J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by smartski

andyhull wrote:

apbtoski wrote:Hmmm. One of two then I can think of. The Face on the way down to Val d'? I don't remember that bit if it is... but then I was concentrating looking downhill than up it! If it isn't, then I will let someone else have a go.

Here's a clue, looking down from the top.

AllyG wrote:
I asked Andyhull how he manages on the group trips he organizes, and he says they can manage on a budget of 20 euros for lunch, including a glass of red wine.

'Tagliatelles a la carbonara' at 16 euros should bring us in on budget, with a drink as well.

NellyPS wrote:

smartski wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Not sure why people arent factoring in lift pass prices to this as without that you aint going skiing people ;-)

The lift pass price is nothing to do with the TO - everyone has the freedom to buy direct or through an agent.

It isn't about the "total" cost, this thread started with an observation that TOs are "REALLY" expensive.

nellyps wrote: Or does there not appear to be much choice with the TOs this year and everything is REALLY expensive?

I disagree, and thought it interesting to see if we can directly compare TOs with DIY
(excluding Ski-hire, lessons, lift-passes and other add-ons that are equally available to both package and DIYers.)

I am on a TO package at £590
AllyG is on "semi-DIY" £554
("semi" because I don't class catered as full DIY)

So looking for a comparable of FULL DIY (UK to large french resort, self catering, during non-school hols, winter 2013) to see just how much can be saved.

Anyone?

What month are these prices base on SS?

AllyG wrote:

andyoneil wrote:
Chalet board including tea/cakes, cocktails and aperitifs before dinner, choice of two whites and two reds, brekkie and (perhaps crucially) help yourself to leftover bread/meat/cheese/fruit etc for a packed lunch ...

paid £750 pp from Inghams

I really like the sound of the breakfast leftovers going in your picnic lunch :thumbup:

What a good idea! I wonder if our chalet would let us do this?

snowcrazy2005 wrote:Smartski, the problem with ordering on the wrong side of the vanoise Express if you are staying on the other side is that if anything goes wrong with your pass you will have a long car drive round to the correct office to get it sorted out. You are much better off to get the pass where you are staying.

Tony_H wrote:Not sure why people arent factoring in lift pass prices to this as without that you aint going skiing people ;-)

nellyps wrote: Or does there not appear to be much choice with the TOs this year and everything is REALLY expensive?

AllyG wrote:

smartski wrote:I don't disagree that in school holidays T/O prices are crazy, I would definitely go DIY, but at other times I think costs are far closer and T/Os give DIYers a good run for their money.

I'll put my mouth where my money is...simple statement of facts:

With T/O £575 + £15 for one meal out. £590 per adult.

Has anyone any good/direct DIY comparables?

Smartski,
You obviously haven't been reading my J2Ski group holiday to Tignes Les Brevieres thread!

Return flights Luton to Geneva with EasyJet 13th January = £80
Chalet transfers = £60
En-suite catered chalet (with hot tub) = £399
Dinner out on one evening = £15 (actually I think it would cost more like £25)

Total = £554

Includes 5 days of ski hosting
Top resort
Not quite ski in/out ( 4 minute walk to piste and gondola)
Afternoon tea and cakes as well as the evening meal
In-house ski/board hire.
Free wi-fi
Free English T.V. in each bedroom
Free shared use of one computer.