Learn to Ski/Snowboard Holiday

columbo81

Me and my gf want to go on a skiing/snowboarding holiday early next year. We're looking for somewhere that we can get lessons that isn't really expensive. Any suggestions on where to go or what sites to look at?

Thanks

mikeouk

dont want to poop on your party but im afraid you can never put "cheap" and "ski holiday" in the same sentance.
I would say it may be cheaper to learn at one of the in door snow domes here in the uk and then try to get a week in bulgeria, its not a place for experianced skiers/boarders but would be ok if you just want to practice. Remember to include ski passes and equipment hire when working out you costs, neither of which are cheap. If you go to the alps, ski passes will cost atleast £60 a day for both of you.
Having said all that, it realy is a great way to spend a week.

Amy83

I agree, you can't really get a proper 'cheap' snowboarding holiday...but as far as cheap goes, have a look at www.wastelandski.com

Les Deux Alps is good for beginners, and it's not an expensive resort compared to a lot of them in France, so you won't break the bank once you're there!

I've just looked at prices for 2 people, 3rd Jan for a week, 1 weeks acommodation at the Residence Bel Alpe, with 10hrs worth of lessons (over 5 days I'd imagine) with snowboard hire and the snowboard hire insurance. Comes in at £798 for the two of you...so if you scout round for some cheap flights you could probably do it for a bit under £1k between you.

cazziebo

Four words

Cheap ski-holiday bulgaria awful

jh2004

We did a beginner 3 days mini ski break flying into geneva.

hired a car for £100, then picked the easy slopes /blues to use.
the cost of the we tried to make it as cheap as possible,
however, it was probably just as expensive to go for 6/7 days.

we used chamonix as a base, using slopes at les tours, and flaines - which were perfect for beginners.
let me know if you want any more info.
we are now hooked, and going back for week at xmas!
jh

whitelabel

try http://www.skiandsnowboardslovakia.com/

we went out with them 2 years ago and they were quite cheap and friendly - an english couple, I think one of the owners used to be in a famous band too.

When the alps was struggling with snow they had loads and people were cancelling some trips in france to go eastern europe.

There were lots of polish and russians in the resort and not everyone speaks english, but we didnt struggle as most young people do speak it and the shops, cafes etc do too. all the people in the chalet were english too.

slovakia is due to join the euro soon, so prices may rise up soon.

sturll

Lake Tahoe.

kr15snw

Best advice I can give is to get lessons before you go at a dry slope / indoor snow dome. Learn to turn and use the lift before you go (this may take 4 - 5 hours of lessons).

Otherwise you will spend the majority of the week on the nursery slope, falling over, falling off the lift and on pretty flat runs.

If you learn before you go you can go into an intermediate class and enjoy yourself a bit more!

marky70

hi columbo81
i agree with the other posters re getting a few lessons beforehand. although it's much tougher to learn on an artificial slope, it will give you a couple of days headstart before you arrive (seeing as you'll only ski for 6 days, this is a huge advantage)

i would look at a tour operator called ski equity (no, i don't work for them!!)
their holiday prices includes everything eg lift pass, ski & boot hire etc

one ski resort i would highly recommend for 1st timers is called folgarida in italy. the slope difficulty is just right, you would be able to ski most of the area within your week. also, it has it's own microclimate giving you much better snow conditions than most other places (this will help you to learn faster and generally give you more enjoyment)

it's not as cheap as you can do it (eg bulgaria etc) but I honestly think it is worth spending that little bit more

hope thats useful
m

grrmich

When I learnt to snowboard, I had two private lessons (each 1 or 2 hours) with a friend. This worked out just a little more than going into ski school, and meant that we were much better at the end of the holiday than our other friends. It also meant that we weren't getting board standing around watching other people fall over a lot. I know it doesn't go with the "cheap" holiday, but would give you much more enjoyment. I have used iglooski in the past, sometimes if you phone them, they can offer you much better deals than on the web.

LillyJ

cazziebo wrote: »

Four words

Cheap ski-holiday bulgaria awful

Not true! I have skied all my life and used to work as a ski rep.
Bulgaria is excellent for beginners and is very cheap.
I took my OH there for his 1st holiday. It wasn't great for me (but was perfectly adequate), but truly excellent for learners
There are also far fewer queues than the Alps, and the slopes are less crowded. Drinks and food are also cheap.

Tuition was fine, although I took OH out of lessons in the afternoon and taught him myself (just so we could spend time together).

Another option in Italy, somewhere like Sauze D'Oulx.

You can't beat Bulgaria on cheapness though.

I wouldn't bother with France/Austria/Switzerland, even if you get a cheap holiday the cost of lift passes etc is prohibitive. Tuition is also very expensive.