knowledge winter breaks
in less well-known resorts, which are keen not to put off nervous first-timers and others worried about costs.
Neilson is trying to attract skiers on a budget to two of its cheaper resorts, offering a Full Board Plus option at a hotel in Borovets and another in Pamporovo, Bul- garia; which includes packed lunch, apres ski snacks and unlimited drinks from 4pm. These resorts in turn also face competition this season from less well-known areas in countries such as Austria that have learned to compete on value.
“There are some, like Rauris in Austria, that are hardly more expensive,” Davis said. Smaller resorts can also provide a money-
saving option to experienced skiers wanting access to big ski areas but at a cheaper price. Two favourite examples are Ramsau in Austria, which offers links to the Mayer- hofen ski area and St Martin de Belleville, a lesser-known resort in France’s Three Valleys.
Inghams confirmed “the value end of Aus- Some operators also hope to be smiling this winter
tria and Italy” is selling “particularly well”. As well as the lingering effects of the recession, operators have two additional challenges this season due to the calendar. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are on a Saturday, traditionally a departure day. Operators have adjusted flying patterns to avoid these days, meaning that immediately after these dates there will be some bargain short breaks on sale, ideal for an attention- grabbing promotion in agents’ windows. Not such good news, however, is the very late Easter, over the weekend starting April 22. Easter is traditionally bonanza time for ski operators, but most of the low-level resorts will be closed by then. Nevertheless, the higher mountains served by flights on major scheduled airline routes such as Geneva should still offer wonderful sunny skiing during the traditional break.
They don’t tell you about the pain… Matthew Parsons learns to snowboard in Adelboden
The first thing they should tell you, even before asking for your passport at check-in, is that learning to snowboard is painful. Fortunately, The Cambrian Hotel is fully equipped to help alleviate the aches and pains. In fact this 70-room hotel, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, is ideal for novices – it’s near the ski lift and impressive slopes, has an excellent spa and treatments, and a heated outdoor pool. While looking traditional from the outside,
the Cambrian is very minimal on the inside, with its UV light and swathes of grey slate used. Some clients may find this cold if they are after a more “rustic” appearance.
ttglive.com
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