VDI 2 for 1 Lift pass?

Greetings all - first time poster so I'm a bit nervous! (I've posted a couple of comments in the last day or so of finding the site but this is my first thread)

I'm off, with the missus and two friends, to Val d'Isere in a couple of weeks - I've been once before but it was five years ago when my wife first learned to ski so really looking forward to getting all over the Espace Killy this time.

I'm booked through Crystal (booked ages ago) and I now see their web site says 2 for 1 on lift passes at my accomodation on my dates. Surprise surprise they won't honour this as I booked ages ago.....

BUT

They say this offer doesn't come from them per se but is a Val d'Isere thing as they arent getting enough peeps in?!?

Just wanted peoples' thoughts on this - is VDI really suffering - will beer be cheaper ) - and am I likely to be able to pick up this kind of 2 for 1 offer in resort?

Any experience of the resort this year appreciated - especially anyone who knows anything aboput the lift company etc and may be able to shed light. A saving of what's basically £100 each on lift pass is not to be sneezed at!!

Cheers

Andy

Hmmm. Interesting. I always try and book a chalet in advance which includes a similar kind of deal. Last year we had 2 for 1 in St Anton, saving £100 each and this year we are having lift passed in ADH for £10 each, saving £180 per person.
However, each time it has been the tour op who offered these deals. It is usually in an early bird offer to get people booked up, or maybe in some kind of late deal if spaces are not selling.
If its available through Crystal, my guess is it is a specific package, and they wont offer the deal to you as you are already booked up. If it is the tourist board or lift company, which I very much doubt for Val D, you could get on board with this yourself when you buy lift passes locally. However, I wouldnt hold your breath.

I have not been to Val D myself, sorry, so cant comment, but I know it is regarded as one of the best in the world, so I am sure you will have an amazing time.
Enjoy, and welcome!

Thanks for the words and the welcome Tony!

We book chalets early for the same reason - got a great deal (handily we know the travel agent) but was just hoping to sweeten the deal still further.

Looks like Crystal are trying to fill the places up

No breath holding but still some forlorn hope..... :-)

Your right on that one Tony I have never found any lift company or tourist board offering any kind of discounts apart from late May or early December 8)

me neither in all of the places I've skied but when Crystal told me that and I've heard it mentioned once or twice on the news that there's a recession on apparently.....

Seriously though I thought Crystal were trying to fob me off but worth an ask from you good peeps I thought

Cheers

Andy

I have never found Crystal to offer a deal good enough to consider taking when comparing them to other companies, such as Skiworld for example. I have also been informed by an agent that the cuisine from Crsytal's chalet staff is nowhere near as good as the Skiworld menu, but I am unable to comment on that not having been with Crystal.

You ought to have a look at www.catered-ski-chalets.co.uk for next season matey :wink:

I will do that - and for a possible cheeky last minute trip to 3V that the missus and I are considering in March

Ive skied with all of the big operators: Inghams/Nielsen/Thomson/First Choice/Thomas Cook/Panorama etc in the past and had no bother, same great reps and great food in chalets and hotels (first time with Crystal this year).

I've looked at the independents in the past but, though I'm sure you get better service etc, not many of them have Newcastle flights and driving to Manchester for an early morning flight means diesel/hotel/parking costs for the week that tend to negate any savings.

But I'd LOVE to be proved wrong (to paraphrase Mr Keegan)

Andy, this has to be a phone call job to Crystals. RoseR did that, I think with Inghams, and she was offered the deal retrospectively, no questions asked. Be polite, but firm, that you expect to be offered this. State that they should be fair.

If you do not get any joy, you state that you wil be sending in an email, and copying it to the travel editor of the Sunday Times.

Then do it. Show on the email that you have copied it.