Serre Chevalier in words and pictures

RoseR wrote:Tony is this the holiday you went with Rocketski? Were they good? It would be nice to have another tried and tested TO other than the usual two.

Yes, this was a Rocketski holiday. The tour op were fine, no problems at all. However, the hotel wasnt particularly good: it was a clubhotel and was full of lots of groups, many of which (inclouding some of our own party) didnt behave too well and made a lot of noise early hours of the morning. I would not visit the clubhotel again in Serre Che, but it was a cheap break and you get what you pay for. I would use Rocketski again, no dount. The pre holiday arrangements were clear and conscise, communication was good, they were very flexible with adding and taking off party members, and they were very good in dealing with larger groups on arrival at the UK check in desks, where many people had not prepaid for ski carriage and were NOT ripped off in the way some greedy tour ops try it on. £21 for ski carriage at the check in.
The resort and transfer reps were on the ball, everything was on time and punctual.
I have to say I was not overly impressed with Jet2.com who they chartered, but thats not their issue to be fair.

I picked up the Equity Skiu brochure, and they use some of the same accommodation as Rocket Ski but charge a lot more for it. They do all inc packages with ski hire and lift passes, but it doesnt seem to be good value to me in comparison. We spoke to people in our hotel who paid £700 for the week, half board with ski hire and lift pass (cost £175 on its own). Our party paid £329 per person half board inc flights and transfers, lift pass was £175 each, and all of them had their own skis/boards so paid £21 for carriage. Just before we went, it was possible to book the same holiday as a late deal for £249. i do however see why some people would choose Equity Ski as they take take of the complete package for them.

I think the issue of equipment relates to individual shops/rental sites and not the tour op to be honest. I have found that equipment in Italy in particular is in poorer condition and not so well maintained, from my experience.

I am going to travel next season with Rocketski, but need to choose where to go now. Its looking like Schladming, Saalbach or possibly a return to Serre Che but in different accommodation.

Overall, yes, they are to be recommended, and their prices are pretty keen.

AJ wrote:Another great report Tony h , That`s one more to tick off the wish list.
I cant wait to find out where your going next.So glad you and the Mrs had a good time.


AJ Adele

I cant wait to find out either! So many places to consider, and I fully intend to have another 3 full weeks next season too.
Schladming/Saalbach/Serre Che with Rocket Ski will be 1. I am also looking into a particularly "nice" week somewhere in a 4 or 5 star catered chalet with a group of couples, and then there will be the cheap week, which could possibly involve a return to Mayrhofen.
Zermatt, Arabba, Laax, Ischgl.....all being looked at closely! Also keen to hear what Ian thinks of Adelboden.

I think the issue of equipment relates to individual shops/rental sites and not the tour op to be honest. I have found that equipment in Italy in particular is in poorer condition and not so well maintained, from my experience.

I don't know how to 'quote' just a segment, but my reply relates to the above

I don't agree that it's not to do with the tour operator.
You pay a lot of money for a ski holiday and you deserve decent kit.
The disinterest of the Equity rep in resort over the kit (and the fact my daughter's skis broke on the mountain, she was 6 at the time) led us to not travel with Equity again.

To be fair, it took us a while to get over it but I would probably go with them again - but like Tony I'd be choosy where I went. I'd also use Rocket ski as we have our own kit.

I can also see why people would use Equity total ski, especially for a novice. When you know the ropes you can be more brave and do more of your own arrangements.

Agree over UK office too, changes are done with no hassle and you get to speak to the same person each time you call.

Many Many thanks Tony H for this amazing report which has got me buzzing....
4 of us leave this sunday (15th) to the same holiday deal as you had hotel, tour op, etc etc so this will save me ages and probably increase our enjoyment of the whole affair.

Our expectation levels are hopefully not too high as we approached this on a budget and a "get what you pay for" attitude. I found rocketski to be brilliant and worth asking for a deal in these credit crunch times, snowdeals offer the same holidays and if you play one against the other.... we ended up at £309 half board and buy one get one free lift passes so £341 all in per head!!

Thanks again mate cheers Cant wait

Dids1 - was the rep in Prato Nevoso a man whose name began with M by any chance?

vanillamart wrote:Many Many thanks Tony H for this amazing report which has got me buzzing....
4 of us leave this sunday (15th) to the same holiday deal as you had hotel, tour op, etc etc so this will save me ages and probably increase our enjoyment of the whole affair.

Our expectation levels are hopefully not too high as we approached this on a budget and a "get what you pay for" attitude. I found rocketski to be brilliant and worth asking for a deal in these credit crunch times, snowdeals offer the same holidays and if you play one against the other.... we ended up at £309 half board and buy one get one free lift passes so £341 all in per head!!

Thanks again mate cheers Cant wait

Well I hope you have a fantastic time. I sure did. Please take up what I said about going up the local Pontilas lift and making sure you are there for 9am to beat the Club Med rich kids ski schools!
For what you have paid including the bogof lift pass deal, thats tremendous value. Just dont expect the nicest hotel or the greatest food.
Make sure you use the Cave Bar and not the Sports Bar for your apres or evening drinks, and on the chefs night off, head into the old town and not the local places at the Centre Commercial.
I think my report says everything else so go and fill your boots. I think you'll love Serre Che.
Are you flying to Turin or Grenoble? I hope for your sake its Turin!

Yes flying into Turin from Manchester, thanks again Tony for all your advice and just hope the forecast 8 degrees dosen't destroy the snow.
Take care mate Martin

It was 7 and 8 degrees the first 2 days we were there. To be honest, thats down in resort or firstlift level, and up at the top it was a lot less than that, but the snow held up well. Some of the runs right at the bottom became slushy and a little less enjoyable, but you just stay higher up when its like that. I actually enjoy skiing in the sun when its not freezing cold. It makes those beer/coffee stops so much more enjoyable, and there are plenty of deck chairs around to sit on!
Having said that, the midweek dump was welcomed as it gave the slopes a lot more life, and it also enabled us to make "freshies".

The forecast is currently for a small snow fall midweek, but thats what it said before we went and we ended up with nearly a metre of fresh snow at the top in just over 24 hours.

I am sure you will enjoy it even if there is no more snow between now and then, as the base is pretty good and it does stay cold at night currently.

Have fun.