Advice

[BibliophileYogiGirl]

Hi guys

I was just wondering how much to expect to pay for a ski trip for a week? It would be me and DH and we were thinking the French or Swiss Alps.

I've been before but DH hasn't and I'm trying to convince him to go as I loved it. We were thinking £5k for the two of us for the week - is this realistic?

Thanks in advance

Need a bit more detail really. If you're going outside of school holidays that's a healrhy budget. Are you looking at hotel/self catering/catered chalet? Have you skiied before or do you need lessons? Do you have any of your own kit or will you be hiring?

Sorry. Just seen that you've skiied before but will you be needing lessons?

We do it for less than that with two kids in school holidays. But thats more basic resorts (so Italy, Andorra, Bulgaria not France/Switzerland), half board hotel, ski school for children plus ski hire, lift passes for three people (since I'm actually unteachable it seems), flights.

It all depends on what level luxury you want.

It’s not going to get you 5 star in Val D’Isere but I would have thought that’s a perfectly do able budget. Obviously there are variables like do you want lessons, if yes private or group, what level of luxury do you like, would you self cater, do you want a big high altitude resort etc etc. You’ll get more for your money in January so as long as you don’t mind the cold and aren’t tied to the schools holidays I’d definitely look to go then.

1. Would be outside of school holidays. Happy to go January/early Feb. Just me and DH.

1. Would want a rustic hotel/chalet vibe. Definitely breakfast included. My understanding is you can buy lunch on the slopes? Would you recommend going out for dinner or is it easier to stay on site?

1. None of our own kit currently. We would be happy to buy most stuff and then rent skis etc.

1. We would want to go to ski school. Maybe in the mornings and slopes in the afternoons?

1. Happy with group lessons.

1. We would like luxurious if possible.

And also, I haven't done ski school before. How does it work? The last time I went I did lessons before going.

Thanks

I think it's doable outside of school holidays. Jan can be early for snow depending on where you go, Feb will be more expensive heading into half term territory.

Lunch on the mountain will be expensive.

I'd consider looking at USA. Although more expensive in terms of flights it can work out cheaper when you are there. Don't go to Bulgaria, it's dreadful.

Ski school I would go for a morning session and have the afternoons off to practice on your own or do other things.

I've just had a quick look and you can get 7 nights B&B in Breck for £2k ppn, ski in, ski out, next to the chairlift for early Feb. im bored and procrastinating about work, this is much more interesting

£5,000 is ample for Austria. E.g. One week, departing 28. Jan. to Saalbach with one of the UK's tour operators, so flights and transfers are included:

Very nice hotel in the centre of the village, 2 minutes from the ski school, half-board £2,957 for 2 pers.
Similar standard, same location, very good all-inclusive, £3,734 for 2 pers.
(Cheaper options are available).

Ski and boot hire - around £120 each per week
Ski lessons - group lessons around £180-£200 each for a week
Meal and a drink on the mountain at lunchtime - €15 each per day (unless you want steaks every day)
Total for these in round numbers - around £900 for both of you in total.

Plus Beer/Prosecco/Gluhwein money.

As you are relative newcomers there is something to be said for going with a tour operator. The reps are there to sort everything out for you and to make sure you get the right skis, right lessons etc.

Thanks @nearlyspringyay @Havanananana

We don't drink and don't eat meat so think we will save on that! Will look into tour operators.

I've found a hotel that I love, is there a way to work with a tour operator even though we've found a hotel?

You could see if the hotel is offered by Crystal, they’re quite a big operator so have a lot on there.

Otherwise you don’t necessarily need a tour operator, it’s easy enough to DIY- book hotel, flights, find a transfer company or taxi, ask the hotel to point you in the direction of nearest rental shop and decide if you want lessons with the local ski school e.g. ESF if in France (don’t do it to yourselves) or an English one (definitely a better choice if going to France).

@RandomQuest thank you. I've checked and they don't do the hotel we want so happy to book it all ourselves. Will also have a look at the ski school you recommended.

Thanks again

If you want to book a specific hotel through a tour operator, I recommend Chaletline. They will look through all available deals and find the best one for you. Usually cheaper than booking direct and you get the safety net (lots of cancelled and rebooked ski holidays in the last couple of years).

Your budget is fine but bear in mind that spending is very expensive to eat out at the moment in the mountains - we spent about €80 per meal in April for family of 3, no alcohol, no dessert, only 1 meat eater.

Thank you. Was that for lunch? And how does that compare to previous years?

Will have a look at that tour operator now, thanks!

Prices are so mad at the moment that I’d actually say 80 EUR for 3 seems really reasonable for a skiing lunch, even with no booze or pudding. Granted we don’t seek out cheap places but I’ve personally paid 30 EUR just for a single portion of lasagna in Val D’Isere!

Meal prices on the mountain appear to have gone through the roof in France and Switzerland, but as in my post above, prices in Austria this winter were nowhere near €30 for a portion of lasagne or €80 for a meal for 3.

We regularly ski in the Saalbach-Hinterglemm Ski Circus and typically pay around €15 each for lunch - i.e a simple main and a drink. I just looked online at the menu for one of our favourite huts: Spaghetti Bolognese €9.80 (€7.70 for a child's portion), a big bowl of meaty goulash soup €7.80. The most expensive item is Wienerschnitzel with fries at €15.10. €5 for a large beer or glass of wine. This is in a large, popular hut with table service and amazing views, and the prices are typical for the area.

Yes €80 for lunch in 3 vallées and as pp said you could easily pay a lot more. And yes, noticeably more expensive in France vs a couple of years ago.

You could easily spend £5k and some in Switzerland. A lift pass can be £200 upwards although there may be cheaper options if beginners. Try Ski Scott Dunn or Powder Byrne for ideas. Where do you have in mind?

I have come across Scott Dunn before so will definitely have a look, thanks. We are considering Megève. I think we would go for 7 days, ski for 5 and spa/relax for 2