Welcome to the addictzone. :mrgreen:
I'd say as a first timer the best option is with a tour operator. All you need to worry about is paying for it - all other details can be left to them.
First time skiing - how to book?
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Think very carefully before you make your decision, do a bit of homework and read some of the J2ski reports on eastern europe 8)
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Started by Beckiboo in Beginning Skiing 14-Oct-2009 - 11 Replies
Hamish Macbeth
reply to 'First time skiing - how to book?' posted Oct-2009
It's only a slope.
Coops2
reply to 'First time skiing - how to book?' posted Oct-2009
Beckiboo, as an avid skier, but with a less than avid better half, can I suggest a couple of points.
1. TA can take the hassle out of all the arrangements and will have resort reps for the inevitable snags. However, if you are an experienced traveller, then much can be done DIY. I have booked independently for last 4 seasons and can usually match TA prices. Get brochures from TA for ideas.
2. Try and find accomodation close to the slopes, failing that, near to ski bus stop. It can be a real pain trudging more than a couple of hundred yards weighed down with ski equipment.
3. Consider 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 lessons as opposed to mainstream group class. TA probably won't provide these type of lessons but you will certainly be able to book them in resort in Austria. These may seem expensive up front for 1 on 1 but usually a second or third person is quite cheap, and you progress much quicker than in a group. I speak from (my better halfs) bitter experience. After 4 seasons in group classes she was no more confident than she was on her very first day. After the last 2 seasons 1 on 1, she's comfy on reds. Whatever level, anybody can benefit from lessons. I favour Austria, instructors always have a good level of english, and after all, it is their national sport, they're born on skis.
4. Invest in some compeed plasters for the inevitable blisters which you may get with hire boots, no matter how well they get fitted in the shop.
5. When you've finally got the bug (after the first day) make your first investment the best pair of boots you can afford.
6. Enjoy!!!! 8)
1. TA can take the hassle out of all the arrangements and will have resort reps for the inevitable snags. However, if you are an experienced traveller, then much can be done DIY. I have booked independently for last 4 seasons and can usually match TA prices. Get brochures from TA for ideas.
2. Try and find accomodation close to the slopes, failing that, near to ski bus stop. It can be a real pain trudging more than a couple of hundred yards weighed down with ski equipment.
3. Consider 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 lessons as opposed to mainstream group class. TA probably won't provide these type of lessons but you will certainly be able to book them in resort in Austria. These may seem expensive up front for 1 on 1 but usually a second or third person is quite cheap, and you progress much quicker than in a group. I speak from (my better halfs) bitter experience. After 4 seasons in group classes she was no more confident than she was on her very first day. After the last 2 seasons 1 on 1, she's comfy on reds. Whatever level, anybody can benefit from lessons. I favour Austria, instructors always have a good level of english, and after all, it is their national sport, they're born on skis.
4. Invest in some compeed plasters for the inevitable blisters which you may get with hire boots, no matter how well they get fitted in the shop.
5. When you've finally got the bug (after the first day) make your first investment the best pair of boots you can afford.
6. Enjoy!!!! 8)
Ian Wickham
reply to 'First time skiing - how to book?' posted Oct-2009
Beckiboo wrote:Thanks everyone for your advice :D I've got lots to think about.
Leaving booking til the last minute does sound appealing, as we haven't got anywhere specific in mind that we want to go to, just a nice resort with hopefully a good deal!
I don't want to go somewhere too remote and was thinking more of France, however my boyfriend is more of an adventure seeker and wants to go to Eastern Europe as he thinks it will be less touristy :roll: :lol: However I also want safety and security, I don't want to end up lost in a forest on a pair of ski's, I'll never make it out alive! :lol: I'm thinking maybe Italy for our first time is a good bet?
I'm going to go to a travel agents and get some brochures and look at what deals are out there. Then I might be back again with more questions! :mrgreen:
Think very carefully before you make your decision, do a bit of homework and read some of the J2ski reports on eastern europe 8)
Topic last updated on 15-October-2009 at 22:38