Messages posted by : steverandomno
Sorry, I know it probably wasn't very helpful! It could happen with any airline, but I think they handled it very badly. I believe that the BA policy is that they don't really distinguish between ski's and other luggage. It is just an extra piece of luggage. The only concession I think they make is that they allow you to take boots in a separate bag. My advice when there are two travellers, and this usually works out the cheapest for most airlines, is to get a double ski bag and get suitcases/bags that have a separate compartment large enough for ski boots. Decathlon do a great tall and narrow holdall/suitcase with a compartment for ski boots at one end and a large compartment for clothing at the other. That way you don't have to worry if they count boots separately or as part of your skis boots and poles set. You can then place both skis in the double bag, pad it out with clothes and check it as an additional bag. A few years ago, there was an advantage in keeping the skis/poles and boots separate as most airlines made an exception. But now they all seem to charge something (though I think SWISS still carry them for free), and it is often better to just reorganize everything so, at worst, you are only checking in one additional piece. |
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My experience -
On one of the only two occasions that I travelled with BA instead of Air Canada, my ski bag did not make it on the same plane. With any decent airline this would have been a minor inconvenience. Most airlines have efficient systems in place to courier the luggage to your hotel (so can actually be quite good if you do not need the bag for a couple of days). However, when my bag failed to be delivered the following day, BA were useless. They couldn't tell me where my bag was, trying to get through to anybody who could tell me what was going with my bag was like talking to a brick wall, having left numerous voice mail messages and submitting messages to the online lost baggage portal. In the end, after three nights and with the ski part of my trip fast approaching, I drove from downtown Calgary to the airport myself, found the BA office and demanded that they tell me where my bag was. It took them 10 mins to find out that it was in the customs hall. The claims department then quibbled over the cost of my gas to and from the airport. Given that I paid an extra 75 quid in extra baggage fees, this was an appalling service. |
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Putting the helmet debate to one side for a moment. I suspect that, if the insurers' motivation is to reduce accidents, then they would be better off offering large discounts to those who can prove they have had at least 3 days of lessons with an accredited instructor.
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Swiss - chains will also be provided.
If you think you will need them then practice in a nice dry/warm place first! Watch out for the 'winterization' charges that seem to have crept in with some operators (something like 25 quid extra for a week). Last season I complained to Expedia about this extra charge that was levied at the point of pick up. I explained that nowhere in the booking process is this stated, that it was unreasonable for the hire company to level an additional charge when they know exactly what date you are booking for at the time of booking (e.g. winter) and that Expedia should use their influence to stop their suppliers essentially 'pulling a fast one'. (given that Expedia are normally very good at stating all of the costs up front). They agreed and refunded me the winterization fee. This is one reason why I would recommend booking with Expedia. Also, watch out for additional insurance that excludes the car underside, tires, roof and windows (i kid you not), but that is a separate issue. |
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La Masse!
A bit out of the way - but well worth it especially with good snow. |
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Tony_H - I have been wanting to ski Verbier for ages, maybe this year.
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Difficult - here is my best attempt. There's a heavy north american bias since we learned to ski in Canada.
1- Kickinghorse, BC - best all rounder 2- Nisseko, Hokkaido, Japan - for the 15m annual powder fest 3- Sunshine, AB - Snow and sentiment 4- St Anton - Apres and nightlife 5- Val Thorens - You can ski powder in December (if your'e lucky) 6- Zermatt - Even though we had awful ice, it's very scenic 7- Whitewater, BC - Small hill vibe - great terrain 8- Revelstoke, BC - Terrain, when there is good snow 9 - Chamonix - Great all rounder 10 - Crystal, WA - Great terrain, low key base area 11 - Vail, CO - Lost of terrain, nice resort base and facilities 12 - Big White, BC - Great snow + Nice atmosphere |
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You should check out Kicking Horse or Revelstoke. Perfect for a quiet peaceful week of skiing. Loads of high quality ski in and out condos (many with hot-tubs). restaurants are a bit thin on the ground on the hills, but there are lots of good places in and around the towns if you have a car.
Kicking Horse has probably one of the best lunchtime views in any ski resort - http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/resort/dining/eagles-eye.aspx |
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