Ski Trip Time!

Trying to ski in Zermatt, Switzerland

Clinging. I found myself clinging to the edge of the mountain hoping beyond hope that the white-out in front of me would move. Winds were blowing. Snow was in my face. I couldn’t see five feet in front of my ski goggles. I sat down.

Not easy to do with two long planks strapped to your feet. I was terrified this was how it was all going to end: on a mountain in Switzerland.

Thirty yea….I mean seconds later the white-out had cleared. I would live to see another ski slope, but decided this day was done and I retreated to my rented studio in Zermatt, Switzerland.

No this wasn’t last week. I think the snow might only (and randomly) be falling in Scotland right now. And no this is not a Rock Fever column (from The Royal Gazette newspaper) for one of the 10 trips for under $100 from London. That will resume next week. Last I left you I was in Sweden.

So what am I doing this week? Why am I writing about a ski trip I’m not even on? Good questions. As I sat in Sweden feeling the temperature change and the winter jackets creep on, I realised it was time. It was time to start planning affordable (because let’s be honest skiing is never cheap) winter i.e. ski vacations.

Last year I was lucky and was already in Europe when an avalanche of snow decided to descend on the continent. Ok maybe it was heavy snow. Anyway, it was easy and cheap enough for me to jump on a train from Florence, Italy, rent a studio for $500 a week (it was off season) and enjoy the slopes. Unfortunately taking a ski trip from Bermuda, negotiating with work, schools, etc… will take a bit more planning, which is why it’s important to start now.

But have no fear. We have Brenda Warwick here. A ski addict who has worked in Vail, Colorado for four ski seasons and a CTravel agent, Brenda who specialize in selling skiing Worldwide, but particularly the resorts in Colorado, knows what she is talking about.

So Brenda, how can I find the best deal for skiing?

The least expensive ski deals are in the early season, in high resorts of Colorado, Utah, California. From the

Brenda Warwick hits the slopes!

end of November to December 15 or so as each resort differs with their high season dates for the Christmas Holidays.

Other dates (for deals) include mid January to mid February, before Presidents Day Holiday and then in the spring depending when Easter is each year, and closing date of the resorts.

Colorado’s best snow is usually early to mid April, and there are also very low rates for hotels and lifts.

Europe is the same, but you have to make sure of the snow. January and April are best, but February is very busy with UK and European schools on holidays. The same applies for Easter.

Ok those are the best deals, but when is the best time to go skiing? When is the best snow? And apparently there is a difference between Europe and North America?

The best time to ski Europe is in mid January. It is less crowded and there is beautiful snow. Then again in mid to late March, early April but that depends on the snow. That should be fine for high resorts if you are going in the Spring.

For North America ski resorts the best snow is mid January, early February, March and definitely early April. Last year I skied on April 6 in four feet of beautiful new powder snow!

West Coast skiing, i.e. Whistler in Canada, can be very unpredictable, due to being so close to the Pacific, and the resort is not as high as Colorado etc.

East Coast skiing, i.e. Mt Tremblant near Montreal, had wonderful snow this year right through Easter, but be careful if early December. Same with Smugglers Notch in Vermont.

What about families though? You said school breaks are the most expensive? When should families plan to go skiing for the best deals?

Families usually book during the Feb school break, but this is high season and can be expensive. The better time would be at Easter break when the prices are lower and many ski deals during this time.

What about couples who want to avoid the kids?

For couples, I would suggest mid to the end of January, through to mid March for North America and also Europe, avoiding the busy school holidays.

Also the end of November through to mid December, as usually the rates change about Dec 20, though this depends on each resort.

And for those skiing solo? Will I have to be by myself on the slopes?

For single skiers, as myself, it is a wonderful way to meet new friends who love the feel of that mountain air, the beautiful scenery and the freedom of flying down the perfectly groomed slopes of North America or the challenge of the steep and deep in Europe.

For me, personally, I love the ambiance of Europe and definitely the Apres Ski is more exciting in Europe, after a wonderful day, skiing up to an ice bar for a gluewein and new friends; it’s wonderful.

Sonnenalp Village

 

That might be easier depending on accommodation. What are my choices for ski holidays?

The choices are unlimited. There are hotels, condos, private homes, and even private chalets in Europe that are catered from budget right up to Sir Richard Branson’s wonderful private Chalet in Verbier, which you can rent by the week for up to 20 guests, and of course at a high price!

So Brenda, what can you and CTravel offer to Bermudians looking for a good ski trip?

Selling skiing is complicated, as there are so many ski resorts worldwide, but we at Ctravel, have the ‘tool’s and expertise to help any skier, first time or a seasoned skier.

The choices are unlimited, hotels, condos, private homes, private chalets in Europe that are catered from budget right up to Sir Richard Branson’s wonderful private Chalet in Verbier you can rent by the week for up to 20 guests, and of course at a high price!

Ctravel is a Wholesale Tour Operator for Vail Resorts, of Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Heavenly Valley, where we have Discounted Lift Tickets available to our ski clientele even during all the Holidays, plus equipment rental, transfers, hotels, ski school, and whatever else is required.

Our Virtuoso Supplier, Alpine Adventures, can offer ski holidays Worldwide, even Summer Skiing in South America if you haven’t had enough skiing in the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Vail, the largest ski resort in the US and most groomed trails on the planet!  I worked in Vail at the Gasthof Gramshammer, owned by former Olympian, Pepi Gramshammer, who taught me to ski.  Vail Village and the new Village Square, formerly Lions Head are also traffic free, with both resorts of BCreek and Vail offering a free bus service around their villages.

The Lodge at Vail, a Virtuoso property (which means a CTravel partner), is ski in/out and has just completed a new Spa and condos right next to the slopes.  There is a huge selection of hotels and condos in Vail.

My favorite where I have stayed for over 20yrs, is the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, exceptional luxury and service with Old World hospitality in the Bavarian tradition, passed down from five generations of the Faessler Family.

Their rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in Bavarian style, many with fireplaces and balconies overlooking Vail mountain, four restaurants, full Spa, with indoor/outdoor pool,hot tubs, sauna etc.

Vail’s annual snowfull over 346″ , 300 days of sunshine and 33 lifts, you have gentle beginner slopes to bowls, glades and moguls.  A charismatic ski town with fine dining, family fun, and plenty of apres ski!

For more information and to book your ski vacation contact CTravel.