Skiing next January..
Discussion
Looking to book a [first] family trip skiing for the end of January 2012.
I have skied many times in the past (ie 'intermediate'), but haven't strapped on a pair of skis for nearly 20 years; the nipper (21) has never skied on snow but is OK on a dry slope; the Mrs doesn't fancy the skiing, but is quite happy to mooch around a nice village during the day, spend time in a spa, pool, bar (!) etc..
We visited Bad Hofgastein (near Salzburg) a couple of years ago and she loved the village, so she has become slightly focused on that as a venue.
I'm not against BH, but has anyone any other recommendations for a decent destination which will offer something for all 3 of us ?
Also, where's the best place to buy lift, ski & boot packages these days - online beforehand, or at the resort ?
Cheers for any suggestions...
I have skied many times in the past (ie 'intermediate'), but haven't strapped on a pair of skis for nearly 20 years; the nipper (21) has never skied on snow but is OK on a dry slope; the Mrs doesn't fancy the skiing, but is quite happy to mooch around a nice village during the day, spend time in a spa, pool, bar (!) etc..
We visited Bad Hofgastein (near Salzburg) a couple of years ago and she loved the village, so she has become slightly focused on that as a venue.
I'm not against BH, but has anyone any other recommendations for a decent destination which will offer something for all 3 of us ?
Also, where's the best place to buy lift, ski & boot packages these days - online beforehand, or at the resort ?
Cheers for any suggestions...
Large parts of Europe have got absolutely no snow at the moment
This webcam is in Verbier at 2700m which is a lot higher than a lot of European ski resorts.
http://www.verbinet.com/webcams/a-view-from-the-at...
This webcam is in Verbier at 2700m which is a lot higher than a lot of European ski resorts.
http://www.verbinet.com/webcams/a-view-from-the-at...
To be honest, I hadn't even looked at where there was (or wasn't snow) at the moment - suppose that should have been one of my first considerations..
Last time I went, we booked the holiday about 2 weeks beforehand and picked the resort largely because of the excellent snow conditions it was experiencing at that time.
Maybe we should let the snow start falling before we start looking to book..
Last time I went, we booked the holiday about 2 weeks beforehand and picked the resort largely because of the excellent snow conditions it was experiencing at that time.
Maybe we should let the snow start falling before we start looking to book..
Hi there. Things will certainly have changed since you last skied then! The equipment is the biggy assuming your last outing was on the old straight long skis? Parabolic shaped skis vs old straight skis. Can you get to an indoor slope to break yourself back in? The basic techniques for modern skis is very much different and easier, and the ski techniques are easier to learn. I can see the attraction to BH or Bad Gastien they’re very nice ‘spa’ town if not a little hilly.
I’d argue it’s not the best place to go for the skiing though as the Angertal area where the beginners head to will probably require a bus ride (always choose your accoms carefully location wise for what is best suited to you). I think you still get access to the whole ski Amade area on the same pass and if so it’s a huge area.
I find it quite funny how people are starting to panic about conditions while we’re still in November. Pre Christmas week has always been a gamble conditions wise unless you head to a glacier and this year is no different to others last time there was no significant fall in November was 2009 and around the 7th it dumped and dumped. The end of January you’ll be fine and if there’s no snow the entire Alps will be in huge trouble. If these resorts weren’t viable they wouldn’t be there so don’t let anyone scare you into believing you’ll turn up and not be able to do any skiing! Having said that if you’re flexible enough waiting to see where the ‘best’ conditions are is never a bad thing just don’t expect to get exactly what you want doing it this way (thinking exact resort hotel etc).
If you’re Mrs doesn’t fancy the skiing I’d pick a proper town instead of a purpose built resort. I haven’t been yet (going Feb) to Kitzbheul and that must be one of the prettiest ski towns around plus has plenty for non-skiers. If that won’t be enough for your OH consider staying somewhere like Salzburg or Innsbruck but that would inconvenience you ski wise i.e. daily bus to the slopes harder to meet at lunch etc.
Other resorts I’ve been to and would recommend for non-skiers are:
Cortina d'Ampezzo, (Italy)
If you’re flush consider St Moritz or Zermatt, (Switzerland)
There are some cracking deals around for Switzerland given the strength of the Swiss Franc it’s going to be quiet this year it seems with Brits but with deals such as 2 for 1 lift passes and if you go for a catered chalet costs should be kept down.
I’d argue it’s not the best place to go for the skiing though as the Angertal area where the beginners head to will probably require a bus ride (always choose your accoms carefully location wise for what is best suited to you). I think you still get access to the whole ski Amade area on the same pass and if so it’s a huge area.
I find it quite funny how people are starting to panic about conditions while we’re still in November. Pre Christmas week has always been a gamble conditions wise unless you head to a glacier and this year is no different to others last time there was no significant fall in November was 2009 and around the 7th it dumped and dumped. The end of January you’ll be fine and if there’s no snow the entire Alps will be in huge trouble. If these resorts weren’t viable they wouldn’t be there so don’t let anyone scare you into believing you’ll turn up and not be able to do any skiing! Having said that if you’re flexible enough waiting to see where the ‘best’ conditions are is never a bad thing just don’t expect to get exactly what you want doing it this way (thinking exact resort hotel etc).
If you’re Mrs doesn’t fancy the skiing I’d pick a proper town instead of a purpose built resort. I haven’t been yet (going Feb) to Kitzbheul and that must be one of the prettiest ski towns around plus has plenty for non-skiers. If that won’t be enough for your OH consider staying somewhere like Salzburg or Innsbruck but that would inconvenience you ski wise i.e. daily bus to the slopes harder to meet at lunch etc.
Other resorts I’ve been to and would recommend for non-skiers are:
Cortina d'Ampezzo, (Italy)
If you’re flush consider St Moritz or Zermatt, (Switzerland)
There are some cracking deals around for Switzerland given the strength of the Swiss Franc it’s going to be quiet this year it seems with Brits but with deals such as 2 for 1 lift passes and if you go for a catered chalet costs should be kept down.
Andrew,
Really appreciate you taking the time to type such a comprehensive and informative post - top man..
Good to hear that the equipment might make for a slightly easier time of it nowadays ! As for how we'll cope - we plan a few trips to our local dry slope, maybe a trip or two to Milton Keynes, and plenty of runs out on the pushbikes !
Not looked at Kitzbuhel yet - have been steering clear of World Cup resorts on the assumption they would be busier and stupidly expensive as a result. But it is true that I don't want the Mrs to be bored during the day, so a bigger 'town' might have more to offer.
If there are places offering 2-for-1 lift / ski packs, then that will make a significant difference to the package price - I'll go hunting for offers..
Thanks again - some great info posted, very useful..
Really appreciate you taking the time to type such a comprehensive and informative post - top man..
Good to hear that the equipment might make for a slightly easier time of it nowadays ! As for how we'll cope - we plan a few trips to our local dry slope, maybe a trip or two to Milton Keynes, and plenty of runs out on the pushbikes !
Not looked at Kitzbuhel yet - have been steering clear of World Cup resorts on the assumption they would be busier and stupidly expensive as a result. But it is true that I don't want the Mrs to be bored during the day, so a bigger 'town' might have more to offer.
If there are places offering 2-for-1 lift / ski packs, then that will make a significant difference to the package price - I'll go hunting for offers..
Thanks again - some great info posted, very useful..
SS2. said:
Andrew,
Really appreciate you taking the time to type such a comprehensive and informative post - top man..
Good to hear that the equipment might make for a slightly easier time of it nowadays ! As for how we'll cope - we plan a few trips to our local dry slope, maybe a trip or two to Milton Keynes, and plenty of runs out on the pushbikes !
Not looked at Kitzbuhel yet - have been steering clear of World Cup resorts on the assumption they would be busier and stupidly expensive as a result. But it is true that I don't want the Mrs to be bored during the day, so a bigger 'town' might have more to offer.
If there are places offering 2-for-1 lift / ski packs, then that will make a significant difference to the package price - I'll go hunting for offers..
Thanks again - some great info posted, very useful..
No worries mate glad to help. FYI the Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm is 20-22 January next year. I never answered your question about hire gear etc. Put it this way you probably won't pay anymore if you wait until you get there with the passes unless of course you get one of the deals I previously mentioned. Gear hire generally the same, it's easy enough to check prices online vs the tour operator most ski resorts have at least one Intersport. You'll probably get discount if you boook ahead rather than paying in the shop when you get there.Really appreciate you taking the time to type such a comprehensive and informative post - top man..
Good to hear that the equipment might make for a slightly easier time of it nowadays ! As for how we'll cope - we plan a few trips to our local dry slope, maybe a trip or two to Milton Keynes, and plenty of runs out on the pushbikes !
Not looked at Kitzbuhel yet - have been steering clear of World Cup resorts on the assumption they would be busier and stupidly expensive as a result. But it is true that I don't want the Mrs to be bored during the day, so a bigger 'town' might have more to offer.
If there are places offering 2-for-1 lift / ski packs, then that will make a significant difference to the package price - I'll go hunting for offers..
Thanks again - some great info posted, very useful..
Crystal do a Ski+ deal where you get passes, and hire all included don't know how good value they are but maybe worth a look. Given you'll be getting your ski legs back no point getting an area pass, get a local one then if you fancy it you can upgrade for a day or whatever.
Just to note, if you decide on kitz, all of the lifts at the bottom are 'free', so if you need a day or two to get back in to it, there's no need to buy a pass.
One thing to be careful of, ski and boot hire can now be expensive (everywhere).
Last year, being quoted about 50-60 EUR for a week's boot hire, we went to a shop that I know just side of town that's like an 'outlet' for ski gear. My mate managed to get a really nice, comfortable pair of boots, loads of buckles and clips, half price at 99 EUR. When he went to pay for them, the assistant said it was a special offer day, and he could get another 20% off.
So, rather than 60 EUR to hire a snotty pair of well used boots, for 20 more, he got a brand new pair, and took them home with him. Realistically, he only has to use them for another week and they're paid for. Crazy.
If you end up in Kitz, drop me a pm as I can make a few suggestions.
And I'm not sure why you want to avoid world cup weekend, it's great fun, and empty slopes!
One thing to be careful of, ski and boot hire can now be expensive (everywhere).
Last year, being quoted about 50-60 EUR for a week's boot hire, we went to a shop that I know just side of town that's like an 'outlet' for ski gear. My mate managed to get a really nice, comfortable pair of boots, loads of buckles and clips, half price at 99 EUR. When he went to pay for them, the assistant said it was a special offer day, and he could get another 20% off.
So, rather than 60 EUR to hire a snotty pair of well used boots, for 20 more, he got a brand new pair, and took them home with him. Realistically, he only has to use them for another week and they're paid for. Crazy.
If you end up in Kitz, drop me a pm as I can make a few suggestions.
And I'm not sure why you want to avoid world cup weekend, it's great fun, and empty slopes!
And I forgot to mention....
Budget wise, Austria looks more expensive than France because accommodation is more expensive. However, eating and drinking is far far cheaper, so it evens out.
The spa hotels in Kitz (look for 'Wellness') are all mostly good, as they cater for the wealthy German tourists in the summer, standards are high.
The Tiefenbrunner is a nice hotel, has a good spa, and centre of town. The best western is nice too. Sport hotel lovely, but a little noisy outside! If you want a second opinion on any in particular, let me know as we will probably have been in the bar/restaurant of most in town.
Oh, and find out if there's an ice hockey game on for the week you're there. Ten minute walk to the stadium, and the local team are excellent.
Budget wise, Austria looks more expensive than France because accommodation is more expensive. However, eating and drinking is far far cheaper, so it evens out.
The spa hotels in Kitz (look for 'Wellness') are all mostly good, as they cater for the wealthy German tourists in the summer, standards are high.
The Tiefenbrunner is a nice hotel, has a good spa, and centre of town. The best western is nice too. Sport hotel lovely, but a little noisy outside! If you want a second opinion on any in particular, let me know as we will probably have been in the bar/restaurant of most in town.
Oh, and find out if there's an ice hockey game on for the week you're there. Ten minute walk to the stadium, and the local team are excellent.
Andrew / Maser,
Great info there, guys - much appreciated..
I must admit I've always fancied a trip to Kitzbuhel - not really sure why, but it's certainly one that I'll be having a good look at.
Interesting that boot hire has got so expensive. Might even have a look at picking up a pair in the UK.
Thanks again for the advice - I'll update the thread when we have booked a trip..
Great info there, guys - much appreciated..
I must admit I've always fancied a trip to Kitzbuhel - not really sure why, but it's certainly one that I'll be having a good look at.
Interesting that boot hire has got so expensive. Might even have a look at picking up a pair in the UK.
Thanks again for the advice - I'll update the thread when we have booked a trip..
SS2. said:
Interesting that boot hire has got so expensive. Might even have a look at picking up a pair in the UK.
Daleboot have a shop in Kitz and are meant to be the dogs but don't expect much change out of £500! Tbh you're looking at about £300+ for an off the shelf boot with custom insoles. All depends on if you've stuggled with boot comfort in the past or not.http://www.welove2ski.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=301&am...
andrew311 said:
SS2. said:
Interesting that boot hire has got so expensive. Might even have a look at picking up a pair in the UK.
Daleboot have a shop in Kitz and are meant to be the dogs but don't expect much change out of £500! Tbh you're looking at about £300+ for an off the shelf boot with custom insoles. All depends on if you've stuggled with boot comfort in the past or not.http://www.welove2ski.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=301&am...
£500 sounds like a lot, but actually, if you make sure you USE them, it's really not.
I worked out the other day, my first 'proper' pair of ski boots I bought, I was 16, in 1996. Tecnica TNT (the bright orange ones) for about £300. They exploded in Chamonix a few years ago, so I replaced them with a pair of top of the range Salomons, at about £350 all-in.
Sounds expensive, but I've spent about £650 on ski boots since 1996. That's £43 a year, to wear some of the best boots on the market. If you do 2 weeks every year, that's just over £20 a week. Significantly cheaper than hiring, and far superior kit.
As has already been said, a decent pair of ski boots is a really good investment even if you only do a week each year. £200 will get you something pretty good, and they'll pay for themselves in about five weeks compared to hiring.
Keep us updated OP!
I would look at Meribel. It is part of the 3 valleys and there will be loads for you to do ski wise and loads for the Missus. There is Courcheval, Val Thorens and Les Munieres all to see and I think you can get a car between them without too much fuss unless it has just dumped it down. I think the lower Brides-les-Bains has a spa in it too and only 20 mins on the lift.
It is a well established resort and with enough space and price difference that you can go from £300pw up to £30,000 p/w if you want!
It is a well established resort and with enough space and price difference that you can go from £300pw up to £30,000 p/w if you want!
BluePurpleRed said:
I would look at Meribel. It is part of the 3 valleys and there will be loads for you to do ski wise and loads for the Missus. There is Courcheval, Val Thorens and Les Munieres all to see and I think you can get a car between them without too much fuss unless it has just dumped it down. I think the lower Brides-les-Bains has a spa in it too and only 20 mins on the lift.
It is a well established resort and with enough space and price difference that you can go from £300pw up to £30,000 p/w if you want!
That's where we're going in Jan, a great place, the amount of ground you can cover in a week (or a day if you're keen) is epic - check out the "Three Valleys Escapade" and get your certificate on completion!It is a well established resort and with enough space and price difference that you can go from £300pw up to £30,000 p/w if you want!
Getting a trifle concerned over the lack of snow though. Weather forecasts seem to be constantly showing snow towards the end of the week, but it ends up staying at the end of the week and never actually happening..
Kitzbuhel is great and should have snow in January, but it's not unheard of for the downhill to be canceled.
It's not a cheap town, though, even by Austrian standards.
Bad Hofgastein is a good choice, it's more characterful than many resorts I've been to in Austria and nothing in France comes close.
If you fancy France, what about Avoriaz? Great range of skiing, traffic free village with horse drawn sledges to get you around, decent selection of shops and restaurants and only an easy ski or gentle cable car ride from the large valley town of Morzine.
Has the big advantage over the 3 Vallees and Val D'Isere of being pretty cheap too.
M.
It's not a cheap town, though, even by Austrian standards.
Bad Hofgastein is a good choice, it's more characterful than many resorts I've been to in Austria and nothing in France comes close.
If you fancy France, what about Avoriaz? Great range of skiing, traffic free village with horse drawn sledges to get you around, decent selection of shops and restaurants and only an easy ski or gentle cable car ride from the large valley town of Morzine.
Has the big advantage over the 3 Vallees and Val D'Isere of being pretty cheap too.
M.
marcosgt said:
Kitzbuhel is great and should have snow in January, but it's not unheard of for the downhill to be canceled.
It's not a cheap town, though, even by Austrian standards.
Bad Hofgastein is a good choice, it's more characterful than many resorts I've been to in Austria and nothing in France comes close.
If you fancy France, what about Avoriaz? Great range of skiing, traffic free village with horse drawn sledges to get you around, decent selection of shops and restaurants and only an easy ski or gentle cable car ride from the large valley town of Morzine.
Has the big advantage over the 3 Vallees and Val D'Isere of being pretty cheap too.
M.
Everybody says Kitzbuhel is expensive, which I find very strange, because it's really not. It's not a cheap town, though, even by Austrian standards.
Bad Hofgastein is a good choice, it's more characterful than many resorts I've been to in Austria and nothing in France comes close.
If you fancy France, what about Avoriaz? Great range of skiing, traffic free village with horse drawn sledges to get you around, decent selection of shops and restaurants and only an easy ski or gentle cable car ride from the large valley town of Morzine.
Has the big advantage over the 3 Vallees and Val D'Isere of being pretty cheap too.
M.
Yes, there are a lot of boutiques that you can drop £50k on a diamond Rolex or whatever, but actual living costs are ridiculously inexpensive.
OK, a night out in Kitz;
Dinner in Stubl, set meal, three courses - 8 Euros p/p.
Night out to the Ice Hockey - 7 Euros p/p.
A few beers to wash it down with - about 3-4 Euros each.
That's a damned sight cheaper than a night out to the Cinema in the UK!
Thanks for all the very helpful tips and advice, guys. Much appreciated.
We (or rather the Mrs) spent a long time hunting around for the right compromise for the 3 of us (ie 2 skiing, 1 not) and, influenced quite heavily by the fact she fell for the village the first time we went there (and comments in this thread), Bad Hofgastein it is.
All booked up - good flights in and out of Luton, 2 rooms (half-board) in a 4* hotel, transfers, passes, equipment hire, etc, and it came in at a pie & a pint over £2k.
Just need to get to the local dry slope now and see if my body can remember what it is supposed to be doing !
And good to see that the snow has now started to fall..
We (or rather the Mrs) spent a long time hunting around for the right compromise for the 3 of us (ie 2 skiing, 1 not) and, influenced quite heavily by the fact she fell for the village the first time we went there (and comments in this thread), Bad Hofgastein it is.
All booked up - good flights in and out of Luton, 2 rooms (half-board) in a 4* hotel, transfers, passes, equipment hire, etc, and it came in at a pie & a pint over £2k.
Just need to get to the local dry slope now and see if my body can remember what it is supposed to be doing !
And good to see that the snow has now started to fall..
maser_spyder said:
Everybody says Kitzbuhel is expensive, which I find very strange, because it's really not.
Yes, there are a lot of boutiques that you can drop £50k on a diamond Rolex or whatever, but actual living costs are ridiculously inexpensive.
OK, a night out in Kitz;
Dinner in Stubl, set meal, three courses - 8 Euros p/p.
Night out to the Ice Hockey - 7 Euros p/p.
A few beers to wash it down with - about 3-4 Euros each.
That's a damned sight cheaper than a night out to the Cinema in the UK!
Yes, there are a lot of boutiques that you can drop £50k on a diamond Rolex or whatever, but actual living costs are ridiculously inexpensive.
OK, a night out in Kitz;
Dinner in Stubl, set meal, three courses - 8 Euros p/p.
Night out to the Ice Hockey - 7 Euros p/p.
A few beers to wash it down with - about 3-4 Euros each.
That's a damned sight cheaper than a night out to the Cinema in the UK!
Don't listen to this man, he's only in it to push toboganing on you. Kitz is a place of extremes, you can spend £5+ on a pint at the Londoner or £2.50 at the Irish bar 5mins walk away. Same with food, £00's in fancy hotel or (best option) Tiroler rostle in local eatery for £7. Chinese opposite the Austrian place was pretty good value to. Window shopping expensive watches and multimillion pound chalets was awesome although it does remind you just how poor you are
Kitz also has some lovely cars on show, saw plenty of exotics and the narrow streets really help the exhaust note
How they keep their cars on the icy cobbles staggers me, my 996 would be in the lobby of some fancy hotel after just a few seconds on the loud pedal.Bit O/T but the Skiwelt is looking better by the hour, snow coverage goes right down to the towns. Roll on Jan!
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