Europe – Grüner Zweig

A Short Guide to Alpine Ski Equipment

August.Stark — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 09:35:45 +0000

Before renting or purchasing ski equipment, ask yourself a few questions: for how long will you ski? Will you ski only on a vacation or also near where you live? Determining your projected commitment level will help you decide whether to rent, lease or buy skis, boots, and poles.

Here is the options for whose asking rent or buy ski equipment:

Renting equipment at a local ski shop or at the ski resort. You can rent equipment by the day or week. This is often recommended for first-time skiers.
Leasing equipment for an entire season. Some ski shops offer this service and it can especially make sense for children who quickly out-grow gear.
Buying used equipment at a local ski shop or ski swap. If you are new to skiing, stay away from garage sales and be careful at ski swaps because you may wind up with gear that is outdated and inappropriate. Ski shops often sell their rental equipment after a couple of years. Though these skis may look pretty banged up, shop personnel have checked them to be sure they meet safety standards.

Buying new equipment. You might want to consider a package deal that offers a discount when you buy skis, boots, bindings and poles together.

Ultimately, owning your equipment allows you continuity as you progress through skiing’s learning stages and can also save you time and money in the long run.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Ski Chalet Host

August.Stark — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 09:20:56 +0000

Traditionally, staying in a ski chalet was rather regimented and in most cases it still is. Wake up bright and early to a huge breakfast, return around four or five to mountains of cakes and hot chocolate before a four or five-course meal in the evening.

But not everyone burns can burn calories on the snow each day so a tub of hot cheese, ham and buttery potatoes isn’t always necessary, but you need to get what you are given.

And you might fancy trying out that new restaurant in town but the ski chalet staff have been preparing‘ since noon. Fortunately things are changing and it’s now possible to find (though still hard) a more freestyle attitude to dinners and dinner times. Above all, be nice to the staff. Take out things they can’t get in the Alps as little presents/tips – the staff will then go out of their way to be extra nice. Why tip at the end? And because of the way the budgets work, it’s good to get the hosts on side.

Apartment Rental vs Hotel Stay in Europe

August.Stark — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:58:20 +0000

Apartment rentals are becoming popular as an alternative form of accommodations when you travel around the world these days.

We’ve been lucky enough to stay in all sorts of accommodation over the years from cheap guest houses to five star resorts, and recently had the unique opportunity of staying in both an apartment and a hotel while visiting Venice.

We thought it would be interesting to compare our experience between our apartment rental and our hotel stay in Venice and give our readers some trip advice so they know which form of accommodation we think is better.

At least in Venice anyway.