Solo Ski Trip

Hi,

Unfortunately this year it looks like my normal ski buddies will be letting me down and therefore I have to contemplate another season without skiing (didn't get to go last winter :cry: ) or organising a solo trip.

As I have never done this before I wondered if any of the J2skiers with experience of this could provide any tips. I guess I'm an average sort of skier and have always been happy to ski by myself when away with groups of friends before. Do you think I should stick to a resort I know, any tips on avoiding single occupancy charges, would I be better to book now or leave till the week or fortnight before, what about safety on the slopes etc etc.

Any tips gratefully received. Cheers

Hi you don't give much information, ie where you want to ski Europe, any country, what time if year, your age/ interests.
I often ski alone which is no problems, I find its fine for a couple of days , but then I miss a bit of company. But I generally have a friend or member of my family staying with me Who does not ski but can share evenings. I think if you don't have anyone to share experience , have a coffee or a meal as well as skiing on your own it might turn out a bit lonely . I would suggest a resort that at least has some things to do in the evening and maybe arrange for a ski buddy to meet at least a few times during the week.

All the best hope you can sort something out.

As a solo skier myself I know how you feel..single room charges are the bane of booking..I have got to the stage that I will go by myself to the hotels that offer no single room surcharges or at least very little..Neilsens do operate a single sorting type of thing ..Chalet companies Like Bonjour bonjour do offer some single rooms at a price or a sharing arrangement if they have space..Chalet holidays are the easiest way of meeting like minded people..an apartment can be a bit lonely on your own I am off Jan 9th for a month 1 week with a friend in France 1 week I haven't arranged and 2 in Italy ..one of which is the J2 Ski holiday..Feb 2 in Folgarida in the dolomites ...plenty of nice people of all ages ..have a look on here at the thread

Opt for your late booking option (one or two weeks before departure) and, assuming you are skiing in Europe, get onto 'chalet accommodations' and you will probably get an offer for a room occupancy but with no single supplement as the chalet has been unable to sell the room, so better to get something for the room rather than nothing.You won't get this sort of deal over Christmas, half term or Easter. Finally if you finish up in a chalet you will be sure to find other skiers and won't be eating alone in the evenings.

Done it loads of times; found making independent arrangements to be the best value - either direct with hotels or through resort websites. Austria and Switzerland appear to have more 'single room' options than France. The odd day with a ski host or the SCGB can help - and I have generally found someone to have a chat/beer with at some point during the week.

I used to go for 6/7 weeks to Niederau with my ski buddy, Mel, but then he passed away. So I now take about 3 weeks in January/Feb, alone. I then do another 2/3 weeks in March with frau and friends.

For the January trip, I have been through the element of low cost single rooms, (you can get rooms for €20/22 b&b), but I now pay extra and get myself an apartment. I paint every day, so I can leave various paintings spread about, and the Hausfrau cleans around them!

Loneliness is not an issue. In January, I know about a dozen, ex-J2skiers will be there. I go to watch the Hahnemkamm training, meet with some of the internationals that train in the Niederau Race arena, meet up with the Disability Snowsport lot, drive to different villages and meet up with people I know, or have met on the internet. This year I plan to ski with an instructor, who lives in Scheffau ~ met him recently on J2ski!

I can ski at my own pace, so generally do not have to spend time waiting, and hence I maximise my ski time. Then when I stop for a break, I can sit and draw, without being anti-social.

At night, I go to different hotels, and meet a wide range of folk I have known for years. So, for me, solo time is idyllic.

When to book? I have always booked accommodation first week in October, for January, I get a special deal, anyway. When that is booked, I book my free Easyjet flight, (through Natwest visa points), and car hire, (early booking gives the lowest price). I then have until 5 Dec to choose which season pass to buy.

What's not to like?

I go on ski holidays both entirely on my own and with a non-skiing wife.
I do enjoy skiing alone, even when with the J2Ski holiday last season in Tignes I disappeared off by myself some of the time.
But - ski company is good.

For my solo trips and absolutely refusing to even think about sharing a room - I have had success by booking out the weeks holiday and then being patient until near the time. Keeping an eye on things for offers.
Mark Warner for example have done no single room supplements in low season for the last three seasons as a last minute (2 weeks to go) offer. For me on this one, losing Hosting in France is a bummer because top notch hosting as Mark Warner have always done really makes the skiing simple - company sorted.

I have noticed that some other TO's offer similar but just not gone with any.
I would look at the British run Chalet Hotels - big, lots of people, bound to be a few you get along with.

Depending on happy you are to ski alone then the direct Hotel contact may work - but company could be harder to find and need a bit more putting yourself about a bit.

When a solo skier with my wife I have always met a few people to hitch up with for days or part days. Skied with the good skier while their partner is in ski school for example.

Lots of options - and thye big plus on a Ski holiday; your fellow guests are there for the same reason as you!

Go for it.

Hi Guys Thanks very much for your responses which have all been very useful and reassuring. Daved I checked the thread re the J2ski trip and have been in contact with AllyG so that may be one possibility. If that doesn't work out then I will just leave it until 2 weeks before my planned departure date of mid January and see if any chalets have space without the single occupancy charges!. Anyway thanks again and I hope you all enjoy your trips to hills this year. Cheers