Latest posts for the topic "Going round in circles"

Going round in circles

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:57:08 GMT

Im trying to think of some where to go for the 5 of us in 2010, 1st week in Jan. Do i wait or leave till later to book? and most of all where the hell do we go.

Ive been following Tonys "help me with my shortlist" but when ever I check them out they are just to expensive :cry:, got a wedding to pay for next May :-)

La Tania seems a good price and we popped there in Jan this year and it looked ok. Lots of snow making in the area just incase same with Les Menuires I expect and that would be cheap also. Its just expensive when your there!

I loved Italy and Livigno looks ok but the transfer ffsake 5 hours :shock:. The rest Ive no bloody idea but all the places in the Dolimites just seem out of our range, price wise.

Give me some ideas please and once again not Bulgaria!

Think i may get WTSS!

Re:Going round in circles

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:58:47 GMT

On a budget?
Large ski area good for intermediates?
Nice quality accommodation, lively town with lots going on, take it or leave it?
Short transfer?

Mayrhofen, every time.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:55:52 GMT

What level of skiers are in your group, Poiana Brasov is a nice resort and it gets quite a few Brits but it is better for Beginner / Intermediate level skiers. It is pretty cheap to get here easyjet and wizz both fly here and very cheap by British standsrds when you get here, you have to fly to Buchurest and then it is a 2.5 hour transfer to Poiana.
Snow in first week of Jan should be OK but you can leave it later and get better prices, we have our best snow now in Romania at the major resorts in Transylvania.
It is not a big resort so most of the hotels are walking distance to the lifts, it gets busy at weekends because a lot of Romanians ski but in the week it is a joy, ski down straight to the lift and back up again so if you came Saturday to Saturday you might have one busy day.
The ski instructors are of a very high standard and all speak excellent English especially the ones from the ANA ski school, if you go with that school you have the added advantage of skipping the lift queues if there is one because the same company run the lifts. Also ski hire is excellent with a lot of new equipment every season
As I say if you are all expert skiers then you may find it a little tame on the pistes apart from one very evil black run (so my wife tells me) but if you are beginner / intermediate you will have a good time.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:16:33 GMT

I met someone when getting my new boots that had been to Romania and it sounded as thrid world as Bulgaria. Looking at it in terms of extent, its tiny. I believe MFC is a decent intermediate, and it wouldnt be what I was looking for tbh.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:12:32 GMT

No, it is not a big resort, not on a par with the alpine resorts, but it is hardly third world, it is only 10km from Brasov which is a beautiful and modern city. The hotels in the resort are all very modern or recently refurbished and they are starting to get into the apres ski thing in a big way. The lifts are all modern and very reliable, I have only known them not working once and that was because of very high winds.
I ski there most weekends in the winter when there is good snow but I tend to stay in Brasov and drive up in a morning because I prefer the city nightlife.
I have run into (not literally)a lot of Brits here this winter but I admit most of them were on their first or second ski holiday that is why I say it is not really a resort for expert skiers.
Another resort option here is the Prahova Valley, there are 4 resorts here within a few miles of each other and i think you can ski the whole area on 1 pass. THe only problem is they do not get many foreign tourists so the resorts including the ski lifts tend to shut in the week if it is not holidays. I have been to Sinaia 4 times and never managed to ski there because the lifts were not working, which is a pity because it is the biggest ski area in the country

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:03:20 GMT

By 'first week of January' do you mean including New Year? If not, I think the first week in January is usually pretty quiet and underbooked, in which case you should be able to find a last minute deal, even for 5 of you.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:54:00 GMT

First week in Jan next season is Saturday 2nd / Sunday 3rd, so that is usually the cheapest week of the season and is often underbooked.
I agree, mfc should find something cheap and possibly last minute too.

MFC - what are your specific requirements for your party in terms of ski area and nightlife etc?

I still think the Romanian option would only be any good for novices planning a holiday.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:23:28 GMT

Im Intermediate/advanced and my partner and 3 kids Very good intermediates. Not bothered about night life but need some slopes to test us all, not just going through the motions. Self catering also as we can take loads of stuff with us for the 3 teenagers who eat us out of house and home. Most of all lots of snow making just incase it doesnt snow.

Quickly browsing Neilson web site Ive found La Tania, self catering with lift passes GBP2241. Problem is Ive been spoilt with Italy the friendly people, value prices, good lifts and some nice pistes which Id really like the kids to experience.

The 1st week in Jan I mean flying on the 2nd or 3rd.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:34:40 GMT

I no expert but the credit crunch was never going to hit the ski industry this year with the "I 'm gonna enjoy my self recession or not " factor mixed with the good snow year I guess the vultures have made a killing, I would guess as the credit crunch tightens though 2009/10 less people will possible ski next year, the vultures I would think already have their accommodation booked so there may be a possibility of some good deals for the brave who hold out. What do you think ???

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:52:44 GMT

Thats the problem I have do I squeak like a mouse and book now or have the balls of a baboon and hold out

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:55:06 GMT

mfc wrote:Thats the problem I have do I squeak like a mouse and book now or have the balls of a baboon and hold out

Sorry big boy, I have no interest in your baboon size balls :mrgreen:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:56:42 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Thats the problem I have do I squeak like a mouse and book now or have the balls of a baboon and hold out

Sorry big boy, I have no interest in your baboon size balls :mrgreen:

jealousy gets you no where !!

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:00:25 GMT

amanda n wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Thats the problem I have do I squeak like a mouse and book now or have the balls of a baboon and hold out

Sorry big boy, I have no interest in your baboon size balls :mrgreen:

jealousy gets you no where !!

My legs are bandy enough without baboon size ***** swinging about 8)

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:08:07 GMT

I think im going to have to chance it and wait, where we go is another matter though.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:09:22 GMT

mfc - Be daring and take the baboon route! By booking late, you can follow the deals and the good snow conditions.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:09:57 GMT

mfc wrote:I think im going to have to chance it and wait, where we go is another matter though.

I don't know, I suppose it depends when you intend to go, could be some good deals early January :thumbup:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:36:18 GMT

Been looking today for chalets flying tomorrow just to check prices. One place in Alpe d'Huez going for GBP169 for 2 people inc flights, transfers and fully catered, thats madness.
A lot of expensive chalet, ie GBP700 plus are going for GBP280-GBP350 for this week too, but I guess its ok if theres only 2 of you going at this late stage, no good for families or groups.

Looking ahead, the rumours are prices going up by between 20 and 20% compared to this season mainly because of the exchange rate. many operators are pulling out of some accommodation and relying on the ones that they always fill.

Its going to be harder than it has been for some time to find a ski bargain for next season, so I am reckoning that booking early, taking a group/early discount and trying to get some others deals like BOGOF lift passes is the way forward next season.

Bugger.

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:39:51 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Been looking today for chalets flying tomorrow just to check prices. One place in Alpe d'Huez going for GBP169 for 2 people inc flights, transfers and fully catered, thats madness.
A lot of expensive chalet, ie GBP700 plus are going for GBP280-GBP350 for this week too, but I guess its ok if theres only 2 of you going at this late stage, no good for families or groups.

Looking ahead, the rumours are prices going up by between 20 and 20% compared to this season mainly because of the exchange rate. many operators are pulling out of some accommodation and relying on the ones that they always fill.

Its going to be harder than it has been for some time to find a ski bargain for next season, so I am reckoning that booking early, taking a group/early discount and trying to get some others deals like BOGOF lift passes is the way forward next season.

Bugger.

Be brave, I think there may be some good offers, time will tell, it's all a gamble :shock:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:55:17 GMT

maybe a daft question, but if you have already booked for next season andpaid deposut, can they still oput the price up?

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:07:08 GMT

amanda n wrote:maybe a daft question, but if you have already booked for next season andpaid deposut, can they still oput the price up?

No idea, read the TO's small print :evil:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:08:56 GMT

just thought of it, will have to now put my mind at rest, probably will they will have a way round it

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:55:54 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Been looking today for chalets flying tomorrow just to check prices. One place in Alpe d'Huez going for GBP169 for 2 people inc flights, transfers and fully catered, thats madness.
A lot of expensive chalet, ie GBP700 plus are going for GBP280-GBP350 for this week too, but I guess its ok if theres only 2 of you going at this late stage, no good for families or groups.

Looking ahead, the rumours are prices going up by between 20 and 20% compared to this season mainly because of the exchange rate. many operators are pulling out of some accommodation and relying on the ones that they always fill.

Its going to be harder than it has been for some time to find a ski bargain for next season, so I am reckoning that booking early, taking a group/early discount and trying to get some others deals like BOGOF lift passes is the way forward next season.

Bugger.

Is that from a good source, 2nd guessing or you starting a rumour? If its the latter i can carry that rumour no problem :wink:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:01:17 GMT

Ive just bought 2 nice bottles of Merlot, I think i will drink and ponder on my next move

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:06:47 GMT

mfc wrote:Ive just bought 2 nice bottles of Merlot, I think i will drink and ponder on my next move

You're a civilized chap old boy, what :lol:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:28:17 GMT

ive been called many things but never that

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:39:40 GMT

mfc wrote:ive been called many things but never that

It was meant in the best possible taste :mrgreen:

Re:Going round in circles

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:48:26 GMT

amanda n wrote:maybe a daft question, but if you have already booked for next season andpaid deposut, can they still oput the price up?

Yes they can! From the Guardian Money website ABTA members can surcharge with ABTA's permission following these rules:

· They must absorb the first 2% of any currency fluctuation.

· They cannot surcharge more than 10% without offering customers the chance to claim a full refund.

· They are not allowed to add surcharges within 30 days of departure.

It's unlikely to happen but has been known over the last year!

There is much debate about whether we can expect bargains next year and the truth is nobody knows for certain........nobody knows what's going to happen to the economy which will drive the market one way or the other. However I'm with Tony in that I wouldn't expect there to be a lot of cheap un-sold holidays going next winter due to strong media speculation that the holiday companies will slash their capacity next year to avoid making heavy losses.

Think I'll be booking my easyjet flights when they come out and going DIY(on the credit card in case they go bust!).

Re:Going round in circles

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 10:31:35 GMT

now im really confused

Re:Going round in circles

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:31:42 GMT

mfc wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Been looking today for chalets flying tomorrow just to check prices. One place in Alpe d'Huez going for GBP169 for 2 people inc flights, transfers and fully catered, thats madness.
A lot of expensive chalet, ie GBP700 plus are going for GBP280-GBP350 for this week too, but I guess its ok if theres only 2 of you going at this late stage, no good for families or groups.

Looking ahead, the rumours are prices going up by between 20 and 20% compared to this season mainly because of the exchange rate. many operators are pulling out of some accommodation and relying on the ones that they always fill.

Its going to be harder than it has been for some time to find a ski bargain for next season, so I am reckoning that booking early, taking a group/early discount and trying to get some others deals like BOGOF lift passes is the way forward next season.

Bugger.

Is that from a good source, 2nd guessing or you starting a rumour? If its the latter i can carry that rumour no problem :wink:

I dont do rumours. It comes from within the trade, and if you look at the preview brochures for next season, its confirmed.

Re:Going round in circles

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:44:51 GMT

Working nights Thursday and checked on prices for France............Mottaret, LeCretes Aps GBP2691 with 5 passes now GBP300 more. Mottaret, sleeps 2 to 6 was GBP2811 with passes now GBP3211.

I looked at these prices on my nightshift Thursday now they have all gone up by afew hundred pounds................ ouch! f**k

Re:Going round in circles

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:47:52 GMT

I have been told a number of accommodations have been pulled from the previews and may not appear on the 2nd editions because they have failed to agree a rate for this season.
Chalet holidays with all your evening drinks in are looking the way forward.