Aussie/NZ Snow/Skiing holiday for a family

[Bang4Buck]

Aussie Snow/Skiing holiday for a family

I started skiing when I was 4 near Innsbruch and Munich; that doesn't mean anything except I've had my share of broken bones over the years and you'd want to be close to home in the event of an "accident" IMHO. Not speaking negatively, just "practically". Thus my advice is as follows:

To one of the previous posters, Japan is great but perhaps not suitable for a family of beginners; perhaps better explored when one becomes more experienced. After all, it would become messy if one of the party became injured.

The NMs are considering a winter skiing holiday this year and as we have little experience in their area, I am looking for some suggestions around the following topics:

1. The best time to go, keeping in mind we have two kids in high school. This always raises the debate of holidaying in school holiday periods vs taking the kids out of school for a week or so.

I personally feel that any long lines are more frustrating for the better skiers. And your teenage kids might need a rest between runs and appreciate chatting in the line with cute teenagers of the opposite sex...

1. How long to go for? I am thinking around 5 days in the snow and a some travelling time to get thee and back from Qld.

5 days sounds about right given your situation.

1. Where is best for a family of beginner skiiers, including 5yo and three teenagers? We are happy to drive the NM family b*s to NSW or VIC fields. Should we be considering NZ?

What would be the easiest given an unfortunate accident? Driving several thousand kms or flying them?

1. Suggestions for accommodation. Stay on the mountain vs off-mountain and commute. "Family" rooms acceptable and we don't need 4/5* accommodation.

Most of the bigger hotels in Queenstown e.g. have organised transport. You could do that the first day and then rent a car afterwards once you've worked out your bearings if that makes better sense. Or maybe stay at cheaper places like Wanaka.

1. Where is best to hire skis, boots etc? At the skiing location (so can exchange if any problems), in the towns around the ski fields, or here in Brisbane before leaving?

At the skiing location; though bring first aid stuff for blisters etc.

We want to keep costs in check and don't have a bottomless budget. Its a shame we can't use Priority Club points for accommodation or FF miles for lift tickets etc.

So any suggestions will be welcomed .

 

[jgm]

So, for the vast majority of “never-seen-snow-and-never-skated-in-any-shape-and-form” people, paying for a lift pass for the whole mountain is a good waste of money. Especially when the first lift you can get on actually rises quite high.

Agreed. Over the years, I've taken a few beginners to Buller, & although I've taken a few over to easy blues, they have all been quite happy to remain on green runs for at least the first week. That said, the changes in skis in the past couple of years has made it quicker and easier for people to progress.

@NM Wherever you decide to go, take lesson(s). You'll find that you will progress a lot faster and enjoy your trip much more that way.

 

[odysseus]

To start with: NSW has NOT been the focus of the discussion. The OP was requesting information about low cost skiing holidays & wether to go to NZ or AUSTRALIA (last time I looked NSW wasn't the only place in Australia despite what some Sydney residents may think).

Argumentative much?

Apparently so, to the extent you missed the question asked of you about the skifield you posted in your previous argument, and its junior access pass.

As for the swipe, I wrote "here" and you assumed it to mean something different to how I was using it. I'm not in Mt Buller or Victoria, so the fact you assumed that to argue the point says more about your assumptions than anything else.

 

[odysseus]

So, for the vast majority of “never-seen-snow-and-never-skated-in-any-shape-and-form” people, paying for a lift pass for the whole mountain is a good waste of money. Especially when the first lift you can get on actually rises quite high.

We'll have to disagree here, as those in lessons I've been with have mostly gone beyond carpets in their first day. Sure, there are some who don't get the hang of it and give up, but they're the exception and there's nothing to suggest NM is considering that likelihood.

Also, this point stemmed from a price comparison where it was said that NZ was much cheaper, in part because of their lift pass being much cheaper. However, as NM has talked about "a week or so" I really can't envisage them using a beginners pass for the whole week. They may make a gain with it on one day, but in the scheme of things it's not really a significant cost saving of its own. As said before, if it's a weekend day trip then it may be reasonable but anyone going on a skiing holiday for a week or so is not going to want to just stay on the carpets all that time.

 

[samh004]

I’ve been trying very hard not to reply to some of the things in this thread, it’s a lot like baiting, but I realise this thread is about advice not petty squabbles over where the best place to learn to ski is.

As for the swipe, I wrote "here" and you assumed it to mean something different to how I was using it. I'm not in Mt Buller or Victoria, so the fact you assumed that to argue the point says more about your assumptions than anything else.

It’s funny how a thread about the best place to ski on holiday has turned into such a heated comparison between firstly Australia and New Zealand and secondly lots of assumptions about each other.

It’s hard to know what vies you actually base on fact when you don’t say exactly where you’ve been, and I’m not saying “you” to mean you specifically, I mean “you” as a general term. If you expect people to be able to reply fairly, say where you’ve been, don’t allude, don’t pretend

Also, this point stemmed from a price comparison where it was said that NZ was much cheaper, in part because of their lift pass being much cheaper. However, as NM has talked about "a week or so" I really can't envisage them using a beginners pass for the whole week. They may make a gain with it on one day, but in the scheme of things it's not really a significant cost saving of its own. As said before, if it's a weekend day trip then it may be reasonable but anyone going on a skiing holiday for a week or so is not going to want to just stay on the carpets all that time.

Of course, I completely agree. The price on the first day might be considerably cheaper, but after that it’s most probable you’’d be on full price lift tickets to access more of the mountain and build your skills.

Prices are still cheaper, even if you insist on dividing the price by the number of lifts, as that really matters little to beginner skiers.

in my first year on the slopes I didn’t ski every run and I moved to the chairlift the first afternoon (but I rollerbladed a lot so the concept was easy to grasp).

By the way, to NB, if you have some roller blades and are looking to ski (for you or your kids), dust them off and have a go, same goes for skateboards and snowboarders. It’ll be much easier to pick up the basics.

 

[jgm]

If it's only the two carpet lifts, that's even more restrictive. As you say, it's not uncommon for people to progress off those in a few hours

Get a bit of experience before you start making inaccurate assertions. If you would check a few facts before shooting your mouth off, you would find that the vast majority of resorts have access to a range of lifts for beginners. I haven't found a SINGLE resort that restricts beginners (with the exception of tiny tots) to areas served only by carpets - they all seem to restrict them to lifts which can only access green slopes; a far different proposition.

 

[NM]

Thanks for all the wonderful information and suggestions. What a wealth of knowledge AFF has become.

So the current plan/direction is to blow some AA miles and fly to AKL for a week, renting a "b*s" and driving to Mt Ruapehu. Would love to been Queenstown, but can't get there on points and the $$$ need to be considered when we need 6 fares to fly any further.

At Mt Ruapehu they have a 3-day beginners deal that includes one day in the beginners area with 1:50 lesson, then one day "lower mountain" with a 1:50 lesson, then 1 day "all mountain" pass with 1 hour private lesson - all including ski/boots/poles rental. So that looks like a reasonable starting point. After the 3 days, you also get 50% off lift passes for the rest of the season, so could add another few days at reasonable cost.

There is also a creche and "Skiwee" option for the 5yo including skis and lessons at Turoa.

We would also plan a day in Rotorua, so 5 days of snow would be more than enough, maybe even 4 depending on weather, blisters etc.

So now to locate suitable accommodation in one of the nearby towns.

 

[markis10]

Would love to been Queenstown, but can't get there on points and the $$$ need to be considered when we need 6 fares to fly any further.

Whats wrong with QF185/186 BNE- ZQN? With QFF there seems to be plenty of classic awards available - no AA redemptions??

 

[NM]

Whats wrong with QF185/186 BNE- ZQN? With QFF there seems to be plenty of classic awards available - no AA redemptions??

There are no QF classic awards (the same X bucket as used for AA awards) available on the once-weekly flight during school holidays. I can get to AKL on suitable dates.

 

[samh004]

There are no QF classic awards (the same X bucket as used for AA awards) available on the once-weekly flight during school holidays. I can get to AKL on suitable dates.

I’d agree with that as I faced troubles trying to redeem a J-award to ZQN last month. It’s unfortunate.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy Mt Ruapehu though, a couple of friends are patrollers there, or were. I know of at least one patroller at Turoa and have always wanted to visit. Enjoy!

 

[mosanator]

"Holy Thundering Avalanche Batman" but didn't this thread take off.

I like your plan.

No matter where you go you are going to have a great time, and maybe the start of a very healthy, enjoyable sport that can be enjoyed by all the family together,

But not by your wallet....but hey if its worth doing its worth the fight.

Have a great time.

 

[jgm]

So the current plan/direction is to blow some AA miles and fly to AKL for a week, renting a "b*s" and driving to Mt Ruapehu.

Sounds like a great plan, but I hope you have better luck than I've had at Ruapehu (maybe that's why it slipped my memory when I was listing the ski areas). Took the whole family over one year, & they voted to have the first day off - that afternoon, Ruapehu erupted, & both Whakapapa & Turoa closed due to ash, & stayed that way for the full 2 weeks.

The next year, son & I went over again, & the volcano blew it's top again early on the 1st morning. The car radio said that Turoa was closed, but Whakapapa was still open. When we got there, it was only the bunny slopes that were open (3 rope tows in those days), it was a blue sky day & the start of NZ school holidays. It seemed like the entire North Island had descended on the place. We only lasted until lunch time. Fortunately we were able to arrange accommodation at Mt Hutt (it was also much better run in those days).

 

[odysseus]

Get a bit of experience before you start making inaccurate assertions.

The fact you disagree doesn't make them inaccurate - you just seem to disagree and want to make it personal, trying to find and isolate some point to argue with and throw in loaded terms. For example, I wrote "here" - you assumed that to mean Australia (thus making your own inaccurate assertion), then threw in the snide remarks because of it.

In my comment above that you referred to, I said "If" and it was based on samh's reply where he wrote "To clarify for you, at Coronet the magic carpets and the handle-tow are the beginner areas. I’m not sure about the double (although the 2010 map seems to have it replaced) as it’s really old and doesn’t go far, but generally it’s not any chairlifts and is just the beginner areas."

Meanwhile, I asked you twice about the coverage of the Mt Buller pass that you highlighted as your first 'debating point' and you've not answered that so it doesn't seem you want to answer, and just argue selectively.

NM, I'm glad to hear you've gotten some information to make a decision with - and hope you get lots of fresh snow and enjoy the experience!

 

[QF WP]

NM, I'm sorry I took so long to see this thread.

I began skiing 20 years ago - started in NZ. Went to ZQN in 2005 and loved the fields there. Haven't done Mt Ruhapehu but others here have given great information and you've done your homework. We found that with a 5 day pass, it is advisable (on knee joints and legs) to have a days break in the middle (we chose 3 days on, day off, 2 days on seemed to work) - doing some sightseeing was our option.

Hope you have started the wall squats to get your quad muscles and knee joints ready for the rigor that is skiing!

Also, you might want to contact Craigo, who is a ski instructor. I'm sure can give you some pointers before you head over.

Do you want to loan some ski jackets, gloves etc - we have male and female versions for you and Mrs NM. We shrank wrapped everything I think. Handy to have some things to reduce the rental costs as well.

The Hilton at Lake Taupo might be a nice stop as well

 

[jgm]

@odysseus

I gave you the information needed to check all the facts for yourself. When you have done this and can make some informed comments instead of making inaccurate assumptions based on others' postings, you may start to be taken seriously.

 

[odysseus]

@odysseus

I gave you the information needed to check all the facts for yourself. When you have done this and can make some informed comments instead of making inaccurate assumptions based on others' postings, you may start to be taken seriously.

Hohum - if other postings are inaccurate, it's interesting how you're not correcting them. Incidentally, I haven't made any assumptions regarding your latest attack (unlike your earlier assumption that was clearly incorrect, yet you used as the basis of that attack); I've commented on what another poster posted.

As for "checking" this is a discussion forum. You might want to start up a directory service if you just want to post links for others to check out the facts themselves.

 

[hazel]

By the way, to NB, if you have some roller blades and are looking to ski (for you or your kids), dust them off and have a go, same goes for skateboards and snowboarders. It’ll be much easier to pick up the basics.

and if you want to practice snowboarding before you go just tie your shoelaces together and walk downhill

 

[QF WP]

^Moderator Hat On^
Okay, I think this little personal chat between odysseus and jgm has run it's course. Neither of you at the moment are adding to the OP's thread. Rather you are both teetering on the precipice of personal attacks on each other, which will have dire consequences to you both. You have been warned :!:
^Moderator Hat Off^

NM, I have spoken to Mrs LW and we is happy to lend you things from our skiing collection (gloves, jackets, etc).

 

[NM]

^Moderator Hat On^
Okay, I think this little personal chat between odysseus and jgm has run it's course. Neither of you at the moment are adding to the OP's thread. Rather you are both teetering on the precipice of personal attacks on each other, which will have dire consequences to you both. You have been warned :!:
^Moderator Hat Off^

NM, I have spoken to Mrs LW and we is happy to lend you things from our skiing collection (gloves, jackets, etc).

Thanks Lindsay ... on both counts. Will be in touch.

 

[NM]

Flights now booked. Only took 67 mins on the phone to get it sorted! Amazing how an AAirline AAgent can tell you outright that they can;t do something they have clearly done multiple times before.

Now to figure out how to get my $47 back ... but that is another story.

Now 120,000 AA miles lighter and US$803 poorer.