Week in the life of Jones Skiing Party 2004

Ok this was the first time most of us had ever gone skiing. So I thought I would put done some of the things that happened on the holiday as it does make funny reading, holiday was a bit of a mixed bag really. There is a serious write up below too.

So when is the next trip ?

Ok so here is the slightly more serious write up of the trip.

Ski Report on Soldeu in Andorra 2004

The holiday had been arranged with Thomson's Ski holidays, via American Express Travel. No complaints on either front, with Thomson supplying all the details in good time and AET being really helpful in organising the hotel and flights from 2 different UK airports. Most of us are in our early 30s (no kids), not the mad party going types but still willing to go out for a few drinks at night. So ideally we were looking for a resort with a good mix of activities. Having said that there was plenty to keep us busy.

The journey

The travel dates saw us leave the UK on 25/01/ and return 1/02 leaving at around midday on Sunday. We had decided to avoid the peak period of school half term (though they were quite busy at times).

Flights were to France (Toulouse), the transfer by coach to the hotel, which took approx 4 hours. This was one of the major downsides of the holiday, as we had to be up and out of the hotel by 7.30 a.m. on the Sunday we left. (The Bristol flight back to the UK, was delayed for 11 hours, resulting in a very tired member getting home at 6.30 a.m. on Monday. He started work at 9 a.m.)
Let's just say the coach drivers are very talented in their driving styles. If you are a nervous passenger don't have a window seat, as some of the views as you start to climb could be a little nerve racking.

You do have a stop on route at a roadside bar, nothing special though.
On route the Thomson rep gave us our info packs and breakdown on what to expect and showed us a brief video.

Accommodation

We stayed at the Hotel Piolets on the main street in Soldeu. It is very convenient for the slopes and the ski hire shop, which is in the basement. Its' a 5 minute walk from the lockers in the hotel to the gondola (and believe me walking in ski boots isn't the easiest thing in the world so the closer you are to the gondola the better)

There is quite a lot of building work taking place, which we think is for more hotels and apartments, which you will see as you enter the village.

Food at the Hotel was ok, but watch out for the labels as to what they are (they are not always very clear or informative, just in case you have any allergies etc) We can personally vouch for their doughnuts though, which a few of us became addicted to.

The facilities at the hotel are very good, with a small gym, sauna and swimming pool. There is a hot tub outside if you are feeling brave.

There are 2 bars, one by the main reception and one downstairs populated with pool tables and computer games. There is also a quiet lounge area, behind the bar, where you can sit and enjoy the view of the slopes with a drink and a good book.
You can hire lockers in the hotel for your boots and skis at a small charge.

The only downside to the location of the hotel is that it is on the main (only) road leading through Soldeu, which means there can be a lot of traffic. Noise at night can be a problem if you have a room overlooking the street.
One of our group was on the first floor directly above the Iceberg bar, which did get a bit noisy apparently they emptied the dishwasher every night at 11.45. If you can afford it go for a room with a view of the slopes as this is quieter and you have a great view.

Restaurants and Bars in Soldeu

Soldeu is not a big place yet it does manage to cater for just about every type of cuisine from Italian to Chinese, Mexican to British fry up (even British cups of tea too).

Having said that the Italian we tried, La Fontanella, wasn't anything special, the Mexican food (above the Aspen bar) was on the hot side by all accounts and plentiful. Slim Jims serves a fair English cup of tea, which went down well with some of the group.

Pubs are generally friendly and busy from about 8.30 pm onwards. We found some of the local wines are quite good and even an expensive one is normally only about 12 euros per bottle. There was a wine tasting session arranged by our tour rep, which was well worth it and a good chance to meet people (some of whom live only 10 miles from us in the UK!).

The spirit measures are really generous so no need to ask for doubles, as they tend to pour free hand and simply wait for you to say when. We found an espresso was 1.20 euros in the hotel bar and alcoholic drinks were also pretty cheap too, with rounds of 5 -6 drinks being about 13 -16 euros. Some of the live bands are pretty good fun and generate a good atmosphere (The bands are often made up of the ski instructors)

One thing to remember is there is no real food up top on the mountain, more of a quick snack or refuelling stop with fast hot foot. There are a couple of places you can grab some food near the gondola.

A hot chocolate and a Twix are about 4 euros.
If you are lucky and weather isn't too bad the staff do a dance routine on the tables outside round lunch times (one word of warning avoid sitting next to the speaker stands as the music gets turned up) It's a good idea to take a snack or breakfast bar up with you along with a bottle of water as you will get thirsty.

Ski School

Having booked the holiday on the strength of the comments on Andorra's ski schools we were more than happy with what we found. The groups are about 10-12 per instructor. You spend 3 hours either in the morning or afternoon, usually with a break for a coffee in the middle Private lessons are well worth it as you learn a lot in a very short space of time and aren't that expensive (about £20 an hour). You also get preferential queuing for the lifts etc which is a real bonus sometimes. Doesn't force people, but tries to encourage them to improve, most of the group got to ski at least a blue run by the end of the week and the top group was skiing red runs. I was off the slopes for a few days with an upset stomach and knee ache, I had a couple of private lessons and still managed to get to the level of doing some simple blues and enjoying myself. Must say that this sort of holiday works best if there is a group of you. The only thing that really bugged a few of us was some of the snowboarders. 2 of the group (myself included) were hit or knocked off our skis during the week; one resulted in a twisted knee (me). The most experienced skier in our group, had one boarder cut him up, clipping the tips of his skis, resulting in him tripping and falling.

Also in my wives's ski school group, one woman was hit really seriously, having to be stretched off the slopes (thumbs up to the medical team).

Generally it wasn't the boarders that were under instruction or the pros, but the ones who were "posing" more than boarding. (Sorry if this sounds like a bit of boarders v skiers rant, it's not meant to)

Some kind of ski patrol or policing could be a good idea especially on the nursery slopes. I know the instructors do their best but it can be difficult when trying to coach 10-12 people and keeping an eye on the slopes.

Snow conditions and Runs When we were there they weren't too bad. Wednesday and Thursday they had a fresh fall of snow that helped, but it had been unseasonable warm, with some of the runs beginning to show signs of wear. Some of the runs do ice up quite easily so be careful. The nursery slopes are good and gentle (just what you need when starting) and give a relatively safe environment to learn in, though watch out for the little munchkins (kids of 3 upwards on skis) they have no fear and seem to go at warp speed at times straight down the slopes.

There are quite a lot of blue runs for beginners, though some of the more adventurous of the group did comment that the grading might be a little misleading with some blues being more green or red. Blue 14 was one run I know a few of the group enjoyed.

In general there was a good mix. Queues at some of the lifts did build up at times but I wouldn't have said they were too bad.

Safety and first aid

I would like to say we never had any cause to call on them, but unfortunately we did.

At the base of the gondola in Soldeu, there is a first aid / medic station and they are incredibly helpful. Their English is very good and they are very professional in dealing with all the paperwork you might need for making an insurance claim etc. There are also other stations dotted along the slopes.

The first day saw one of our group, being taken down the slopes by the rescue services having over exerted herself. Thankfully she was ok, just cold and tired. Our complements to these people as they got there fast and were very professional.

I picked up a dodgy tummy on the 3rd day, which left me feeling off. I went to see them and they prescribed something that sorted it within 24 hours. Unfortunately, this wasn't our last visit. On the last day, on the last run of the day, one of our group decided to attempt a run that was beyond him, resulting in another visit and him being diagnosed with a broken collarbone. He was seen, examined, x-rayed and treated all within an hour. (He now has the nickname Gonzo, for being such a Muppet) Shops Shops in Soldeu are pretty good and again cheap. The chemist is really friendly and helpful for any aches, pains, strains etc. The ski gear is a little cheaper there than the UK, with quite a few shops having sales or good deals. I wouldn't bother with a trip to the capital unless you are into buying perfume or chocolate. Then again maybe we saw it on a bad day. It does have a very interesting fluid clock. Just by the top of the gondola there is an information point come small shop where you can pick up some bits, like film and more importantly sun block.

Tips

• Don't overdo things on the first day.
• Go for the joint Ski pass, I think it was about 20 euros upgrade but not sure.
• Pick up a pack of water from one of the small supermarkets, as you will need it for the rooms
• Get up early on the Monday so you can get to the gondola early and therefore to the ski school at the top to book morning lessons. It's worth getting morning lessons as you can then practise in the afternoon or simply chill out in one of the bars with a drink. Try and get to one with a view of the slope as you can sit and watch other skiers try their luck on the slopes.

As a group we did do some other activities to including the wine tasting, quiz and we did have a great time at skidoo driving, which is great fun for an afternoon.

Of the 6 that went, 4 would go again (one already has) 1 might given a little persuasion and the other I doubt it (wasn't her cup of tea, but even she admits she improved greatly over the week).

Ok that is about it from us and I really hope it is of use. If you have any questions let me know
Thanks

Rob Jones

Return to Daggers homepage

Last updated: July 29, 2005