Recommendations for budget ski holiday
Discussion
My girlfriend and I are planning on going on a ski trip next February. The trip will be for my 30th and although I've been a few times it will be her first time skiing. She's a teacher so we're constrained to go around Feb10th to coincide with half term. Unfortunately, this makes it far more expensive and as we're planning a big holiday in the summer we're trying to do it as cheap as possible.
My first cheap ski holiday was to Borovets in Bulgaria, it was a fairly ugly town with lots of strip bars and the like so not really the sort of pretty little place i'd want to take the girlfriend. I'm just looking for ideas and experiences of other places you've been which although budget weren't also dog holes of a place to be in!
Really, all I'm looking for is half decent skiiing and a pretty village. I've heard Slovenia and other parts of Bulgaria are better but after Borovets I'm looking for reassurance!
Thanks in advance.
My first cheap ski holiday was to Borovets in Bulgaria, it was a fairly ugly town with lots of strip bars and the like so not really the sort of pretty little place i'd want to take the girlfriend. I'm just looking for ideas and experiences of other places you've been which although budget weren't also dog holes of a place to be in!
Really, all I'm looking for is half decent skiiing and a pretty village. I've heard Slovenia and other parts of Bulgaria are better but after Borovets I'm looking for reassurance!
Thanks in advance.
When did you go to Borovets?
Went recently and thought it was quite nice, apart from the begging kids everywhere. Only problem is the weather can be a bit hit and miss. First time we went it was perfect conditions all week, second time there hadn't been any snow for a while it was really icey
Went recently and thought it was quite nice, apart from the begging kids everywhere. Only problem is the weather can be a bit hit and miss. First time we went it was perfect conditions all week, second time there hadn't been any snow for a while it was really icey
sebdangerfield said:
My girlfriend and I are planning on going on a ski trip next February. The trip will be for my 30th and although I've been a few times it will be her first time skiing. She's a teacher so we're constrained to go around Feb10th to coincide with half term. Unfortunately, this makes it far more expensive and as we're planning a big holiday in the summer we're trying to do it as cheap as possible.
My first cheap ski holiday was to Borovets in Bulgaria, it was a fairly ugly town with lots of strip bars and the like so not really the sort of pretty little place i'd want to take the girlfriend. I'm just looking for ideas and experiences of other places you've been which although budget weren't also dog holes of a place to be in!
Really, all I'm looking for is half decent skiiing and a pretty village. I've heard Slovenia and other parts of Bulgaria are better but after Borovets I'm looking for reassurance!
Thanks in advance.
Another bloke asked similar on anther thread which is still on the goMy first cheap ski holiday was to Borovets in Bulgaria, it was a fairly ugly town with lots of strip bars and the like so not really the sort of pretty little place i'd want to take the girlfriend. I'm just looking for ideas and experiences of other places you've been which although budget weren't also dog holes of a place to be in!
Really, all I'm looking for is half decent skiiing and a pretty village. I've heard Slovenia and other parts of Bulgaria are better but after Borovets I'm looking for reassurance!
Thanks in advance.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
from the other thread said:
£1000pp is a decent budget by time you factor in passes, hire, etc. The vast majority of package deals are 7 nts with 6 days of skiing. Get yourself to an indoor slope and get a few hours in and that way your not wasting valuable skiing time once you're abroad. I took some mates who hadn't skied before abraod a few years back and they probably got between 5-10 hours indoors and it's supprising what you can do once you've had that sort of time indoors. What time of year will you go? ealry or late in the season you want to go high altitude to be snowsure,
As for resorts well there are literally hundreds within a ~2 hour flight of the UK. There are plenty with good slopes for beginners to early intermediates. These are sweeping generlisations but as a rule France is cheap(er) to get out there but expensive for food and drink when your out there, apres ski not up to much, resorts and towns generally not so pretty. Lots of choice, of where I've been in France I'd say Les Arc and Le Plange would be good for you plus they're huge should you want to progress and not go over the same runs all the time if you're there for 10 days. Le Rosiere is nice, and the pass also cover Le Thuile in Italy, Lift system is a bit crappy in places, south facing so gets allot of sun. Alpe d'Huez, Flaine and Les Gets also worth a look.
Austria, bit more expensive to get there but cheaper for food and drink. Apres ski vaires from little to nighclubs in the snow, it's wild but brilliant. Resorts are lower altitude than France (there are some that aren't) but are generally grassy under the snow rather than rock in France so requires less snow for a covering. Being further east weather patterns are different and generally get more snow. Many resorts are very pretty 'off the fornt of a chocolate box' which many people like. Take a look at Alpbach, Niederau, Mayrhofen and Obergurgl.
The rest. Switzerland expensive due to the exchange rate more so these days, Saas Fee and Wengen would suit beginners. Andorra Soldeu, not the bargain it once was but still cheaper than most once you're there. Lots of blues and allot of the reds would be blue in french or Austrian resorts. Italy have a look at Cortina or Cervina. I've found Italy is getting more expensive for packages, I like Italy and it's much chepaer than France when you're there.
Stay away from Bulgaria. Although I've never been what I've heard about it I just wouldn't waste my money.
Skiing is expensive at the best of times but in the school holiday prices seem to go up another 25% min. Although I haven't been to Bulgaria so it might seem me odd bashing it, everything I hear about it says don't waste your money. It doesn't even seem that cheap getting their anymore vs the French, Austrian, Italian resorts etc. Staying in a catered chalet can help keeps costs down, i.e. you get all your meals except one day and wine or beer with your meals, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening meal.As for resorts well there are literally hundreds within a ~2 hour flight of the UK. There are plenty with good slopes for beginners to early intermediates. These are sweeping generlisations but as a rule France is cheap(er) to get out there but expensive for food and drink when your out there, apres ski not up to much, resorts and towns generally not so pretty. Lots of choice, of where I've been in France I'd say Les Arc and Le Plange would be good for you plus they're huge should you want to progress and not go over the same runs all the time if you're there for 10 days. Le Rosiere is nice, and the pass also cover Le Thuile in Italy, Lift system is a bit crappy in places, south facing so gets allot of sun. Alpe d'Huez, Flaine and Les Gets also worth a look.
Austria, bit more expensive to get there but cheaper for food and drink. Apres ski vaires from little to nighclubs in the snow, it's wild but brilliant. Resorts are lower altitude than France (there are some that aren't) but are generally grassy under the snow rather than rock in France so requires less snow for a covering. Being further east weather patterns are different and generally get more snow. Many resorts are very pretty 'off the fornt of a chocolate box' which many people like. Take a look at Alpbach, Niederau, Mayrhofen and Obergurgl.
The rest. Switzerland expensive due to the exchange rate more so these days, Saas Fee and Wengen would suit beginners. Andorra Soldeu, not the bargain it once was but still cheaper than most once you're there. Lots of blues and allot of the reds would be blue in french or Austrian resorts. Italy have a look at Cortina or Cervina. I've found Italy is getting more expensive for packages, I like Italy and it's much chepaer than France when you're there.
Stay away from Bulgaria. Although I've never been what I've heard about it I just wouldn't waste my money.
I've tried a few times to do DIY trips but they are seldom cheaper than going with a package deal who offer 2 for 1 passes etc. Flights into Geneva are usually dirt cheap (<£60). A few to look at within an hour of Geneva are, Flaine, Les Gets, and Chamonix (amongst others).
lord-of-creation said:
When did you go to Borovets?
Went recently and thought it was quite nice, apart from the begging kids everywhere. Only problem is the weather can be a bit hit and miss. First time we went it was perfect conditions all week, second time there hadn't been any snow for a while it was really icey
It was 2004 and 2005. First time I went with the girlfriend and second it was with the lads as a result of the findings on the first trip! There were about 6 strip clubs and prostitutes in most of the bars. If it's not like that anymore it may be worth a look at the right price. Perhaps they cleaned it up after the world cup in Pamporovo. Went recently and thought it was quite nice, apart from the begging kids everywhere. Only problem is the weather can be a bit hit and miss. First time we went it was perfect conditions all week, second time there hadn't been any snow for a while it was really icey
andrew311 said:
Skiing is expensive at the best of times but in the school holiday prices seem to go up another 25% min. Although I haven't been to Bulgaria so it might seem me odd bashing it, everything I hear about it says don't waste your money. It doesn't even seem that cheap getting their anymore vs the French, Austrian, Italian resorts etc. Staying in a catered chalet can help keeps costs down, i.e. you get all your meals except one day and wine or beer with your meals, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening meal.
I've tried a few times to do DIY trips but they are seldom cheaper than going with a package deal who offer 2 for 1 passes etc. Flights into Geneva are usually dirt cheap (<£60). A few to look at within an hour of Geneva are, Flaine, Les Gets, and Chamonix (amongst others).
Thanks, I've just been looking through that one. I've since found a deal to Princesca Parc and spa in Andorra for only a few hundred pounds more than Bulgaria. I'm surprised at how much more expensive Bulgaria's become. I've tried a few times to do DIY trips but they are seldom cheaper than going with a package deal who offer 2 for 1 passes etc. Flights into Geneva are usually dirt cheap (<£60). A few to look at within an hour of Geneva are, Flaine, Les Gets, and Chamonix (amongst others).
I've started to look at a few catered chalets as they seem really cheap and good value. I'm struggling to find them other than places friends have gone to and they're booked for the hols when we can go. Any recommendations for sites to search or individual chalets?
sebdangerfield said:
Thanks, I've just been looking through that one. I've since found a deal to Princesca Parc and spa in Andorra for only a few hundred pounds more than Bulgaria. I'm surprised at how much more expensive Bulgaria's become.
I've started to look at a few catered chalets as they seem really cheap and good value. I'm struggling to find them other than places friends have gone to and they're booked for the hols when we can go. Any recommendations for sites to search or individual chalets?
I find Crystal have been really good value by time you factor in a 2 for 1 or buy 1 get 1 half price lift pass (bearing in mind area passes are ~£200pp it makes a difference). WOuldn't be supprised if this excludes school holidays though. TUI group own Crystal, Thompson, and First Choice, Neilson Dircet Ski etc are one to have a look at. I'm only speaking from my own experience for trying to get 3 separate weeks in between Jan and March next year but haven't been able to get near Crystals prices this year.I've started to look at a few catered chalets as they seem really cheap and good value. I'm struggling to find them other than places friends have gone to and they're booked for the hols when we can go. Any recommendations for sites to search or individual chalets?
Andorra is good, Arinsal and Pal while nicer resorts aren't part if the Grandvalira so skiing is far more limited. From what I remember the Grandvalira area pass has rocketed in recent years and Chalets in Andorra or almost non-existant. Andorra is really good gor beginners and intermediates IMO.
andrew311 said:
I find Crystal have been really good value by time you factor in a 2 for 1 or buy 1 get 1 half price lift pass (bearing in mind area passes are ~£200pp it makes a difference). WOuldn't be supprised if this excludes school holidays though. TUI group own Crystal, Thompson, and First Choice, Neilson Dircet Ski etc are one to have a look at. I'm only speaking from my own experience for trying to get 3 separate weeks in between Jan and March next year but haven't been able to get near Crystals prices this year.
Andorra is good, Arinsal and Pal while nicer resorts aren't part if the Grandvalira so skiing is far more limited. From what I remember the Grandvalira area pass has rocketed in recent years and Chalets in Andorra or almost non-existant. Andorra is really good gor beginners and intermediates IMO.
I've a friend who runs sugar mountain in Morzine but they're fully booked and I'm swaying more toward a hotel. Hopefully with some sort of pool incase my girlfriend doesn't enjoy the skiing. I've been to Andorra before and stayed in Pas de la casa. It was very rowdy but felt much more like a proper resort than Bulgaria. I've found a deal on the Piolets Park and spa in Soldeu. It looks nice and hopefully Soldeu is a little quieter than Pas. Andorra is good, Arinsal and Pal while nicer resorts aren't part if the Grandvalira so skiing is far more limited. From what I remember the Grandvalira area pass has rocketed in recent years and Chalets in Andorra or almost non-existant. Andorra is really good gor beginners and intermediates IMO.
Where did you stay in Andora?
sebdangerfield said:
I've a friend who runs sugar mountain in Morzine but they're fully booked and I'm swaying more toward a hotel. Hopefully with some sort of pool incase my girlfriend doesn't enjoy the skiing. I've been to Andorra before and stayed in Pas de la casa. It was very rowdy but felt much more like a proper resort than Bulgaria. I've found a deal on the Piolets Park and spa in Soldeu. It looks nice and hopefully Soldeu is a little quieter than Pas.
Where did you stay in Andora?
Andorra used to be the family mainstay every year back when it was stupid cheap. Soldeu is def nicer if you're going with your GF, as you say Pas is a bit Ibiza in the snow. It's been a while since I've been now, I've a good haul before I get to my nearest UK airport and the long-ish transfer has put me off. If memory serves me correctly it's about 3 hrs from Tolouse and longer from Barcelona, couple that with the pricey lift pass and I've gone elsewhere when parting with my own funds! Bang for your buck Andorra is still good value and if I were on a budget wouldn't hesitate to return.Where did you stay in Andora?
NOTE TO SELF NEVER MARRY A TEACHER!!!
andrew311 said:
Andorra used to be the family mainstay every year back when it was stupid cheap. Soldeu is def nicer if you're going with your GF, as you say Pas is a bit Ibiza in the snow. It's been a while since I've been now, I've a good haul before I get to my nearest UK airport and the long-ish transfer has put me off. If memory serves me correctly it's about 3 hrs from Tolouse and longer from Barcelona, couple that with the pricey lift pass and I've gone elsewhere when parting with my own funds! Bang for your buck Andorra is still good value and if I were on a budget wouldn't hesitate to return.
NOTE TO SELF NEVER MARRY A TEACHER!!!
Thanks for all the advice. I think we'll go for Andorra. Really have to agree about not marrying a teacher! I knew the price of holidays goes up in the summer but skiing seems to be far worse. Best I've got for Andorra with passes and hire in a 3 star hotel in Feb half term is £2741. The same holiday at the end of January is £1651 hence the need for cheap because we've got a fairly nice summer holiday to book too.NOTE TO SELF NEVER MARRY A TEACHER!!!
She needs to start going on term time sickies like the majority of the kids she teaches!
Try looking online at hotels in Megeve and get flights separately to Geneva. There are hotels showing rooms for circa 1200 euros for 2 people.
Haven't been to Megeve for 4 years or so but its a pretty village about 1.5 hours from Geneva. We always hired a car. Not the highest of resorts but nice wooded slopes and decent lifts although there is one button lift marked as Tres Difficile and on a board they were understating.
Here is a link Megeve example
edited to add, just realised this is the hotel I stayed in last time. Its 10 mins walk from the centre (allowing for slippy snow underfoot and a few beers!), owner is great and will drive you in his 4x4 to the ski lifts to save you the 10 min walk
Haven't been to Megeve for 4 years or so but its a pretty village about 1.5 hours from Geneva. We always hired a car. Not the highest of resorts but nice wooded slopes and decent lifts although there is one button lift marked as Tres Difficile and on a board they were understating.
Here is a link Megeve example
edited to add, just realised this is the hotel I stayed in last time. Its 10 mins walk from the centre (allowing for slippy snow underfoot and a few beers!), owner is great and will drive you in his 4x4 to the ski lifts to save you the 10 min walk
Edited by blueg33 on Tuesday 30th August 21:01
OP, I've stayed in Soldeu, Andorra for the last 2 years in late Jan / early Feb. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Many people just associate Andorra with Pas, which is a mistake. I 'boarded over to Pas when I was last in Soldeu and it's a horrible place; nothing like Soldeu. IMO, Soldeu is a little gem of a resort and I will certainly go again. There is another small resort a bit further along (El Tarter) which might be worth a look however its rather quiet.
I've stayed at the Sport and the Sport Village. Both very good, but I'd stretch to the Sport Village when I go again. Skiing / snowboarding is excellent too.
If you need any more info or have any questions just ask.
Many people just associate Andorra with Pas, which is a mistake. I 'boarded over to Pas when I was last in Soldeu and it's a horrible place; nothing like Soldeu. IMO, Soldeu is a little gem of a resort and I will certainly go again. There is another small resort a bit further along (El Tarter) which might be worth a look however its rather quiet.
I've stayed at the Sport and the Sport Village. Both very good, but I'd stretch to the Sport Village when I go again. Skiing / snowboarding is excellent too.
If you need any more info or have any questions just ask.
I went with a group once at New Year as my mates Mrs was a teacher so 9 others had to pay through the teeth and the rest of us weren't mean enough to say 'sorry, but see you later.' More annoying was when we get there she couldn't ski for toffee so another lesson learnt is not to go with people who are way poorer skiers than you are.
TBH though I think all in, catered chalets, passes, hire came to just under a grand, that was Le Rosiere in France, not a bad little resort especially when you get over in to Le Thuille.
TBH though I think all in, catered chalets, passes, hire came to just under a grand, that was Le Rosiere in France, not a bad little resort especially when you get over in to Le Thuille.
Slightly higher risk as it's peak week but just wait until nearer the time and see what last minute deals are available. Travel Agents always bang on about book early, less holidays available this season etc. but they always have last minute deals available. As there are just the two of you and you are fully flexible on resort there shouldn't be much problem.
Also people have mentioned getting a few lessons here at indoor slopes before you go. Personally I wouldn't bother. What you pay for a couple of hours here will almost fund a week in Ski School in resort.
Also people have mentioned getting a few lessons here at indoor slopes before you go. Personally I wouldn't bother. What you pay for a couple of hours here will almost fund a week in Ski School in resort.
sebdangerfield said:
Thanks for all the advice. I think we'll go for Andorra. Really have to agree about not marrying a teacher! I knew the price of holidays goes up in the summer but skiing seems to be far worse. Best I've got for Andorra with passes and hire in a 3 star hotel in Feb half term is £2741. The same holiday at the end of January is £1651 hence the need for cheap because we've got a fairly nice summer holiday to book too.
She needs to start going on term time sickies like the majority of the kids she teaches!
Before you book have a look at interski.co.uk. Italy, half board + lunch vouchers, lift passes, for around £950pp flying, less by coach, for w/c 12/2She needs to start going on term time sickies like the majority of the kids she teaches!
(less early booking discount £50 if booked before end Sept)
I'm desparate to take my 2 kids ... it is all very expensive though.
Edit. Right, adding in ski & boot hire AND group lessons (5 days x 2hrs):
£998 each by coach, or £150 extra by air.
Half board @ Aosta/Pila Hotel Turin + lunch vouchers
Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 31st August 15:44
Try this http://www.snowbombing.com/en/book/ I did it a few years ago and it worked out well price wise, but you do have to get your own flight's.
On lads ski trips my riding gets progressively worse during the week. I think my skill level in inversley proportional to the amount of "Old lager" consumed during the week. Day 1 is back country off piste powder heaven, day 6 nursery slopes are too much of a challenge and a button lift a nightmare
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