If you're lucky enough to be jetting off to hit the slopes in the near future then why not check out this page crammed full with HelpHounder approved tips and ideas.
Flights
Cheap flights seem to be getting easier and easier to find with budget airlines popping up all over the place. Despite the hidden charges they usually still end up cheaper. Kara16 rates EasyJet, "Great place to come to get very cheap fights, this is reflected in the fact that easy jet is Europe's leading low cost airline". First Choice are "really keen, though, and do seem to know their stuff" says bgy5dj.www.easyjet.com or www.firstchoice.co.uk
Clothes and Equipment
There are lots of specialist stores, online and on-the-high street who supply skiing and snowboarding gear but we have managed to discover some surprising high street stockists such as Top Shop and Fat Face. Along with the more specialist stores like O'Neill, Just add water and Sweaty Betty. matilda - "Their Snow section is lovely with some stunning items and all the essentials." Urban Surfer "do snowboard and ski ranges in the winter" Lexie "Their website is great looking, the ski section is great and is often discounted" matilda.www.urbansurfer.co.uk; www.sweatybetty.com; www.fatface.com; www.topshop.com; www.justaddwatersports.co.uk; www.oneilleurope.com
Before You Go
"Forget about bad technique or the wrong kind of skis. More than anything, it's a lack of fitness which holds back recreational skiers when they hit the slopes" Welove2ski.com. Before you leave and if you aren't a seasoned skier or snowboarder then it is recommended you get some practice in before hand, either lessons, an exercise regime or a day trip to a UK slope for a crash course, lets hope not in the literal sense! mizzy recommends Xscape Entertainment Centre "There is a huge snow slope, bowling, restaurants, shops and bars. The snow is real and you can hire ski/snowboard equipment. Around £8 for a skiing session plus equipment hire." They have centres in Leeds, Milton Keynes and Glasgow. There's also Clifton Hill in Exeter.www.xscape.co.uk; www.welovetoski.com
Essentials To Take
Right. Down to the nuts and bolts then. The list: Well don't worry about boots, poles and skis / boards, most people hire these when they're there and jackets and pants can be hired from UK companies at competitive prices. The things you need to remember are: goggles, sunglasses, sun block for face no lower than 20 SPF is recommended and don't forget your lips! There's plenty out there on the market for you to choose from. Thermal base layer, turtleneck scarves, Wind/water proof gloves/mittens, snow boots and a woolly hat. stayaspensnowmass.com - minno thinks they have a "Useful checklist for any skiing / snowboarding holiday on this site", so click the link below for the list and the optional PDF download.www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Travel Insurance
Insurance is very important for holidaymakers and skiers or snowboarders are no different, why not try chelle5767's recommendation Confused.com "A very user-friendly and quick way of finding the cheapest insurance quotes." And Columbus Direct offer great value, fully comprehensive cover according to dopey "we have very full cover on all aspects of travel, including specialist cover when sailing and skiing (!) and it only costs us £133.65 per year between the two of us."www.confused.com; www.columbusdirect.com
Web Stuff
If you find yourself sitting in front of your screen daydreaming about your trip to the slopes why not try out welove2ski.com "A dynamic skiing website covering most aspects of a skiing holiday" cruella "I particularly liked the 'start to ski' and 'families' features as well as the summaries of the resorts" dopey. If you have a few minutes on your coffee break and fancy a bit of gaming fun, why not try Miniclip's 'Ski Run' game, it's great fun with first person view and speed control and even allows you to enter your racer name and choose your visibility! Great fun and a perfect way to spend your coffee break! Go on, start racing today!welove2ski.com; Ski Run game
Something Special... Chalet Gueret
With quotes like: "Wow! What a fabulous chalet. This is the real deal, how a chalet ought to be: traditional in look and feel yet discreetly modern; spacious yet cosy; exquisitely furnished yet extremely comfortable" Mrs Muffin, "The chalet is very spacious and comfortable in a peaceful location" Supernan, it's clear to see that Chalet Gueret in the French Alps near Morzine really is something special. With such stunning surroundings the chalet can entertain guests no matter their interest, "The chalet offers a world where a walk in the woods, a morning's sledging or a quiet drink in front of a log fire, blend easily with a day on the ski slopes. Yet if you hanker for the bars, night life and excitement of a busy resort, they are only a few minutes drive away." Quote taken from www.chaletgueret.com. Some businesses reviewed within the surrounding area are: Francois Baud Freeride "We always hire our skis from Francois Baud whom we have known for many years. Our skis are always new that season, the advice you get is great, and it is a lovely family-run establishment" Restaurants L'Auberge Du Verdoyant and La Petite Auberge, both highly rated by dopey. So go on, if you fancy a special snow covered holiday, check out Chalet Gueret and see if you come away as enchanted as your fellow HelpHounders have!
