Posted by Ruth Miller on Thu 1st November 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Skiing, Travel News
What with global warming the big concern is whether you’re going to get enough powder to make your ski holiday work.
Well, ski operators are trying to deal with this concern by offering all kinds of incentives like money back guarantees.
Norwegian ski resort Trysil are one resort offering skiers money back if snow conditions don’t come up to scratch.
The small print of the offer says:
“Holidaymakers skiing from November 15 to December 14 have been guaranteed at least 8 km of skiable slopes with a total drop of 620m. The same also applies for the period of April 21 to May 1, 2008. In the height of winter, between the 15th of December and the 20th of April, the resort is guaranteeing a minimum of 20 km of pistes for skiers, also with a drop of 620m.
If conditions on the mountainside prove to be poor, the resort will refund all costs including accommodation, ski school, rental and passes.”
Given the escalating cost of ski holidays this really is a very good offer.
Innovation Norway’s country manager, Catherine Foster, said: “This is a fantastic promise from Trysil and shows how confident we are that there will be snow in the Norwegian resorts this season.” Catherine goes on to say “Trysil is ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike.”
Tyrsil is conveniently located a couple of hours from Oslo and includes approximately 71km of slopes.
If you have a poor sense of direction on the ski slopes - help maybe at hand.
As a skier or snowboarder you can now use your own pocket sized Satski or portable sat nav. Incorporating a colour screen the Satski provides your current location on a piste map and suggests routes through your resort.
Some handy additional features include distance travelled, speed and even a facility for burning your days route onto a CD.
Selected resorts will be offering the Satski for hire at a reasonable £28 ($56) a day.
Some operators including Meriski are offering Satski for free on certain weeks.
Posted by Ruth Miller on Tue 2nd October 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Skiing, Winter Trips
Neilson are having a good go at targeting the family ski market with huge discounts for children. 189 properties in resorts in Europe and Canada are being offered with children’s discounts ranging from 24% to 45% dependant on destination and date.
Neilson are also offering a great deal for beginners with a “Satisfaction or money back guarantee” arrangement. Skiing isn’t for everybody, so what a great way to give it a whirl. The deal essentially guarantees that if after three days of lessons you are wanting to retreat back to the chalet, the cost of tuition and rental equipment will be refunded. At least this should help drown your sorrows for the rest of the week…
Posted by Ruth Miller on Mon 1st October 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Skiing, Winter Trips
For a bargain basement skiing holiday you may want to check out Thomson who are offering free child places to a range of ski destinations on certain dates. Amazingly, some free places are available during Christmas 2007, New Year, February half term and Easter.
Given last year’s poor season in Europe there appear to be plenty of free child places available. However, should you not be able to take advantage, Thomson’s standard child prices are pretty tasty too, starting at £99 for a seven night holiday in Europe. Starting prices for adults are around £199 per person for a seven night self catering holiday, including flights and transfers to the three star L’Escale Holiday Homes in Le GRand Bornand, France departing Gatwick on January 12, 2008.
Posted by Ruth Miller on Thu 20th September 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Skiing, Winter Trips
Poor snow fall in many of Europes ski destinations last year has meant many operators going on the offensive to attract customers. They have a real job on there hands!
One of the best deals we’ve spotted is with Crystal Ski who are hoping to entice skiers back to European destinations with a £200 discount off each booking made before September 30th 2007.
This discount is available on all new full price bookings, seven night European packages using a charter flight or train departing in December 2007 or January 2008.
Sounds like a great bargain - but always check the small print.
