On any ski holiday there are a number of ski extras that you will require. Ski passes and ski equipment are essential for getting onto the slopes, ski carriage is required for transporting your own equipment, and if you are beginner you may wish to consider ski lessons. You must decide whether to pre-book your ski extras or simply wait until you arrive at the airport or resort. We advise that you do not pre-book these items, as you may well find it saves you time and money. However, an exception to this rule is if you are a beginner and planning a ski holiday in Bugaria, which we then advise that it is in your best interests to pre-book your ski extras.
Ski Passes
Most ski resorts have two different types of pass on offer. A local pass includes the local resort and some extras, whilst an area pass includes the local resort and all of its neighbours. Snow conditions, local prices and your skiing level should be taken into account before you decide to pre-book a ski pass. It is advised to wait until you arrive due to the following reasons:
Unfortunately you cannot know what the ski conditions will be like until you arrive. If the weather is very bad when you arrive, then links between neighbouring resorts may not be open, whilst if the snow conditions are fantastic, then it is likely that you will only want a local pass anyway. If you are a beginner, it is advised not to pre-book ski passes as they may not be needed for the first few days. Also, a ski pass is often obtainable in the resort at a cheaper rate than the pre-book price due to resorts running special offers which tour operators will not always know about.
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Ski Equipment
If you pre-book your ski equipment then ultimately you will find that you are limited to using the shop favoured by your tour operator. Unfortunately, the shop may not be anywhere near your accommodation and there is likely to be queues for all your tour operator’s customers arriving on the same day and using the same shop. It is advisable to wait to hire equipment until when you arrive as using a local shop will give you a lot more flexibility.
Ski Carriage
Ski carriage is the carriage of skis in the luggage hold. These items are classed as oversized and may incur an added charge. Your skis will be carried whether you prepay or not. However, if you pre-book your ski carriage, you will pay a set fee of £15 per snowboard or pair of skis. Alternatively, if you do not pre-book you may find that you don’t have to pay at all.
Ski Lessons
Many ski resorts have a wide choice of ski schools. Your tour operator is likely to favour the national ski school of the region. However, you may find that their English may not be as good as other international ski schools. If you wait until you arrive to book you will have the opportunity to discuss your specific requirements with each ski school in the area, rather than be stuck with the favoured ski school of your tour operator. It should be noted that an exception to this rule is for half term skiing on 16th February 2008, when it is advisable to contact the tourist office of your resort and speak to the ski schools directly.
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