Absolute beginner - advice please

Hi,

I've never been skiing before (other than a few hours indoors), and we are thinking of going in March 2010 for our first ski holiday.

Any advice would be more than appreciated, but I have some specific questions that I'm interested in. Oh, we live in the UK, by the way.

1. We are thinking of going to Whistler, and it looks expensive, so any thoughts on where to stay and how to get a good deal would be great. We are a couple, so won't be able to get any group discounts or anything.

2. As the 2010 Olympics are on at this time, is it a good idea to go then, or will we be priced out of the market? We expect to go in the week in between the olympic and paralympic activity.

3. What kind of costs can we expect for eating out, or in, when we are there?

4. Can you point me to any good websites that can give me any information, thus saving you having to type it all out ;-)

Really, anything else you can think of would be great - I'm feeling a bit lost with all the things to consider.

Thanks in advance.

For your first trip, I'd suggest a short trip across to the Alps. i havent been to Canada but Europe is on your doorstep and there is so much to see before you think about venturing across the pond. You can ski for 6 days and only need a week off work and take a max 2 hour flight as well and it will cost you a hell of a lot less.
You're best off going somewhere higher up that time of year. I learned in Val Thorens in France. Personally I prefer Austria for the livelier apres ski.
I'd also think about going half board or chalet board for your first time so you can chill out after a long day and not have to think about walking around town to get dinner.

Skiworld do some great chalet deals.

Hope you enjoy it, welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum.
Have to agree with TonyH. I've been to Whistler and had an amazing holiday, but I don't think I would choose it for my "learn to ski" venue. Think it will cost you an arm and a leg because of the Olympics. Is there any particular reason you were thinking on going there rather than Europe?

Whistler wouldn't be my choice for learning (although I imagine with the Olympics there would be loads going on in and around town) but there are hundreds of other North American resorts to choose from should you still decide to go down that route! In March you should not be concerned with which North American resort you choose as it is generally the best month for the combination of snow conditions/temperature!

Eljay is right,I WOULD NOT go there in 2010. There have been stories on the news about how much more expensive it will be next year because of the olympics.Like 800% more!

Also because it is your first time I think I would stay close to home like the other said ,but there are many beautiful resorts here in BC and alberta
my local fav..and seems the local fav of the uk from the accents in the lift line is ) :

http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

To be honest, I think its a bad idea to go when the olympics are on as well, but my other half has her heart set on it. She is already planning dog sled rides, snowmobiles and a Vancouver add-on, that you don't seem to be able to do in Europe (especially the Vancouver bit ;-) ).

On the other hand, if I point out that it will be around 800% more expensive at that time, perhaps I can change her mind. Wish me luck!

The Vancouver idea is cool but what about somewhere in Tahoe with a San Fransisco add on?

what about finland, Rose R is the lady too talkto that sounds like it would tick all the OH's boxes