The main season enters its final few weeks in April, but for anyone who has never skied before (as well as everyone else), the quieter, sunny weeks ahead could be the perfect time to make your first turns on the white stuff. This April is looking particularly good after some big snowstorms in the run up to Easter.
That’s the thinking behind the long-established chalet holiday company Ski Beat‘s new `Toe in the Snow’ beginners’ ski holidays, which begin on 13th April, just after the kids have gone back to school and the ski resorts are at their quietest and most relaxed of the season. The special beginner’s weeks can be booked at a number of their chalets in high-altitude snowsure resorts.
The entire package, including lessons, catered-accommodation, flights and ski hire, come in at under £1000pp, ideal for those who want to try skiing, without investing too much for a first ski holiday.
“High altitude French resorts will skiable until the end of April, when prices are lower, days longer and sunnier, pistes and lifts quieter, and this is the perfect time for us to dedicate two chalets for like-minded beginners to enjoy the unique and sociable ski chalet holiday experience, while learning to ski,” says Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell.
Holiday options include Chalet Chamois, in the heart of the snowy village of Plan Peisey, part of the Brits’ perennial favourite, La Plagne, the beginners 150m from the slopes and ski school, for £675pp.
Or across the valley it’s possible to enjoy a week’s stay at Ski Beat’s Chalet Arpette, 80m from the skiing action in the centre of Plagne 1800, for £700pp.
The holiday prices, which are around a third lower than at peak season, include return Gatwick flights (Manchester also available), chalet hosts to prepare cooked or continental breakfast, afternoon tea, three course evening meals with unlimited wine, and transfers, and both chalets have their own sauna, to soothe aching muscles, new to skiing.
Ski and boot hire costs £115, and a six, 2.5 hour morning ski lessons, £195, and can be pre-booked in the UK with Ski Beat,
Ski Beat’s chalet hosts, all of them skiers, will be on hand to point newbies to skiing in the right direction for their ski lessons, give them advice on the best areas to try out their new skills, learn how to understand a lift map, and where to find the best bars and mountain restaurants.
“We know that sociable evenings in the chalets will be spent around the shared table swapping stories, enjoying hearty mountain meals with local wine, and planning the next days’ adventures,” added Laura.
