View Full Version : mkivsupra.net snowboard & ski trip 2008/9
Ladies and Gentlemen!! (and you Matlee :D)
THIS is the start of me (along with the help of 2JG, Ian R and JuanChan) trying to organise our 2008/9 snowboard & ski trip as per the other (http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=137433) thread in Off Topic.
This is the list of people that were interested at the end of that thread. Can anyone not in this list that's interested please add themselves to it, and by the same token any who are not SERIOUS about this trip please remove themselves from the list.
1. Ian W - CONFIRMED
2. JuanChan - CONFIRMED
3. 2JG - CONFIRMED
4. Ian R - CONFIRMED
5. tDR - CONFIRMED
6. tDR's better half - CONFIRMED
DATES
Decided! We're looking at going away the week 17th to the 24th January 2009.
DESTINATION
A week in Val Thorens is the deal, currently looking at a road trip down and hiring a chalet for us all.
More the merrier guys :)
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY CHAT NOT RELATED TO THIS SPECIFIC TRIP WILL BE DELETED.
I'm up for anything pre-the end of January. Obviously don't want to go too early in the season and miss out on any snow, but the following weeks would be good with me (all Sat-Sat):
Dec 13th-20th
Jan 10th-17th
Jan 17th-24th
Jan 24th-31st
Christmas and New Years will be too pricey, but I guess most people won't be wanting to go for those two weeks anyway.
Any dates in Jan are good for me :thumbs:
Plus we can benefit from missing the school holidays and over crowded slopes.
i may not be a lady or a gentleman but luckily for you guys im easy:d any date is good for me
edit: when i say 'luckily for you guys' i mean that in an un-gay way. i just mean im easy on the dates.
Anything but December for me is good
I'm easy too, so it's looking more likely to be a January date.
Feel free to mention to others as well guys, not entirely sure how visible this thread is to the masses.
Any level welcome as I'm a relative beginner as I'm sure others are too.
:)
Unfortunately no can do for me. Had my trip to Slovenia last month and won't be going again for a while as I will be dealing with a new 6 month old baby this time next year :)
Right guys.
A poll has been added which will automatically close on 8th April with the week with the most votes being the one we're going away.
Vote away :cool:
Is it possible to modify the poll so that multiple weeks can be voted for, to indicate someone's flexible? At the moment, I have no Jan plans for '09 (I have no plans for next week, let alone next year! :)), so I'm happy with any of those weeks :)
Is it possible to modify the poll so that multiple weeks can be voted for, to indicate someone's flexible? At the moment, I have no Jan plans for '09 (I have no plans for next week, let alone next year! :)), so I'm happy with any of those weeks :)
No...sod off :D
Just kidding mate. I can't add that option but perhaps one of the mods can.
If you want to, just don't vote and we know you're happy with any of those :)
maybe if everyone is happy with the month of jan we can choose a more specific date based on location and price as this can vary on week to week.
just a thought
maybe if everyone is happy with the month of jan we can choose a more specific date based on location and price as this can vary on week to week.
just a thought
Not a bad thought either.
Will see if anyone has a particular preference first and if we're all open to those weeks mentioned we can look closer at dates dependent on price.
:)
No...sod off :D
Just kidding mate. I can't add that option but perhaps one of the mods can.
If you want to, just don't vote and we know you're happy with any of those :)
:p At least you all know I'm easy :d
maybe if everyone is happy with the month of jan we can choose a more specific date based on location and price as this can vary on week to week.
just a thought
Probably a good idea. I guess people could shout out now if they know they'll be unavailable one of those weeks, otherwise, get hunting guys :)
Right, the 10th - 17th is out for me as I'm now seeing the Mighty Boosh Live on the 14th in Glasgow
:d
Will have a gander around and see what I can find deal wise and post the results.
Right guys, after a chat with Ian R we've pretty much chosen the week of 17th to 24th.
Ian's going to see what prices he can get as he has access to some sort of discount.
Anyone else, feel free to look at detinations etc here based on six people and we'll take it from there.
What have you got? ;)
I'm booked up to go skiing in Lapland (Levi, Finland) again in March next year but could be up for an additional week in the good part of the snow season. Other half will want to come too assuming we're doing other halfs!
This year I went to Tignes Le Lac, France in January and absolutely loved it - wouldn't mind going back to Tignes if we could get a good deal. We stayed in the Village Montana Apartments (self catering) but if going again would stay in the Village Montana Hotel just up the road as we used some of the facilites there and were very impressed with it.
Also the slopes of Le Lac were the best with the nicest blue and red runs, some of them really long. We had the 3 valleys pass so ventured over to Val d'Isere but were not impressed - it was much more 'old fashioned' with crappy chairlifts etc. in comparison.
I suspect Lapland may be the cheapest option for a club trip given it's costing me and the other half £342 each including our lift passes through Inghams. They seem really good pricewise for snow holidays - have a look at www.inghams.co.uk
Stick me and the other half on the list :)
Cheers,
Brian.
17th-24th is ok with me.
Tignes is a good resort and would get my vote if we can find a good deal there.
I went to Val Thorens last season, and the four of us who went all agreed that we'd go back in a flash. The entire resort is also completely above the treeline, so if anyone fancies a quick venture off the pistes, there's no forests to worry about :)
£342 for the holiday and lift passes is fantastic value!
Right. Bri and Missus on the list, get hunting people.
Looking at the week from the 17th to 24th.
Got a new toy to practice on too :eyebrows:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/supra-size/snowboarding/DSC00036.jpg
Dude, why do you have a mans torso with a 26-pack on your snowboard??!? :eyebrows:
Dude, why do you have a mans torso with a 26-pack on your snowboard??!? :eyebrows:
That's how Ian likes his men, didn't you know? ;):p
That's how Ian likes his men, didn't you know? ;):p
lol :gayfight: :D :p
Dude, why do you have a mans torso with a 26-pack on your snowboard??!? :eyebrows:
Self portrait mate ;)
That's how Ian likes his men, didn't you know? ;):p
:D
Self portrait mate ;)
In that case, do you like standing on your own nuts?!? :eek: :p
In that case, do you like standing on your own nuts?!? :eek: :p
I would have been standing on yours but I realised I didn't need an EXTRA EXTRA WIDE board :p
I've seen a snowboard that had a full-length image of Pamela Anderson on it once. The guy looked as though he felt like an idiot owning it :d
It probably looked cool 15 years ago when he first got it though! :)
I would have been standing on yours but I realised I didn't need an EXTRA EXTRA WIDE board :p
What have the ladies been telling you? :eyebrows:
Suggestions on websites to search through guys.......
Igluski
Wasteland Ski
Last Minute (although this isn't last minute...!)
Neilsons
Crystal
Anymore? That's just off the top of my head.
can try
inghams
thomas cook (tough they tend to use some of the others listed)
panarama
Loving Ians new Av :d
Nice one Brian! :thumbs:
Loving Ians new Av :d
PMSL!! Niiiiiiiiiiice! :D :innocent:
Loving Ians new Av :d
Nice one Brian! :thumbs:
agreed!!
hey cutie :rlol:
:rlol:
There's a few deals out there for 7 people. Not sure on the quality of all the accommodation though, especially if there's other halves involved. Stuff like this...
http://www.inghams.co.uk/earlybird/AV_AccommodationInfo.aspx?country_code=FRA&resort_code=VTH&Accommodation_Code=5162&Start_Date=17/01/2009%2000:00:00&Departure_Points=LTN,STN,LHR,LGW&Travel_Type=1&Arrival_Points=null&Duration=7&Price_Range=0&Accommodation_Type=H,S,C,&Adults=7&Children=0&brochure_code=I&ddResort=null&searchDate=2009-1-17&searchDateRange=0
I stayed in that [-]hovel[/-] hotel last season and the ski-in/ski-out was fantastic, but it was literally the bare essentials. Bathroom, living room with kitchenette, bedroom or 2 depending on how many it's supposed to accommodate.
Are there any resorts people would like to avoid? I've been to La Plagne and I wasn't particularly impressed, but Val Thorens and Tignes I'd go back to anyday.
can't say i've been disappointed with any of the resorts i've been to in europe
soll in austria has good slopes and night life (been twice and not disappointed)
chatel in france, pass covers a huge ski area, night life is erm, interesting :D
soldeu in andorra was like ibiza on snow (but i was on a stag doo)
pretty keen to try somewhere new!
Village Montana Apartments in Tignes Le Lac was ski in / ski out and right in amongst all the super fast 6 person main chairlifts ready to whisk you up the mountains. 4 of us stayed in a two bedroom apartment that had a lounge / kitchenette area which was basic but clean and functional. I would go back and I think 4 per apartment was the most you'd want to have in one - they say you can have 6 there I think by way of the seating in the lounge turning into beds.
I'm easy with it being my first boarding hol but then...you know that :D
Just having a fairly quick look at some sites, so I'll post up any findings that seem to be quite good value. Brian, those village montana places are coming up at £450+ for flights accomodation and transfers at the minute, so not the cheapest available. I'll keep an eye on them though as Tignes would be fantastic!
The only reasonably priced place I've found in Tignes so far is this....
http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=1496&dep=LGW&suppliercode=843&nextSeason=1&name=Lavachet_Apartments
Just found this which is seriously cheap. But probably comes with seriously poor accommodation!
http://www.lastminute.com/site/travel/holidays/holiday-details.html?skin=engb.lastminute.com&dim46=2&dimension45=All+London&destText=&maxOffset=0&children=0&adults=7&searchType=basic&dim14=16%2C6-9+nights&depDay=17&expandThreshold=5&productId=405912755&sourceType=1&minChildAge=2&maxResults=10&childAge0=-1&discount=0&childAge2=-1&childAge3=-1&childAge4=-1&childAge5=-1&maxChildAge=11&depAirportGroup=All+London&dimension5=-1&dimension0=Ski+%26+winter+sports&childAge1=-1&dateRange=20090115-20090119&depMonth=1&dimension23=France&view=accommodation&durationRange=6-9&sortBy=7%2C0
Val Thorens....
http://www.lastminute.com/site/travel/holidays/holiday-details.html?skin=engb.lastminute.com&dim46=2&dimension45=All+London&destText=&maxOffset=20&children=0&adults=7&searchType=basic&dim14=16%2C6-9+nights&depDay=17&expandThreshold=5&productId=82275&sourceType=2&minChildAge=-1&maxResults=10&childAge0=-1&discount=0&childAge2=-1&childAge3=-1&childAge4=-1&childAge5=-1&maxChildAge=-1&depAirportGroup=All+London&dimension5=-1&dimension0=Ski+%26+winter+sports&childAge1=-1&dateRange=20090115-20090119&depMonth=1&dimension23=France&view=accommodation&durationRange=6-9&sortBy=7%2C0
Checked out the links and don't like the look of the 2-star places - most of them don't even have seperate bedrooms, just sleep in the lounge on sofabeds.
3-star min IMO! :)
Checked out the links and don't like the look of the 2-star places - most of them don't even have seperate bedrooms, just sleep in the lounge on sofabeds.
3-star min IMO! :)
I was just thinking we need to decide on things like that! 3* is fine with me.
Does anyone have any thoughts on budget for the holiday itself (flights, transfers and accommodation)? Personally I'd like as cheap as possible, so preferably <£400, given that lift passes seem to be closing in on £200 these days and apres ski is already £5/pint.
I'm also currently only looking in France, but will expand to Austria/Switzerland over the next few days/weeks.
For muchos cheapness it's gotta be Levi in Finland I reckon. Think there are some good deals for Austria too.
For muchos cheapness it's gotta be Levi in Finland I reckon. Think there are some good deals for Austria too.
Will check them out, cheers :thumbs:
Edit to add: Is Scandinavia any good? Anyone been before? My mate and I were considering it this season, but compared to the Alpine resorts, there only appear to be about 1/6th the number of pistes and we got worried we'd have covered it all in the first 2 days.
Not looked at the Scandinavia so no idea what the resorts there are like. I do however know a bunch of people that have been to other places but go back to Levi year on year - good resort that's snowsure and cheap to go to with decent accomodation. I'm booked up already for a week there next year for £342 including my lift passes, transfers, and equipment transport.
Not looked at the Scandinavia so no idea what the resorts there are like. I do however know a bunch of people that have been to other places but go back to Levi year on year - good resort that's snowsure and cheap to go to with decent accomodation. I'm booked up already for a week there next year for £342 including my lift passes, transfers, and equipment transport.
It's that price that is really tempting me! Would you mind going to the same resort twice in one season? If not, I'll have a scout round the net this evening :)
Edit to add Levi piste map link:
http://www.levi.fi/maps/pistemap-eng.jpg
Doesn't look as small as some of them I've seen, so we might not have looked at Levi this season :)
It's that price that is really tempting me! Would you mind going to the same resort twice in one season? If not, I'll have a scout round the net this evening :)
Edit to add Levi piste map link:
http://www.levi.fi/maps/pistemap-eng.jpg
Not sure on the eating / drinking out prices in Levi - might be worth factoring in.
I don't think I'd mind - this trip would be before the one I'm already booked on which is the start of march.
Had a look at the Levi piste map before - it's not bad because you can ski / board all sides of the mountain whereas the Espace Killy area in france whilst it's a broad area of runs is only one side so you don't end up in Italy :D
Right guys, sorry this has been laid to one side for a wee while but I think it's time to seriously look at places and make a choice?
Has anyone seen anything of serious interest?
I'm going on direction from you guys - already booked up for Levi so open minded on where we go for this trip.
Right. I think we need to get this back on track!
Chatting to Ian the other day on msn, we reckon a bit of an online messaging brainstorm would be a good idea. I've added my msn details to the forum (don't ask on the email address - I've had it for about 10 years and can't be bothered to change it now!), so feel free to add me guys.
Had a very brief chat with Jeff on Saturday (didn't see you all day after we'd left Reading dude!), who's also heard good reviews of Val Thorens. I'd personally rather go to the Alps, but I'm up for keeping an eye out on Andorra/Scandinavian resorts too.
If anyone does fancy throwing some ideas around of an evening, chances are I'm logged into msn if I'm on here. One of my mates has been keeping an eye out on deals, and he said there's not a huge amount of deals for March 09 (when I'm hoping to get boarding trip number two in :d). Perseverence will prevail I hope though!
I'm up for a brain storming session, I'll add you to my msn this evening.
I couldn't find you once we got to the show, would have been good to finish our conversation about injuries :D
Ian and I have set aside Thursday evening for a bit of an online searching session to get some ballpark ideas/prices if you're free then?
Injuries is always a good subject, but mine never seem to leave me with decent scars :(:d
If you need a medic for the trip, im your man
More the merrier dude! :)
Ian and I have set aside Thursday evening for a bit of an online searching session to get some ballpark ideas/prices if you're free then?
Injuries is always a good subject, but mine never seem to leave me with decent scars :(:d
Thursday is good for me :thumbs:
I don't have any scars either mate :( just a dislocated shoulder incident and torn ligaments in the ankle that have all healed.
EDIT: actually just remembered i have to work late on thursday :( i'll join in when i get home if it isn't too late
Thursday is good for me :thumbs:
I don't have any scars either mate :( just a dislocated shoulder incident and torn ligaments in the ankle that have all healed.
EDIT: actually just remembered i have to work late on thursday :( i'll join in when i get home if it isn't too late
Thursday it is then - I probably won't be home til gone 6, so I might not be online til after 7.
Ouch!! I've given myself whiplash after landing on my head on ice and badly sprained my wrists a lot when learning, but nothing that serious! Yet....
Online just now guys
Will post up a few places that we find.
Any suggestions as to airports to fly from?
xanderroan
22-05-08, 20:50
hmm the group i used to go boarding with have kind of broken up over the last two years so I didn't get away at all this year (apart from one solo weekend to chamonix) so having just spotted this thread I could be really interested in tagging along.
I don't really want to commit until I sort myself out with a new job - when were you thinking to book, when do you think you'll need confirmation by?
Probably looking to book quite soon (personally I'd like something confirmed).
Could always book yourself on when you get your job confirmed?
Airport wise, London is the obvious choice as the majority of flights will be from Gatwick/Luton/Stansted, but I'm willing to travel to get to a more central airport (is Manchester central when we've got Scottish folk in the group?!).
Currently looking at France and things are expensive if we're to avoid accomodation with sofa beds and the like. The best sort of thing so far is along these lines....
http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=2643&dep=LGW&suppliercode=879&nextSeason=1&name=Le_Montana_Apartments#prices
Are there any preferences on catering?
I'm quite happy to help throw a bolognese/cheese fondue together of an evening between us, but I appreciate some people prefer to enjoy the free wine that comes with catered accomodation ;)
Anyone feeling flush and fancy going for the week of the 14th Feb instead... http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=2296&dep=LGW&suppliercode=884&nextSeason=1&name=Hotel_Les_Grandes_Alpes
:blink::d
Anyone feeling flush and fancy going for the week of the 14th Feb instead... http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=2296&dep=LGW&suppliercode=884&nextSeason=1&name=Hotel_Les_Grandes_Alpes
:blink::d
:scare: :D
sorry i couldn't join in this evening, just got in from work :(
i don't really mind what we do for catering, i'll be honest now and admit that i'm useless in the kitchen, but am more than happy to help out :)
:scare: :D
sorry i couldn't join in this evening, just got in from work :(
i don't really mind what we do for catering, i'll be honest now and admit that i'm useless in the kitchen, but am more than happy to help out :)
Think Chan's found a few places we'd like to run by you Jeff (being the veteran in the group :D)
I may try and pop into a travel agents tomorrow too :)
Apologies for the multiple posts :)
Ian and I have been having a look online to see what's available and at what price. The short answer is everything's expensive :(, but there are a few better deals to be found.
To give you guys an idea of what we've been looking at and the sort of price range, have a look at the links below. We've only really looked at France and touched on Austria this evening, and the best deals that are immediately available online are <£400. Not as cheap as the Scandinavian resorts, but we've yet to cover them ;)
If you guys could give us some feedback re prices/resorts/departure location/accomodation/catering etc it'd be appreciated. These are the sorts of places that I'd look for with my mates, so please say now if you'd prefer to stay in the Ritz with a hot french maid providing foot rubs all evening :d
Finkenberg, Austria (http://www.ifyouski.com/abs/information.asp?offerid=243366808&pax=10&searchdate=17/01/2009). A lot cheaper than I thought was possible in Austria, although I've personally not heard of the resort (it's in Austria though so I'd guess it'll be snowy!)
Alpe D'huez (http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=3238&dep=LGW&suppliercode=879&nextSeason=1&name=Hotel_Petit_Prince). One of the best I've found all evening I'd say. Fully catered and near the resort centre, what more can you want? (Besides those foot rubs that is....)
Val Thorens. (http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=2643&dep=LGW&suppliercode=879&nextSeason=1&name=Le_Montana_Apartments#prices) The Type C1 appartments don't sound too bad, and in my experience Val Thorens isn't to be ignored for this price.
Morzine. (http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=1544&dep=STN&suppliercode=843&nextSeason=1&name=Hotel_Igloo) Mountain bikers paradise in the summer, but I don't know anyone who's been skiing there.
Les Deux Alpes. (http://www.igluski.com/propertyinfo.cfm?pid=3258&dep=LGW&suppliercode=879&nextSeason=1&name=Chalet_Anemones) One of the bigger and better known resorts, good price. Only downside of this particular chalet is it's distance from the slopes, but if there's enough snow it says you can ski to a nearby piste.
That's the pick of the crop from tonights searching. From the very brief skim I had earlier, prices aren't currently much lower for Sweden.
Ian and I will try and ring round a few travel agents to get them doing some legwork for us and hopefully pull up a few good deals. I'll try and have a look through Scandinavian stuff at some point, but I don't know the resorts so that might take a bit longer.
All comments welcomed guys :)
Think Chan's found a few places we'd like to run by you Jeff (being the veteran in the group :D)
I may try and pop into a travel agents tomorrow too :)
lol, no worries, i'll log into msn now...
xanderroan
23-05-08, 10:25
I know i haven't confirmed and have just jumped onto this thread, but I would highly recommend Val Thorens from past experience, even if it means you get slightly worse accomodation or pay a little more.
Les deux Alps - I never liked, it felt small & you need to get right up top to get any decent runs. The others highlighted I haven't been too.
I personally like going to the big multiple valley resorts, if you get the full pass you can make some nice day trips right across the resort, with that in mind Val Thorens, Courchevel, Meribel would be good for les 3 valleys - I think Meribel should be cheapest (Courchevel is where all the Russians stay and is pricey), Val Thorens I didn't stay in, but have boarded in the area.
The other big one is Paradiski- Les Arcs, La Plagne, Vallendry - I stayed in La Plagne for a week once, but to be honest that resort seems to have a shit load of traversing and it's a bit of a pain on a snowboard
I would be wary of smaller less well known resorts, you can arrive to find the piste area is very small & in case conditions are not good you want to find somewhere that has a good mix of high & low areas facing different directions.
The other place I love to go is just to hit Chamonix, you can pretty easily do this w/out paying through the nose for a package, book some low cost flights to geneva, book a chalet / apartment for the week, get a couple of hire cars and tour around the different piste areas - Chamonix has some very nice easily accessible off piste too.
I think out of that lot, val thorens looks best. I take it that's still Espace Killy?
RE: where to fly from, I think Manchester is a good place to go from geographically and also because there are flights to Chamberry - much closer to the resort area than Geneva so less of a painful transfer.
Cheers,
Brian.
Just thinking aloud here but perhaps we could hire a luxury minibus or some big ass cars for the week and drive over - think it's about a 9 hour drive to the resort once you come out the French end of the chunnel.
Just putting that idea out there as all the waiting around at airports + flight time + coach transfers nearly 3hrs long really do my head in - especially the transfer part as the seats on the coaches are so bloody close together I can't even get my legs in properly so most public transport is my idea of hell.
So..... ROADTRIP!!! :)
So..... ROADTRIP!!! :)
That's actually not a bad idea!
Though may work out more pricy than flights as part of a package?
I think out of that lot, val thorens looks best. I take it that's still Espace Killy?
RE: where to fly from, I think Manchester is a good place to go from geographically and also because there are flights to Chamberry - much closer to the resort area than Geneva so less of a painful transfer.
Cheers,
Brian.
VT is part of The Three Valleys, so ski-able pistes available rivals the Espace Killy (which is just Val d'Isere and Tignes I believe) easily.
Roadtrip could be an idea, especially if we shared the driving. I'm the same as you Brian - public transport leg room fills me with dread being 6'3". Something to ask the travel agents! Unless we book separate flights with say Easyjet who have lots of legroom?
Yeah say 4 of us to a big car should be plenty comfortable and fit all our crap in - big MPV's or similar. Cost shouldn't be too bad for a week either and the drive wouldn't be bad at a few hours wheel time each. Setting off late evening when it's dark would allow those not driving to sleep if they wanna, would allow us to progress a little quicker ;) and would get us to the resort by noon the next day at the latest - around the right time to check in and hit the slopes for an afternoon session :)
I'm well up for doing it this way - just got a shiny new Tom Tom 930 Traffic too - just set it for the resort and off we go. The most Northern couple of Scots get the hire cars and pick people up at main route pick up points along the way.... just do the reverse on the way home.
So, can we get just accomodation in VT cheaply?
Yeah say 4 of us to a big car should be plenty comfortable and fit all our crap in - big MPV's or similar. Cost shouldn't be too bad for a week either and the drive wouldn't be bad at a few hours wheel time each. Setting off late evening when it's dark would allow those not driving to sleep if they wanna, would allow us to progress a little quicker ;) and would get us to the resort by noon the next day at the latest - around the right time to check in and hit the slopes for an afternoon session :)
I'm well up for doing it this way - just got a shiny new Tom Tom 930 Traffic too - just set it for the resort and off we go. The most Northern couple of Scots get the hire cars and pick people up at main route pick up points along the way.... just do the reverse on the way home.
So, can we get just accomodation in VT cheaply?
I'm guessing this isn't a new line of thought?! :d
If I get chance on Sunday/Monday to have a look at stuff in VT I will. Hopefully Jeff and Ian might have some results from travel agent visits today too.
Ian mentioned he might fly from Scotland to London area if we were flying. He could still be up for that if we're driving - it'd be a long enough road trip without having to traverse the entire length of the UK! :)
Will keep everyone posted with anything I find :cool:
Ian mentioned he might fly from Scotland to London area if we were flying. He could still be up for that if we're driving - it'd be a long enough road trip without having to traverse the entire length of the UK! :)
Will keep everyone posted with anything I find :cool:
Righto, that's me back from the travel agents who were actually not the most helpful people in the world. "sorry, you're not booking today? humph!"
I got the below quote from Neilson through Thomas Cook and didn't think it was too bad for VT.
Regarding the road trip, excellent idea and I for one wouldn't mind hiring something from up here and picking up folks en route :cool:
Anyway, this is what I found:
Week in Temples Du Soleil Apartments on a SC basis, flying from Manchester on 17th Jan and returning on 24th Jan.
The price works out at £449 per person based on 8 people travelling.
This price is on a Self Catering basis and includes transfers, ski carriage and lift passes.
Unfortunately it doesn't look like the place has the best reviews but being a 2*+ it's always going to be basic.
She's gonna give me a ring back in a week or so to see what we think but in all honesty, the more I think about this road trip the more I'm liking the sound of it!!
So guys, comments on price / location etc?
Ian
EDIT:
Just did a quick search on Europcar for an MPV type thing to hire from the friday until the sunday.
[-]Basically looking at £732.18 PER CAR including three additional drivers.[/-]
Found a Renault Espace through Auto Europe for £468.48 (though that didn't include any extra drivers)
Will keep looking, or feel free to check yourselves guys...
I've booked a lot of cars lately... hang on and I'll find a price cos those sound on the high side.
We can get a 'large family' car through www.travelsupermarket.com/carhire £175 for the Friday at noon 'til the following Sunday at noon. Last time I ordered one of them I got a Mondeo Estate TDCI Titanium X which was a pleasure to drive with all the toys etc. and bags of room - I think anything in that size class would do us though especially if it's gonna be 4 per car max. If there's between 6 and 8 of us then that's 3 or 4 per car so £44 or £58 each respectively cost wise for the cars.
The fuel will cost a bit:
1,131 miles from my house to val thorens. That's 2 or 3 tanks of juice per car each way so say 5 total return per car at around £60 a tank = £300 in juice per car. (although it should be cheaper in france especially for diesel)
Total cost of each car including hire and fuel, additional drivers, is approx £500.
Divide that into 4 it's £125 each + accomodation
Divide that into 3 it's £167 each + accomodation
What do we think? :eyebrows:
I know it's a long roadtrip especially for us Scottish folk but I've always fancied that kinda trip behind the wheel and won't mind doing a few stints each way if necessary :)
That price looks pretty good Ian.
I'm up for a road trip, would be a good laugh.
Gotta admit I failed miserably at trying to get to the travel agent today during my lunch break, sorry guys :(
EDIT: link doesn't work
Stuff like this...
http://www.inghams.co.uk/earlybird/AV_AccommodationInfo.aspx?country_code=FRA&resort_code=VTH&Accommodation_Code=5162&Start_Date=17/01/2009%2000:00:00&Departure_Points=LTN,STN,LHR,LGW&Travel_Type=1&Arrival_Points=null&Duration=7&Price_Range=0&Accommodation_Type=H,S,C,&Adults=7&Children=0&brochure_code=I&ddResort=null&searchDate=2009-1-17&searchDateRange=0
I stayed in that [-]hovel[/-] hotel last season and the ski-in/ski-out was fantastic, but it was literally the bare essentials. Bathroom, living room with kitchenette, bedroom or 2 depending on how many it's supposed to accommodate.
Anyway, this is what I found:
Week in Temples Du Soleil Apartments on a SC basis, flying from Manchester on 17th Jan and returning on 24th Jan.
Unfortunately it doesn't look like the place has the best reviews but being a 2*+ it's always going to be basic.
So guys, comments on price / location etc?
Ian
If you check the link in my post above, that's the place I stayed in last season. Very basic indeed! The apartment was apparently 5 person accommodation, but we found it pretty cosy with just the four of us. Two of the 5 beds were simply the sofas in the living room, just thought I'd let you guys know ;)
It is ski-in/ski-out though, so 5 mins after breakfast you're already making fresh tracks, and you can pop home for lunch to save carrying baguettes around the slopes all morning :)
We also went with Neilson that year and our rep was a crazy Belgian dude with dreads who kept telling us about the "super massive dump" they'd had the week before we got there. Call us childish, but that had us in stitches for weeks after we got home :d
We can get a 'large family' car through www.travelsupermarket.com/carhire £175 for the Friday at noon 'til the following Sunday at noon. Last time I ordered one of them I got a Mondeo Estate TDCI Titanium X which was a pleasure to drive with all the toys etc. and bags of room - I think anything in that size class would do us though especially if it's gonna be 4 per car max. If there's between 6 and 8 of us then that's 3 or 4 per car so £44 or £58 each respectively cost wise for the cars.
How many of us have our own ski/snowboard kit? This year 3 of us were in my mates Volvo V70 estate with all the kit for 2 people, and the car was nearly full and the split rear seat half folded down. 4 people would fit, but how comfortable it'd be if driving >1000 miles, I'm not sure!
Having re-read what I've just typed, apologies for the apparently negative post, just trying to be realistic. The roadtrip idea is a damn good one though, but I'm grateful that no-one's suggested taking the supes as that would triple the price of the holiday straight away :d
We can get a big MPV for £100 tops more - not much when divided up. Really need to see how many folk are definitely going and get the class of car on that basis.
RE: the accomodation, I liked the look of the montana val thorens link and am quite willing to pay more to get nicer accomodation rather than a hostel special.
Well if we’re going to be travelling by car then that just leaves accommodation and I think I’ve found a chalet that might suit our needs.
If I’m reading the booking form correctly then their price is per chalet per week and is Self Catering. Here is their Website (http://www.chaletdesneiges.com/valthorens/vtpresentation.php?langue=uk)
Chalet des Neiges Hermine
6-8 people is €1,540 (approx. £1,069)
8-10 people is €1,950 (approx. £1,354)
So for 6 people that's £178.24 each
8 people it's £117.53 each
Chalet des Neiges Plein Sud
6 people is €1,645 (approx. £1,142) - £190.39 each
8 people is €2,085 (approx. £1,447) - £180.99 each
They charge €79 (approx. £54) per car for a parking space for the week.
At the moment they do have availability for either chalet from 17th – 24th Jan.
I think if we’re looking for a catered chalet then that’s going to push the price of the holiday up quite a bit.
What do you guys think?
Ian will get in touch with you to see what I can do. As per your text yes I could get all 8 of us discount. Just need to give me details of requirements will get back with a price
Ian will get in touch with you to see what I can do. As per your text yes I could get all 8 of us discount. Just need to give me details of requirements will get back with a price
Right mate, in that case and going on the fact Brian wants somewhere a bit more upmarket I'll get the girl at the travel agents to look out somewhere better than the one I mentioned.
That was in Thomas Cook so along with your discount it may still work out at a decent price.
The road trip to me sounds like a good idea in theory but I can see it working out no cheaper and a bit of a hassle in the long run.
That said, I still wouldn't mind doing some driving :cool:
Right mate, in that case and going on the fact Brian wants somewhere a bit more upmarket I'll get the girl at the travel agents to look out somewhere better than the one I mentioned.
That was in Thomas Cook so along with your discount it may still work out at a decent price.
The road trip to me sounds like a good idea in theory but I can see it working out no cheaper and a bit of a hassle in the long run.
That said, I still wouldn't mind doing some driving :cool:
Cool the lass I know works for Thomas Cook :D
Cool the lass I know works for Thomas Cook :D
Nice one.
I know there's a couple of 3* there and also a 4* SC so may well get prices for those then you can check out any possible discounts :cool:
Will let you know the details once I have them mate.
EDIT: Will pop into Braehead tomorrow and get some more prices. Will be back on here to update on Tuesday as I'll be at the other half's until then.
Having had a look over the website for the chalet's that Jeff has found, I'd say they fit the bill quite nicely - our own private apartments that will provide us with a proper bed each, not too far from the pistes, not too expensive and they appear to be not too skanky!
Self catering shouldn't be a problem I wouldn't have thought, whether in one huge apartment for everyone or if we take two smaller ones.
As Ian says, driving may end up being no cheaper than flying, but it'll certainly add to the holiday, so I'm up for it :cool:
FYI lift passes for VT alone are £120 each.
Is that just for one area Ian? How many days does it include?
Is that just for one area Ian? How many days does it include?
That's a 6day pass just for VT (i.e. one valley only)
For reference, my mates and I paid about £180 for a 3 Valley Pass last season (March 07) and we all said that VT was so good we'd probably only get a VT pass if we returned. I'm sure you can buy a 1-day 3 valley pass if we felt the urge to venture further afield.
Does the 3 valleys pass get us into the Tignes area?
Does the 3 valleys pass get us into the Tignes area?
Don't think so mate. Just Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel.
OK so different part of the alps then?
Just confusing myself as I had a 3 valleys pass at Tignes which let me venture into Val d'isere etc.
OK so different part of the alps then?
Just confusing myself as I had a 3 valleys pass at Tignes which let me venture into Val d'isere etc.
Yeah, different three valleys I think Brian.
Just for info, as well as me getting details for Ian R to check prices on for discounts etc...he'll also be looking into discounted car hire too ;)
Sweet. The prices you get with a search on moneysupermarket seem pretty tough to beat though - all the discount companies on there.
Was hoping to get enough prices and details over the next couple of weeks that we could make a decision by the end of the month, if that's ok by everyone and not too soon?
Thats fine with me mate :)
End of the month is ok with me guys. It's only money at the end of the day :d
Does the 3 valleys pass get us into the Tignes area?
OK so different part of the alps then?
Just confusing myself as I had a 3 valleys pass at Tignes which let me venture into Val d'isere etc.
As Ian says, they're different areas.
Val d'Isere and Tignes (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl) are the resorts that make up The Espace Killy (http://www.espacekilly.com/).
Courchevel, Meribel and VT (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl) make up The Three Valleys (http://www.les3vallees.com/ski/ski-three-valleys.html).
Both are huge resorts when combined with one another, although I'd say that the Espace Killy was more "skiable", from one resort over to another, than the 3 Valleys, simply because it's more compact - the 3 valleys are absolutely miles apart!
End of what month? End of June payment suits me better as I'm sorting out a new house this month...
Mind you it shouldn't be much payment required now as it would just be the chalets???
Anyway, this is what I found:
Week in Temples Du Soleil Apartments on a SC basis, flying from Manchester on 17th Jan and returning on 24th Jan.
The price works out at £449 per person based on 8 people travelling.
Guys
Had a text from Ian W yesterday, he popped back in to Thomas Cook yesterday to check some details and spoke to a different person.
Anyway turns out the prices he got given on Friday were incorrect, for a 3* we're looking at the above price PLUS the lift pass (£120).
This would take the price to £569 per person.
So looks like the road trip might be the cheaper option.
Is everyone happy to take the road trip option? If so can you please PM Ian W or myself with a contact number, your address and where you would like to be collected from on the way down from Scotland.
This will help us put a price together for the road trip option to figure out which option is more cost effective.
Thanks all
PS. Ian W will be back online on Tuesday night
Mind you it shouldn't be much payment required now as it would just be the chalets???
I would have thought so
Sorry I've not been much help this weekend guys!
Are we considering the chalets that you found then Jeff? PM on it's way regarding potential pickups for a roadtrip, as coming to collect me at my place will be going out of the way, unless we get a ferry from Portsmouth :)
Right guys, what do you reckon to this?
Chalet: £200 (based on one of those Jeff posted)
Car Hire: £100 (two mini mpvs or estates, based on 4 per car)
Fuel & Eurotunnel: £75 (again, based on 4 per car)
Lift Passes: £120
TOTAL: £495 per person (even overestimated the car hire and chalet)
:)
EDIT: If we went for the 8/10 Chalet it'd be £221 each based on just 7 of us and of course, even less if more went.
It's 1950 Euros for the week and they'd require a 25% deposit (i.e. £55 each)
I'm counting my money as you read....
Looks good - I'd forgotten about the chunnel crossing cost.
Only thing - will the chalet have a room suitable for me and the mrs? Obviously she'll want some girly privacy.
Cheers,
Brian.
Looks good - I'd forgotten about the chunnel crossing cost.
Only thing - will the chalet have a room suitable for me and the mrs? Obviously she'll want some girly privacy.
Cheers,
Brian.
I would imagine that the 8/10 Chalet based on 8 people in it would allow us to have a separate room for you and the missus Brian.
Could always check though.
EDIT: Confirmed. The 8/10 Chalet has 4 bedrooms.
Looks good - I'd forgotten about the chunnel crossing cost.
Only thing - will the chalet have a room suitable for me and the mrs? Obviously she'll want some girly privacy.
Cheers,
Brian.
My thinking was going for an 8/10 person chalet, that way no one would have to sleep on a pull out sofa in the lounge and we all get a proper bed to sleep on (you can view the layout of the chalets on their website)
My thinking was going for an 8/10 person chalet, that way no one would have to sleep on a pull out sofa in the lounge and we all get a proper bed to sleep on (you can view the layout of the chalets on their website)
Too late :p
damn too slow :D
EDIT: :lol:
Right guys, what do you reckon to this?
Chalet: £200 (based on one of those Jeff posted)
Car Hire: £100 (two mini mpvs or estates, based on 4 per car)
Fuel & Eurotunnel: £75 (again, based on 4 per car)
Lift Passes: £120
TOTAL: £495 per person (even overestimated the car hire and chalet)
:)
EDIT: If we went for the 8/10 Chalet it'd be £221 each based on just 7 of us and of course, even less if more went.
It's 1950 Euros for the week and they'd require a 25% deposit (i.e. £55 each)
That price is fine with me dude :thumbs:
Has anyone heard from Matlee recently? All we need is him and Ian to give the thumbs up and I reckon we're good to go with accomodation :cool:
That price is fine with me dude :thumbs:
Right.
Can I just ask if everyone would be happy confirming and booking this Chalet for that week?
We'd still need to confirm with Matlee of course, else there'd just be 6 of us confirmed though WhyT is very interested as is Xandorrean so could easily be back up to 8 again.
Anyone thinking of investing in any kit, The Snowboard Asylum are having a pretty hefty sale at the minute..
http://www.snowboard-asylum.com/shop.htm
"16TH MAY 2008: FINAL END OF SEASON SALE NOW ON!
30% OFF BOARDS, BINDINGS & BOOTS
UP TO 50% OFF CLOTHING"
Already kitted up with all my own ski gear after using rentals last season and well and truly buggering my shins as a result.
:cool:
I just need a snowboard now and I'm set too :)
So, we're only needing a response from Ian R and Matlee as confirmation?
That deposit for the Chalet ok for everyone too?
Righto.
As soon as I get confirmation from Ian R and / Matlee I'll get it booked?
:)
That's fine with me. Let us know exactly how much we each owe and money will be winging it's way to Scotland with this new fangled "same day money transfers" :d
deposit, date all fine with me
Right.
Just had a PM from Matlee and he's out of this as he's booked a week in vegas instead. (pussy)
That leaves six of us including Ian R so we could ideally do with another two people to confirm.
Do what you can guys.
Ian
How would a 6-8 berth apartment work out price-wise between 6 of us?
How would a 6-8 berth apartment work out price-wise between 6 of us?
Have a look you lazy bugger :p
Have a look you lazy bugger :p
:p
I'll have a look through the thread then....hadn't saved the link :d
€1540.00 for the 6/8 non-luxe apartment, so just over £200 per person between 6, give or take on the exchange rate.
€1540.00 for the 6/8 non-luxe apartment, so just over £200 per person between 6, give or take on the exchange rate.
Correct.
Total price would be £1220 and £203 each overall.
Deposit required would be pretty much bang on £51.
:)
Correct.
Total price would be £1220 and £203 each overall.
Deposit required would be pretty much bang on £51.
:)
:p
You knew that, you just wanted me to do the legwork didn't ya?! :d
Right, so do people want to go ahead with the 6 of us with a 6/8 person apartment, and any late comers wiull have to accept sofa beds, or do we go for an 8/10 person apratment and actively recruit a couple more people?
That'd be fine by me.
Less of us to split the travelling costs between but we could get away with booking two estate cars instead of two mini mpvs so wouldn't be as much to hire them.
the 6/8 apartment would be fine with me and the estate cars.
my thinking is that we have been talking about this trip for a few months now on the forum so most members would have seen it.
if we get a late addition.... sofa bed it is.
or is that a little off? :search:
the 6/8 apartment would be fine with me and the estate cars.
my thinking is that we have been talking about this trip for a few months now on the forum so most members would have seen it.
if we get a late addition.... sofa bed it is.
or is that a little off? :search:
I think that's fair.
If they didn't fancy the sofa bed they could just try and book other accommodation elsewhere depending how many there were wanted to go.
:thumbs:
sorted, let me know when you want the deposit money :D
sorted, let me know when you want the deposit money :D
Will do mate.
Just waiting for Brian to re-confirm and IanR to get back to me.
the 6/8 apartment would be fine with me and the estate cars.
my thinking is that we have been talking about this trip for a few months now on the forum so most members would have seen it.
if we get a late addition.... sofa bed it is.
or is that a little off? :search:
Seems fair enough to me!
Yep sounds fine guys - let's go with that :)
Right gents (and lady :))
That's the Chalet booked for 17th January 2009 to 24th January 2009.
The deposit paid was £51 per person, if you could get it to me asap as it's all currently on my credit card :eek:
The balance to be paid is £152 per person with a further 20Euros to be paid on arrival :rolleyes:
Any questions, just give me a shout (pay pal and bank transfer is acceptable btw)
Cheers
Ian
Looking forward to this :D
ditto :)
I'm not taking anything to do with the next one though!!
ps
You'll need to bring a mkivsupra.net banner with you Ian...show the French how we do :D
I'm not taking anything to do with the next one though!!
:think: Eh?
As in you dont want to pay the deposit for us? :d
Getting excited about this despite it being way too far in the future!
Paid by transfer Ian, should clear into your account in a few days :thumbs:
Right chaps.
Now that's the accommodation sorted out, stage II beckons.....the travelling arrangements!!
i haven't had a chance to look at any options available yet :(
i haven't had a chance to look at any options available yet :(
That's it...you're buying the first round :p
That's it...you're buying the first round :p
:rlol:
fair enough :(
:d
well one option that has presented itself is my folks have offered me the use of their honda cr-v for that week.
the only downside is getting 4 of you from way up there down to myself and Rich
well one option that has presented itself is my folks have offered me the use of their honda cr-v for that week.
the only downside is getting 4 of you from way up there down to myself and Rich
That's cool. We're sorted! See you out there guys :innocent: :d
I'm likely to have a BFO off roader within the next few months that could be used for some of us :)
Ooh, 2 potential vehicles.... Looking promising!
I'm likely to have a BFO off roader within the next few months that could be used for some of us :)
Wow....so in essence we may not need car hire at all? :)
Was also thinking in terms of chunnel times.
Trains leave at the latest midnight and the earliest is 6am.
We can't check into the chalet until 5pm, so assuming it'll take approx. ten hours (according to googlemaps) to get to Val Thorens from Calais...which train do we want to get?
I'm ok with whenever's better for other people. I'm sure Jeff and I can get to an arranged meeting point at the right time, so it's up to you guys who'll have been on the road for a few hours already.
Looking that way - other half finally landed a nursing job following finishing her training a few months ago and so we're gonna replace her Almera with said BFO off roader. 7-seat Chevrolet Captiva looks good value / practical etc.
OK we're gonna have a lot of crap with us between equipment and luggage but 4 of us should be fine until we rendezevous with the CRV and offload one of you :D
We can always get to the resort early, leave our crap in the cars and explore a bit 'til we can check in - 5PM is pretty late so hopefully they'll let us check in sooner if we're there and they are ready.
It's nice to drive big distances under the cover of darkness so to me the 6am chunnel on the day of check-in is the best bet as we can get to dover nice and fast from Scotland late night / early morning and will be early enough in France to cover a good distance before eventually stopping for breakfast :)
It's nice to drive big distances under the cover of darkness so to me the 6am chunnel on the day of check-in is the best bet as we can get to dover nice and fast from Scotland late night / early morning and will be early enough in France to cover a good distance before eventually stopping for breakfast :)
Sounds good to me :thumbs: So long as French services do full fry-ups :d
This all sounds good to me guys :thumbs:
Right, have received four of your payments which means one still hasn't sent me money :sly:
Don't make me come and get it :boxing:
has mine cleared into your account yet mate?
has mine cleared into your account yet mate?
No idea mate.
None of them have references on them that I can see :(
No idea mate.
None of them have references on them that I can see :(
:( i sent mine with a reference of "holiday - 2JG"
it is showing as leaving my account on 2nd June.
:( i sent mine with a reference of "holiday - 2JG"
it is showing as leaving my account on 2nd June.
Dunno if i'm just not seeing references using my online banking mate.
Will wait and see if the fifth comes in.
what about mine ??
Yours isn't in yet mate, looks like it's Brians, Jeffs and Chan's so far.
Yours isn't in yet mate, looks like it's Brians, Jeffs and Chan's so far.
Sweet. The mrs. paid £102 directly into your account at an RBS branch :)
Will post a pic or two to build more hype... :D
http://www.bargainboards.co.uk/Admin/Products/Images/cb6fdc74-e14a-41aa-8221-2b8f282d47d2.jpg
IAN....send me your money!!! Before I start charging you interest :D
6 months to go and I'm getting excited. I still need to buy a board as well :d
Just to remind everyone how cool we'll all be looking....;)
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