We all want one thing though, value for money.
Some people are lucky enough to be able to blow their banking bonus on a 6* chalet with Michelin cuisine and a private lift station, and believe me, I would if I could, but, if like me, you want the best value for money deal, listen up, I will help you out.
Having spent nearly a year working for a travel agent, whose sole niche is ski holidays, I will do my best to pass my advice on to you, including how to get cheap ski hire, and how to save money at the airport.
There are cowboys out there, be warned, they will tell you that resort ‘X’ is the greatest resort on the planet, with off piste to die for and an up and coming reputation. What they won’t tell you is that the off piste is there because there are no lifts and the lift system is by mule and Sherpa. Travel agents who have been and worked in resorts will give you impartial advice about where to go. We know the beginner friendly resorts, and we won’t send a group of people looking for a quiet relaxing break to Alpe d’Huez in Gay ski week. It sounds obvious, but choose an agent based on their knowledge, they will give you tips on where to stay, eat and socialise.
Remember that the earlier you book, the better the deals, and with lift passes being your second biggest expense, book when these are on offer, as you WILL NOT get them discounted in resort. It simply doesn’t happen. No matter how much you flirt or how many you get. We as agents know when these deals happen so don’t be afraid to book early.
Go Catered!
Seriously, I have done self catered bus trips to the Alps. 21 hours on a coach. Arriving in a 4 bed living room with nothing but a sink and microwave over to cook with will literally send you up the wall. Picture this: you have spent 5 hours riding fresh powder, you have had a few cheeky demi’s in the après bar, and you arrive back to your ‘apartment’ and have to cook and wash up! Personally, I would think ‘sod that’ and take myself down to the nearest pizzeria and spend €20 on a marguerite. 7 pizzas a week adds up. Not to mention breakfast and lunch.
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| Catered Chalets like this are a heaven sent |
I stay in catered chalets, and the moment you walk down the stairs in the morning and your chalet host has laid out bacon and scrambled eggs for you, with fresh bread will make you feel so much better. Same goes with dinner – get in from après, shower, sleep, walk downstairs, ‘’oh hello there 3 course dinner with wine’’. After you finish, ‘’OK, where’s the Fairy liquid, oh wait, you will wash up too kind chalet host?’’. ‘’Awesome, I’m getting pissed up. See you for breakfast in the morning’’.
There really is no better feeling.
Get a package tour:
Seriously, tell me you haven’t looked at the Easyjet website for flights on the 12th February 2012. Did you pass out when you saw the price?
With package tours, you get flights and transfer with your accommodation. The cost and stress of organising your own flights, making sure you arrive at Geneva in time for your altibus transfer and then getting to your chalet when you are dropped off in the town centre just leaves a funny ache in my head. A package will take you to the chalet door, will help put your bags on the coach, and won’t leave without you if you need a smoke when you land in Geneva. You can supplement your flights from regional airports, times are sociable (ish), and you can be in resort for tea, meaning you don’t have to resort to a truck stop sandwich in Moutiers on your own organised transfer. They work out better value for money, and they are stress free based on my previous experience.
I have barely scratched the surface here, but more is to come.
Just remember, be sensible, don’t hold out until last minute if you can help it, look for buy one get one free lift passes, look for all inclusive deals and choose someone who knows their arse from their elbow.
