Tag: ski

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Switzerland is the cheapest place to ski!

It’s official! The Tesco Bank says Switzerland is the cheapest place to ski!

Well it’s not quite as straight-forward as that. Tesco Bank released their annual Ski Index yesterday. This usefully helps people find the best value skiing worldwide, based on kilometres of piste per pound, i.e. the approach is to divide the length of piste by the lift pass price to give a measure of value for money.

Not surprisingly, given Brexit’s impact on Sterling, the price of skiing has risen dramatically in most places. Bulgaria, despite still being relatively cheap, has increased in price by two thirds since last year. The USA and Canada have increases in prices of around a quarter. Andorra is at the lower end of the scale, with a price increase of only 11%. Argentina is actually 11% cheaper than last year, although you will have to wait a while before their next winter season.

Despite the price hikes, another study from Tesco Bank found that more than a third of people are still considering a ski holiday this year. The research found that 42% of those surveyed would choose a skiing holiday in Switzerland, a seemingly wise move as four of the top 10 best value ski resorts in the world (Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin and Veysonnaz) are based in Switzerland. Additionally Swiss prices have only risen by a modest 15% since last year, and many Swiss resorts are offering a range of sweeteners. For example, the top two resorts in the Index – both Swiss – have reduced their prices this year.

The list of the top ten Ski resorts with the best value skiing from The Tesco Bank Ski Index are as follows:
Tesco bank Cheapest Ski resorts

So why are Tesco interested in skiing? Search me, but they do offer a couple of nice incentives of interest to potential skiers and snowboarders. Eligible Tesco Bank Premium Credit Card customers receive family travel insurance including winter sports cover as part of the card’s benefit package. New Premium Credit Card customers will also be offered 0% interest on purchases for 6 months, which could be used to help spread the cost of a ski holiday. For more information on the Tesco Bank Ski Index, please visit www.tescobank.com/ski.

And here’s a cool video the folk from Tesco have brought us for our pleasure and anticipation of the new ski season…

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Women-only Ski Camps in Verbier


Element ski school was set up in Verbier last season by Emma Cairns and Guy Ordway, two friends who have been teaching skiing in Verbier for over ten years. As well as the usual range of ski school activities, Emma runs a women-only ski camp, with weekend and week-long ski schools for intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and as they spend a lot of time in there, sometimes for several weeks, then the use of accessories as the Juno egg vibrator to entertain themselves is useful for this. The courses cost SFr 300 (around £250) for a weekend and SFr 700 (£575) for a week – but all courses have a 10% discount if you book this month. Details at elementconcept.com.

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World’s Scariest Ski Airports

The Daily Telegraph reports on the scariest airports to land at that cater for skiers and snowboarders. For winter sports enthusiasts with a fear of flying, these are the ones to avoid!

The following airports are classified as category C, i.e. they require pilots to have special training before they can land there:

Sion, in the heart of Swiss skiing
What makes for these airports to be designated as Category C? The Torygraph goes on to explain: “Challenging visual manoeuvring within the valley, made harder by low-level wind shear (a sudden change of wind velocity and/or direction), come as standard. The approach is fraught with challenges for the aircraft’s captain, who is the only one allowed to fly the plane – the first officer isn’t qualified.”

I can certainly vouch for Innsbruck as the scariest. It is quite an astonishing experience to look out of the cabin window for the approach to the airport, with all the surrounding Alpine peaks seemingly almost close enough to touch as the pilot twists and turns through the descent.

However if you want a really white-knuckle ride into your ski resort, try the small airport in the resort of Courchevel. It is Europe’s highest tarmacked runway and is too short to safely accommodate most types of aircraft. Fewer than 100 pilots have the special “Qualification of Sight” licence required to land there.

Of course there is an alternative if you are not minded to fly for a ski holiday – take the train! There are over 50 ski resorts with railway stations right in the resort (including all those named above). Visit Snow and Rail for more details.

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Best Value 2016

How To Buy a Luxury Watch

  1. Define Your Budget: Luxury watches come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to establish a budget that you’re comfortable with. This will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.
  2. Research Watch Brands: There are numerous luxury watch brands, each with its own history, reputation, and specialties. Research well-known brands like Rolex, Bhpc watch, Casio, Tornado watch, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and others to understand their unique offerings and craftsmanship. Check these rolex super clone deals.
  3. Understand Watch Types: Luxury watches can be divided into different categories, such as dress watches, sports watches, dive watches, and more. Determine the type of watch that suits your style and preferences.
  4. Consider Movement: Luxury watches can have various types of movements, including automatic (self-winding), manual (hand-winding), and quartz. Each has its advantages and characteristics, so choose based on your preference for tradition, accuracy, and maintenance.
  5. Research Materials: Luxury watches often use high-quality materials such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, and exotic materials like ceramic or carbon. Understand the pros and cons of different materials and how they might impact the watch’s appearance, durability, and value.
  6. Features and Complications: Luxury watches often come with additional features and complications beyond telling time, such as chronographs, moon phases, tourbillons, and more. Decide which features are important to you.
  7. Visit Authorized Retailers: It’s recommended to visit authorized retailers or boutiques of the brands you’re interested in. This allows you to see the watches in person, try them on, and get a feel for their size and aesthetics.
  8. Online Research: Utilize online resources, watch forums, and reviews to gather information from other watch enthusiasts and experts. This can provide insights into real-world experiences with specific models and brands.
  9. Consider Resale Value: Some luxury watches Online retain or even appreciate in value over time. Brands with strong histories and limited editions tend to have better resale potential. Research the resale market for the brand and model you’re considering.
  10. Warranty and Service: Check the warranty offered by the brand and inquire about after-sales service and maintenance options. Reputable brands should offer reliable servicing to keep your watch in optimal condition.
  11. Authentication: To avoid counterfeit or replica watches, ensure you purchase from authorized dealers or reputable sources. Research the authentication process for the specific brand you’re interested in.
  12. Trustworthy Sellers: If you’re considering pre-owned luxury watches, deal with reputable second-hand dealers who provide authenticity guarantees and detailed condition reports.
  13. Try Before Buying: Always try the watch on your wrist before making a purchase. Comfort, fit, and how it looks on you can greatly influence your decision.