First time skiing - how to book?

Hi everyone

I'm hoping to embark on my first ski holiday in the first week of Jan, and I'm having real problems finding what / how to book!

Firstly, I want to do it on a budget. We're a couple in our mid twenties so don't mind slumming it a bit / catching public transport etc if it means cutting back on costs.

I've always though France (Alps) was the best place to go for a beginner, but after reading online now I'm not so sure? Some people have recommended Eastern Europe, but I've also heard reports that you're not guaranteed snow there?

Also - what is better - booking the whole package through an operator (flights / hotel / ski school etc) or booking the flights and hotel myself then sorting a ski tuition out seperately? We haven't got any ski equipment so would have to hire that too.

It seems like there's soooo much to consider. I normally only have to consider the distance to the beach :shock: :mrgreen:

If anyone can advise me on what to do / where to start I'd greatly appreciate it :P

Private Message on its way to you :D

Welcome to J2ski :D For your 1st trip I suggest that you book with a Tour Op as they will take care of the small details for you.
Maybe Austria or Italy for this trip, the prices in France can be a bit steep by comparison.

Tempting for savings though it is, I would avoid Eastern Europe, as the snow can be inconsistent.

Start by visiting a Travel Agent and picking up some brochures from the big operators, Crystal and Inghams are two worth a look, as they have been running skiing holidays for many years.

It might be worth your time taking beginners lessons before you travel to the mountains. Either at a snowdome, or a dry slope. The advantage here is that once you arrive in resort you will not spend your week on the nursery slopes, but you will be up top enjoying the scenery!

You will also have much more idea about skis and boots, and what they should feel like in use :D

Please keep us posted on your progress!

I'd also consider taking a catered option as learning to ski is pretty tiring and having to cook each evening may not result in a great holiday.

The likes of Inghams & Crystal have special beginners weeks.

Definitely worth having some lessons over here before you go to hit the snow sliding so to speak.

Welcome to our world! Echo what everyone else is saying, Crystal seem to be doing a very good package for learning to ski at a special rate that includes absolutely everything you need to learn to ski, have a read and take on board what everyone else is saying too and you'll be well on your way! :D

http://www.crystalski.co.uk/extras/learntoski.shtml

If it is just the two of you and the first week of January doesn't involve New Year, I would suggest leaving the booking until last minute. This way you should get a good deal and be sure of the snow conditions. Choice of flights/airports might be more limited however.

Did you get my PM Beckiboo?

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: