Long Weekends?

Hi,

Relatively new to this site, I am trying to organise a short ski trip in February for my husband to try skiing for the first time. Myself and our 1 year old daughter won't be skiing, just enjoying everything else.

The trouble I have been having is finding any ski travel agents that do 4 day breaks. I don't want to go for too long as its only a taster.

Does anyone know of any agents that will accommodate long weekend breaks - or do they all only do 7 nights?

Thanks for your help
Angela

Hi Angela,

For long weekends you'll struggle with Travel Agents - but it's really not too difficult to D-I-Y.

First a question - does it have to be February? Half-term is peak time on the slopes and takes up most of February - so if you can make it late January or March you'll have a lot more choice, and prices will be lower.

For DIY, you just need to arrange Flights, Transfer (or Car Hire) and Accommodation... and many independent chalet operators can help you with transport (sometimes at extra cost).

For flights - if you can stretch to a full four days you'll find that Thursday and Tuesday flights are cheaper, with more seats available, than Friday/Monday flights. Check easyjet, BA, Swiss and ebookers - it's hard to beat Geneva for a wide choice of nearby ski resorts (1 hour transfer) and flight timings.

If you're confident arranging things yourself then you've a choice of hotels, chalets and transport options - otherwise talk to some chalet owners and go with the most helpful!

For transport, if not included - private transfers can be pricey if you're not in a large group, but car hire gives you the ultimate in flexibility (you obviously need to be happy driving in Europe).

If the DIY unpackaged approach seems a bit like hard work, then there are two Tour Operators who do Short Breaks and Long Weekends. Try Inghams, or Crystal Ski. Both are mainstream companies with the usual booking safeguards Most high st travel agents carry their brochures, or you can book direct by phone, or on the web :D

Why not try the taster induction classes in the uk? Xscape (fake but real snow) in castleford (leeds) offer taster lessons at £15 for 1hr, if he likes it and picks it up, why not go for a week? why not even try for yourself?

sorry to hang on your coat-tails but could anyone recommend a long weekend destination for early December? Has to be in Europe and there has to be snow for boarding.

More specifically, just my brother and I (he is good at boarding and I'm not) are looking to hang out somewhere where there's likely to be snow and OK facilities.

Not too bothered about other factors.

Would really appreciate advice from this forum.

cheers, Floyd

Floydie wrote:long weekend destination for early December? Has to be in Europe and there has to be snow for boarding.

Early December you'll have to go high - very few low to medium-altitude resorts will open even if there's big early snow.

So check Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, Val Thorens and Hintertux for starters.

You can leave your choice quite late, as ski resorts are pretty empty in early December as a rule.

many thanks for that I will keep my eyes peeled - is Eastern Europe the most likely ?