Cheesed off working in a school

Absolutely fed up, cheesed off and very disappointed. I need to rant. I work in a school, my choice so I know I shouldn't moan. But really is there any need for the massive hike in prices? It is going to cost me almost a £1000 more whichever way I look at it to go in Feb half term. Disgustingly Easyjet prices go up from £60 RETURN for the 9th of Feb.....to £400 on the 16th. So even if I arrange accommodation, lift passes etc privately the cost is still horrific. I totally sympathise with those patprenst who take their children out of school in term time. If I thought I could get away with I would seriously consider throwing a sicky but I think the goggle eyes would give the game away. Apologies for the moan, I know it was a hypothetical question in the first place. I honestly don't mind paying what I think is a fair price for a decent holiday but these prices are just ridiculous. Moan over, goodnight and a Merry Christmas.

* parents * even. Flaming Ipad

Total sympathy, Michelle, but I guess what you need is a practical way forward.

You may take a view on Easyjet, but they are a business, and if you were running it, you would do the same, or the shareholders would boot you out. I bet the price wasn't £400 when the flights were first released.

We have a teacher in our village ski group, so every three years or so we bite the bullet and take a New Year or Easter with them. (We don't get Feb school breaks in Fife). Even on one of the NY trips I managed a good EJ price Edinburgh to Munich.
For the future ~ can you organise a school ski trip?
Or book a year ahead?
Do you have a fixed idea in mind as to the area you want to ski, or can you widen the possibilities?
What are your preferred airports? Which EJ flight would you have gone for? How big is your party?

With a bit of detail, the J2 bloodhounds may come up with solutions.

I use EJ a few times in the ski season, and you will be really pleased to learn that my january/feb return flights are free! Every year!

Just trying to cheer you up!

Where are you going Michelle63 and from/to which airports? Maybe there's a cheaper way of getting there. I have noticed that sometimes if you go from a different airport the prices are much lower.

That is true, Ally, but at all airports there is a big February hit. You have to book early.

The teacher that I mentioned can negotiate to get off school a day or so early, and in the past, that has been a saving.

Also, take an indirect flight. So, if you elect to go to Frankfurt, this may not be affected by UK school hols. An onward train can get into the alps quickly, and the dates tend not to affect Euro train fares. You always have some type of transfer time/cost anyway.

how about driving and going to an out of town (resort) hotel...it can be done

That was the point of asking about location, Dave. I have driven from Scotland to Niederau, but not many would want to do much further than the midlands out.

Michelle seems to have accommodation sorted. I agree withthe principle though. The apartment I take in Niederau is not in the centre, but it is only 50 m from a connecting draglift, 50m from my favourite stuble, and 80m from the place I mostly eat at. I would put a small wager you do the same?

Thanks, lots of useful info. I would possibly fly from Bournemout but Exeter or Gatwick are not unreasonable either. Just myself and hubby. Haven't got any accomodation sorted but have been looking at the tour operators due to overall cost. Have done the driving bit, not really an option. We drove to Morzine this summer, love the resort but such a long way. I may be able to negotiate a day off either side as our headmaster has approved another T/A a weeks unpaid leave in January.....but don't get me started on that one, I am furious!!!! Resort wise I wouldn't mind going back to Pila, we didn't get to ski all of it due to the excess snow a couple of years ago. We are intermediate skiers, not great drinkers, would like a biggish ski area, open to different types of accommodation and a relatively short transfer if poss ( coach sick....) open to all ideas