Skiing holidays...

[Grahamm]

Paging the Foc-U font of all knowledge

Having recently got hooked on skiing again but getting a bit fed up with a dry-ski slope which is only about 300 feet long, I'm thinking about getting a last minute deal in the not too distant future.

Now I could start doing lots and lots of research, but I think it would make sense to ask if anyone on here had any useful (and helpful!) advice to save me wasting time figuring it all out.

So what I'm looking for is a journey from Gatwick (easiest and cheapest to get to), to a European location suitable for a relative beginner.

Things I know I'll need to consider:

Flights (anyone but Ryan Air...!)
Baggage and carry-on limits
Ski and boot hire
Lift Pass
Insurance
Language (it's a long time since I learned French or German, but I'd prefer to avoid just speaking loudly in English!)
Availability of English food (regrettably I have very limited tastes in what I can eat)
Other things to do whilst I'm not skiing!

So what do I need to know and what have I forgotten about? All useful tips welcomed.

BTW I do actually have ski jacket, trousers and gloves, I bought them some years back when I was thinking of this previously, but then life got in the way

[Skippernick]

I can comment on the food aspect, if you like english food don't go abroad go to scotland!

[Punkstig]

If you're a drinker everywhere in western Europe is expensive for beer.
Don't be put off by any language barrier concerns, English is understood pretty much all over.
As you're not looking for experienced red and black runs to ski on I think you have a bigger choice.
Personally I'd suggest seeing if you can get over to Bulgaria, admittedly it was 18 years ago that I went snowboarding there but it was awesome!

[Pat]

As Punkstig says, Bulgaria will be by far the cheapest option & provide more than adequate piste options for a newbie to spend a week on. Plenty of grilled meat & chips type of eating establishments too so you won't starve.


You can do it all yourself, but if it's your first time then I'd seriously suggest you use a package tour operator, then all you have to worry about is making sure you arrive at the airport on time with your ski clothes and insurance - don't rely on just an E111 card, it may cover medical costs but will not pay the fees to get you off the mountain. They'll handle the transfer to the resort, which is often a few hours away, and help sort out your kit rental etc.


Self catering is the cheapest, but I'd suggest looking at catered chalets, it'll cost more up front but often work out cheaper as you'll not be eating out in a restaurant every night, also the food will be more in line with your dietary requirements.


Avoid going in February, it's high season due to half term hols so you'll pay a lot more and get longer lift queues and more crowded slopes in return. January can be a real bargain, but colder and the weather less predictable, March is my favourite, but it's wise to look at higher altitude places to get the best snow conditions, particularly in France.


Last, but by no means least, socks!  Make sure you get some proper ski socks, you'll be spending all day clamped into a pair of ski boots, not having proper socks can ruin the whole experience.

[Exupnut]

And get a good ski helmet. Better than Schumacher's.

[richfzs]

Oh I shouldn't laugh... You are a very bad man...

[Exupnut]

I could argue i was merely stating a fact.......but I wasn't ;-)

[richfzs]

Whereas, I was merely stating a fact :-)

[Grahamm]

You can do it all yourself, but if it's your first time then I'd seriously suggest you use a package tour operator, then all you have to worry about is making sure you arrive at the airport on time with your ski clothes and insurance - don't rely on just an E111 card, it may cover medical costs but will not pay the fees to get you off the mountain. They'll handle the transfer to the resort, which is often a few hours away, and help sort out your kit rental etc.

Yes, I was definitely thinking a package tour would be easiest. I'll get an EHIC (for free, of course, I know about the scam websites that charge you to get it when you don't need to pay!) but I'll certainly get the insurance too as it's pretty cheap.

Self catering is the cheapest, but I'd suggest looking at catered chalets, it'll cost more up front but often work out cheaper as you'll not be eating out in a restaurant every night, also the food will be more in line with your dietary requirements.

That's useful to know, I was thinking I'd have to budget in an extra couple of hundred quid for food (fortunately I'm a non-drinker, so there's no cost for booze)

Avoid going in February, it's high season due to half term hols so you'll pay a lot more and get longer lift queues and more crowded slopes in return. January can be a real bargain, but colder and the weather less predictable, March is my favourite, but it's wise to look at higher altitude places to get the best snow conditions, particularly in France.

Ah, now that's useful to know. Not having kids I don't think about Half Term etc!

Last, but by no means least, socks!  Make sure you get some proper ski socks, you'll be spending all day clamped into a pair of ski boots, not having proper socks can ruin the whole experience.

I have the Heat Holders I use for the bike which have worked well for a couple of hours dry-slope skiing (and are toasty and warm too).

Thanks for the advice, it's appreciated

[goldfazer]

I've just booked (last week) a week in La Tania  (3 valleys) on 11th Jan in a catered chalet from Gatwick. Grand sum of £379!!!!

Booked at http://www.igluski.com/ - plenty of cheap deals around and the snow looks like it's arriving.

[Grahamm]

I've just booked (last week) a week in La Tania  (3 valleys) on 11th Jan in a catered chalet from Gatwick. Grand sum of £379!!!!

Sounds like a good deal!

Got any other useful tips?

[goldfazer]

Flights (anyone but Ryan Air...!) : Book a package, it's much cheaper than DIY.

Baggage and carry-on limits : Generally 20Kg + 5-10Kg. 

Ski and boot hire : Depends where you go. Usually cheaper to book in advance on t'web, just look for the cheapest in your resort. Worth comparing the package price as well.

Lift Pass : Buy when you get there. If in a big area, the area pass is usually not much more than the local area so is worth getting unless you're a real beginner.

Insurance : Std holiday cover including winter sports. Check for off-piste included if you may need it.

Language (it's a long time since I learned French or German, but I'd prefer to avoid just speaking loudly in English!)

They all speak Engreesh - half of them will be!

Availability of English food (regrettably I have very limited tastes in what I can eat) : Plenty of chips, steaks. If you're a veggie it may be limited. Not english, but usually pizza and spag bog etc. plentiful.

Other things to do whilst I'm not skiing! : Relax and recover!


any specific queries, email or pm me as I'm not here that much.