Getting to the Snow - An Essential Guide

Now that the ski season is approaching fast and snow reports make it seem that a good season could be in store we thought we would give you a light hearted look at some options, along with a few ideas on how you might put together an independent holiday.

Choose Your Continent

The basic choice here for most people is going to be either North America or Europe, however you could also consider Asia with India, Japan and Korea all offering possibilities for those who want something different.

North America
Has the advantage that English will be spoken and the lift queues and general organisation is of a very high standard everywhere - however being repeatedly told to "have a nice day" as you struggle to cope with both a hangover and your ski equipment can become a little tiresome.

Has two very distinct areas:

The East Coast - both Canada and the USA

Advantages

• Closer and therefore shorter trip
• Can take a few days in either New York or Boston for sightseeing/shopping

Disadvantages

• Terrain is generally less steep and challenging than the European Alps
• Can become extremely cold

The West

• Much higher - therefore guaranteed snow which is often of a very light powdery consistency much loved by experts.
• Further to get to and therefore more expensive.

Europe

The main ski areas in Europe can be summarised as follows:
France
Mainly purpose built resorts with good lift systems and steep terrain but can be too functional and soulless for some tastes. Anyone looking to practice their French may be out of luck in some resorts such as Meribel or the resorts of the three valleys where the main languages are (in order of importance) Queen's English, English (Australian accent) Glaswegian, Dutch, German, French.
Austria
Generally considered to be far friendlier than France. The Austrians pride themselves on offering a warm welcome and refer to all tourists as "guests" - but don't be fooled - they still know how to offer the bill at the end of the week! The skiing is varied and more detail is needed on what is offered by the resort you choose. Lift systems are often not as well organised as in France leading to the formation of long queues at peak periods.
Switzerland
Takes the advantages of both Austria and France and rolls them into one - but can be expensive.
Italy
Skiing in Italy is about style and showing off, which is why most people are found not on the slopes but sunning themselves in the slope side bars and restaurants taking in the views and the action whilst working hard on their suntans.
Andorra
Recent investment in the Soldeau area has made this once bargain basement destination a very respectable alternative to the alps. Disadvantage - access - either via Barcelona or Toulouse - both involving a long coach transfer of about 4 hours or self-drive - much further than the alps without the advantage of new fast motorways.
Bulgaria, Romania
and all points east - understood to be some areas with potential - put them in your diary for post EU membership.

Choose your resort

Key points to consider here are:

• What time of the season are you going? - if it is early or late in the season choose a high altitude resort (over 2000m in France - 1500m in Austria)
• Do you want a good nightlife?
• What facilities are available to non skiers?
• What is the transfer time from the airport/motorway exit?
• Is there an English speaking ski school?
• If you are driving from the UK - do you need to get past Munich /Albertville on any Saturday in February? - if the answer to this one is yes go back to the drawing board!

Choose your method of travel

Flight

Low cost airlines or scheduled airline to:

Geneva - For northern French resorts, Swiss resorts and North Eastern Italian resorts
Lyon - For central and Southern French resorts
Chambery - For central and Southern French resorts
Zurich - For eastern Swiss Resorts and Austrian
Salzburg - For Austrian and eastern Swiss resorts
Munich - For Austrian and eastern Swiss resorts
Toulouse - For Andorra
Barcelona - For Andorra

If you are arranging this as an independent traveller don't forget that you will need to arrange a transfer from the airport to the resort both local bus companies and independent taxi and minibus firms provide this service. They can easily be found by searching the internet. Don't forget however that if you go for a very cheap flight which arrives at around 10p.m. you will then need at least a couple of hours to collect your luggage and transfer to the resort (and how are you going to get into your accommodation at this time?!)
Final note - it almost goes without saying - but we will mention it anyway - the best place to book your parking at the British airport is Airport Parking shop

Train

Snowtrain to Bourg St Maurice for Les Arcs, Val D'isere, Tignes

Self Drive

Via Ferry - Hovercraft - Tunnel

Combinations

Drive to dover and catch a train if you choose this option don't forget that Airport parking shop also offers parking at Dover.

Choose your time to travel

Early December
Only for the dedicated who don't mind half the facilities being closed.
Christmas
Great if you want to get away from the whole shopping and bingeing thing that now seems to mark this season in the UK. But can be a little crowded in the week between Christmas and New Year.
January
Less risk of poor snow and usually cheapest time of the season.
February
If you have school children you will need to book early however you intend to travel for this most popular time of the season.
March
Another good time to go - beginning to warm up and should be lots of good quality snow.
Easter
The best time to go if you have young children or want a serious suntan - much warmer and less expensive than February - but snow may be getting thin in places.

However you go - have a great time and don't forget to book early through Airport Parking Shop for the best prices available at over 130 airport and ferry car parks throughout the UK