Holiday Reviews 2022

Val Thorens,France

Unfortunately cancelled !

Tignes,France

The trip organised for the first week had been cancelled but, with only a week’s notice, we were informed that Macron had lifted restrictions and that the trip was on!

The terrible journey and bureaucratic delays were forgotten when we woke to plenty of snow and beautiful blue skies. Incredibly the whole week remained the same.

The various groups roamed far and wide across the Paradiski area, with one group even arranging their own “off-piste” course.

Regrettably one member sustained torn knee ligaments and another received a broken pelvis and concussion. Thankfully neither casualty was detained in hospital.

Acts for the end of week “Concert” ranged from tap dancing to magic. We raised a glass to the sadly missed Lorraine Atkinson, Liz Taylor and Charles Woodcock. A rousing rendition of “Delilah”, in honour of Charles, ended the evening. Thanks to all.

The week was enjoyed by all, but (post Brexit and Covid), it was a very different chalet experience this time.

Val Deere

Sestriere,Italy

A large group travelled to Sestriere via Turin

Due to foggy conditions at Turin the Bristol flight was diverted to Genoa but returned to Turin several hours later!

High winds caused the closure of some lifts on the first day, but for the rest of the week we had blue skies and sunshine.

Consequently the snow conditions were not great but, nevertheless, the 10 groups made the most of the conditions and managed to ski extensively around the Milky Way ski circuit.

The slopes above Sestriere were popular and further good skiing was had over in Sauze D’Oulx, once the narrow blue track or black access slope were conquered.

Two groups attempted to ski to France via Clavier although the skiing there was curtailed by lack of snow.

We were able to arrange our own “away day” to Montgenevre in France by coach and 45 folk enjoyed improved snow and skiing conditions there

Once again the Hotel Du Col came up trumps with its door step skiing, attentive staff, and a brilliant new chef.

10 “performers” entertained us well on Concert night. I am always impressed by members who pack their ukuleles as well as their skis.

Thanks to our performers and to those who “lead” ski groups.

Sheila Walker

Baquiera,Spain

29 members set off from 4 different airports, making their own flight arrangements to Toulouse.

This was our second trip to the Tuc Blanc Hotel.

This holiday is the only one run by ARP that employ local guides to ski with members in the mornings.

Weather conditions were mixed throughout the week, ranging from beautiful sunny days with perfect snow to total white outs.

The local town of Vielha and its “tapas” were enjoyed by members when skiing was difficult.

The traditional ARP gala night again proved very successful.

Unfortunately the holiday was marred for two members who tested positive for Covid. Sadly one member had to remain in the resort when the others travelled home.

The quality and position of the hotel and the excellent ski guides provide by our Agent contributed to the success of this holiday.

David Morris.

Saalbach,Austria

The Neuhaus Hotel is not covered by any UK tour operator so members had to book their own flights

I was able to book transfers from Salzburg and Innsbruck via the hoteI, and this ran smoothly.

28 members attended. Unfortunately the dreaded “covid”meant that 2 members had to cancel at the last minute.

Saalbach is part of the Ski Circus: Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn complex, one of the largest ski areas in the world.

The introduction of a “Whats App” group aided communication, and we shared photos and information on it. It proved very successful.

Austria has a great reputation for Apres Ski, and this definitely proved a hit. The local “Soul” hotel with live music and dancing was a great success. Opposite the hotel was an outdoor bar with heaters which allowed us to book seats, again with music, which proved very popular.

The hotel was a success with everyone. It has a large indoor pool and spa area, obviously a draw after a hard day’s skiing, if you can fit it in with the busy apres ski schedule!

The prime position of the hotel was great for easy access to the slopes.

The weather was almost too kind with warm shine so the lower slopes were turning slushy by lunchtime. Although skiable, it was heavy on the legs. It would be advisable to go a month earlier.

The last night confirmed the success of the holiday with a prize awarded for the most surreptitiously placed ARP sticky badge and members voting to go back to Saalbach again

Peter Harris

Cervinia,Italy

Despite a few false starts and last minute changes, 29 members arrived in Cervinia from 5 UK airports. The Manchester group arrived late having detoured to Milan!

We had 6 days of fabulous sunshine and superb skiing at altitude. There was enough snow to keep everyone busy but it did turn a bit heavy at lower levels towards the end of the day.

Many skied to Valtournenche and a number enjoyed skiing at Salette despite the less enjoyable drag lift back.

Groups took advantage of the glacier skiing, over to Switzerland, taking in a rack railway in Zermatt as well.

The Hotel Breuil was a bit disappointing compared to other years but its location, was good, with only a short, flat stroll to the lifts. The sauna, steam room and hot tub proved popular.

We had the usual varied offering of talent for our entertainment evening, which concluded with Auld Lang Syne.

It was a very convivial ARP trip, worth the two year wait.

Anne Horne.