Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!
Started by Ciara1987 in Andorra 27-Jan-2014 - 8 Replies
Ciara1987 posted Jan-2014
My partner is turning 30 late this year and I'm planning on surprising him with a ski holiday for early next year. I have never been skiing before, my partner has been skiing once before in Arinsal and loved it but I cant really ask him too much about it or he might get suspicious, so I really don't know what I should be looking for, I've got a few questions if you wouldn't mind advising me.
1. Is February the best time to go (I read it somewhere online that its one of the best times for guaranteed snow)
2. As I mentioned my partner has been to Arinsal before, now I've managed to narrow it down to either Arinsal or Pas De La Casa, (he mentioned before if he was to go skiing again he would like to go back to Andorra) but I don't know which is best....I believe Arinsal is better for complete beginners but are there more challenging slopes seems my partner has been skiing before (I don't want him to be bored)
3. Im aware that Pas has the better night life but has Arinsal a good night life also? (as you can probably tell I'm leaning a little more towards Arinsal)
4. Are you better to get equipment hire as part of a package or arrange it when your out there?
5. I would like to get nice accommodation given its a present for him can you recommend any nice 4 or 5* hotels in either resort, I don't mind paying extra but I don't want to be bankrupted either :)
6. For any Irish people reading this, which have you found to be the best companies to book with?
7. Last but not least would it be of much benefit to get indoor ski lessons in Ireland before going so I wont have to spend as much time learning the basics while out there and hit the slopes sooner or are these a waste of time
I'm sorry for the amount of questions and I greatly appreciate any advice you can give me
OldAndy
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2014
Wish someone would get me a surprise ski holiday!
Wonderful.
On you questions - some I can answer some not.
1 - February great time to ski, but avoid the main half term holiday period as so, so busy. So early feb probably best.
2&3 - Never been to Andorra, someone will be along who knows the area to talk about it soon I am sure.
4 - As relative novices it can be easier to have a package. If the tour company has a rep in resort they will be able to help you, similarly with ski school and lift passes. As novices the less you have to worry about the better.
5 & 6 - wonder if the tour operator is the first thing to find?
7 - Yes, yes, yes!! Lessons in a snowdome or dry slope will really help. You will have an idea how to put the boots and skis on and get the basics in place. Just one will help with your confidence on the first day. Several would probably let you jump to a second week skiers class.
Finally - hope you have a great time and catch the skiing bug.
:-)
Andymol2
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2014
I've been there with Direct Ski who I believe fly from Ireland.
The skiing is good for beginners and intermediates: the ski schools have a good reputation.
I would suggest that anyone planning to go skiing for the first time has a few lessons at home. Ski holidays are expensive and you don't want to spend that time learning how to put your boots on and learning the basics. If you've done those before you go you will have the confidence to practice on your own when ski school is over.
Edited 1 time. Last update at 28-Jan-2014
SnowLily
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2014
What a nice surprise for you OH- hope you have a great time.
Jastem
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2014
Good luck with your plans - brilliant idea!
Wanderer
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2014
You can do lessons on the dry slope at Kilternan http://www.skiclub.ie/. Its really worthwhile and will make your progression in resort much quicker.
Good luck with your preparations and have a nice time. :wink:
Twofish
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Feb-2014
Snocannon
reply to 'Help!!! Trying to Organise a Surprise Ski Holiday and havnt a clue about skiing!!!' posted Jan-2015
Topic last updated on 13-January-2015 at 13:24