Latest posts for the topic "Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)"

Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:17:50 GMT

We are looking at the crystal plus packages for these two countries. It is clear that Andorra is cheaper as a country across the board.
We are wondering why this is; if it is simply because as a country it is smaller on the international ski radar, we are happy to put our money and our ski trip there. But if Austria truly has better infrastructure, charm, cuisine and skiing quality then we will consider the price difference in this context.

Specific resorts that have caught our eye are Zell am See and Soldeu. IF such a question can be asked, how would our experiences likely differ in these 2 destinations?

Many thanks for any input people may have :)

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:55:20 GMT

Evening FreshFreshPowder. OK, I cannot do a direct comparison, as I am going to Austria for the first time this season, but I was in Soldeu two seasons ago.

I did quite enjoy it, and to be honest the skiing was a lot better than I had imagined it would be. Soldeu has, in recent years, extended it's lift coverage so that the neighbouring towns (forgive me but the names escape me atmo) are all in one big ski area called the Grand Valira. There is plenty of varied skiing for beginners and intermediates, but it is somewhat lacking on the expert front. However, we did not really go looking for extreme stuff, so we may just not have found it.

The problem for me, was the actual town. It is basically a main road through Andorra with buildings either side of the road. I did not find it particularly cheap, and I gather that since it increased it's ski area, the prices have started to rise to match those of the more mainstream areas. The one thing which has put me off returning, is the heavy smoking you will find in all the bars and hotel bar areas. It was quite strange to go back to that sort of atmosphere after several years of smoke free bars elsewhere. I stayed at the Sport Hotel and did not have any issues with the hotel, the food was pretty decent and the service friendly and the place was well kept and very clean.

My other gripe with the place was the shortage of facilities on the actual slopes. What was there was very expensive and very slow. They tended to do everything to order, even at peak times with massive queues waiting for things. In the end it was better to return down to the towns for lunch.

Would I go back? Probably, but it would help if they banned smoking.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:14:55 GMT

Soldeu every time.....

Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:03:14 GMT

freshfreshpowder wrote:We are looking at the crystal plus packages for these two countries. It is clear that Andorra is cheaper as a country across the board.
We are wondering why this is; if it is simply because as a country it is smaller on the international ski radar, we are happy to put our money and our ski trip there. But if Austria truly has better infrastructure, charm, cuisine and skiing quality then we will consider the price difference in this context.

Specific resorts that have caught our eye are Zell am See and Soldeu. IF such a question can be asked, how would our experiences likely differ in these 2 destinations?

Many thanks for any input people may have :)

i've been to both, and I'd go to Austria every time before Andorra. In fact, I don't think I'd return to Andorra unless someone paid for me. It isn't bad, its just got nothing compared to the Alps. Its hills not mountains. The snow has been sketchy in comparison, and the resorts are pretty soul-less. Plus its a horrible transfer from Toulouse.

As for Austria, I havent been to Zell but if you want a real charm and feel to a ski holiday, pick Austria every time.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:50:31 GMT

Zell am See is a lovely place - have been at least once a year for the last 6 years and you have the Kaprun glacier on hand in case it's a really bad year - but have only ever used it through choice not because of lack of snow in Zell.

Over that time I've also skied in other Austrian and quite a few French and Italian resorts, but still make a point of getting back to Zell. I'll be in Kaprun in November for early season warm up and then Zell in late Feb early March.

Dave

Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:40:44 GMT

Tony_H wrote: Its hills not mountains.

THANK YOU TONY.

For a while now i have been trying to put my finger on why i wouldn't go back to Andorra in a hurry. That hit the nail on the head.
It just doesn't have the same feel/view does it? You may well be at altitude but it just doesnt feel that way.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:57:19 GMT

Looking at only one aspect of the comparison, and that is the snow depths, (cm), for the lower/upper slopes, taking February for the example:
ZaZ ~ 10/152, 27/184, 28/116, 31/80
And ~59/73, 71/167, 69/109, 45/60
Average ~ ZaZ 24/133, And 61/102

Statistically, these figures do not represent a big variance. They do suggest other questions, such as slope direction, vertical run height comparison,
I have been to Zell am Zee, and met up there with Rustyinn! It is a lovely small town, with a wonderful atmosphere. Importantly, it is an historical tirolean village, whereas Soldeu looks to be a developed resort. The beer tastes much better when the building is 500 years old!

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:37:37 GMT

I've been to both Austria and Andorra a few times. I do not agree with Tony, I think Andorra is a bit better than he describes. Even so, I would pick Austria over Andorra any time. Mainly because it's atmosphere, charm, warmth and friendliness.

Austria has regained some of it's popularity due to rising costs in France, but if you are a skier who wants difficult black runs, steep couloirs and other classic high alpine terrain then France and Switzerland is where it's at. :D

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:47:08 GMT

Austria every time, alpine atmosphere, history, great food and fantastic views.

With the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun / Zell am See there is even a snow guarantee. Walking across the frozen lake at Zell, a ice hockey match, apres Ski.

I think the icing on the cake is the Tauern Spa Kaprun, just superb, just what you need after a full day on the slopes.

A bit biased but Austria every time.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:23:35 GMT

Simple - Austria without a doubt! 8)

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 09:17:49 GMT

Comparing Austria and Andorra as ski countries there is no comparrison. Andorra used to be the bargain destination, it still is cheap(er) but I think the lift pass is now one of the most expensive in Europe?

Anyhow comparing the two resorts here are my thoughts:

Soldeu:

+'s

Lift pass rivals the size of some of the major resorts in the Alps if you want mileage.

Lift system is very efficent

Very good ski school for English speakers

-'s

Can get very crowded

Village is on the main road through Andorra and suffers from heavy traffic

Some hotels are way out of town and inconvienient for the lifts

Not a great deal to do off the slopes

Smoking everywhere.

Zell:

+'s

Very pretty, lake side setting

Tree linned runs with great views down to the lake

Lively but not rowdy nightlife

Lots to do off the slopes

Huge range of cross country trails if that's your thing

Kaprun glacier is nearby if conditions are iffy

Varried terrian including some steep and challenging black runs

-'s

Sunny, low slopes often have poor conditions despite snow making. Which as a results limits the size of the area.

Trek to the lifts from allot of the accomadation, and the buses at times get crowded.

Less suitible for beginners than many other of the smaller Austrian resorts.

Kaprun glacier gets lengthy queues when it's needed the most. You have to queue with visitors from Saalbach, Kitzbuhel and other lower resorts nearby.

Zell is very nice but ultimately I think it depends on what level of skier you are, not including Kaprun there are around 75km of piste which IMO isn't enough for a week to entertain a keen intermediate or advanced skier.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 20:27:47 GMT

For me Soldeu every time as long as you choose the correct hotel.
If your mainly beginners or mixed ability up to intermidite then I cant think of anywhere better.
Most hotels are a few hundred meters from the lift and you can be on the slopes in an incrediably short time.
All English ski school and very good progression.Probably the best ski school anywhere for beginners and intermidiets.
Area has been increased by linking to Grau and Pas de la casa and links are pretty good for all abilities.
Efficient lift system with hardly any queues except half term etc.
It used to have a bad reputation as a cheap party town but thats in the past and its gone upmarket. Has a bad reputation for snow cover which is unfounded and actually last year it had a great season while France and some other countries really suffered.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 20:51:00 GMT

They are having a laugh at 220 Euros for the lift pass though Jonah690. Andorra used to be a good option for those on a budget, no longer.
Great if all you want easy cruising but there's nothing to challenge even a mid intermediate.

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 21:29:10 GMT

andyhull wrote:They are having a laugh at 220 Euros for the lift pass though Jonah690. Andorra used to be a good option for those on a budget, no longer.
Great if all you want easy cruising but there's nothing to challenge even a mid intermediate.

Gosh, I only pay 225 Euros for my season pass!

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 21:37:05 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Gosh, I only pay 225 Euros for my season pass!

It's alright for some o** c****** then isn't it?
:roll:

Re:Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 20:50:07 GMT

Hi

I have been to both and would rather go to Zell. It depends what your into though and your abilty etc, If the snow is good then Soldeu is a good resort with some nice fast runs and good Apres.

If you can get a real bargain at Soldeu and there is plenty of snow then Soldeu isn't a bad choice just keep looking at the snow reports though,,,,,