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Skiing Apartment For Your Next Man-cation

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:39:09 +0000

It is that time of year, man-cation time for you and all of your college alumni buddies. You are in charge of this year`s trip and you are bound and determined to make it a good one for all to remember for many years to come. You have decided to spend the holidays in the beautiful, snow covered mountains. And, you are debating what kind of accommodations to book for the couple weeks you will be together. One of your pals suggested you book a skiing apartment for everyone. It sounds good, but, that leaves only one problem for you.

What The Sam Heck is a Skiing Apartment?

A skiing apartment is a regular apartment that is generally rented out in areas near popular skiing venues. Sometimes, the apartment is simply a time share situation where you can book for a period of time that fits your schedule. You should know that, there are often minimum night stay requirements, and that prices during holidays and peak skiing times can be more expensive.

Some skiing apartments are simply renovated hotels. The major difference from a regular hotel room is the usual lack of daily maid service. So, if your buddies are slobs you might want to take a pass. However, a major advantage of these types of skiing apartments is that they can accommodate larger groups of people while not jamming everyone into the same room.

Anything Else I Should Know?

The skiing apartments almost always come with kitchens. If you or one of the boys is quite the cook, this feature is definitely something you will enjoy. It will also save you some money over eating in the over priced restaurants that always seem to populate the ski areas. And, it is far healthier for you and the guys than just slinking on down to the Mc Donald`s for a late night hamburger.

You will want to be sure to ask the renter or agent what is included in the skiing apartment. Often, things like dishes, pots and pans, and other basic items are included and for your use. But, things like pillowcases, sheets, and towels are not.

Finally, there are often high fees and penalties for damaging, destroying, or otherwise maiming the skiing apartment. So, you will want to make sure your slovenly buddies, and likely their pets, depending on the rules, stay at home. But, skiing apartments can be a very economical and enjoyable way for you to stay on your man-cation.

Ski Chalet and School Trips

admin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:38:05 +0000

Ski Chalets offer an excellent way for school children to come together and enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. It can be an excellent opportunity for young people to enjoy learning to ski at a far lower cost than that of a hotel. It also does not usually come with the requirements of multiple night stays that many ski apartments do.

Okay, My Kids Are Hungry!

Whoa, there cowboy, many ski chalets focus on the needs of a large group. There are often a variety of set menu options. This feature is especially useful if your school’s budget is that of a shoestring or worse. However, do remember to ask in advance if the staff is able to provide alternative menu selections for those students with allergies. There would be nothing worse than for one of your students to blow up like a fish after eating something with seafood in it.

Some ski chalets are also equipped with large meeting rooms. The room makes for an excellent way to communicate with all students and staff, and it allows an area for group games or movie. This becomes a godsend if the weather turns poor, and the students cannot ski. As well, it provides an area for sick or injured students to be more visible, so that their health can be monitored more closely.

Separate But Equal Would Be Nice

You should also see about being able to separate girls and boys. Sometimes this is no problem in large ski chalets. But, in other cases, it could pose a problem for you and your chaperones. You may also see, if you are booking on you own, if they will not give you a free room to you, your bus drivers, or other staff. It never hurts to ask.

One disadvantage to ski chalets is that they lack the security of most hotels. Although, there is someone usually on duty 24 hours a day this is certainly not always the case. As well, very large ski chalet areas may be catering to many different types of people and lifestyles.

You might want to take a moment to inquire with your ski chalet staff about what groups will be staying along with you during your trip. There would be nothing worse than for a convention of Hell`s Angels to be sharing the hallways with your teenagers. But, in all, ski chalets are an excellent way for both you and your students to enjoy and learn a great deal about skiing.

French Alps Resorts-Definitely Not A Last Resort

admin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:37:07 +0000

Do you live to ski? Ah, there is nothing quite like the early morning run at the crack of dawn amongst the beautiful pines. Nor, likely nothing that brings a smile to your face like the last run before the sun sets beneath the glistening mountain tops. France, and in particular, French Alps resorts offer a variety of opportunities to spice up your next ski getaway.

Of course, while staying in your French Alps resort, you can enjoy all the wonderful culture, charm, and scenery that France has to offer. In particular, there are many French Alps resorts that are designed with the whole families’ comfort in mind. For example, La Norma, Les Arcs, and Les Gets are among the many French Alps resorts that provide specific services geared toward making everyone in the family feel welcome.

As well, many resorts, for a small fee, offer ski schools and private lessons for the kids. This gives the kids an excellent introduction to skiing, and mom and dad time to enjoy a little alone time. Features like these can allow for the creation of the truly perfect family trip.

Looking for that perfect romantic getaway, are we? What better place that the country famous for its romantic cities, like Paris, to take that someone special for the next holiday? Resorts like La Clusaz, La Norma, and La Plagne offer a variety of services and amenities to enhance your special time together. Many French Alps resorts feature many romantic accessories like hot tubs, massages, and room service that you are sure to enjoy with your loved one.

I`m Packed And Ready To Go! What Now?

Fear not, you soon will be jumping your merry way down the slopes. French Alps resorts are accessible by car and bus. However, Westerners should be reminded that they drive on the right side of the road in France. And, depending on the season or weather conditions, one should call ahead to make sure of the road conditions that can sometimes change very quickly.

In addition, many of French Alps resorts offer 24 hour guest assistance. The staff can assist you with every thing from the airline tickets, day trip excursions, and other fun things to do while you are in France. It pays, of course, to call ahead early when thinking about traveling during the peak times. So, next time you are thinking about strapping on your ski boots look no further than the mystery and magic can be found in many French Alps resorts.

Alps Skiing Holidays That Don`t Break Your Wallet

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:35:23 +0000

Are you just one of those people always seeking a thrill? If you are, an Alps skiing holiday package might be the challenge you are looking for next. Of course, there are many things to consider when planning your adventure.

What The Heck Is This Going To Cost Me?

It seems like if you are dreaming of living life like Paris Hilton; well then, you must have to be related to her, or at least her second cousin, to afford it. And, yes, in many cases the cost of a fabulous Alps skiing holiday is expensive.

The high end resorts of France, Italy, and other well known venues, like Aspen, Colorado charge tons of money for everything from personal massages to butlers. But, there are also a lot of great deals to be found, and there are lots of ways to squeeze extra mileage out of your travel dollars and cents.

Tell Me More Baby

You should first consider how long you are going to stay. It is a good idea to really think about what is very important to you and your Alps skiing holiday. If you are the type of person who likes to live it up, perhaps, it is better for you to trim a few days off of your skiing time. Instead, consider traveling more around the area, and enjoying things on the off-beaten path.

It is far cheaper to stay, eat, and play in the areas away from the better part of the skiing-crazed population. In contrast, if all you care about is swooshing down the fresh powered slopes than consider staying somewhere with a few less frills. In fact, you might be wise to not stay particularly near the mountain range you are skiing at for your Alps skiing holiday.

A good number of hotels, lodges, and other accommodations provide shuttles or other means of transportation to the slopes. This amenity is often provided at little or no cost to the guest. An hour bus ride could save you hundreds of dollars while you still get to enjoy all that you came for in the first place.

Can I Just Go With Someone Already?

Finally, consider the dreaded package tour for you Alps skiing holiday. If you are not a person for schedules, deadlines, and structure, you might not enjoy the rigors of the group mentality. But, for those cheap, er, rather, frugal folks out there a package tour just might be up your mountain, so to speak.

Skiing Accommodations That Are Not So Accommodating

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:30:09 +0000

Skiing is certainly hard on a body. At the end of a long day of skiing in the cold, winter weather there is nothing quite as good as a soak in a nice, hot tub of water. But, alas, you step into the tub to realize that it is ice cold. You call down to the front desk only to be informed that it happens often and that it should be fixed sometime by tomorrow evening. Stop and check yourself in the mirror, you have just become a victim of bad skiing accommodations.

This Could Have Been Avoided

All too often, skiers, especially those new to the sport, focus more on the skiing aspect of their vacations rather than on their skiing accommodations. Make no mistake, especially in popular ski areas, lodges, hotels, and chalets sometimes, well, do not put their best foot forward in terms of cleanliness and service. It is not to say every resort is a tourist trap, but in places where business is overflowing a bed, no matter the condition, is a place to sleep. And, there are people who will settle for just about anything.

Mary and Jim’s Not So Fantastic Ride

Mary and Jim decided one year to do something amazing for their one week of vacation a year. They both worked a lot, and while not rich, they had saved just enough money in their rainy day fund to do something a little nicer that year. They were both avid skiers in their youth, and they decided that it would be a nice idea to book some skiing accommodations and head out for the week.

They chose to return to a little spot where they had vacationed as college sweethearts, and stay at the same little skiing accommodation. They arrived full of energy, vigor, and happiness, but they were soon demoralized at the condition of their lodge. Time, tourists, and the elements had all taken their toll on what once was a beautiful, cozy skiing accommodation.

What Did They Do?

What could they do? They were already there, and the money they had paid was non-refundable. To make matters worse, while they slept for five nights amongst the cockroaches, across the street was a brand new resort with all the amenities they had dreamt about. So, each day as they set out for the slopes they were cruelly reminded of the vacation that could have been, but alas wasn’t not to be. The lesson: Look before you book your next ski accommodations, or you might really be up a slope without a pole.