First time skier

[indiepanda]

Hello

I would also recommend Austria, and I would particularly recommend a small company that works out of one resort called redpoint

http://www.redpoint.co.uk/index.html

The quality of the ski tuition I've had there beats that I've had anywhere else by a large margin - the ski tuition is provided by redpoint rather than a local ski school, and the tutors are all native english speakers, so can explain things in a way that someone who is operating in their second language doesn't tend to. Some of the tuition I've had elsewhere has been pretty ropey - either not been pushed at all or pushed so far I've been terrified.

They do learn to ski weeks which might be worth looking into.

[cincinatti kid]

Thanks for all the great advice. I had a look on a couple of the sites recommended and staggeringly was quoted approx a grand per person. Admittedly that included ski lessons, equipment hire and lift pass, but it still seems to be very expensive. Is that about the norm or am I looking in the wrong places? Seems like maybe it's a rich man's sport if it is the case.

[Jeremy]

Is that full board? If it includes lessons, ski hire and lift pass, then it sounds about right.

[cincinatti kid]

Half board.

[Loz]

cincinatti kid Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Thanks for all the great advice. I had a look on a

> couple of the sites recommended and staggeringly

> was quoted approx a grand per person. Admittedly

> that included ski lessons, equipment hire and lift

> pass, but it still seems to be very expensive. Is

> that about the norm or am I looking in the wrong

> places? Seems like maybe it's a rich man's sport

> if it is the case.

Well, to break down a fairly normal holiday...

Lift Pass: ?200

Equipment Hire: ?150

Lessons ?150

Flight, Transfer and Accommodation: ?500

So, yes, a grand is not out of the ball park. But, remember that you usually (in Europe) get breakfast and dinner (usually with wine). Also, shop around - there are loads of last minute deals around at the moment. Try lastminute.com and iglu.com.

Also, a bit of a well kept secret is UCPA - French hostels that do really, really cheap all-in deals (especially popular with skint teachers who can't afford the inflated half-term prices that UK operators charge). UCPA have three partners in the UK:

www.action-outdoors.co.uk

www.outgoing.co.uk

www.topdecktravel.co.uk

About ?600 usually gets you accommodation, meals, liftpass, equipment and lessons - you just need travel on top.

[Jeremy]

Sorry CK... yeah, I meant half board. That price seems about right to me. In fact in one of the big resorts, you'd be hard pushed to find something for less. Skiing isn't cheap, unfortunately.

[ClareC]

You can pick up cheap deals (@ ?300) but by the time you have added lift passes, equipment hire and lessons it does soon add up.

If you don't mind basic accomodation, there is a company called Skitopia which basically specialises in school trips, in term time the accomodation is available to non school groups and is generally very competitive and includes equipment hire. They will be able to organise lessons and lift passes and may even offer deals on these if booked last minute.

They are based in cornwall, think the website is wwww.skitopia.co.uk

[Ann]

Good point ClareC, but school trips still come in at about ? 750- ?800 for one child all in but travel by coach!

I would agree wholeheartedly that basic accommodation is fine. I've self-catered as a family in the Alps with no problems. For the evenings when your in it's a lovely way to relax. If you want to go out then do.

Again Italy much cheaper than France or Switzerland, haven't skied in Austria bit not sure of the altitude there?

The OP sounds quite sporty, you should take to it like a duck to water. Good luck!

[ClareC]

http://www.skitopia.com/ski-deals/late-ski-deals.asp

All inclusive Montgenevre (right on Italian border and very good for beginners) - ?499

Ive stayed at the chalet / hotel concerned, very basic but has a cool bar and the food was fine albeit rather canteen like facilities.