Ski

Thompsons Holidays Ski

2008/9

If you are trying to decide whether to go skiing for the first time, please realize that this could well be the holiday of a lifetime!

Contents

If you are a repeat skier looking

6-7 Skiing with Thompsons

to go back again or perhaps looking for a new destination - you know it’s a holiday of a lifetime! For 30 years Thompsons Holidays has been offering skiing holidays for

beginners,

intermediaries,

and the black slope (experienced) fanatics. From the family holiday to

corporate

incentives,

fully

inclusive trips, to accommodation packages only, let us introduce Your approved Thompsons agent is:

JOHANNESBURG: Travel House, 6 Hood Ave, Rosebank, South Africa. P.O. Box 41032, Craighall, 2024, South Africa. Docex 270, Randburg. Tel: (27) (11) 770-7511; Fax: (27) (11) 770-7670/1/2.

you to the world of snow and what’s available for 2008/2009.

DURBAN: 20 The Boulevard, West End Office Park, Spine Road, Westville, South Africa. P.O. Box 2758, Westway Office Park, 3635, Durban, South Africa. Docex 238, Durban. Tel: (27) (31) 275-3500; Fax: (27) (31) 275-3990. CAPE TOWN: 15th Floor, Main Tower, Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Boulevard, Foreshore, South Africa. P.O. Box 382, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Docex 145, Cape Town. Tel: (27) (21) 408-9500; Fax: (27) (21) 408-9596.

Just a phone call away from a remarkable holiday.

Thompsons Holidays: A division of Cullinan Holdings LTD (Reg No 1902/001808/06)

www.thompsons.co.za

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

8-9 Choosing the right ski resort 10 Selecting your package 11 Everything you need to know 12 - 13 Livigno 14 - 15 Kitzbühel 16 - 17 Westendorf

3

Skiing The Leading Travel Companies of The World

with Thompsons Holidays

Thompsons Holidays is a proud member of “The Leading Travel Companies of The World”, a collection of quality international travel and tourism companies offering an extensive selection of holiday options across the globe.  All members of this group offer superior quality, value for money and the highest levels of service.

Getting to know Thompsons Holidays This Thompsons brochure has been designed especially for you, our valued client. We have gone the extra mile to ensure that all your travel needs are covered and are confident that after reading it, you’ll insist on a Thompsons holiday. The Thompsons website is a one-stop shop for a variety of exciting holidays. Simply visit www.thompsons.co.za and discover a wealth of travel opportunities.

Thompsons Holidays has dealings with more than 1500 travel agencies across South Africa so you’ll have no difficulty booking the holiday you deserve. Just pop into a travel agency near you and request a Thompsons holiday.

Skiing with Thompsons Holidays

Skiing with Thompsons Holidays

Your Link to Thompsons

Price Guarantee Once full payment is received from you, the price paid is guaranteed, irrespective of any subsequent changes in airfare or fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Awards Speak Volumes With 30 years experience in the travel industry, we have built a reputation for providing excellent service, specialist knowledge and value for money tailor-made packages. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, for five consecutive years, Thompsons has been voted Best International Tour Operator and Best African Tour Operator in the Diners Club ASATA Travel Awards. 

Thompsons Value for Money As one of the largest Tour Operators selling Ski holidays, Thompsons enjoys excellent rates and booking conditions with our partner airlines, hotels, transfers, ski equipment hire, lift passes, ski schools and excursion suppliers. This translates into the best possible value for you, our valued customer.

Travel Pack Prior to departure, your documents will be handed to you. Each pack contains valuable information, as well as re-usable luggage labels and other surprises depending on your destination. In the event of an emergency, a Thompsons staff member is contactable by phone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Thompsons Top-Ups Stretch you Rands and Top-Up your Thompsons ski package with additional experiences to enhance your holiday. By booking Ski packs and all your optional extras in South Africa you are assured to save time, hassle and money. Refer to our website www.thompsons.co.za for more information.

Prices in this brochure are subject to change. Prices are correct at time of going to print. Thompsons standard terms and conditions apply. E&OE.

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Dream the destination... Live the journey.

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

7

Choosing The Right Ski Resort It is most important that you select the right resort. Thompsons Holidays offer 3 resorts in Austria and Italy which we believe will guarantee you that dream ski and snow holiday. Each of the resorts are manned by our own team of friendly and experienced South African Professional Resort Organizers, who will be on hand to assist you in making your ski experience as memorable as possible

Resorts at a Glance

Livigno

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Kitzbühel A captivating Tyrolean town known as much for its fashionable visitors and wild après ski as it is for its famous Hahnenkamm World Cup race course. Whether you go to ski and snowboard, party or shop, Kitzbühel is the ultimate fun alpine resort. Refer to pages 14 & 15 for more details on Kitzbühel

Westendorf Charmingly small and compact the village of Westendorf is part of the extensive Ski Welt ski area, Austria’s largest ski region. Not only is it reasonably priced but it’s also ideal for those who want to escape the large crowds. See pages 16 & 17 for all the information you need.

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

DETAILS

KITZBÜHEL

WESTENDORF

LIVIGNO

Country

Austria

Austria

Italy

Arrival Airport

Munich

Munich

Milan

Meet & greet at Airport

Yes

Yes

Yes

Transfer Time

3 hours

2.5 hours

4 hours

Closest Train Station

In resort

5 - 10 km

Zernez-40min

Resort Height

800m

800m

1816m

Top Lift Height

2000m

2000m

3000m

Lifts

60

93

31

Mountain Huts

41

73

7

Beginner

Very good

Excellent

Excellent

Intermediate

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Advanced

Excellent

Very Good

Very good

Snowboarders

Very good

Very Good

Excellent

Pisted Runs

165km

250km

115km

Longest Run

7km

8km

7km

Surrounding Ski Area

Excellent

Excellent

Very good

Snow canons

Yes

Yes

Yes

Accommodation

Pension

Pension

Pension



3 * Hotel

3 * Hotel

3 * Hotel



4 * Hotel

4 * Hotel

4 * Hotel



Self-catering

Self-catering

Non ski activities

Excellent

Very Good

Excellent

Shopping

Excellent

Average

Excellent

Entertainment

Excellent

Very Good

Excellent

Kids Club

Yes

Yes

Yes

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

Choosing The Right Ski Resort

Choosing The Right Ski Resort

The most remote and affordable of the Alpine Resorts. This delightful Italian resort offers a superb all-round affordable ski holiday. Lively après ski bars and entertainment are plentiful and the immense variety of duty-free shops will amaze! For everything you need to know about skiing in Livigno turn to pages 12 & 13.



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Your package is made up of all the travel arrangements, fun activities, a welcome dinner and the services of our Professional Resort Organizers to assist you throughout your stay. Thompsons offer two different packages:

‘Free & Easy’

Thompsons Professional Resort Organizer (PRO) Available in each of our resorts these PRO’s will have you settled in your hotel and up and skiing in no time at all. They are also experts on the best places to meet for fun après ski and dinners. Their services include: • Transfer assistance to your resort on a scheduled Thompsons coach

This includes all your basic essentials as follows: • Meet and greet on arrival at Munich or Milan Airports • Transfers to your chosen resort • Accommodation as selected • Thompsons Representative Services • A welcome dinner • Ski discing & bum boarding (go-carting in Livigno) • Thompsons ski shirt

• Assistance with obtaining your Ski Pack • Daily ski guiding for intermediate skiers • Kids Club from 16h00 to 21h00 (in season only) • Daily après ski program

Everything You Need To Know

Ski Equipment Hire

Meet & Greet & Transfers

What to pack

The Thompsons PRO will take you to be fitted for your ski equipment which includes, skis, ski boots and ski poles or snowboard and boots. Ski lockers are available. Please note that this does not include ski clothing.

All Thompsons ski guests travelling on the scheduled coach from Munich or Milan are met by a Thompsons PRO. During your transfer to the accommodation of your choice, you have the opportunity to get to know your resort representative as well as all the other eager skiers in the group. For those who prefer, private transfers may be arranged at an additional cost. If you are not arriving at the schedule time, a private transfer will automatically be booked.

Deciding what to pack is always a challenge. Ski clothing should be warm, practical and waterproof. Layering is the best strategy for dealing with the ever changing mountain weather. A few of the essential items we suggest you take are, beanies, gloves, thermal underwear, ski jackets & pants, sunglasses, sun cream & lip balm.

Après Ski

Let us help you make the best decision to suit your holiday needs. Contact Thompsons Holidays for your personalized presentation. This can be arranged in the comfort of your home or at the Travel Agency of your choice.

Ski or Snowboard Lessons Ski School is fun, informative and the most practical way to get you onto the slopes. If you have never skied or tried snowboarding before, it is recommended that you take lessons. Choose between our First Timer or Standard Ski Lesson packages. Ski School for children is also great fun and is offered separately to that of the adults.

• Resort information packs on arrival

‘Fun & Ski’ This is a more inclusive package offered in all the resorts. You will receive all of the above plus an additional two dinners with evening entertainment.

• Office facilities

Groups & Incentives

• Assistance with excursion programmes

Skiing trips are huge fun and also excellent teambuilders. With one call to our experienced team of group sales professionals, we will tailor make your itinerary to create an experience of a lifetime, we offer a number of activities and entertainment programs for the non skier too.

Ski Pack Once you’ve selected your package get yourself ready for the slopes and pre-book your Ski Pack. It is highly recommended to book these services before departure as this will save you time, hassle and money. These services can be sold individually; refer to the resort pages for price guidelines.

Ski Pass

Thompsons provide a professional, comprehensive travel service, from presentation to assisting with teaser campaigns, special room drops and private check-in at airports. We will be by your side every step of the way !

Your Ski Pass gives you access to the ski lifts, ski runs and busses in the region. TIP: If you have pre-booked your Ski Pass with us the Thompsons PRO will have it waiting for you on arrival in the resort and you can avoid the queues.

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Dream the destination... Live the journey.

Après ski literally means ‘after skiing’ in French and refers to the time spent relaxing and socializing in pubs and restaurants at the end of a day on the slopes. All three resorts have a fabulous selection of bars and restaurants, as well as Casino’s, cinemas and other night time entertainment. Each resort has its own special charm and brand of entertainment to ensure that you have an unforgettable holiday.

Thompsons Kids Club A ski resort is the ideal destination for a family holiday. Children love to ski and they are usually the most able and enthusiastic skiers in the family. Thompsons offer a Kids Program for all children between the ages of 5 and 12 during Peak Season. (Out of peak season a program is available on request ). This fun program is carefully planned and offers a set choice of activities to keep the kids busy whilst their parents are enjoying Après Ski activities. Activities include Snowman Building, free use of bumboards, Rock Climbing, Indoor Swimming Pool activities, waterslides (in Kitzbuhel) and much more. This program must be pre booked with the Thompsons PRO in the resort.

Free Presentation

Get to grips with Ski Lingo : Bobsledding - Cool runnings…. the real thing Curling - Bowling on Ice! Snow Rafting - Slide down the slope sitting in a rubber dingy. Paragliding - Tandem paragliding from the top of a mountain. Tyre Tubing - Slide down the ski run sitting on a tractor tyre! (fun for everyone) Cross-country skiing - Self propelled skiing on a generally flat surface using special skis. Ski Bob - Like a bicycle but on skis. Après Ski - Once the mountains are closed, it’s the fun stuff that headaches are made of!

THOMPSONS TOP UPS Medical Insurance: Having the correct insurance cover for your skiing trip is essential, consult our experts on what the best insurance package for you.

Everything You Need To Know

Selecting Your Package

Selecting Your Package

Prices from R190 pp

Need Transport to and from the Airport in SA Take the hassle out of getting to and from the airport and let us book a door to door private transfer with Avis Point2Point. Prices from R314 pp return

Self Catering Starter Packs If you are staying in self catering apartments let us worry about the shopping for those first day essentials. Pre purchase your starter packs which include: Coffee, tea, sugar, milk, bread, margarine, dishwashing liquid, soap, soup, salt, cheese, jam & toilet rolls. Price from R255 pp

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

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Livigno

i LOCATION: In the Italian Alps ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Zurich CURRENCY: Euro (€)

LIFTS: 32 lifts taking 47,060 people/hour, 3 gondolas, 15 chairlift and 14 button lifts. types of runs: BLUE - Beginner. Red - Intermediate. Black - Advanced

Skiing

TIME DIFFERENCE: 1 hour behind SA time.

what things cost These prices are an indication only and may vary according to hotels and seasons. Euro (€) Glass of wine Beer Bottle of water Coldrink Light meal in restaurant

Nestled between the North and Southern Alps, close to the Swiss border lies the duty free resort of Livingo. Due to its high altitude, Livigno has a good snow record, even when conditions are not as favourable elsewhere. The famous cosmopolitan mountain resort stretches 3 km along the Valley floor. Livigno is a superb all-round and affordable ski resort offering high altitude skiing, plenty of entertainment and fantastic shopping. A free bus service operates around the resort 7 days a week.

from from from from from

€ € € € €

2 2 to € 3,50 2 1,50 8 to € 12

You can ski on both sides of the Valley, the Carosello and Costaccia areas on the one side and the Mottolino on the other. At an altitude of 1816m, Livigno enjoys a fantastic snow record, reaching heights of 3000m. The wide, long pistes make Livigno ideal for the beginner. Intermediates have an abundance of long red runs to keep them occupied. 115km of ski slopes with high speed chairlifts allows for non-stop skiing.

Even the advanced will find a few black runs in the resort to blast through and the off piste skiing and tree runs will keep you on your toes.

Accommodation Thompsons offer a range of options all located close to the ski slopes. Self Catering : We have a selection of self catering apartments ranging from 2 bedded to 3 bedroom apartments predominately located in the San Rocco and Carosello areas.

Livigno Ski Map

The apartments include facilities such as TVs, telephones, private facilities, bed linen and well equipped kitchens. It is important to note that these apartments are not serviced. Hotels : There are 3 & 4 star options available, all well positioned, including the basic amenities, satellite TV, en-suite bathrooms & breakfast daily. Some options may include dinners.

For the Kids Livigno is safe and fun for kids, with loads of activities, excellent miniclubs and ski schools. The baby-beginners start their ski careers in the safe hands of qualified instructors and play in the dedicated children’s Ski play area supplied with moving carpet lifts and equipment.

The more experienced children can improve their ski training with the fun & educational programmes. For after ski activities whilst the parents enjoy some après ski activities make use of our Thompsons Kids Club.

Resort Activites • • • • • • • •

Ski dooing Night skiing Snowshoe treks Sleigh rides Husky village Ice skating Quad biking Bum boarding

PACKAGE TRAVEL DATES NIGHTS RATES (from pp) Opening Special 10 to 20 December ‘08 10 R6 079 Christmas & New Year 20 December to 03 January ‘09 14 R15 529 Christmas 20 to 30 December ‘08 10 R9 989 New Year 30 December to 10 January ‘09 11 R10 955 Low Season 10 January to 07 February ‘09 7 R5 445 21 March to 18 April ‘09 7 R5 445 Packages include: • Meet and greet on arrival at Milan airport • Return airport/resort transfers • 7, 10 , 11 or 14 Nights accommodation in a 3* Superior Studio Apartment • Services of Thompsons PRO • A welcome dinner • Ski discing and bum boarding • Ski guiding and a Thompsons ski shirt. Prices are per person sharing. Subject to change. * Flights offered off allocation.

ski pack - price guide

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

Snow karting Ski discing Driving on ice Ice go-carting Horse riding Mt hut dinners Arcade centre Indoor climbing wall

free & easy packages

6 Day Ski Pass 6 Day Ski Hire 6 Day Ski School

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• • • • • • • •

Livigno - Italy

Livigno - Italy

ALTITUDE: 1 816 to 3 000m. 115 pisted slopes

“Duty-free shopping... and great skiing!”



from R1 940 from R1 000 from R1 363

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

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LOCATION: In the Austrian Alps ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Munich CURRENCY: Euro (€)

Kitzbühel - Austria

ALTITUDE: 800 to 2 000m LIFTS: 5 Cable Cars, 27 Chair lifts, 28 drag lifts plus new 8, 6& 4 man chairlifts. types of runs: BLUE - Beginner. Red - Intermediate. Black - Advanced

Skiing

TIME DIFFERENCE: 1 hour behind SA time.

what things cost These prices are an indication only and may vary according to hotels and seasons. Euro (€) Glass of wine Beer Bottle of water Coke Light meal in restaurant

Kitzbühel skiing is renowned the world over - whether it’s the site of the intimidating Hahnenkamm classic ski race, it’s status as a playground for the rich and famous, or just because of the picturesque town and superb skiing. It is architecturally the most beautiful ski resort in Austria and bustles with bars, cafes and the traditional sound of Austrian music. Non-skiers on holiday in Kitzbühel can enjoy well-prepared walking paths or join an excursion to the historic cities of Salzburg or Innsbruck.

from from from from from

€ € € € €

3 4 2 3 8

to to to to to

€ € € € €

6 6 4 5 35

Situated in a ‘snow corner’ of the Alps, the resort presents a modern state of the art ski circuit, the region boasts 168km of perfectly groomed slopes, fantastic deep downhill runs and snow-making on 65km of piste. For snowboarders there is a permanent boarder cross park with half pipe. Kitzbühel is an intermediate skier’s paradise with a lovely selection of red and blue runs and some spectacular scenery.

Beginners will not feel left out either with the superb ski schools and a choice of wide open blue runs to progress to. For the experts, some of the most extensive mogul runs in Europe can be found here. Recent lift improvements have alleviated bottlenecks in the system and the Kitzbühel skiing experience is even better for it. Truly a resort with something for all levels of skier.

Kitzbuhel Ski Map

“The most beautiful ski resort in Austria” Accommodation

For the Kids

Thompsons have carefully hand-picked the accommodation options. All offer great locations, are serviced daily and promise warm, friendly professional Alpine hospitality.

During the day there are professional local English Speaking child minders who run some fantastic entertainment programs throughout the season. They accept children from the ages of 0 - 14 yrs. These activities and fantastic Ski Schools for the kids are available at an additional cost. For after Ski activities in peak season make use of our Thompsons Kids Club.

Pensions: These are guesthouses or bed and breakfasts as we know them, which offer great value and are mostly family run. The Austrians pride themselves in their homes and treat their guests accordingly. All offer en-suite bathrooms and breakfast daily. Hotels: All centrally located offering your basic amenities and breakfast daily. En-suite bathrooms, satellite TV’s and minibars are also available.

Resort Activites • • • • • •

Tobogganning Sleigh rides Ice skating Bum boarding Ski discing Horse riding

Kitzbühel - Austria

Kitzbühel

i

• Mountain hut dinners • Indoor climbing walls

free & easy packages PACKAGE Opening Special Christmas New Year Low Season

TRAVEL DATES 13 to 20 December ‘08 20 to 27 December ‘08 27 December ‘08 to 03 January ‘09 03 to 10 January ‘09 07 to 28 March ‘09

NIGHTS 7 7 7 7 7

RATES (from pp) R6 414 R9 194 R9 845 R7 610 R6 414

Packages include: • Meet and greet on arrival at Munich airport • Return airport/resort transfers • 7 nights accommodation including breakfast • Services of Thompsons PRO • A welcome dinner • Ski discing and bum boarding • Ski guiding and a Thompsons ski shirt. Prices are per person sharing. Subject to change. * Flights offered off allocation.

ski pack - price guide 6 Day Ski Pass 6 Day Ski Hire 6 Day Ski School

14

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

from R2 103 from R1 826 from R2 207

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

15

LOCATION: In the Austrian Alps ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Munich

Westendorf - Austria

CURRENCY: Euro (€) ALTITUDE: 800 to 2 000m. Ski area consists of 250 km of prepared runs in The SkiWelt LIFTS: 12 lifts in Westendorf and 93 in the SkiWelt. types of runs: BLUE - Beginner. Red - Intermediate. Black - Advanced

Skiing

TIME DIFFERENCE: 1 hour behind SA time.

what things cost These prices are an indication only and may vary according to hotels and seasons. Euro (€) Glass of wine Beer Bottle of water Coke Light meal in restaurant

Located just 17km from Kitzbuhel, this picturesque, unspoilt, friendly and informal resort is an ideal family option. It sits on a plateau above a Valley with much of the accommodation and facilities lining the main road through the village. Westendorf boasts magnificent views, excellent nursery slopes, doorstep skiing and more ambitious runs. The attractive village has plenty of atmosphere and offers plenty to do once you’re off the slopes.

from from from from from

€ € € € €

3 4 2 3 8

to to to to to

€ € € € €

6 6 4 5 35

The joining together of the ski areas of Westendorf and Kirchberg/Kitzbühel gives way to the third largest ski area in Europe - with 150 lifts and hundreds of piste kilometers of all difficulty levels, it’s bound to amaze!

Intermediates will enjoy the fact that the pistes are wide open with evenly sloping gradients in every direction. For the more advanced skiers Westendorf has some challenging off piste skiing.

For the beginners convenience is the name of the game, the slopes are close to town easy and great fun.

“An informal resort ideal for families” Accommodation

For the Kids

We have carefully selected a range of efficiently run traditional accommodation establishments to suit every taste and budget.

Westendorf offers excellent facilities for children. With a kindergarten Ski school where you can be relaxed knowing that your children are well supervised by enthusiastic English speaking instructors. There are also excellent child minding programmes available. For after ski activities in peak season make use of our Thompsons Kids Club.

Self Catering : We offer 1 and 2 bedroom aparments (4 & 6 sleepers) with a double sleeper couch in the lounge. The apartments include facilities such as TVs, telephones, private facilities, bed linen and well equipped kitchens. It is important to note that these apartments are not serviced daily. Pensions : Guesthouses or larger Bed & Breakfast establishments which are generally family-run in the true sense of the word. Our Pensions are well priced & positioned, offer en-suite facilities and breakfast daily.

Resort Activites • Cross country skiing • Winter hiking • 9 Pin bowling • Day excursions to Innsbruck & Salzburg

• • • • • •

Westendorf - Austria

Westendorf

i

Tyrolean eveings Sleigh rides Tobogganing Ice skating Bum boarding Ski discing

free & easy packages

Westendorf Ski Map PACKAGE Christmas New Year

TRAVEL DATES 20 to 30 December ‘08 30 December ‘08 to 10 January ‘09

NIGHTS 10 11

RATES (from pp) R8 788 R9 072

Packages include: • Meet and greet on arrival at Munich airport • Return airport/resort transfers • 10 or 11 nights accommodation in a standard Pension including breakfast • Services of a Thompsons PRO • A welcome dinner • Ski discing and bum boarding • Ski guiding and a Thompsons ski shirt. Prices are per person sharing. Subject to change. * Flights offered off allocation.

ski pack - price guide 9 Day Skiwelt Ski Pass 9 Day Ski Hire 6 Day Ski School

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Dream the destination... Live the journey.

from R3 130 from R1 308 from R1 553

30 Years and Still Remarkable!

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