Jetsettersblog

It’s been a confusing season for ski marketing in both Europe and North America. Global warming has added an unwelcome element of unpredictability to ski resorts’ ability to provide snow and that problem has been compounded by the high cost of domestic and international air fares.

Europe entered the winter nervously as the snow was slow in coming but a major storm front in mid-December gave most of alpine resorts enough snow to carry them through the season. In the French Alps, Club Med’s ski resorts Peisey-Vallandry, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, La Plagne 2100, Valmorel and Tignes Val Claret boasted of a combined 20 feet of natural snow this season.

Switzerland also benefitted from the mid-December snow with resorts like Les Diablerets reporting eight feet of snow to date; Leysin, six feet; Villars-Gryon, five feet; and Chateaux d’Oex, nearly four feet.

“We really get very little traffic out of the U.S. in December anyway,” said Alex Hermann, Switzerland Tourism’s director North America.

“In January we did well, but skiing is an important but small part of our U.S. business.”

Even with their associations with winter sport, Europe’s Alpine countries attract many more Americans in summer than winter.

Austria, for example, attracted 70 percent of its American visitors between March and October.

Snowfall in the American and Canadian Rockies has not been as robust as in Europe. According to John Frasca, the president of World on Skis, a division of Central Holidays, “The ski season out West started badly with meager snow and, because of the cost of the air fares, a weak economy and the high cost of lift tickets in the Rockies, many skiers are looking for resorts they can just drive to. There are lots of specials, amazing deals, in both Europe and North America, but the air fares are a huge obstacle in a scary economy.

Europe is cold, has plenty of snow and some great deals, but air fares are throwing things off. A six-night package in Europe with breakfasts, transfers and lift tickets included can be had at prices much lower than Western resorts, especially with lift tickets in the Rockies priced at about $100 a day. But then there’s the air fare obstacle. Who is going to risk putting out the money and take a chance that there will be a poor snow cover?”

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index rated average hotel prices at ski destinations in Europe and North America. Romania had the least-expensive ski resort prices this winter.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498). Swiss destinations such as Gstaad and Zermatt ($368) presented the most-expensive rooms in winter sports regions in January. Colorado’s Beaver Creek and Aspen ($474) reported the highest average prices in North America.

Celebrate this year’s St. Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a difference by whisking your loved-one away for a romantic European city break. Specialist tour operator, Dertour offers a range of hand-picked short breaks, including fascinating Prague, historic Vienna, the colourful city of Cologne and cosmopolitan Geneva and many more.

Romantic Prague £439 – Head to the Czech capital for a romantic weekend. Prices from £439 per person to include four nights in the 5* Radisson Blu Alcron Inn on bed and breakfast basis, Jazz and Dinner Show at the ‘Stare Casy’ and a bottle of sparkling wine in the room, and return flights from London Gatwick or Heathrow. Valid throughout February.

Valentines in Vienna £449 – Head to the Austrian capital for a romantic Valentines weekend in Vienna and take in the sights of St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Imperial Palace . Prices from £449 per person to include three nights accommodation at the 4* Hotel Royal on bed and breakfast basis, three course dinner including welcome cocktail, a half day sightseeing tour and return flights from London. Valid throughout February.

Cosy in Cologne £249pp – Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and there is lots for romantic couples to see and do, including the Chocolate Museum and the breathtaking Cathedral. Depart throughout February from London Heathrow for a two night stay on bed and breakfast basis at the four star Grand City Hotel Koln Zentrum, a family-owned hotel in the heart of the city. Price also includes return flights. Based on two people sharing Valid throughout February.

Gorgeous in Geneva £349pp – Geneva is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city in the French speaking part of Switzerland, framed by the stunning Alps and situated at Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva, so it provides an ideal romantic backdrop for a Valentine’s weekend. Depart throughout February for a two night break staying on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Astoria Hotel located a short walk away from Lake Geneva. Price also includes return flights. Based on two people sharing. Valid throughout February.

For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0203 131 2895 www.dertour.co.uk

In 2012, the focus for Easter breaks in the Engadine is very much on families at the Kulm Hotel St Moritz (www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch)  and its sister property the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina (www.kronenhof.com). Though Easter falls quite late in the season, there should still be plenty of fun to be had in the snow, thanks to the resorts’ locations at high altitude. And, if not, there is no need to worry as the hotels are laying on plenty of activities to keep the kids amused from dawn till dusk.

The Kulm Hotel’s Eggs-clusive Easter Offer includes either four nights’ (5 to 8 April) or seven nights’ (1 to 8 April) half-board accommodation, a three- or six-day ski pass, Easter activities in the hotel’s new Marmotta Kids Club with the Easter Clown, an Easter concert for the whole family on Saturday 7 April and either a 50-minute massage or a 50-minute facial for parents. Prices start from CHF1,710 (approx £1,175) per adult sharing a double room for the four-night package; children under the age of 12 stay free in their parents’ room.

To book, call the Kulm Hotel St Moritz on +41 81 836 8000 or email reservations@kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com), located in nearby Pontresina, has a four-night Easter in the Engadine package valid any time between 1 and 8 April. This package includes half-board accommodation, a Champagne aperitif and gala dinner on Saturday 7 April, Easter brunch buffet on Sunday 8 April, a delightful Easter programme for younger guests (such as egg painting and an Easter egg hunt, all with a fully trained child minder), a 60-minute Carita facial for mums and a 50-minute full body massage for dads, as well as unlimited use of the Kronenhof Spa and a Fit & Fun sports programme that changes daily. Prices start from CHF1,330 (approx £915) per adult sharing a double room; a 30% discount is offered on a second adjoining room for the kids, but this does not include half-board.

For those wishing to enjoy an early spring ski holiday but not necessarily Easter, Grand Hotel Kronenhof offers an alternative Sunshine Days package from 11 March to 4 April. This includes a minimum of three nights’ half-board accommodation, a two-day ski pass or a Kronenhof Spa wellness pass worth CHF150 (for those not wishing to ski) and unlimited use of the Spa; prices start from CHF795 (approx £545) per person. Substantial discounts are available for children.

To book, call the Grand Hotel Kronenhof on +41 81 830 3030 or email reservations@kronenhof.com.

***

NOTES

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz was the first hotel to be built in St Moritz. The Kulm Hotel opened its doors in 1856 and immediately became popular for summer spa and painting holidays, particularly among the British who comprised around 75% of the hotel guests. The owner of the Kulm Hotel, Johannes Badrutt, initiated winter holidays to St Moritz from 1864, when he laid a bet with his last departing summer guests that the local weather was so good they could sun themselves on the hotel’s terrace even in deep December; if not, he would cover the cost of their vacation himself. He won the bet and within two years, the hotel was fully booked with guests staying for the entire winter season. The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz can, therefore, take credit for starting the trend for winter sports holidays.

Since the 19th century, the Kulm Hotel has changed considerably through expansion and renovation, but the fabulous location at the heart of St Moritz with views over the Lake remains the same. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Kulm Hotel has 173 rooms, five restaurants (formal dining, French fine dining awarded 15 points by GaultMillau, Italian, local Engadine specialities and Japanese), the extensive Panorama SPA & Health Club (with 20m indoor pool, various saunas and steam room, a Jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gym and treatment rooms, all with stunning views over Lake St. Moritz) and six conference rooms, with capacities ranging from 50 to 500 people.

Entertainment and sports facilities include the 9-hole Kulm Golf Course St. Moritz, three tennis courts, a natural ice rink, a curling field and the “Marmotta Club” for children. The Kulm Hotel is inextricably linked to the Cresta Run through the Sunny Bar, where tobogganing pilots have congregated for decades; the walls are lined with trophies and images of famous people who have hurled themselves down the infamous ice track.

Recent awards for the Kulm Hotel St Moritz include Concierge of the Year and Maitre d’ of the Year, as awarded by Swiss economic journal Bilanz in 2010, 15 GaultMillau points for the hotel’s gourmet restaurant the K in 2009, and the best winter holiday hotel according to the publishing house MetroPool in 2008.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof, located in Pontresina, six miles from St. Moritz, offers the best of both worlds: the chance to enjoy the glitz of St. Moritz, while staying in a peaceful mountain village.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof has a rich and interesting history, having first opened its doors in the first half of the 19th century as a guesthouse. However, the main part of the current building, which is a registered historical landmark, was built at the very end of the 19th century in neo-Baroque style. The latest addition, completed in November 2007 and costing CHF 50 million (approximately £30 million), consists of 28 new guest rooms and a stunning spa complex covering more than 2000 square metres.

The spa is certainly one of the hotel’s highlights and has been named “the best Alpine spa”*. Facilities include a 20m indoor infinity pool with counter-current system, a flotation pool with underwater music, a wide range of saunas and steam rooms, a luxurious private suite for couples to enjoy wraps and massages together, and – for the perfect final touch – a crackling log fire in the relaxation room.

Gourmet cuisine is also a speciality at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof. Awarded the title of GaultMillau Hotel of the Year in 2009, it has four restaurants (the formal Grand dining room in an elegant neo-baroque vaulted room, Kronenstübli – awarded a Michelin star inNovember 2011 – serving local Engadine specialities, the traditional bowling lanes where Swiss raclette is served and an informal pavilion for light lunches).

Finally, Grand Hotel Kronenhof is renowned for its extensive children’s activities and facilities (a kids’ playroom and Rondelle, a restaurant just for younger members of the family).

Recent awards for the Grand Hotel Kronenhof include the HolidayCheck Award 2011 (99 most popular hotels of the world), first place in the Best Of Swiss Gastro (gourmet category), GaultMillau Hotel of the Year 2008, the `Bilanz‘ hoteliers of the year award presented to Heinz E. and Jenny Hunkeler in 2008, and 16 GaultMillau points for the à la carte restaurant ‘Kronenstübli’.

Both the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and the Grand Hotel Kronenhof are owned by the Niarchos family.
(* Tyler Brule writing in the FT, November 2009)

ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND– The natural springs in St Moritz began attracting guests over 500 years ago, when German-Swiss Renaissance physician and alchemist Paracelsus recommended the destination for its healing waters. Even today, St Moritz is a magnet for discerning world travellers seeking recuperation. At the Palace Wellness, Badrutt’s iconic spa, the 22-strong team has created a broad palette of treatments under the motto “Lifting your spirits,” which are delivered with Badrutt’s standard of perfect service and professional care.

With the goal of enhancing the overall concept of Palace Wellness – its specially designed treatment rooms and applications focus on balancing and stabilizing a healthy body and mind – Indian-born Wellness Advisor, Martha Wiedemann, has created various treatments on the basis of Ayurveda therapy. A new addition to the spa roster this winter is the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage. This treatment begins with a relaxing massage to loosen the muscles before working on posture by stretching the body in various yoga positions. By applying the Ayurvedic detox formula, toxins that have gathered in the muscles and joints from poor nutrition are released. The Ayurvedic Facial cleanses the skin with a special mix of herbs, releasing impurities and dead skin cells. After cleansing, a purifying mask is applied and a traditional facial massage where the skin is treated with rejuvenating organic oils.

The Palace Wellness area, which spans over 17,000 square feet (approx. 1,600 square metres), underwent extensive renovations only two years ago under the direction of Martha Wiedemann. A wealth of natural daylight and indigenous materials create a soothing, natural ambiance, thanks to local cembran pinewood and silver granite from the San Bernardino Pass that have been incorporated into the aesthetic. At the heart of the whole area is the Wet Zone with its indoor pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam baths and heated outdoor pool overlooking the spectacular backdrop of natural scenery. Two intimate spa suites guarantee absolute privacy and offer visitors a double Jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna, two treatment beds and a relax lounge seat for two people.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has combined sophisticated treatments, exquisite culinary delights and attractive extras into a special three-day pampering package. The Alpine Spa Retreat package comprises a three-night stay in a superior room with an extensive breakfast buffet, and two evening meals in the elegant Le Restaurant or the modern Le Bistro. A highlight of this package is the exclusive use of the Veronica Spa Suite with its all-inclusive treatment menu. Guests can experience the power of the surrounding mountains first hand with an Engadin Stone Massage; the body is treated with hand-graded stones from the surrounding rivers and streams. The package costs $1,538 US (approx. CHF 1,430.00) per person in a double room. For further information and reservations please visit www.badruttspalace.com.

Did you know? Even in the depths of the crisp Swiss winter, spa guests can enjoy the heat in the wellness area with a clear conscience – the hotel’s own heating system draws energy from the water in Lake St Moritz, which reduces CO2 emissions each year by some 1,200 tonnes.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all. An ideal destination in both winter and summer, the hotel is located in one of the most challenging ski areas in the world and offers a host of summer alpine activities. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel boasts 135 guestrooms including 35 suites with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opens its doors to guests this winter from December 1, 2011 – April 9, 2012.

Avanti Destinations rolled out an expanded selection of independent Europe vacations and options, including itineraries in Normandy, Lake Lucerne, the cities and towns of Germany and historic Greece, and a pre-post cruise package in Barcelona.

Avanti’s new three-day Barcelona for Cruisers pre-post cruise package is priced at $349 per person double occupancy and showcases the highlights of the city.

It includes private transfers from the ship with a driver-guide along with a two-hour tour of the city, Paella lunch at the harbor, two nights’ accommodations, and a private departure transfer.

The package provides a revealing introduction to the city with the flexibility that experienced travelers require. Expanded sightseeing or cultural tours, and additional nights can be added to increase the value of the entire vacation.

Historical Normandy is a new two-day adventure from Paris that includes visits to the D-Day beaches and the World War II exhibits throughout this region, priced from $379 per person double.

For hiking enthusiasts Avanti offers a three-day adventure in the Swiss Alps near Lake Lucerne, with stays at villages surrounding the lake and walks through alpine meadows and along steep cliffs, priced from $445.

Avanti’s new Berlin, Nüremberg & Munich is priced from $1,399, including three nights in Berlin with a 48-hour Berlin Card for sightseeing, a walking tour in Berlin, two nights in Nüremberg, three nights in Munich with a hop-on/hop-off city tour, a dinner in Munich, and first-class rail between cities.

Avanti’s new five-day The Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale Road begins with a one-night stay in Frankfurt and includes two nights in Kassel and one night in Bremen, priced from $639.

Avanti’s eight-day Classical Greece is a complete self-drive vacation with three nights Athens with a city tour and three-course dinner, two nights Nafplion, and one night each in Olympia and Delphi, priced from $1,035.

“For the independent traveler, Europe has a lot of interest currently and offers great opportunity for authentic travel at a great value,” said Harry Dalgaard, president of Avanti.

“Based on the current strength of the U.S. dollar, visitors can enjoy unusual savings in dining and shopping. We are expecting a strong year in Europe and encourage travel agents to contact clients early and book soon for the choice destinations and accommodations.”

For more information, call 800-422-5053.

revealed in Price of Travel’s updated Backpacker Index
In the updated list of 40 major European cities by price, Sofia (Bulgaria) just barely stays ahead of Krakow (Poland) as the cheapest tourist city for budget travelers for 2012. Budapest moves up into the number 3 slot, mostly due to the weakened Hungarian currency.

Zurich, Oslo, and Stockholm remain the 3 most expensive cities on the list, with the similar group of budget-traveler expenses costing on average of four times as much per day compared to the cheapest group.

The European Backpacker Index for 2012 enters its second year as the most accurate gauge of costs in tourist cities in Europe and around the world. The index price is based on costs of hostel beds, public transportation, attractions, food, and drink in each city.

“Prices have climbed at least slightly in most European cities during the past year,” says Roger Wade who runs the PriceofTravel.com website that compiles the Backpacker Index. “But Americans should be happy to know that a recent surge in the value of the US dollar has actually made most of Europe cheaper than it has been in a few years.”

The Backpacker Index covers over 100 global cities, and coming weeks will see updates of the Asia, South America, and North America lists for 2012.

Price of Travel launched in early 2010 as a resource to help travelers compare typical expenses of hotels, attractions, transportion, and food in each of over 110 cities to help make an accurate budget and find the best values around the world.

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), rating average hotel prices at ski destinations and other hotels in Europe and North America, reports that Romania has the least expensive ski resort prices this winter.

In January, ski resorts in the Romanian town of Predeal are reporting the cheapest prices Europe-wide, at $71 per night in a standard double. In the Polish winter resort of Szczyrk, skiers pay an average of $81, while in Bansko, Bulgaria, rooms are available for $93 per night.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498).

This month, Poiana Brasov, Romania, is offering overnight stays for an average cost of $123 per night, a 36 percent increase from last month.

The Polish ski towns of Szczyrk ($81) and Zakopane ($101), are also reporting price increases between 21 to 22 percent, compared to December 2011, while those headed to Bansko, Bulgaria, will find hotel rooms for an average rate of $93 per night (up 20 percent).

Destinations such as Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) and Stowe, Vt. ($193, up 23 percent) were among those reporting the lowest winter prices across North America.

Swiss destinations such as Gstaad ($504, up 39 percent compared to last month) and Zermatt ($368, up 24 percent) present the most expensive rooms in winter sports regions this month.

Colorado’s Beaver Creek ($498, up 70 percent) and Aspen ($474, up 83 percent) reported the highest average prices in North America, while the Austrian ski resorts in Kitzbuhel ($470, up 44 percent), Ischgl ($376, up 32 percent) and St. Anthony ($375, up 46 percent) also reported increases over the previous month.

In the French Nobel ski resorts, Val d’Isere ($434, up 47 percent) and Courchevel ($414, up 39 percent), travelers are likewise paying high prices as can also be seen in the German mountain resorts of Oberstdorf ($270) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen ($218), with price increases of 36 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Although slightly lower than the above, the German town of Winterberg is also reporting a rise in rates — January travelers can expect to pay an average of $180 (up 28 percent).

Compared to last month, European prices have dropped in January by around 3 percent to $136. Athens has dropped to $98 (down 1 percent from last month), the lowest figure since recording the tHPI (May 2008).

With an average of $209, the hotel industry in London reports the lowest price for an overnight stay in a standard double room since February 2011, a 13 percent drop in price compared to last month.

In Barcelona, overnight rates reached their lowest level since December 2009, reporting $124 per night, 7 percent lower than the reported rate in December 2011.

Even Rome ($138, down 7 percent), Istanbul ($123, down 7 percent) and Amsterdam ($153, down 5 percent) recorded their lowest accommodation prices since February 2011.

Following the trend, all major U.K. cities, for the first time since April 2009, are reporting price reductions in the tHPI this month. London ($135), Edinburgh ($89), Cardiff ($71) and the Irish capital of Dublin ($70) are among those reporting decreases in price this month between 11 to 15 percent compared to last month.

Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) reported having the least expensive rates for a standard double room within a top ski destination this month. Stowe ($193) followed, up 23 percent from last month. Mammoth ($208) reported increasing prices, however only a 7 percent increase from last month, while the Canadian Mont-Tremblant — also up only 3 percent — was close by with $212.

Jackson Hole reported price increases of 34 percent, with an average overnight price of $233. Kicking-off the winter season price jump however, is Whistler, Canada ($299) with a reported 40 percent increase in prices compared to last month.

The most expensive winter sport destinations in the U.S. and Canada can be found in Colorado this January.

Even rivaling prices in European winter destinations Kitzbuhel and Gstaad, Beaver Creek, Colo., is offering standard double rooms for $498 per night — a 70 percent increase compared to last month. Aspen, not far behind, is offering prices reaching $474 per night, 83 percent more expensive than December 2011. Vail also topped the list with $403 (up 43 percent).

The natural springs in St. Moritz began attracting guests over 500 years ago, when German-Swiss Renaissance physician and alchemist Paracelsus recommended the destination for its healing waters. Even today, St. Moritz is a magnet for travelers seeking recuperation.

At the Palace Wellness, Badrutt’s spa, the 22-strong team has created a broad palette of treatments under the motto “Lifting your spirits.”

It combines treatments, culinary delights and attractive extras into a special three-day pampering package. The Alpine Spa Retreat package comprises a three-night stay in a superior room with an extensive breakfast buffet, and two evening meals in the elegant Le Restaurant or the modern Le Bistro.

A highlight of this package is the exclusive use of the Veronica Spa Suite with its all-inclusive treatment menu.

Guests can experience the power of the surrounding mountains first hand with an Engadin Stone Massage; the body is treated with hand-graded stones from the surrounding rivers and streams.

The package costs $1,538 per person in a double room.

Numbeo.com’s cost of living survey for 2012 was conducted by more than 23,000 contributors who entered more than 241,000 prices.

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

Based on 45 goods and services, Numbeo.com’s cost of living survey for the beginning of 2012 was conducted by more than 23000 independent contributors who entered more than 241,000 prices.

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

In Numbeo’s survey, New York is used as the base city for the index and scores 100 points, all cities are compared against New York and currency movements are measured against US Dollar and EURO.

Tokyo (Japan) scores 135.23 points and is nearly three times as costly as Manila (Philippines) with 47.34 points.

In the 2012, the most expensive cities (excluding rent) are:

- Trondheim, Norway (188.91)
- Stavanger, Norway (171.32)
- Zurich, Switzerland (152.84)
- Oslo, Norway (152.03)
- Geneva, Switzerland (146.24)
- Bern, Switzerland (142.44)
- Lucerne, Switzerland (139.94)
- Perth, Australia (139.63)
- Bergen, Norway (138.79)
- Tokyo, Japan (135.23)
- Sydney, Australia (132.39)
- Adelaide, Australia (129.60)
- Monaco, Monaco (128.15)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (123.82)
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom (122.52)
- Melbourne, Australia (121.53)
- Dublin, Ireland (119.56)
- London, United Kingdom (118.52)
- Arhus, Denmark (115.96)
- Canberra, Australia (115.89)

For complete rankings please visit http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp 

Numbeo.com is the biggest free Internet database about the cost of living worldwide.  Cut down your travel risks with Seven Corners trip cancellation insurance at www.sevencorners.com

Club Med is offering attractive rates at its European ski resorts, starting at $1,064 per person for a seven-night stay at select resorts.

Club Med’s ski resorts in the French Alps include Peisey-Vallandry, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, La Plagne 2100, Valmorel and Tignes Val Claret, which have received a combined 20 feet of natural snow this season and weather forecasts show much more to come.

Club Med offers the value of an all-inclusive package where everything is included in one price, even lessons and ski lift tickets. Club Med currently operates 20 ski resorts worldwide including the recently opened Club Med Valmorel, which underwent a $130 million investment to create a new resort offering multiple bedroom Chalet-Apartments, complete with private butler and personal chef. For more information, call 800-CLUB-MED.