Money | pisteoffskishop.com

18Jul

Discovering Last Minute Ski Deals For Beginners That Save Money

When looking for last minute ski deals, the Sunday newspaper is a good place to look for such bargains. However, while the newspaper may offer a great deal of insight into the various ski resorts and their offerings, a better deal can often be found online. Therefore, whereas one might check the paper to ascertain the activities and events offered at any given ski resort, generally when it comes to food and lodging, one can often find better coupons and deals online.

Why are better deals offered online? Better deals are offered online because any given ski resort can advertise specials based on resort conditions at the time. For example, during slow periods when there is at least some snow on the ground, resorts are more likely to offer specials than during a peak season. However, if a peak season does not see as much snow as the previous year, often one can also find good deals on accommodations during this period as well.

As vacation brochures for a variety of ski resorts are available at almost every tourist information center, one can easily decide on which area to visit based on information provided at such a location. As, when deciding on which ski resort to visit, one must not only consider costs and time but also skill. This is because different ski resorts have different slopes available for a variety of skill levels both cross-country and downhill. However, there are also slopes which are aimed at the more advanced level skiers; whereas there are also resorts which attract beginning skiers through a variety of basic introductory level ski packages and programs.

When considering a ski vacation, it is always good to contact the convention and visitor centers in the area. These centers often can assist motorists in assuring routes or clear and assist with directions and rerouting where necessary if roads are closed due to storms or other events. Therefore, it is always good to travel with water, extra clothing and blankets in the event one is caught in a snow storm in route to a destination.

One other area where one can find a great deal is that of magazines and newsletters related to winter sports. As these are generally aimed toward a specific area of winter sports, such as skiing or snow boarding, individuals who share a common solo interest may also find the best ski deals through one of these many publications. In doing so, one can find a great deal of information focused on that specific area of interest as well as coupons and discounts in almost every issue.

Of course, many people on vacation, are not always sure of what they are going to do in an area until they arrive. Stopping by one of these exciting winter sports complexes is a great way to get a feeling as to if it is a place one might want to ski in the future based on costs, skill level and other interests. For, even if a resort is sold out, many resorts offer both lodging and non-lodging specials based on the area and conditions at the time. So, it never hurts to stop in and check out any resort whether for a playful day in the snow in the moment or for an extended ski vacation at a later date.

Often overlooked, one of the best places to obtain information on events in any given area, is that of the chamber of commerce. This is because the chamber of commerce is generally responsible for assuring that insurance and permits are in order for a given event. Therefore, if an individual wants to know information about what may be going on in a certain area at any given time, most likely the best place to find such a calendar and listings is through the local chamber of commerce. However, although the chamber of commerce may have a calendar listing, there is no guarantee the chamber of commerce has any further information on such events.

To this end, to assure one is receiving the best last minute ski deals possible, it is always advised to check out as many advertisements and options available to one as one can. These include brochures, the chamber of commerce, cold calling, the internet, newspapers and ski related magazines, just to name a few. In doing so, one can assure the slopes are adequate for all those going on the ski vacation. Thus, leading to a fun, memorable and reasonable ski vacation with memories that can last a lifetime.

Beginners, deals, Discovering, Last, Minute, money, SAVE

19Jul

Ski Hotel Accommodation and What to Expect for your Money

FILED IN Ski Boarding No Comments

A wide range of hotels is now available in all skiing nations in Europe and further afield. In most cases you have the option of a bed and breakfast stay, half board, full board, or all inclusive, and of course there is the full range of service available, from no-star to five star deluxe.

Fairly basic ski hotels are commonly offered by British tour operators in most mid-range resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees. Ideal for group school ski trips or first ski holidays, these hotels are always very simple, and have passable access to the slopes but very few add ons. Expect an ensuite shower-room but no bath for example, or a small breakfast buffet but no evening restaurant or bar. If you are a budget skier who just wants to spend every daylight hour on the slopes, and be in bed by 9pm after simple local supper, then these establishments are ideal.

Variants on the more budget hotel theme include Chalet Hotels (hotels run in a chalet style) and ApartHotels, which are apartment complexes with optional hotel facilities and services. A good way to get the best of both worlds (hotel and chalet), these options can provide you with privacy AND public space.

In addition, increasing number of newer more luxury establishments with pools, spas, nurseries, fine winelists and Michelin-starred restaurants are now also available. Luxury resorts such as Courchevel, Zermatt and St. Moritz now offer some of the world’s best hotels with superb facilities, décor, staff and service. And depending on your whereabouts, you can find small mega-luxe boutique hotels with just a dozen stunningly decadent rooms, or giant super-complexes with more than 750 rooms and dozens of restaurants and other facilities.

The high end ski operators such as Scott Dunn have the best luxury ski hotels in their portfolio, across a range of ski resorts throughout the world – including St Anton, Lech, Val d’Isere, Zermatt and Jackson Hole. For example, this ski season you can choose from Scott Dunn’s 36 luxury ski hotels. Consider Le Seizena in Courchevel 1850, described as a luxurious and hi tech boutique hotel with just 20 rooms, or The Four Seasons Whistler with 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses, as well as ski in/ski out access, a spa with outdoor heated pool and two restaurants.

Whilst not strictly a hotel stay, Scott Dunn also offers a split chalet option – you still stay in a chalet, but the fact that you share the space with other guests outside your own party often makes for a boutique hotel feel, and can be very good value.

As well as service and facilities, you are of course paying for style, and in the style stakes, good luxury hotels should capture the essence of a fabulous mountain hideaway, with natural wood and stone finishes, spacious yet cosy rooms, superb mountain or valley views, balconies and fireplaces, and of course fluffy duvets and cosy soft towels. Some of the world’s best ski hotels rooms even have private hot tubs, private butler service and roof-top helicopter access!

Always remember the golden rule when you are planning your ski holiday – work out exactly what you want from it before you book. Ski accommodation at cheaper hotels are better for the budget of course, but if they are less convenient for the slopes, you will inevitably spend less time on the snow. And if this is your one week a year of Winter wonderland, well then you need to make every second count!

Accommodation, Expect, Hotel, money

20Jan

Ski Aspen using these Top Money Saving Tips

FILED IN Ski Stuff No Comments

Believe it or not, you don’t have to break the bank while visiting Aspen. Have a champagne Aspen holiday on a beer budget with the help of these local money-saving secrets. Here are 10 ways to keep the pennies in your piggy bank, minimize the damage, and make the most of your snowy getaway.

10. Caffeinate without a Conscience: Every morning, without fail, a few Aspen Skiing Company employees wheel out a cart of free coffee at the base of Aspen Mountain. Steps from Starbucks, these generous Ski Co. folks will pour you a freshly brewed, free cup o’ joe. (The trick is carrying your skis and poles to the gondola without spilling, there’s an art to it that takes Aspenites a few seasons to master.)

9. Breakfast with a View: Once atop Aspen Mountain you can slide down to the warming hut and trail map below the gondola for a free breakfast (again, compliments of Aspen Ski Co.). Stuff a handful of granola bars into your jacket for breakfast, learn about conditions, and come up a plan-of-attack for the morning.

8. Cheap Lunch: Big Wrap sits across the street from Ajax, and has healthy lunches for prices that are hard to come by in Aspen. Wraps, salads, tacos, and smoothies will reenergize you for an afternoon shred sess.

7. Pub Grub: Nothing beats a hot dinner and a beer after a day on the slopes. Zane’s specializes in sports and beer, Philly cheesesteaks and tatter tots. Also, Bad Billy’s is a two-storied spot with a long local tradition (and a new name); Bentley’s has great burgers; and the best pint of Guinness and plate of fish and chips can be found at The Dog. (My personal go-to is the 25-cent wing special at Zane’s between four and six.)

6. Take it To Go: Grab a growler from the Aspen Brewery and take it home. The brewery boys handcraft the best beer in town and if you don’t feel like hanging out in the clubhouse-esque brewery, stick your thumb through the hole of a growler and take it to go. The beer is awesome and the growler is a great souvenir.

5. Shuck and Shoot: If you have a taste for the finer things in life, but don’t have a pocket deep enough to indulge on a regular basis, check out the $1.50 oysters at Ajax Tavern from 3–6 PM. There’s not a better après-ski snack than a half dozen Kumamoto oysters for under $10.

4. Hand-me-downs: With all of the fashionistas that reside in our mountain hamlet, I cannot think of a better place to have a second-hand store than Aspen. The new thrift store on East Hopkins (right next to the Isis Theater) has racks filled with gently used styles and brand names. From 80s ski outfits to never-worn cocktail dresses, there are hundreds of hidden treasures to be found.

3. “I Just Want To Dance”: Check the schedule at Aspen’s infamous music venue, Belly Up, for marquee names, unforgettable cover bands, free local acts, and free movies. There is always something going on at the Belly Up, and you won’t forget the experience if you get to see one of your favorite bands in this small venue.

2. Get Cultured: Spend a delightful day off of the slopes at the Aspen Art Museum, and don’t spend a dime! Thanks to John and Amy Phelan—Aspen’s generous, art-loving philanthropists—the AAM is free for all guests. With some of the most innovative contemporary art in the world, art supplies that enable young artists to create their own lift ticket, and the Questrom Lecture Series events that allow the public an opportunity to engage with exhibiting artists from around the world and to preview AAM exhibitions, there is something for the entire family at the Aspen Art Museum.

1. “The Power of Four”: With four world-class mountains to choose from, you’ll find some of the most diverse terrain in North America within a ten-minute drive of downtown Aspen. The kicker: one lift ticket gets you access to all four resorts—Ajax, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk—and free buses run like clockwork between each spot. For a full day hit Ajax early, hike Highland Bowl as soon as it is open (usually around 10 AM), spin in Buttermilk’s Superpipe after lunch, and finish the day at Snowmass.

Aspen, money, Saving, these, Tips, using

29Nov