Latest posts for the topic "Solo Ski Trip"

Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:28:05 GMT

Hi,

Unfortunately this year it looks like my normal ski buddies will be letting me down and therefore I have to contemplate another season without skiing (didn't get to go last winter :cry: ) or organising a solo trip.

As I have never done this before I wondered if any of the J2skiers with experience of this could provide any tips. I guess I'm an average sort of skier and have always been happy to ski by myself when away with groups of friends before. Do you think I should stick to a resort I know, any tips on avoiding single occupancy charges, would I be better to book now or leave till the week or fortnight before, what about safety on the slopes etc etc.

Any tips gratefully received. Cheers

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:49:53 GMT

Hi you don't give much information, ie where you want to ski Europe, any country, what time if year, your age/ interests.
I often ski alone which is no problems, I find its fine for a couple of days , but then I miss a bit of company. But I generally have a friend or member of my family staying with me Who does not ski but can share evenings. I think if you don't have anyone to share experience , have a coffee or a meal as well as skiing on your own it might turn out a bit lonely . I would suggest a resort that at least has some things to do in the evening and maybe arrange for a ski buddy to meet at least a few times during the week.

All the best hope you can sort something out.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:58:17 GMT

As a solo skier myself I know how you feel..single room charges are the bane of booking..I have got to the stage that I will go by myself to the hotels that offer no single room surcharges or at least very little..Neilsens do operate a single sorting type of thing ..Chalet companies Like Bonjour bonjour do offer some single rooms at a price or a sharing arrangement if they have space..Chalet holidays are the easiest way of meeting like minded people..an apartment can be a bit lonely on your own I am off Jan 9th for a month 1 week with a friend in France 1 week I haven't arranged and 2 in Italy ..one of which is the J2 Ski holiday..Feb 2 in Folgarida in the dolomites ...plenty of nice people of all ages ..have a look on here at the thread

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:40:35 GMT

Opt for your late booking option (one or two weeks before departure) and, assuming you are skiing in Europe, get onto 'chalet accommodations' and you will probably get an offer for a room occupancy but with no single supplement as the chalet has been unable to sell the room, so better to get something for the room rather than nothing.You won't get this sort of deal over Christmas, half term or Easter. Finally if you finish up in a chalet you will be sure to find other skiers and won't be eating alone in the evenings.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:06:45 GMT

Done it loads of times; found making independent arrangements to be the best value - either direct with hotels or through resort websites. Austria and Switzerland appear to have more 'single room' options than France. The odd day with a ski host or the SCGB can help - and I have generally found someone to have a chat/beer with at some point during the week.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:03:29 GMT

I used to go for 6/7 weeks to Niederau with my ski buddy, Mel, but then he passed away. So I now take about 3 weeks in January/Feb, alone. I then do another 2/3 weeks in March with frau and friends.

For the January trip, I have been through the element of low cost single rooms, (you can get rooms for Euro20/22 b&b), but I now pay extra and get myself an apartment. I paint every day, so I can leave various paintings spread about, and the Hausfrau cleans around them!

Loneliness is not an issue. In January, I know about a dozen, ex-J2skiers will be there. I go to watch the Hahnemkamm training, meet with some of the internationals that train in the Niederau Race arena, meet up with the Disability Snowsport lot, drive to different villages and meet up with people I know, or have met on the internet. This year I plan to ski with an instructor, who lives in Scheffau ~ met him recently on J2ski!

I can ski at my own pace, so generally do not have to spend time waiting, and hence I maximise my ski time. Then when I stop for a break, I can sit and draw, without being anti-social.

At night, I go to different hotels, and meet a wide range of folk I have known for years. So, for me, solo time is idyllic.

When to book? I have always booked accommodation first week in October, for January, I get a special deal, anyway. When that is booked, I book my free Easyjet flight, (through Natwest visa points), and car hire, (early booking gives the lowest price). I then have until 5 Dec to choose which season pass to buy.

What's not to like?

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:14:52 GMT

I go on ski holidays both entirely on my own and with a non-skiing wife.
I do enjoy skiing alone, even when with the J2Ski holiday last season in Tignes I disappeared off by myself some of the time.
But - ski company is good.

For my solo trips and absolutely refusing to even think about sharing a room - I have had success by booking out the weeks holiday and then being patient until near the time. Keeping an eye on things for offers.
Mark Warner for example have done no single room supplements in low season for the last three seasons as a last minute (2 weeks to go) offer. For me on this one, losing Hosting in France is a bummer because top notch hosting as Mark Warner have always done really makes the skiing simple - company sorted.

I have noticed that some other TO's offer similar but just not gone with any.
I would look at the British run Chalet Hotels - big, lots of people, bound to be a few you get along with.

Depending on happy you are to ski alone then the direct Hotel contact may work - but company could be harder to find and need a bit more putting yourself about a bit.

When a solo skier with my wife I have always met a few people to hitch up with for days or part days. Skied with the good skier while their partner is in ski school for example.

Lots of options - and thye big plus on a Ski holiday; your fellow guests are there for the same reason as you!

Go for it.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:16:59 GMT

Hi Guys Thanks very much for your responses which have all been very useful and reassuring. Daved I checked the thread re the J2ski trip and have been in contact with AllyG so that may be one possibility. If that doesn't work out then I will just leave it until 2 weeks before my planned departure date of mid January and see if any chalets have space without the single occupancy charges!. Anyway thanks again and I hope you all enjoy your trips to hills this year. Cheers

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:19:57 GMT

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.
:thumbup:

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 09:17:25 GMT

Hey There,

I was in Neiderau on my own for a week earlier this year and it was a great experience although there wasn't much to do or see apart from ski. This meant that evenings were spent alone and mostly with nothing to do but totally worth the pain if it means getting to ski vs not skiing :)

The resort you choose will make a difference and some might be more popular with others solo skiers. I didn't see much of a difference between single and double occupancy and calculation of costs came to about the same amount.

Btw, I'm looking for a buddy or group for Late Jan / Early Feb so if you are still looking for someone to go with, let me know.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 10:28:03 GMT

Hi OP,

Are you interested in tuition? A Warren Smith type academy may suit you-basically half days of lessons. Most of the clientel or solo skiers so you'll have no trouble getting ski buddies for free ski time. You're paying circa GBP300-GBP400 for this type of set up and tend to get a good deal of accommodation and lift passes.

If the above doesn't appeal pop over to Snowheads-they have a sub forum aimed at getting solo skiers together. They also have the Snowheads bashes which are good value and made up of solo skiers, groups, of all ages and abilities.

Are you comfortable sharing a room with someone? If not I think you have to be prepared to pay on average at least a GBP300 supplement in most places. A mate was going to join us in the 3V in March and he would virtually have to pay for two holidays. There are other set ups, there's a company specifically aimed at solo skiers and offers half days of lessons-the name escapes me. There's also ESF who do accommodation and lesson packages at a very reasonable price-Action Outdoors are their UK agent.

I also have a mate looking to room share in Val Thorens in March.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 10:44:18 GMT

Davidsa2, have you seen or heard of http://www.pistepals.com- a company creating chalet holidays for people who are in your situation ?

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 12:05:27 GMT

I am hoping Davidsa2 will be able to come to Folgarida with me and the rest of the J2Ski group on 2nd February :)

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/456/12565.page#139066

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:23:28 GMT

Come with the J2Ski group Davidsa2. There are lots of different people with one thing in common, we love to ski. So there is bound to be someone you will get on with.

Last year we all had a great time, so much so, that we are doing it again this year, so we must have got something right.

AllyG is a great organiser and we have high hopes for our accommodation in Italy in February and all at a really reasonable price.

As OldAndy has said, you can ski with a group or go off on your own. I skied with different people during the week, sometimes in a big group and sometimes in a small one. We all pleased ourselves and really enjoyed meeting up over supper to discuss the best runs and who had fallen over and where.

Love for you to join us.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:50:01 GMT

Hi Guys, thanks for all the useful tips, enthusiasm and best wishes. At the minute I'm hoping to find someone (or hoping Ally finds me someone)to share with and head to Italy in February with the guys and gals from this site. I've checked the flights and there are still some available so it's really just a matter of a) Finding someone to share the room with me, b) making sure the hotel has a twin room available, c) seeing whether I need to fly to Verona and get on the minibus or fly to Bergamo and get the shuttle bus d) Get to the gym and up the fitness levels.

Hopefully it will all work out and I'll get to meet some of you in February but either way thanks again for all the friendly help and advice. Cheers

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 16:14:52 GMT

I'll look forward to it...we had a great time last year

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 16:50:51 GMT

davidsa2 wrote:Hi Guys, thanks for all the useful tips, enthusiasm and best wishes. At the minute I'm hoping to find someone (or hoping Ally finds me someone)to share with and head to Italy in February with the guys and gals from this site. I've checked the flights and there are still some available so it's really just a matter of a) Finding someone to share the room with me, b) making sure the hotel has a twin room available, c) seeing whether I need to fly to Verona and get on the minibus or fly to Bergamo and get the shuttle bus d) Get to the gym and up the fitness levels.

Hopefully it will all work out and I'll get to meet some of you in February but either way thanks again for all the friendly help and advice. Cheers

Most of us are miserable and grumpy but apart from that we are an OK bunch …….. but we do have a lot of ailments -)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 09:32:43 GMT

Organised group trips are an option I would recommend, though I am biased as a holiday organiser. We've added loads of solo skiers to our numbers over the years, many of which are still coming with us every year.
Booking for big groups we achieve a discount of around 30% off brochure prices.
We're always looking for new people to add to the distribution list. This seasons holidays sold out months ago, but 2015 holiday details will be out around April.

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:01:17 GMT

I've booked another twin room in the Gran Baita hotel in Folgarida for the group, so Davidsa2 is welcome to come with us :)

And Ian W has checked there is room in the mini-bus taxi for him, if he wants to use it :)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 17:45:28 GMT

AllyG wrote:I've booked another twin room in the Gran Baita hotel in Folgarida for the group, so Davidsa2 is welcome to come with us :)

And Ian W has checked there is room in the mini-bus taxi for him, if he wants to use it :)

Get him booked before he has chance to check out the other J2Trippers!
:lol:

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 22:36:43 GMT

OldAndy wrote:

AllyG wrote:I've booked another twin room in the Gran Baita hotel in Folgarida for the group, so Davidsa2 is welcome to come with us :)

And Ian W has checked there is room in the mini-bus taxi for him, if he wants to use it :)

Get him booked before he has chance to check out the other J2Trippers!
:lol:

Im saying nothing -)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 08:08:44 GMT

brooksy wrote:

OldAndy wrote:

AllyG wrote:I've booked another twin room in k Gran Baita hotel in Folgarida for the group, so Davidsa2 is welcome to come with us :)

And Ian W has checked there is room in the mini-bus taxi for him, if he wants to use it :)

Get him booked before he has chance to check out the other J2Trippers!
:lol:

Im saying nothing -)

That'll be a first!

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:30:23 GMT

Wants that then has the pensioner woken up from his slumbers -)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:19:55 GMT

Hooray. I've booked my flights from Gatwick to Verona and will be joining the J2skiers for a week in the hills of Italy!!

Massively excited :lol:

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:36:30 GMT

davidsa2 wrote:Hooray. I've booked my flights from Gatwick to Verona and will be joining the J2skiers for a week in the hills of Italy!!

Massively excited :lol:

Great news :)
Excellent decision ;)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:53:54 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:Wants that then has the pensioner woken up from his slumbers -)

The PENSIONER now is it ? I will have you know I have been working very hard so that I can buy you a beer in Folgarida....so best choose your comments with care -)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:59:28 GMT

brooksy wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Wants that then has the pensioner woken up from his slumbers -)

The PENSIONER now is it ? I will have you know I have been working very hard so that I can buy you a beer in Folgarida....so best choose your comments with care -)

Brooksy you are a kindly elder statesman ….. The things I do for a beer :D

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:01:45 GMT

davidsa2 wrote:Hooray. I've booked my flights from Gatwick to Verona and will be joining the J2skiers for a week in the hills of Italy!!

Massively excited :lol:

Welcome to the madhouse Davidsa2 :shock: please be aware you will not be able to claim on your holiday insurance for any unforeseen circumstances that will arise when involved with this ski group, I tried last year & got told that skiing is classed as a dangerous sport & should only be attempted with companions that are sane :cry:

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:04:09 GMT

welcome...another David..I hope they will be able to tell us apart....

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:54:32 GMT

daved wrote:welcome...another David..I hope they will be able to tell us apart....

It's OK David, his name isn't really David ;)

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:07:25 GMT

AllyG wrote:

daved wrote:welcome...another David..I hope they will be able to tell us apart....

It's OK David, his name isn't really David ;)

Its started already :roll:

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 11:18:59 GMT

Maybe I'll sign up next year..that will be another David, and Lizzie_B may come tooooo, her OH is David as well. Perhaps we should go for an ALL David trip!! :D

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 18:58:33 GMT

There is a company which specialises in singles travel. Not singles as in dating, just people who travel alone. I can't remember the name of it, but it could be worth a bit of research?

Good luck

Steve

Re:Solo Ski Trip

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:53:54 GMT

Hey Daved and Brooksy thanks for the welcoming words, I look forward to meeting you both in Feb:)

Thanks also to everyone else who posted on this thread, some very useful and helpful comments.
Cheers all