Any advice on booking a skiing trip?

beachlou

Hello all,

I am hoping to book a skiing holiday for New Years this yr (group of 6) and wanted to ask for a bit of advice.

1. If I book with a travel agent (which looks the cheapest option at the moment), is it possible to try and ask for any freebies/discounts? i.e. ski equipment/lift passes.

2. Also, is it better to buy the lift passes out there or buy here beforehand?

3. Is there anywhere I can book that is likely to be cheaper than the travel agents brochures?

Thanks

monkeyspanner

1. Its always worth asking, our local travel agent will usually match prices if you ask also they might throw in Airport parking if you are booking for 6 which is likely to be a high value booking.

2. Normally if you take a ski package the lift passes from the operator will be at least as good as local rates and probably better. The only occasion this was not the case with us I pointed this out to our operator Crystal when we got back and they refunded the difference. If you look carefully in the brochures you can sometimes find deals on the passes/ski/boot hire at off peak times and also if you take lessons you can get package deals. If you want to check out prices you can normally find the ski resort web site and look up the passes etc. and if you want a price comparison some sites like http://www.worldski.co.uk give prices on passes for some resorts.

3. I have got better deals at times from airmiles (no need for the miles) they operate as a travel agent. My bank LloydsTsb offers 6.5% via their travel service, I'm not sure if this is open to non customers tel no: is 08458505056. Usually I play these and my local high street agent off against each other to get the best deal. Crystal used to offer an on-line booking discount of £25 per person might be worth checking out. Also remember that some travel agents are part of tour operators and this gives them some scope for discounts. It is also worth checking out ski insurance separate from the ski brochure prices. I got family anual worldwide cover including 24 days ski cover from insureandgo for £99 which was less than the single trip cost.

Have a great time

beachlou

THANK YOU so much for the advice monkeyspanner-it will come in really helpful. didn't even think about the airport parking.

I have been looking at the Crystal brochure, so will now long on the website.

Thanks again

any other tips from seasonsed skiers/boarders?

John_3:16

Not alot more we are going for the first time this Feb to the Alps. All i would say is plan well ahead we got multi trip for the family with winter sports insurance for £50 If poss learn alittle before you go. At a snow dome etc.

monkeyspanner

If you find anything with First Choice who have a limited ski program this post has a £100 discount code.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=357788

mark398

monkeyspanner wrote:

If you find anything with First Choice who have a limited ski program this post has a £100 discount code.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=357788

As I'm in the process of booking myself, I've just tried First Direct. Before discount they are £80 more expensive per person than the cheapest (Neilson) so in this case they are still not the cheapest.

So far in my search I'm finding Crystal and Neilson to be the most competitive.

Ems!

Sorry, not trying to put you off skiing at all, as I LOVE it! But, i believe there was not much snow this yr ( in Europe at least) until about a week ago. This would be a particular problem if you are beginners as likely to be on the lower slope with even less chance of snow. Was speaking to a travel agent about it only a couple of days ago and he was saying the snow is getting later and later. Just something to think about... wouldn't want to spend all that money - as is v pricey if you are going for new Year, only to not be able to ski!!

Em.xx

interactiveresorts

Hi,

I work for a ski travel agency - we are actually now one of the UK's largest, specialising in catered chalet holidays and work with all operators.

Mostly, offers will be provided from the operator which can then be passed on to the client.

We get many exclusive deals, early season discounts, lift pass offers, etc. - the most important thing though is making sure that you book the most suitable accommodation and as Ems! mentions, the snow this year was late in coming (although there is plenty now though!) and for New Year it would be of benefit to book a high resort if you are concerned.

Best thing to do is shop around for prices but (and I would say this) take a look at our website and call us with any questions:

http://www.catered-chalet-holidays.co.uk.

Feel free to email me if you want any advice.

Cheers,

Jonathan

Nordictat2

Take a look here

http://www.skicentral.com/norway.html

http://www.j2ski.com/ski_holidays/Norway

http://www.tourist.no/templates/NTRa....aspx?id=41250

http://www.visitnorway.com/templates....aspx?id=30076

pennylane99

interactiveresorts wrote:

Hi,

I work for a ski travel agency - we are actually now one of the UK's largest, specialising in catered chalet holidays and work with all operators.

Mostly, offers will be provided from the operator which can then be passed on to the client.

We get many exclusive deals, early season discounts, lift pass offers, etc. - the most important thing though is making sure that you book the most suitable accommodation and as Ems! mentions, the snow this year was late in coming (although there is plenty now though!) and for New Year it would be of benefit to book a high resort if you are concerned.

Best thing to do is shop around for prices but (and I would say this) take a look at our website and call us with any questions:


Feel free to email me if you want any advice.

Cheers,

Jonathan

you are not allowed to advertise your websites on these forums....