Help Please - Skiing for Single Beginners
Discussion
www.friendshiptravel.com/skiing.cfm
try google
In my experience there are usually some singles in Chalets even when Ive gone skiing with my partner.
In a chalet you get to mix with everyone there and are welcome inthe group - thgatway when you hitthe bars youre already knowing someone.
Ski scholl is full of singles and again you get to meet before hitting the bars.
I wouldnt book a hotel
Go for the chalet option
Good luck
try google
In my experience there are usually some singles in Chalets even when Ive gone skiing with my partner.
In a chalet you get to mix with everyone there and are welcome inthe group - thgatway when you hitthe bars youre already knowing someone.
Ski scholl is full of singles and again you get to meet before hitting the bars.
I wouldnt book a hotel
Go for the chalet option
Good luck
Ski club of Great Britain might be a good starting point as well. I know that they organise big group holidays and there are always loads of single people on that.
www.skiclub.co.uk
www.skiclub.co.uk
A friend recommended Small World Holidays for singles, but their website is blank. You could try calling 0870 902 7788.
I would avoid chalets (normally a dozen people or so) because they are usually dominated by one group, and it's luck of the draw whether they are cool or insufferable. Instead consider chalet-hotels. Run on the same lines as a chaelt, but with 50 or more guests, so you improve your odds. If you are fairly gregarious, you'll probably find some interesting people.
You could try Mark Warner (though quite expensive, because they load a lot of stuff). Their speciality is families and creche facilities, but some of their places less family than others. Either way avoid half term, because you get a strange crowd. I once went solo for a fortnight in Val d'Isere - the first week was superb with a great bunch, but the second week was dire. Either way, it's worth at least checking the brochure.
On Friendship Travel, I've actually been to the Cristallo in Courmayeur (when it was Mark Warner). It's probably quite a good choice:
- The skiing is a bit bland, but probably good for a beginner who's willing to be a bit adventurous.
- The main lift is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel with skis over your shoulder. The snow is unlikely to come below this lift, so you need to take another lift higher. But i seem to recall that the runs back to the mid station are quite easy, and wide - perfect for getting your snow legs and confidence. There are some nice restaurants.
- Courmayeur is south-facing. On the plus side that means sunny & hot. Downside is the snow can be poor (tip: there is some good snow and gentle pistes at the very top, which you'll be able to ski by the end of the week), and gets slushy in the afternoon. Go as early as you can to get the best snow.
- The hotel is a bit "rustic" but perfectly acceptable. They used to run a nice bar which was good for pre-prandials.
- The town is quite quiet - if it had snow it would be quite pretty. The bars will be quite quiet (so probably just right for you), and you would need to razz people up to get them out of the hotel.
But all in, I'd say it's probably a decent option for you.
I would avoid chalets (normally a dozen people or so) because they are usually dominated by one group, and it's luck of the draw whether they are cool or insufferable. Instead consider chalet-hotels. Run on the same lines as a chaelt, but with 50 or more guests, so you improve your odds. If you are fairly gregarious, you'll probably find some interesting people.
You could try Mark Warner (though quite expensive, because they load a lot of stuff). Their speciality is families and creche facilities, but some of their places less family than others. Either way avoid half term, because you get a strange crowd. I once went solo for a fortnight in Val d'Isere - the first week was superb with a great bunch, but the second week was dire. Either way, it's worth at least checking the brochure.
On Friendship Travel, I've actually been to the Cristallo in Courmayeur (when it was Mark Warner). It's probably quite a good choice:
- The skiing is a bit bland, but probably good for a beginner who's willing to be a bit adventurous.
- The main lift is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel with skis over your shoulder. The snow is unlikely to come below this lift, so you need to take another lift higher. But i seem to recall that the runs back to the mid station are quite easy, and wide - perfect for getting your snow legs and confidence. There are some nice restaurants.
- Courmayeur is south-facing. On the plus side that means sunny & hot. Downside is the snow can be poor (tip: there is some good snow and gentle pistes at the very top, which you'll be able to ski by the end of the week), and gets slushy in the afternoon. Go as early as you can to get the best snow.
- The hotel is a bit "rustic" but perfectly acceptable. They used to run a nice bar which was good for pre-prandials.
- The town is quite quiet - if it had snow it would be quite pretty. The bars will be quite quiet (so probably just right for you), and you would need to razz people up to get them out of the hotel.
But all in, I'd say it's probably a decent option for you.
I second the "get as many lessons before you go" advice. Any skiing holiday is expensive and having to spend much of it side stepping up a mountain or constantly falling over is a waste of money as well as a waste of opportunity.
In terms of ski clothing. A number of the retailers have sales on at the moment and you should be able to pick up a decentish coat and ski trousers for a good price. You'll definately need these as well as Waterproof gloves. Personally I've never splashed out more than £75 on ski trousers or £110 on a jacket and never had a problem (Been skiing 17 years including a ski season 2 years ago). Gloves however, will get wet if they arent good quality, and wet gloves soon turn to frozen gloves.
Other stuff you will need is Wooly hat, ski socks and layers (you can get away with long sleeve t-shirts and sweat shirts rather then roll necks and thermals although not as good).
For the first trip it can cost almost as much to equipped as it does for the holiday.
In terms of ski clothing. A number of the retailers have sales on at the moment and you should be able to pick up a decentish coat and ski trousers for a good price. You'll definately need these as well as Waterproof gloves. Personally I've never splashed out more than £75 on ski trousers or £110 on a jacket and never had a problem (Been skiing 17 years including a ski season 2 years ago). Gloves however, will get wet if they arent good quality, and wet gloves soon turn to frozen gloves.
Other stuff you will need is Wooly hat, ski socks and layers (you can get away with long sleeve t-shirts and sweat shirts rather then roll necks and thermals although not as good).
For the first trip it can cost almost as much to equipped as it does for the holiday.
I'm not single but due to the fact my husband was working unsociable shifts over the entire Xmas/ New Year and I had annual leave to use up, I went for a week snowboarding on my own...
It was brilliant - but I love travelling on my own anyway... plugged in my ipod and rocked butt off... I did more intense boarding during that week than ever done with other people in tow... stopping and faffing all the time!
I booked a chalet last minute well 14hrs before the flight left! (chose somewhere that had recent snow that way)... I managed to save at least 50% off the price... and I had a fantastic time - definitely book a chalet if you want to meet people though.
It can be a people lottery but in a big chalet you will most likely find someone you get on with!!
Check out www.thebigproject.com for useful links
Good luck! and yes do try to have as many lessons as possible before going.
A
It was brilliant - but I love travelling on my own anyway... plugged in my ipod and rocked butt off... I did more intense boarding during that week than ever done with other people in tow... stopping and faffing all the time!
I booked a chalet last minute well 14hrs before the flight left! (chose somewhere that had recent snow that way)... I managed to save at least 50% off the price... and I had a fantastic time - definitely book a chalet if you want to meet people though.
It can be a people lottery but in a big chalet you will most likely find someone you get on with!!
Check out www.thebigproject.com for useful links
Good luck! and yes do try to have as many lessons as possible before going.
A
Zulu..........i wish you well in your first venture into Skiing.
The G.F. and i like you were invited to Vald'esere right at the end of season (April) and will be practicing on "alp Chatham dry slop" to at least try and get some technique.
If our first taste goes o.k then its Bulgaria / slovenia / Canada ??
With regards to clothing , both of us have just got kitted out at T.K Max as they are currently clearing alot of ski wear...eg Jacket £50...trousers £30.00
Good luck
The G.F. and i like you were invited to Vald'esere right at the end of season (April) and will be practicing on "alp Chatham dry slop" to at least try and get some technique.
If our first taste goes o.k then its Bulgaria / slovenia / Canada ??
With regards to clothing , both of us have just got kitted out at T.K Max as they are currently clearing alot of ski wear...eg Jacket £50...trousers £30.00
Good luck
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