Why oh why

james_gray wrote:Where would you recommend in the States? I have this strange mental image of Disney on Snow. Are there quite organic places you can ski or is it all snowtheme parks, chairlifts and smiles?

I don't think you'll find as many packages (package holidays haven't caught on here). So you'll need to do some research (easy on the net) and think outside the box to find something different. All the northern states have snow and have ski resorts. They are not always in the mountain area. You only need a thousand feet of vertical and snow to have a great ski resort (unless you demand powder). Nearby hotels have stay and ski packages. Most ski areas have modern lifts and excellent grooming. There are oppertunities to combine other activities as well like snowmobiling, dog sledding. cross country skiing, ice fishing. The sheer size of the country is mind boggling.

You won't find disney, but you will find great customer service and polite people. You may save money on buying equipment and especially clothing.

Until they sort out the value of the dollar, I've have no hope of skiing in Europe. :(

Trencher

rbericson and Trencher,

Thanks guys your replies, as always, were very informative. Good point about the £vs$ , maybe i'll try the US next year, although i think to justify travelling that far you need to go for 2 weeks.

Re. The OP.

A lot of it depends on the circumstances of those travelling to Europe in search of snow.

Take a :-

Single or couple with no children or couple with BOTH children under school age - You can go any time, but the off peak season (January) is probably the most attractive price wise.

22 December to 2nd January - a lot of people in the UK are off work for this period so it makes sense to do something without eating into the rest of the holiday/vacation entitlement. However, prices are mega high.

School holiday time (Easter) is second only in price to Christmas - precisely because it's school holidays.

That leaves February and part of March/April - couples with children can't go - which leaves it to those who are single, couples who's children have 'flown the nest' or the retired.

I think. :)

Meercat wrote:Re. The OP.

A lot of it depends on the circumstances of those travelling to Europe in search of snow.

Take a :-

Single or couple with no children or couple with BOTH children under school age - You can go any time, but the off peak season (January) is probably the most attractive price wise.

22 December to 2nd January - a lot of people in the UK are off work for this period so it makes sense to do something without eating into the rest of the holiday/vacation entitlement. However, prices are mega high.

School holiday time (Easter) is second only in price to Christmas - precisely because it's school holidays.

That leaves February and part of March/April - couples with children can't go - which leaves it to those who are single, couples who's children have 'flown the nest' or the retired.

I think. :)

I agree, and I've this to add: I've just had a look at our ski brochure, and for half term week (February) for the same accommodation we have booked, you can add £90 on the basic box price on to what it cost at Christmas. More expensive accommodation is even more horrific. That's why many people with kids go skiing at Christmas because even though it's expensive, it's still cheaper than half term.

Have skiied the first week of the season (the week before Christmas) up high in Tignes in Dec 2003 and had a fab time, last season the snow was good for Christmas week, and amazing on New Year's day (18 inches of fresh powder) and in Jan 05 the week after New year was OK for piste skiing in the whole of the 3 valleys.
I reckon Christmas week is one of the best value of the season.
Am off to Verbier this weekend for a couple of days...looks just about OK, though I'll let you know about the scratches on my skis next week!
So...in my humble opinion as long as you go high, you will get some good skiing....and then there's time left in the season to go for a second week....and a third.....

also it depends on school holidays. If easter falls late which it can do then ur snookered cos all the snow is gone. couple of years ago we went to Andorra the first week of easter and just caught the last week of the snow- the next week they closed the lifts.
And it was icy and pretty tough going!
This year weve opted for xmas and are all in a flutter over whether we will have snow in austria or not!!

we all are limited where we go by the cost , so forget the brosures and book the flights and accomodation yourself you will save an absolute fortune !!!! i have done this for a few years now!! and i find it great fun and it realy gets you in the holiday mood !! :D

I agree, it is a holiday that is designed by you, not a package that you have bought. More a feeling of satisfication.