Is Ski Club GB the answer?

[LondonMan]

I've been skiing since about 1990, I used to go somewhere different every time, but for the last four years its been Courchevel 1850. As far as ski areas go I think that's as good as it gets.

The problem is that for the last two years I've been bored, and this year I "definitely" decided I'm giving up skiing. The problem isn't the skiing, it's the skiing on my own.

I've previously tried tried taking DW, but she's never taken to it.

The Ski hosting used to help, but now the French have banned that.

Last year someone in the resort suggested Ski Club GB, but when I looked it up, they didn't seem to operate nearby.

I see Ski Club organise holidays, so maybe I need to book through them and go wherever they are going.

Does anyone have any experience with them they can share, or alternative solutions to suggest?

[LondonMan]

To clarify further, haven't researched it closely yet, but I think/assume Ski club do in effect organise hosting for every day of their holidays. Apparently they are not affected by the French ban because their "leaders" aren't paid.

[Lilymaid]

Ski Club GB has experienced skiers at many resorts (not professionals) who operate as Leaders and take members out most days. Would that be of interest? No need to book a specific Ski Club holiday, just pick a resort with a leader.

[VivaLeBeaver]

You could try Snowheads forum, they have loads of thread in season asking for people to fill chalets, make numbers up, etc. I'm fairly sure they also have a couple of forum outings - so big group where most people don't know each other and ski together, etc.

[Skilover]

Loads of US & Canadian resorts have mountain ambassadors who do free guided tours which might be an option? Also hosting has only been banned in France so still going in Austria and Italy I think, the skiing in St Anton and that area is amazing. Ski Club could be a good option although I believe there is still a question mark about whether or not receiving accommodation/uniform etc counts as a form of payment.

[LondonMan]

Thanks for the suggestions, have also received helpful PM reply. Will keep checking back in case there's any more. Apparently there was a ski club leader in Courchevel this year, hopefully I'll be able to find out if there's likely to be one next year.

I'm prejudiced against Austria because the last time I went there was the only time I've injured myself skiing. I was trying to keep up with a group who were heading straight down reds in zero visibility! I suppose if you don't make turns you don't need to be able to see the ground, you just rely on gravity to tell you which way is down.

[CrispyFB]

I'd second Snowheads - I've been half tempted by some of their bashes myself as although we'd far rather go as a family, the cost is off the scale for the whole package compared to just one of us going at a time. And yes, they often have people looking for skiers to join them of similar ability for one-off breaks.

The forum is pretty good in general as well - I've learned a lot.

[Deliaskis]

Bit of a late reply. But would also recommend Snowheads. Several big group trips organised every year, but also many many more ad hoc groups just getting together to ski together. You could do a shout out for 'anyone in xx resort on xx dates?' or post as a solo skier with no fixed plans and try and get onto a smaller group trip. Or do one of the Snowheads bashes. Depending on your flexibility with time, there are quite often a few fairly short notice offers where people have dropped out of trips for example.

Dx

[Snowgirl1]

According to Ski Club GB's website they will be having a Ski Club Leader in Courchevel this coming season and quite a few other French ski resorts - check out their website (although not sure if you'll be able to see that page if you're not a member)

I pick resorts that I know will have a Ski Club Leader in as I like having the option of skiing with them. I've been on quite a few of their holidays too and they've never been less than excellent, although they are pricey. The best thing about them is being in a group of similar level skiers and, depending on the type of holiday, getting mountain guides who can take you into all sorts of lovely off piste . You have to join the Ski Club GB to go on one of their trips or to ski in resort with one of their Ski Club Leaders (apart from your first free 'taster' day). Ski Club have all sorts of different trips - get them to send you their Fresh Tracks holiday brochure.

Not tried one of the Snowhead trips so can't compare.