In 1995, Ischgl lead the way in bringing big names to ski resorts for entertainment, with Elton John performing at the, now legendary, Top of the Mountain concert. Meanwhile the resort of Mayrhofen in the Zillertal was soon at the forefront of top winter festivals, hosting the famous Snowbombing.

For the first time, since its move from Meribel, Mayrhofen will host the Altitude Comedy Festival, with big names like Jimmy Carr, Al Murray and Tim Minchin. In addition the 10^th anniversary of the Vans Wängl Tängl will see a new pop-up gallery, curated by Looking Sideways, showcasing snowsports art. Over in the Ötztal, Sölden DJ David Guetta headlines at the Electric Mountain Festival in April and Sölden will once again host the annual Gay Snow Happening at the end of March.

2012 Vans Wängl Tängl, Mayrhofen, 17 – 24 March 2012

Europe’s most prestigious snow and skate event, the VANS Wängl Tängl 2012, will celebrate its 10^thanniversary this year bringing together a week of snowboard, skateboard and music highlights.

Looking Sideways@Wangl Tangl - This year sees a new pop-up art exhibition at the Europahaus, featuring 10 influential boardsport artists, organised by Looking Sideways. The interactive element to the event will create some original artwork and requires public participation online, both pre- and during the event. To take part, they need your eyes to make the graphics for a limited edition run of snowboards, with the chance of winning one of the boards. Take a photo of yourself and make sure the eyes are ‘looking sideways’. Email the image to eyes@wearelookingsideways.com or upload it to the Looking Sideways Facebook page. Your eyes will be added to the live art piece, creating a big, beautiful mural. Looking Sideways artists will then work on the mural throughout the Wängl Tängl. Winners will be chosen at random to get their hands on an original limited edition snowboard.

Package: Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) offers a week’s bed & breakfast in the 3* Hotel Obermair from £377 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs 17March.

www.wangltangl.com, www.wearelookingsideways.com

Altitude Comedy Festival, Mayrhofen, 26 – 31 March 2012

The Altitude Comedy Festival will bring some of the top names in comedy such as Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle. Ed Byrne and Al Murray to the slopes of Mayrhofen this year. Previously an annual fix in Meribel, 2012 will be the first year for Mayrhofen to host it as standalone event, offering the perfect mix of skiing, comedy and music. To get your wristband book your Mayrhofen accommodation online at www.altitudefestival.com and tailor your package to suit you with coach travel, flights or lift passes as added extras. Alternatively book your Mayrhofen holiday through Crystal and add a wristband to your booking for £150.

Package: Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) offers a week’s half board in the 3* Villa Strass from £450 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs 24 March.

Gay Snow Happening, Sölden, 24 – 31 March 2012

Sölden will host the 13^th Gay Snow Happening this March, as hundreds head to the Ötztal for a week of fun-packed skiing and partying. The varied programme of events include hut evenings at “Hühnersteign”, moonlight bowling, relaxing spa sessions at the Aqua Dome and long disco nights at “Q-Stall” or “Snowrock Café”. The week is rounded off in style for a final extravaganza, with famous DJs from London, Berlin and Hamburg. By day, 150km of perfectly groomed pistes are waiting to be explored.

Package: Thomson Ski (thomsonski.co.uk; 0871 971 0578) offers a week’s half board in the 4* Hotel Regina from £901 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs 24 March.

www.gaysnowhappening.com

Electric Mountain Festival, Sölden, 9 – 21 April 2012

Over Easter, Sölden will host a fantastic mix of music, mountains, snow and skiing over several weekends in April. Superstar DJ David Guetta will open the festival on 9 April on the world’s highest turntables at 2670m with the Rettenbach Glacier providing the unique backdrop.

Package: Thomson Ski (thomsonski.co.uk; 0871 971 0578) offers a week’s half board in the 4* Hotel Erhart from £929 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs 7 April.

www.electric-mountain-festival.com

Snowbombing, Mayrhofen, 9 – 14 April 2012

Famous for its adrenaline-fuelled snowboarding and crazy partying, the annual Snowbombing festival takes over the resort of Mayrhofen in April with leading DJs, club nights, live acts and snowboarders coming together for this ultimate event. Although the main events can only be accessed with a wristband, you can still enjoy the atmosphere in resort during it’s busiest party time.

Package: Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) offers a week’s bed & breakfast at the 3* Chalet Haus Tirol from £658 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs 7 April.

www.snowbombing.com/en

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The awe-inspiring natural show is different every time, with colours varying from blue, green, purple, yellow, and red. The changes in colours and shapes create a truly magical effect that should be a must on any travel enthusiasts bucket list. It is also worth mentioning that 2012 is going to be a particularly impressive and intense year for the aurora borealis due to the Solar Maximum. This is the period in the solar cycle when the sun’s magnetic field on the solar equator rotates marginally faster than at the solar poles. Given that each cycle is usually about 11 years, and that the last Solar Maximum was in the year 2000, we are now due another. So they say. In truth, the fox population has grown over recent years, resulting in enthusiastic snow running, and plentiful tail swishing.

Due to the brighter-than-normal nature of this year’s ‘revontulet’ light show, the aurora borealis will be visible to large parts of Europe. The best places to see the colourful display will, however, be towards the Arctic Circle. For those of us in and around Europe, that most likely means areas around Scandinavia. The further towards the Arctic Circle, the better. Those taking holidays to Lapland, Iceland, and other parts of Scandinavia in 2012 are likely to witness the stunning dance of light. In order to see the northern lights at their best, you should view them on a clear night, preferably away from light pollution caused by towns. Amazingly, on a good night, the northern lights can provide as much light as the moon.

If you are considering holidaying in the land of fox fires, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The fairytale landscape of Finnish Lapland has snow-laden pine forests, perfect for dog sledging through. Reindeer safaris, snow-mobiling, ice fishing are popular too, not to mention cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding etc. At the end of a day exploring the fox’s natural habitat, warming up and relaxing Finnish style is the icing on the cake; saunas and karaoke are more or less compulsory.

Travel guru Tess is an eager explorer, and loves

www.crystalski.co.uk/ski-resorts/finland-lapland-ski-holidays/

Once you’re in Norway travelling around is easy, and not too expensive. This is due to the fact that public transport is subsidised by the Norwegian government, making it considerably cheaper than travelling by car. Discounts and offers are readily available, especially with a bit of forethought. Booking train tickets in good time can also guarantee you a ‘minipris’ fare from NOK 199 (about £20) no matter how far the journey.

Flying internally with Widerøe, for example, can be far less than the cost of petrol, especially with the “explore Norway ticket” that gives you unlimited domestic flights for two weeks in the summer.  Young person’s discounts are generous too.  When it comes to a bed for the night, bear in mind that accommodation levels have high standards in Norway. Meaning that a two or three star lodging is likely to be nicer than you’d expect in other countries!

Lower price hotel chains are found throughout the towns and cities of Scandinavia, and represent good value for money. The famous wooden cabins with grass roofs are commonplace throughout Norway; the so-called ‘hytte’ are generally priced at between NOK 400-800 dependant on number of beds and facilities available. Due to the stunning environment in Norway, camping is worth considering too; a plot for the night costs around NOK 160 per night.

If you feel like roughing it and sleeping ‘wild’ for the night, you can do so for free. Norwegian laws on this are relaxed: you can pitch up anywhere you like, providing it isn’t on private property, and is at least 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin.

As for eating and drinking, think this through before heading out for the day, as prices are high. If you want to dine at a restaurant in Oslo and are feeling thrifty; head to the largely immigrant area of Grønland. Restaurants are more low-key and you’ll find great food for cheaper prices. Many allow you to bring your own alcohol too, although beware if you’re a heavy drinker: alcohol in Norway is incredibly expensive! For soft drinks with meals, tap water is of fantastic quality here and free of charge. If you’re not looking for restaurant style dining, buying food from the supermarkets is cheapest. There’s no escaping the fact that alcohol in Norway is pricey; buying alcohol at the duty-free before you travel will be far cheaper than any shop in Norway. If you’ve left it until once you’re there, try the local ‘Vinmonopolet’; it will cost less than other shops, pubs, and bars.

Filling your time on Norway holidays won’t be a problem. There is so much to see and do in the beautiful great outdoors, no matter what the season. In Oslo it’s highly recommended you buy a travel card which can be used on the buses, trams, and ferries. In warmer months taking the ferry out to one of the many islands dotted around the Oslo fjord is a treat. Around town, many museums and galleries are free to visit, The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo, for example, is free on Sundays. Taking a tram around Oslo makes you appreciate how relatively small the capital city is; as a 15-20 minute tram ride from central Oslo will take you all the way out to the forested hills surrounding the city. Heading to these higher points around the city provide opportunities for more physical activities such as walks, bike rides, and during winter months, skiing.

Travel guru Tess is an eager explorer, and loves

http://www.crystalsummer.co.uk/holidays/norway

The Crystal Finest preview brochure for winter 2012/13, launched today, presents a collection of bespoke chalets, first class hotels and stylish apartments in the world’s best ski destinations in Europe, North America and Japan.

Whether you are a devout foodie, want to soothe any aching muscles after an exhilarating day on skis or just want to relax in the utmost comfort, our collection offers the most luxurious accommodation Crystal has to offer.

To get there, Crystal Finest offers the most direct routes from 19 UK airports at convenient times.

Special early booking offers for 2012/13: 

25% off childcare -  saving of up to £55

Book before 31 May 2012 and receive 25% off all-day child care worth up to £55 for the duration of your ski holiday. The offer is valid for Pepi Penguin and Whizz Kids Clubs for children between the ages of 6 months to 11 years in selected  accommodation Flaine, La Plagne and Tignes (France).

2 for 1 ski/board hire offer – saving up to £184

Book your Crystal ski holiday to any European or North American resort before 31 March 2012, and get two-for-one ski/board hire saving in Lech and Zürs, for example, up to £184.

2 for 1 ski carriage – saving up to £35

Book your Crystal ski holiday to any European resort before 31 March 2012, and get two-for-one ski carriage saving £35.

Prices start from £395 per person including 7 nights’ self catering accommodation in the four-star Les Fermes de Soleil apartments in Les Carroz, France, departing on January 5, 2013 from Gatwick and transfers.

To make a reservation call 0871 971 0364

or visit www.crystalski.co.uk/finest

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Christmas has come early to all Crystal Summer holiday bookers: book by 31 January 2012 and receive £100 discount per booking, valid for all destinations, all flights and all durations. 

Crystal Summer’s collection of holidays takes you from the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean to the peaks of the Alps; from stunning lakeside villages of Lake Garda to some of Europe’s greatest cities; beach destinations in Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal and Italy and Finest hotels in all parts of Europe.

If you are a beach lover, we recommend Halkidiki in Greece with quiet beaches, rugged landscape and turquoise waters, where the pace is slow, the tavernas welcoming and the waters crystal clear. Price from £618 for two for a week’s self catering in the three-star Naias Apartments in Hanioti and private transfers.

For an all-inclusive family holiday with a theme park nearby, this is sure to be a hit with the kids and for this, Lake Garda in Italy has plenty to offer. Enjoy white knuckle rides at Gardaland, Europe’s third biggest theme park, or if you want to cool off, head to the Aqua Park next door. Stay at the four-star all inclusive Parc Paradiso & Golf Resort Hotel in Peschiera with pools, children’s playground, mini and junior clubs plus free tickets to Canevaworld (another theme park) during main season. Prices from £1568 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children).

And for a bit of luxury, Crystal’s finest hotels add some sparkle to the summer holiday. On Lake Maggiore for example, experience first hand authentic Italian cuisine techniques and recipes during cookery lessons at the five-star Villa e Palazzo Aminta hotel in Stresa before discovering the fishing island Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella with its well kept gardens and palace. Price from £2138 for two for a week of luxury.

Crystal Summer tel: 0871 230 8180 and visit www.crystalsummer.co.uk

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Planning a winter ski or snowboarding holiday? Don’t miss out on the fun – avoid injury and expensive medical costs by following our checklist.

Before You Go

Travel insurance

Make sure your insurance covers the activities you want to do. Medical costs can be very expensive if you get injured: for example, it could cost up to £40,000 to be treated for a fractured femur in the United States, or £8,000 to treat a knee injury in Austria*. In addition to this, many policies don’t cover damage of rental equipment or skiing off piste without a guide.

So it’s worth checking your policy!

*Figures include medical fees and repatriation. Source: Europ Assistance

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Travelling in Europe? It’s essential that you take a valid EHIC with you. If you have an accident or suddenly become ill you’ll receive the necessary state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost, or sometimes free. The EHIC is valid in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. But you still need to take out travel insurance, as an EHIC won’t cover all your medical costs, private treatment or repatriation to the UK. Many travel insurance policies only provide full cover if you also have an EHIC. Apply for your free EHIC now at: www.ehic.org.uk

Be at your peak

Get fit so you can enjoy your holiday more; if you’re not physically prepared you’re more likely to injure yourself and you won’t get the most out of your skiing or snowboarding. Also, be aware that you are exerting considerable energy at high altitudes and it’s unlikely you’ll be fully acclimatised, even at the end of your holiday. The highest skiable altitude in many resorts is up to two miles above sea level, so the air pressure and density is far lower than your body is used to. This can lead to your body tiring faster than usual because it can’t absorb as much oxygen. The air is also much dryer than it is at, or near, sea level. It’s important to drink a lot of liquids (not alcohol!) to maintain your hydration levels. Depending on your size, weight and the level of exertion, you will need between four and six litres of water a day – a gallon or more.

Know your limits

Drinking alcohol on the slopes invalidates some insurance policies and can affect you more quickly at high altitudes. It also affects your resistance to, and awareness of, the cold which can put you in danger. In practical terms it also affects your judgement, co-ordination and reaction times; in other words, your skiing will deteriorate after you’ve been drinking.

Use of helmets

Wearing a helmet is a personal choice and more and more people are choosing to wear them. In some resorts it is a legal requirement for children to wear helmets. Before you travel you should ensure that you are aware of the legal requirements for the country you are visiting.

Sun/Snow blindness

The sun is much stronger at altitude and appropriate strength sun cream should be worn. When it comes to eye protection there are two main options; ski goggles or sunglasses, each has their own benefits and disadvantages. Always ensure goggles or glasses offer 100% UV protection. 

Check www.fco.gov.uk/travel before you go

For the latest country travel advice, tips and winter sports information, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

In Resort

Choosing the right pistes

It is important to be aware of how pistes are classified to indicate their difficulty. This will make sure you don’t overstretch yourself and get into a tricky situation. It is useful to note that there can be local and national variations in signs, rules and regulations. When you arrive in a resort, you should obtain and study the piste/trail map of the area.

Do be aware that piste classifications vary in different ski resorts and countries. Piste conditions change during the day as the sun moves and warms up the snow especially later in the season. What was a cruising blue run mid morning, could be difficult, and more like a hard red by 4pm. Note that this also works in reverse, and sometimes a quiet red at the end of the day may be a lot easier than an icy and crowded blue.

Safety on the piste

The International Ski Federation’s rules of conduct

For all mountain users, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has ten rules for skiers/ snowboarders to help everyone stay safe on the slopes. They should be followed at all times.

These are the ten FIS Rules of Conduct:

1. Respect: Do not endanger others.

2. Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.

3. Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority – leave enough space.

4. Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder.

5. Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run.

6. Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen.

7. Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste.

8. Signs: Obey all signs and markings – they are there for your safety.

9. Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service.

10. Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.

If you are unfortunate to be injured in an accident or witness an accident, there are a few pointers which will help:

Assisting in case of an accident

• Secure the accident area

• Protect with crossed skis or planted snowboard above the injured person. If necessary post someone to give warning

First Aid – assess the general condition of the casualty

• Airway – check it is clear

• Breathing – check for breathing

• Circulation – check for pulse. Cover any wound and apply firm pressure

• Provide warmth – give nothing to eat or drink, especially alcohol

Alert the rescue service

• Place of accident (piste name and nearest piste marker)

• Number of people injured

• Type of injury

Establish the facts of the accident

• Names and addresses of people involved and of witnesses

• Place, time and circumstances of accident

• Terrain, snow conditions and visibility

• Markings and signs

• Report to the police as soon as possible

Off-piste safety

Off-piste skiing and snowboarding has become more and more popular in recent years with the attraction of heading off the marked runs and seeking out fresh powder. However, until you are trained and very experienced, it is sensible to go with a group led by a professional guide.

If you do decide to head off-piste, you need to make sure you are fully prepared and equipped. This means carrying the appropriate equipment – at least an avalanche transceiver, a probe pole and a shovel; there are also inflatable ‘floatation’ devices available, and you will need a fully charged phone that operates in the country you are in with the necessary emergency numbers.

You must know how to use the equipment correctly, know the avalanche risk grading for the day (as published by the piste authorities) and gather information on the area so you know where you are at all times and how to get back to patrolled areas. You must be able to identify potentially risky areas on the route you are taking. When you are off piste, you should not only consider avalanche risk, but also bear in mind rocks, trees, cliffs, ravines, crevasses and other hazards.

On longer excursions you need to consult the weather forecasts against the possibility of changes and carry food and drink and extra clothing sufficient for the time you will be away. You must let someone in resort know where you are going and when you intend to return. They should be prepared to brief the rescue authorities if it is suspected that you have got into difficulties.

You may also encounter ‘itineraries’. These are runs that are marked on the piste map by a dashed line and on the ground by yellow or day-glo orange signs, but they are not groomed or patrolled. Itinery runs can often be as hard as riding or skiing off piste and you must use them with care.

And don’t forget that many insurance policies won’t cover you for damage of rental equipment or skiing off piste without a guide. So make sure you check your policy!

Avalanche awareness

Useful Information

You can get information about snow stability from avalanche forecasts. Reading or listening to the avalanche forecast is essential to understand the risks for the day. It will include a danger rating, usually on a 5-point scale. You must understand the definition for the rating.

You also need to get an idea of how unstable the snow is and where the instability tends to be most acute on that particular day. Many factors, including snow layers, temperature history and wind direction affect this. The experts take daily snow sections and samples.

You should ask local professionals especially if in an area that you don’t know very well. Even off-piste and avalanche experts need local knowledge if they are in a new place, or if they are in a familiar place, but haven’t been there for a few days.

Recent avalanche activity is a great clue. If lots of slopes facing one direction and at the same altitude have recent slab avalanches on them, then that’s a clue that similar slopes probably have some instability on them. There are national organisations in most countries who supply a daily avalanche forecast. These are a good resource both for checking current conditions and avalanche warning levels, but also to gather historical information.

Switzerland – Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF www.slf.ch

Austria – www.lawine.at

France – www.france.meteofrance.com

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The Original London Santa Run is an annual 6k fun run organised by charity Disability Snowsport UK. The event started at 10am and participants were running, walking or wheeling their way round – as the course is wheelchair friendly. And of course spectators were there too to cheer on the runners! Big surprise of the day was that all bibs displayed the Crystal Ski logo – thank you Disability Snowsport UK.

In a change to last year’s run, the charity was asking runners to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship each, but Elizabeth, Suzie, James and Vladimir managed to raise more than £400, which is incredible. Well done!

Disability Snowsport UK is the nation’s skiers and boarders charity. Their work changes lives with therapeutic, physiotherapy and social benefits, allowing individuals who take part to develop new skills which they can transfer to their everyday life.

You can still sponsor them, it is not too late –

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CrystalSki

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 Special early booking offers for 2012/13:

 2  for 1 ski/board hire offer – saving up to £184

Book your Crystal ski holiday to any European or North American resort before 31 March 2012, and get two-for-one ski/board hire saving in Lech and Zürs, for example, up to £184.

2 for 1 ski carriage – saving up to £35

Book your Crystal ski holiday to any European resort before 31 March 2012, and get two-for-one ski carriage saving £35.

25% off childcare -  saving up to £55

Book before 31 May 2012 and receive 25% off all-day child care worth up to £55 for the duration of your ski holiday. The offer is valid for Pepi Penguin and Whizz Kids clubs for children between the ages of 6 months to 11 years in selected accommodation in Alpe d’Huez, Flaine, La Plagne, Tignes (France), Niederau, Scheffau (Austria), Claviere and Val di Fassa (Italy).

NEW: all above offers are now combinable with our group discounts (free places, free lift passes and free pre-bookable seating on Thomson Airways).

As always Crystal Ski features lots of special offers for all sorts of holidays:

►       hundreds of free children places on every departure date;

►       free lift passes in La Clusaz and Chamrousse and free ski equipment for children in over 60 resorts if an adult pre-books the same;

►       Crystal Ski Plus packages from £419 per person (includes flights, transfers, local lift pass, ski/board hire or ski carriage, a weeks accommodation).

Prices start at £329 per person (based on four sharing) for a week’s self catering at the Residence Sunotel in Les Carroz, France, departing on 5 or 12 January 2013 from Gatwick including airport transfers.

Reservations: 0871 231 2256 and www.crystalski.co.uk  

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Produced in conjunction with ski holiday operator Crystal Ski, the Post Office Family Ski Resort Report compared prices for ski holiday essentials in 10 resorts across Europe and North America².  Costs for equipment hire, lift passes and ski school, together with meals and drinks were checked in resorts selected for their family suitability.  The Post Office found that many local prices had dropped as a result of 2-for-1 ski rental, free lift passes and added value incentives on food and drink. 

The clearest message emerging is to head east for Bansko in Bulgaria where prices are less likely to break the bank. Rated best value and particularly suitable for novice and intermediate skiers, Bansko’s shopping basket was 17 per cent cheaper than in 2010.  At £817.64 for a family of four, it cost less than half the price in traditional favourites Italy and Switzerland, highest-priced of the European ski destinations.  

Runner up resort, Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora, was cheapest in the eurozone but, at £1,142.11 for skiing and living costs, 28 per cent more expensive than Bansko.

Family ski and boot hire was cheapest in Ellmau in Austria.  At £187.16 this was less

than half the price charged in Les Menuires in France’s Trois Vallées (£385.32).  This

helped push the Austrian resort’s prices down 11 per cent from their 2009 high, making it cheapest of the ‘Big 4’ European ski destinations surveyed (£1,198.61). 

Resort costs in Ellmau were 34.6 per cent lower than in Nendaz in Switzerland (£1,828.96), highest-priced of the ‘Big 4’ where a 9.5 per cent rise in value for the Swiss franc disguises the fact that costs locally are on par with last year. Les Menuires (£1,567.16) and Italy’s Selva (£1,724.30) also registered price falls of five per cent compared with 2009.

Selva suffered from having the highest ski school prices in Europe.  Six days’ tuition cost £722.94 – nearly a third more than in Les Menuires (£552.29) and 75 per cent higher than in Ellmau (£412.84). For families not needing tuition, the Italian resort was cheaper than France for a lift pass and ski equipment.

While more expensive than most of Europe, family skiers considering transatlantic trips to Canada or the USA this year will find that ‘kids ski free’ deals have cut resort costs significantly.  Prices have plunged by over 23 per cent in the family-friendly resort of Fernie, which boasts the greatest number of ski runs (140) in the Canadian Rockies.  Even better, the Post Office survey found that prices have fallen by 31 per cent in the US resort of Winter Park in Colorado.

Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “This year’s report revealed welcome news for cash-conscious family skiers.  We found good examples of price cuts in most of the resorts surveyed – especially in North America.  Prices are more competitive than before in the bargain hunter’s resort of Bansko in Bulgaria and Switzerland is working hard to combat the negative impact of the poor exchange rate. 

“However, for families who want to keep a lid on ski costs, the budgeting should start before flying off to their resort.  They should start by changing holiday cash in advance rather than leaving it late and getting a poor rate at the airport.”

Simon Cross, Managing Director of Crystal Ski, said: “Although demand for half term and peak weeks for family travel has been strong this year, the difficult weekend timing of Christmas and the New Year means that there are some great deals to be struck as the season gets underway.”

Skiers can purchase euros over the counter at more than 8,500 Post Office branches. Currencies for other Family Ski Resort Report destinations, including the Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Bulgarian lev, are available at over 1,600 branches.  An additional 2,600 stock US dollars.  Other currencies can be pre-ordered for collection or home delivery at 11,800 Post Office branches or online at postoffice.co.uk

The Post Office has just been named by the UK public as the ‘Best Foreign Exchange Provider’ for the fifth year running at the prestigious British Travel Awards. It was also voted ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ for the sixth consecutive year and a range of winter sports travel insurance policies are on offer at postoffice.co.uk.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

¹ What the £ buys in ski resorts: Year on year currency exchange rates table

Post Office rate on 18 November 2011 compared with 2010

² Post Office Family Ski Resort Report 2011: total costs of ski prices and basic commodities

Post Office. Data relates to exchange rates on 18 November 2011.

 Ski resort prices are supplied by Crystal Ski (www.crystalski.co.uk).  Costs are based on mid-season pricing and entry level skis and boots, unless otherwise stated. Ski school daily hours vary dramatically from two-four hours depending on the resort. Family meal prices are based on a typical mid-range pub/restaurant.

Canada lift pass and equipment hire prices include ‘kids ski free’ deals available for the 2011/12 season and the ski school price is based on three full days as no half days are available.

USA equipment hire price is based on superior skis/boots for adults and free equipment for children. The ski school price is based on three full days as no half days are available and also includes lift pass and lunch for the children – the price of two children’s lift passes has been deducted from the price.

All USA and Canada prices include sales tax and gratuity for meals.

The full details of all the awards and winners will be published in the next issue of the Sunday Times Travel Magazine, out December 1.

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