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Ski and snowboarding

Half term

11 replies

Lollicent · 05/01/2019 19:38

Any recommendations for companies to try for a not too expensive February week skiing?
DH and DS 16 yrs want to go away. They don't mind where they go. I know it's peak season but everything seems so expensive.

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Ivegotthree · 05/01/2019 22:10

Andorra seems cheaper than most. We're off to Soldeu. Have a look at Crystal Ski.

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namechangedtoday15 · 06/01/2019 14:43

Have you been before? February half term (although probably unavoidable) is usually very busy.

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Enb76 · 06/01/2019 14:51

I have to go in Feb half term which is a serious pain. There are ways to make it cheaper, most of which involve doing it yourself.

When I was younger, I used to coach trip it. A long journey but it’s not so much the skiing as the flying that wipes my budget. This year going by train as my child is half the price on a train but full price if she flies.

Beg, borrow or steal kit, you’ve missed the big discounts on ski hire and passes but depending on resort you could enter one of the raffles. I’m Airbnb pretty cheaply this year though if your kids don’t need luxury they can try Youth Hosteling as that tends to be relatively inexpensive and ski buses will get you to the slopes.

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Enb76 · 06/01/2019 14:54
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Lollicent · 06/01/2019 16:50

They've been several times before and have all the kit.
School holidays dictate when they can go and Easter is late this year.
I'll check out the links, thanks.

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FanSpamTastic · 06/01/2019 17:31

Best way is to drive to a resort in France and book your own self catering accommodation. The flexiplus ticket on Eurotunnel is great.

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Pandasarecute · 06/01/2019 20:39

Just jumping on your thread to ask a question OP- hope that's ok! Do people think it's cheaper to book well in advance to get discounts, I've just priced this Feb and it's very expensive!

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FrederickCreeding · 06/01/2019 20:45

Panda Yes, if you're flying I definitely think it's cheaper to book in advance. I like to diy it though, so book flights and accommodation etc myself. It's very easy and I think it's cheaper than going through an agency. Obviously if you can go at 'off-peak' times then there are some very good deals. But for peak weeks I do think it's cheapest to do it yourself.

Another tip is to fly to a slightly further away airport e.g Munich rather than. Salzburg. It adds a little longer to your transfer but can save a lot.

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Pandasarecute · 06/01/2019 21:10

Thank you Frederick, I'm not sure about booking it all myself in case I miss something out!! Did a package with Crystal last year (first trip). If you do a DIY holiday what about transfers? I was just looking for this half term and it's a lot more than I paid when I booked almost 2 years ago for Feb 2018. Wasn't sure if prices had increased a lot, or if was more expensive last minute.

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namechangedtoday15 · 06/01/2019 22:12

What about Christmas hols rather than half term? We've done Christmas week previously and this year we've done a post NY trip - just back today as children go back late this year - and probably half the price (by DIYing) than a package at February half term.

Transfers - we hire a car or use public transport, but depending on resort and how many you are, still cheaper than a package to get a private transfer.

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Frenchfamille · 07/01/2019 21:27

As Fanspam says, one idea if budget is key is to do the drive down France and stay in a Gite.. especially if your children are older and can be in a car for more than half an hour without needing a wee stop!
Weve got a place in Bagneres de Bigorre and I've just seen today that there is an Ad for a bus from town to the slopes for about 2 euros! Plus take your own food, so you can add a bit more in your shop each week til then and pack the car with food from UK where possible (I live in Brittany and find the food here more expensive).
I know you've put a ski company but I would think you'd probably get more for your money doing things separately? Eg shuttle/ferry and gite.
If you go via Brittany ferries I'm happy to pass our code on to you for a little discount - it all helps!
PM if you want any info or general Pyrenees Info. I know a few good sites for all things skiing.
Hope you get away and have a good holiday!

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