Messages posted by : Far Queue
:D No worries Dave. I had forgotten the larger picture. This time of year I start to get all excited and tingly. Especially with less than a month to the opening WC Ski event.
It is also pretty easy for us to get on a train and head off to the mountains. It seems to be getting easier each year to get to some places by rail, and is a mode of transport which is often overlooked. Although to be honest, it can still be a bit pricey. |
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In fairness Dave, I did point out that it is an advantage as we drive down, so flight costs are not an issue for us. |
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:shock:
So which "runs" would you suggest you decorate the room with snowb4ndit? :twisted: |
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You certainly would not want a strong back wind in there )
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To be honest I think they all pretty much offer the same sort of deals.
Over the years I have used most of them, but recently we have tended to stick with Crystals simply because we have had excellent service from them over the last three years. They have yet to mess up a booking (for us it is strange, because some of the group fly from Birmingham, while some drive down from Kent) and were excellent when one of our group managed to tear his cruciate ligament a few seasons ago. The reps really did assist to the best of their abilities. |
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OK, I tend to do both.
However, for our main trip, which involves up to 14 people, we will invariably go with a package. You may find that it is difficult to get accommodation on a Tuesday/Tuesday basis, as most places will be geared round the package timetable. Personally I think the time booking yourself really does come into it's own, is when you are happy to leave it to the last minute and grab a last minute cheap deal on an apartment, then arrange your travel to suit. For me, it is quite easy, because that simply involves a Eurotunnel or ferry crossing, and then we drive down. Best one I ever managed was to get an apartment for 6 people in Val D'Isere for 300 Euros for the week at the end of Jan. It was a fantastic place and no more than 30 odd yards from the Bellcotte Express chair. You can of course get great deals from package companies at the last minute, but often not if the are 6 of you going. Don't forget the extras you can get from a package deal, it will often include ski guiding, which can be useful for some, and there are often the little extras you forget about such as free drink. My trip to Austria this year includes free beer and wine at the hotel bar till 10.30 pm. That has to be worth a fair old penny for my group :) |
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:D :lol: I live in a flat, I can just picture what all my neighbours would think if I started to ring a cow bell every time I used the little room :shock: :roll: |
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Sadly the Val D'Isere website seems to be going through a major upgrade atmo and is not available, however, I would suggest that you check out what she is going to require if she is going to join in classes.
If my memory is correct, you can get a slightly cheaper "local" lift pass, which does not cover the entire Espace Killy. I would have thought that the ski schools would remain within that area. It is also possible that they will stay in the free lift zone as mentioned by Old Andy for the first day or two for complete beginners. Equally, I would imagine that she is not going to be in school all day, at which point I would assume that at the very least her boyfriend will want to ski with her, and unless they are going to stay on very limited runs, I would assume she is going to need a pass at some point. Also, as Bandit stated, it would be a good idea if she could get some basic instruction here in the UK before you go. I hope she enjoys it, and gets hooked like all decent people should :) Don't forget to hit the Banana bar while out there, used to be a decent lively bar early in the evening. |
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