing with improve at a greater rate if i cain it for a month- rather than a couple of weeks here & there.
As you say- breaking into existant social circles wont be easy- but made easier with either who i live with, or who i learn to ski with
| marcellus wrote: |
My initial thoughts were that perhaps live in a shared chalet somewhere (val d'isere, morzine, les arc, whistler) as this would give you instant "ski mates"........... Not all are full of 17 year olds on the lash and most of our operators in these resorts try and sort their guests so that properties will have like minded people in them.
Then I saw your budget (£3/5k for a month) which compared to what most people want to spend doing a month is quite high!! So my thoughts/suggestion changed.......... Why not decide where you want to go to and then if France contact some of the private catered chalet operators in that resort and see what sort of deal they would give you for 4weeks.
I would imagine if you were flexible on dates and looking to avoid the peak weeks, then a most would give you a room, full board and all the usual catered chalet offerings for a lot less than your budget. The benefit of this is that each week your "ski buddies" would change, the conditions would also change so that you would improve your skiing no end.
The 3rd option is that you could easily afford a nice apartment of your own but then you would need to put some effort into going out and meeting people to ski with. |
Very good advice re: the shared chalet providing instant ski mates. The budget is flexable really- i dont *have* to spend £5k- would be happy spending £2-3 also if i have just as much fun! As you said- if i have a private chalet- its instantly more difficult to meet people.
Excellent advice re: avoiding peak weeks- will have to look into which these are. Changing ski buddies each week would be harder work tbh- would rather meet a group of ppl who were doing the same sort of thing as me than have to go through the whole "hi im x im from y etc" 4 times.
Actually- i have just seen- what exactly is a private chalet? Is it not the same as an apartment? if so- its tricky to meet people indeed. Or is a chalet more private but still mixing with ppl?
| chocksaway wrote: |
Pick one resort and as Marcellus suggested negotiate with an operator. Then pick an english speaking ski school like TDC who operate in Val and Tignes. Again negotiate for a package of lessons - rather than take them in one hit - do a couple of mornings - followed by a couple of days practcing. this way your skiing will progress and keep your costs down, Also by staying in the same resort you will make friends to ski with and the lift pass will be cheaper for a month than 2 separate fortnights in different resorts (and you could always come back for a weekend later). You may wish to avoid Feb anywhere in Europe as it is full of school kids - I'd go for Jan or April when the slopes will be quieter and the prices and deals will be better.
If you want contacts in Tignes please ask - |
All good points. Guess i need to decide between US/Canada & Europe.
| fatbob wrote: |
If ski mates and social life are a priority over personal space I'd consider a hostel in a Canadian ski town, contact the hostel direct and ask if they have long stay rooms. Quite a lot of people will be there for a month or more and they usually have plenty of events like BBQs/keg nights/hockey.
..and I suppose we should mention it as well a lot of the gap year "instructor course" providers are tapped into this market for month long improvement courses with accomodation etc. Personally I think its a bit of a lazy option and you pay a premium for it all being done for you but its a good way of ticking your boxes and might be the only way to get lots of lessons cost effectively in Europe. |
I dont know if im getting a bit old for a hostel lol. Im sure i could handle it- and could just check myself into a hotel occasionally- but i would rather bridge the gap somehow between a hostel and an apartment.
Your clearly a little hesitant about the instructor courses- but tbh this kinda sounds ideal.......i mean- i havn't been skiing long- so learning the theory would certainly help me. So long as we dont spend long in a classroom- or doing silly stuff like learning basic communication- or learning how to tell some idiot that hes doing wrong- but in a way where he wont hit you- this may be good???? At least i should look into what it can offer me- and then try and improve on it with my own custom made plan
| Jivebaby wrote: |
billy_boy_2010, I'd aim for January if in France and even consider going a tad early if you select a high resort (>2300m) and look carefully and quickly at the season deals for passes.
Alternatively you could to the UCPA and ski a number of resorts –as there deals already include passes –Tignes/Les Arcs, Flaine (not great socially), Chamonix –
I’d also suggest a look at Crystal mountain – some of my best skiing ever there, absolutely fabulous: I'd kill for a month there! You can still book good flights into Seattle quite reasonably and you can call the to work out packages –Accommodation is limited there so don’t dawdle: They are selling pre-season passes now!
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Why would you choose Jan for france? And why such a high resort? In case there is no snow? In which case- cant i wait until March?
On my third week i may well choose to try a different resort for a few days- but would like a "base camp" as it were.
****************Guys- how long do i have to book all this thing? I was planning on taking several weeks to research it all. Is that going to be far too long???***************
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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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If you want to stay in one place then although there's no rush, season passes are usually on offer until mid October. That's the case for most French resorts, VERBIER 4V, and quite a few of the north American resorts too. I'd rather spend 800€ on ski equipment than on an overpriced lift pass. Which reminds me, I have to order mine PDQ, 
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Poster: A snowHead
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Italy is a lot cheaper for lessons, ski hire and has the bonus of fantastic food. The dolomites is the largest linked area in the world to my knowledge so would have plenty of skiing options. You can also move to different resorts in the dolomites if you get a bit bored of the nightlife in one. I wish I had the hard decision of where I was going to ski for a month.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Sorry if my post wasn't clear so I'll try and explain the options better;
1) Shared accomm - you have a bed in a larger property and share the communal areas such as lounge, kitchen, bathrooms. You are responsible for your own cooking. You have someone else in the room with you.
2) Private apartment - as it suggests your own home.
3) catered chalet - your own room probably with ensuite in a chalet where you all your cooking and cleaning is done for you and the operators sell the other rooms to weekly holiday makers.
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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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| Jivebaby wrote: |
| If you want to stay in one place then although there's no rush, season passes are usually on offer until mid October. That's the case for most French resorts, VERBIER 4V, and quite a few of the north American resorts too. I'd rather spend 800€ on ski equipment than on an overpriced lift pass. Which reminds me, I have to order mine PDQ, |
Gosh, that only gives me a couple of weeks to make a decision! Was gonna take at least a month to really read into it!
How much cheaper are season passes? Roughly?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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In some of the NA resorts, a season pass can be cheaper than 7 to 10 day tickets...Vail Resorts typically sells season passes until mid November, but may bump up slightly from the current price beforehand.
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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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The most cost effective would be to rent an apartment for a month. Get an evening bar job and your social life is sorted out.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Ignore suggestions to get an evening job, you have the cash why work.....
How about St Anton for all of March. I would ignore suggestions to go anywhere in January if you can just as easily go in March, better snow more daylight etc etc. I would also bin Colarado as they don't know how to party, and the resorts ain't that big.
The most important thing if you want to improve quickly is to get seriously fit before you go and ski everyday, that along with some focused lessons, will do the trick. You don't need lessons everyday just enough to make sure you have the basic technique nailed then its simply time on the snow.
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Go to Whistler, there's enough terrain to keep you entertained and plenty of secret stashes to find. Vancouver is only 2 hours down the road if you want a bit of an escape while you're there. The hostel in Whistler is pretty flash as well so I wouldn't rule that out as a bed option (it was built for Olympics athlete accom.) and there's plenty of nice hotels if you want a few nights of luxury as well.
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| Quote: |
How about St Anton for all of March. I would ignore suggestions to go anywhere in January if you can just as easily go in March, better snow more daylight etc etc
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+1, best chance of lots of powder.
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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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| Quote: |
the american style/personality can be a little abrasive for us brits- not sure if i could cope with it for a whole month- my concern would be its all a bit macho and in your face? maybe this is an unfair generalisation
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yes it is; go to America and shred your prejudices.
In France, have a look at UCPA, with all tuition (up to v high levels), food and gear included. Yes, you would often have new people each week; but is that a disaster? If you're out in a group with an instructor, you'll quickly get to know them.
PS. By no means all French people speak English. In fact you'll probably do better in Austria if that's a key criterion. Or even Australia.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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May I jack this thread please?
Another Yank 60 who can turn both ways. Very seriously thinking about saying good buy to this life, and the wife (I am going to miss the dog). Have enough money to disappear and still buy beer.
The dream has been to disappear in Europe for a winter or more and live out of a backpack with 1 pair of skis for at least a season. Suggestions please on how to do this and where to go. I just want to see & ski what I have never seen before.
It is getting serious. Would deeply appreciate any help, like what thread to follow.
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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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A 1 month bar gig isn't easy to come by mid season, but working is a good way to meet some of the locals who will be there your whole stay and show you some of the secret stashes (assuming you improve enough to handle the off piste).
Stranger, disappearing to Europe could be a lot of fun...I really enjoyed the year I did in Bourg St Maurice, but it really depends what you are looking for.
I'm with you Bergmeister, while I enjoyed the size of Les Arcs (the La Plagne link was down when I was there), there is plenty of great skiing to be had in CO. I skied there close to 200 days the past 3 years and enjoyed them all with new things left to do at many of the mountains.
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FAQ
Really keen to improve on this!
