Virgin Holidays travel writers
Looking to book an escape to the slopes but have a few questions first? Our resident skiing experts are here to help out with some queries that might just be of some use...
What is the best time of the year to get value for money ski holidays?
Nicky Holford, ski expert: If you’re flexible about when you can go there are several low peak times when you can get great deals. These are even better if you are adults and don’t have children who are tied to school holidays and half term. After Christmas and New Year the beginning of January is a time when many ski companies have great value deals and may already be discounting holidays. Look at the overall price of a holiday because some companies will offer free lift passes, or free child places which can drastically reduce the price. If you are looking to save on a family holiday try not to go at Christmas or half term. There are always bargains after Easter (this year Easter Sunday is on April 4th) when it should also be nice and hot.
Do you have any advice for parents wanting to take the kids along?
Helen Truszkowski, skiing and family holidaying expert: First off, if you have a young baby don’t venture too high as babies can get grizzly and feverish at altitude. January tends to bring the best snow but bear in mind it can be bitterly cold especially for toddlers, plus in Europe it gets dark early. Later in the season (March through April) is best, though you run the risk of less powder. For your sanity, choose a resort with a short transfer time and hotel or chalet, preferably within a walk of the slopes. Childcare is paramount if you want to get some good solo runs in. Book ahead as crèche facilities fill up quickly.
Don’t think about teaching your brood to ski yourself. Instead book a kid-focused ski instructor. They’re trained to teach kids the right core skills within a fun-filled environment while stressing safety. Kids all learn differently: professional instructors have a toolbox of techniques to meet the trickiest needs.
We’re on a tight budget – any tips for a cheaper holiday?
Neil English, Ski holiday expert: Most skiers will stop short of missing out on their skiing holiday during the economic downturn but they will be keeping a sharp eye on those dollars. Self catering is the most effective saving method on a ski holiday. Many families spend more eating in restaurants on the mountain and in resort during their week’s break than the price of their accommodation. North American resorts are well equipped to help skiers and snowboarders exploit the economic advantages of self catering since many of the properties are condominiums with full kitchens and most hotel rooms have kitchenette facilities. And whether in premium Canadian resorts like Whistler or Banff or American ski meccas like Breckenridge or South Lake Tahoe, accommodation rates are generally based on room only so choose a condo or hotel room with kitchenette, as close to the local deli or supermarket as possible. At breakfast be sure to make sandwiches for the family lunch and take bottles of tap water in the back-pack and use the designated “picnic” areas at mountain restaurants. Cook wholesome family dinners in the condo and you will save fortunes!
Which pieces of equipment do you particularly recommend?
Simon Heptinstall, travel writer: From a hefty snow saw to an emergency aqualung, skiers can spend their money on all sort of bizarre tools to protect them from avalanches. Most are fiddly, expensive and awkward to carry around. After all, avalanche accidents are rare for most skiers. Carrying a small digital battery-powered transceiver is much better. These emit a pulse and, if anyone gets swallowed by an avalanche, rescuers switch their units to receive. You have around 15 minutes to find them before they suffocate. BCA’s Tracker DTS is the best-selling transceiver and is recommended by The Alpine Ski Club. It’s an extra 363 gms to lug around but it’s a potential life-saver. When searching, the rugged little unit quickly displays the distance and direction to the victim’s signal. You haven’t got much time for fiddling around.
Do you have any tips for the first time skier?
Will Ham Bevan, travel writer: Booking your first trip to the snow? Congratulations: you may well be on your way to a lifetime’s high-mountain enjoyment. Nevertheless, some people just don’t take to skiing – and in many cases, it’s down to the same few gripes. Choose a resort that is renowned as being good for beginners – with good nursery areas, and a selection of “improvers’ slopes” so that you don’t get bored as you gain confidence and ability. French purpose-built resorts such as Meribel and Les Arcs are a good option for first-timers. One put-off comes up time and again: agonisingly cramped, sore or cold feet. This is almost always down to ill-fitting boots. At the ski-hire shop, don’t be rushed. The boots should hold your feet firmly, but you must be able to wiggle your toes. And take ski lessons. Plenty has been written about how inadvisable it is to learn to drive with a relative or friend – you’ll end up screaming at each other, and learning bad habits. The same applies to skiing. Get it right from the start!