THE FIRST WEEK IS OVER.
The first British groups are now back home. The weather was kind to them, with clear sunny days and good snow conditions. Friday was the only day with poor visibility, due to it snowing. It was not a large fall but even in the village there was a measurable depth. I hope that they all enjoyed their holiday.
I attended the first 70’s night of the season. This is normally the high spot for those who enjoy their après ski. The new girls were great in “Car Wash” and in “Grease”. Sadly the boys made a complete hash of the “Full Monty.” Come on guys, do the Full Monty or don’t do it. In previous years the Full Monty was performed with vigour and due to discrete lighting the whole thing was in the best possible taste. (As the late Kenny Everett would say.) The current performance ended with full lighting, so when the performers removed their bowler hats, the audience saw sequinned posing pouches, of such bad taste, that even Borat would not have worn one. This performance seemed obscene compared with previous years.
To be fair to the guys, it was their first performance and was not the worst I have seen. This group did have a well performed dance routine. In the early years of the Full Monty a group of Reps and ski instructors performed without a dance routine. It looked like a group of blokes taking off their clothes and putting them on a chair before going swimming.. To make matters worse, they had not timed the routine, so when they were completely naked, except for the discreetly placed bowler hats, there was still six minutes of the seven minute long disco version of “You can keep your hat on” to play. They did have the good grace to look embarrassed.
The second week has just begun, with more snow and poor visibility. I hope the sun will break through soon, as I have two very jolly fun loving groups of beginners and I want them to take them up the mountain soon, so that they can see Arinsal in all its glory. As the schools still on holiday, there are a lot of children in the village and in ski school.
Next week will be our first week when the schools are back. This will mean that there are fewer families and the evenings tend to become livelier, with lots of single people looking for other single people to do unmentionable things to.
Sorry, I have just ended the last sentence with a preposition. This is because I did not want to give any more detail. That would be just too much information.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
THE PRICE OF GUINNESS
THE PRICE OF GUINNESS
I was prompted, by question by a visitor on the price of local beer, to conduct a survey on this subject. I found it impossible to do an accurate price comparison, as there were several different brands stocked by the bars. I decided to look for a common denominator and chose the cost of a pint of draught Guinness.
I caught my usual bus to the top of the village and had my first pint in the Princessa Park. I had to ask the Spanish barman for a pinta ( peen tah) of Guinness. This cost me 5 euros. I walked down the hill and found that The Quo Vadis, El Cau, El Moli and Cisco’s all charged 4 euros. Further down the hill I found that El Derbi (the Irish bar) charged me 5 euros. The last bar, the Barsolanna charged 4 Euros.
My scientific survey was now complete so I walked back to Erts. As I passed the St Gothard I felt a need to use their facilities. After feeling suitably relieved, I checked their bar and found that a pint cost 3 euros 90 cents. I was so pleased to find the cheapest pint, I let the barman keep the 10 cent change. This made it the same price as most of the other bars, I was feeling very benevolent by this time.
Eventually I arrived safely home at the Palarine Hotel and told STUART about my survey. He became quite belligerent and told me he wanted to be called the Best Barman in Andorra and not the Best Barman in Arinsal as stated in a previous report. Perhaps this was not pure conceit but the fact that the Palarine is in Erts. Well, back to my survey; STUART (B.B.in A.) explained that the Palarine stocked the International Continental Mini Keg Guinness, for sale at only 3-50 euros. He poured it and at the press of a button a high tech miracle was performed. The glass of Guinness became a draught Guinness. It was worth the money just to watch STUART’s magic. He pointed out that this glass is less than a pint and that some of the bars may have been serving the Guinness in half litre glasses which are also less than a pint. I felt at this stage, I was not capable of conducting a Weights and Measures Survey, indeed, coherent speech was becoming increasingly difficult.
I then thought , “ What about the taste?” Well, after the first 3 or 4 I thought that they all tasted the same. Then I thought, “What about the look of the pint?” STUART’s Guinness was a marvel but the best looking pint was in the QUO VADIS. This may be due to the fact that it was served by the lovely CHLOE and every thing she does is beautiful.
I went to bed and slept soundly and dreamt of repeating the survey but next time on Malt Whisky. If I do that survey I think I will choose the evening before my day off.
Due to the fact that this survey was conducted under difficult field conditions, there may be some inaccuracies, if so, would any bar that I missed please tell me and I will correct any errors or ommissions in my next report.
I was prompted, by question by a visitor on the price of local beer, to conduct a survey on this subject. I found it impossible to do an accurate price comparison, as there were several different brands stocked by the bars. I decided to look for a common denominator and chose the cost of a pint of draught Guinness.
I caught my usual bus to the top of the village and had my first pint in the Princessa Park. I had to ask the Spanish barman for a pinta ( peen tah) of Guinness. This cost me 5 euros. I walked down the hill and found that The Quo Vadis, El Cau, El Moli and Cisco’s all charged 4 euros. Further down the hill I found that El Derbi (the Irish bar) charged me 5 euros. The last bar, the Barsolanna charged 4 Euros.
My scientific survey was now complete so I walked back to Erts. As I passed the St Gothard I felt a need to use their facilities. After feeling suitably relieved, I checked their bar and found that a pint cost 3 euros 90 cents. I was so pleased to find the cheapest pint, I let the barman keep the 10 cent change. This made it the same price as most of the other bars, I was feeling very benevolent by this time.
Eventually I arrived safely home at the Palarine Hotel and told STUART about my survey. He became quite belligerent and told me he wanted to be called the Best Barman in Andorra and not the Best Barman in Arinsal as stated in a previous report. Perhaps this was not pure conceit but the fact that the Palarine is in Erts. Well, back to my survey; STUART (B.B.in A.) explained that the Palarine stocked the International Continental Mini Keg Guinness, for sale at only 3-50 euros. He poured it and at the press of a button a high tech miracle was performed. The glass of Guinness became a draught Guinness. It was worth the money just to watch STUART’s magic. He pointed out that this glass is less than a pint and that some of the bars may have been serving the Guinness in half litre glasses which are also less than a pint. I felt at this stage, I was not capable of conducting a Weights and Measures Survey, indeed, coherent speech was becoming increasingly difficult.
I then thought , “ What about the taste?” Well, after the first 3 or 4 I thought that they all tasted the same. Then I thought, “What about the look of the pint?” STUART’s Guinness was a marvel but the best looking pint was in the QUO VADIS. This may be due to the fact that it was served by the lovely CHLOE and every thing she does is beautiful.
I went to bed and slept soundly and dreamt of repeating the survey but next time on Malt Whisky. If I do that survey I think I will choose the evening before my day off.
Due to the fact that this survey was conducted under difficult field conditions, there may be some inaccuracies, if so, would any bar that I missed please tell me and I will correct any errors or ommissions in my next report.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Waiting for the work to begin
It is difficult to write a weekly report, when nothing has happenned. We are still enjoying deserted slopes and the evenings are quiet. When I arrived the only English bar restaurant open was EL MOLI. The ground floor bar was the meeting point for the newly arrived instructors and other workers. It had been open throughout the summer and made a very cheerful focal point. The upstairs bar overlooks the start of the Gondola lift and the main street and was a pleasant place to enjoy a varied menu. The QUO VADIS had an opening party with “Pica Pica”, bar snacks to you and me. These were delicious and would suggest that the Pub Grub there, will be of a high standard this season. The dinks were served by the ever cheerful KEVIN, assisted by two lovely, lively ladies, CHLOE AND GEMMA. The very traditional CISCO’s opened soon after. By the time this is posted, THE DERBY and EL CAU should be open and in full swing.
I recently noticed that on the PALARINE’s website, there was an article by STUART (the self appointed best barman in Arinsal). In the article he claimed to have been abducted several times by aliens. Reluctantly, I was prepared to believe that aliens had abducted STUART and returned him to the PALARINE. However, I refuse to believe that they would take him a second time.
We are all looking forward to the 21nd December when the first large group of British clients arrive and we start being paid. I hope to see some of you then.
I recently noticed that on the PALARINE’s website, there was an article by STUART (the self appointed best barman in Arinsal). In the article he claimed to have been abducted several times by aliens. Reluctantly, I was prepared to believe that aliens had abducted STUART and returned him to the PALARINE. However, I refuse to believe that they would take him a second time.
We are all looking forward to the 21nd December when the first large group of British clients arrive and we start being paid. I hope to see some of you then.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The first week ofthe season
We have just finished our first week of skiing. The main topic of conversation has been the weather. We had had a bit of snow most days but with one glorious clear sunny day, after a night of snow. The off piste was brilliant. I was just sorry that my little old legs were not stronger, so that I could have stayed out a bit longer. As usual at this time of the year there are very few visitors. It really was delightful to be able to ski from the top of the Les Fonts chair to the bottom without seeing another skier. With so few people we have been able to ski the off piste powder without tracking it all. It is not all good news. On the days that it snowed, the visibility was poor but with so few people here it great skiing. As one sage said, “If it was always this quiet, I am sure more people would come skiing.”
This weekend is a Spanish holiday so we are expecting more skiers until Monday, then it should be quiet again. From 8th to 20th December the HOTEL PALARINE are offering great deals to anyone that can get here. I stay there but don’t let that put you off. I suspect that the other hotels will be doing the same. This is a short report as I cannot hang about typing when there is was great skiing to be had.
This weekend is a Spanish holiday so we are expecting more skiers until Monday, then it should be quiet again. From 8th to 20th December the HOTEL PALARINE are offering great deals to anyone that can get here. I stay there but don’t let that put you off. I suspect that the other hotels will be doing the same. This is a short report as I cannot hang about typing when there is was great skiing to be had.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Finding work in Arinsal
FINDING WORK IN ARINSAL
This report may help someone thinking of coming to Arinsal to work for the winter season. Andorra is not in the E.U. and can change the rules at short notice. So if anything I say is incorrect, I hope that someone will corrects it for me and post it on the Forum.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING THE U.K.
Firstly, and very importantly, you should apply to your local police for a Police Report under the Data Protection Act. September is usually about the right time to apply. It can take up to 40 days for your Police Report to be delivered. Then it must be authenticated at the Legalisation Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Old Admiralty Building, The Mall, London SW1. (Visit their website for more information.) The report must not be over three months old when you present it to immigration in Andorra.
Secondly, you may wish to contact a prospective employer, although they may wish to meet and interview you before making a firm offer of work. Here is a list of some bars that have employed non bilingual staff in the past; Quo Vadis, El Cau, El Derbi and Ciscos, plus The Hotels Sant Andreu and Miclolau. There are others but I think that they want staff who can speak Spanish.
Thirdly, get travel insurance. Andorra is not in the E.U. so your E111 does not apply. You will be covered by CASS (Social Security) when working but unlike the U.K, you will be covered only after you have made enough contributions.
GETTING TO ANDORRA
Fly to Barcelona or Toulouse then catch the bus. (See elsewhere on this site for bus times to Andorra). If you book in advance, the bus will take you to Arinsal for a few Euros more. Otherwise, it will drop you at the bus station in Andorra la Vella, then taxi to your destination. This may be cheaper if there is more than one person.
WHERE TO STAY
You may want to spend your first few nights in a hotel while you sort things out. Some hotels do a very cheap room rate for workers BEFORE the season starts. It might be worth trying the Poblado or Micolau in Arinsal or the Palarine in Erts, there may be others. However, when the season starts the price will return to tourist rates. Most people share a flat. A one bed flat will cost about 600 euros a month. But an agent will want one month’s rent as commission, one month’s rent deposit and one month’s rent in advance. Bear in mind that January’s rent will be due before your first pay packet. Some bars offer accommodation to staff. Or you may meet someone who has rented a flat and wants lodgers to help with the rent.
GETTING A WORK PERMIT.
Assuming that you have found a job, your employer must obtain a work permit for you BEFORE you start work, or he will be heavily fined. They will help you complete a file that must contain the following:
Your police report with the FCO stamp attached.
A letter from your landlord or hotelier certifying that you have accommodation.
If married, your marriage certificate, if you are single, you just sign a form.
Your Andorran bank account details and your CASS (social security) number. Your employer will explain where to obtain these.
Your C.V. non EU workers must show written proof that they have 2 years experience in the work that they have applied for.( New rule last year)
Your passport
You will take this to immigration in Andorra la Vella.. You will be told to return the next day. On your return you will be told a day and time for you to attend hospital to give a blood sample. The hospital will tell you when the results will be ready and give you a day and time to see the doctor with the results. After the medical you will be told to return to immigration, usually the next day to pick up your green card. (work permit). You are now street legal. Hooray!
It sounds awesome but once the ball starts rolling it will fall into place, so do not be put off by it. We have all been there. The whole process will take more than a week but should be less than two. You will have a fabulous time for the rest of the season.
A FEW TIPS
Arrive as early as you can afford to. This will give you a better chance of finding work and good accommodation. The British tourists will arrive on the 21st December and you will be very fortunate if you do any work before that date. The 6,7&8th December will be very crowded with Spanish and you may be put out of your hotel.
Last year the national minimum wage was about 870 Euros per month, less 5% which will be deducted for your CASS contributions. I do not think that you will be paid much more.
The resort usually opens the first week in December. You can get a discounted lift pass once you get a work permit. So until you do, there will be no skiing or snowboarding, unless you pay full price for your pass.
Last year they wanted to see an air ticket back to your country of birth for NON E.U. Aussie Dave was most unhappy having to spend two months stake money on a plane ticket back to Oz. (New rule last year)
I hope that some of this is of assistance and does not put anyone off coming to Arinsal. It really is a great resort. I look forward to having a chat and drink with you when you arrive.Don’t forget the high altitude sun cream
This report may help someone thinking of coming to Arinsal to work for the winter season. Andorra is not in the E.U. and can change the rules at short notice. So if anything I say is incorrect, I hope that someone will corrects it for me and post it on the Forum.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING THE U.K.
Firstly, and very importantly, you should apply to your local police for a Police Report under the Data Protection Act. September is usually about the right time to apply. It can take up to 40 days for your Police Report to be delivered. Then it must be authenticated at the Legalisation Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Old Admiralty Building, The Mall, London SW1. (Visit their website for more information.) The report must not be over three months old when you present it to immigration in Andorra.
Secondly, you may wish to contact a prospective employer, although they may wish to meet and interview you before making a firm offer of work. Here is a list of some bars that have employed non bilingual staff in the past; Quo Vadis, El Cau, El Derbi and Ciscos, plus The Hotels Sant Andreu and Miclolau. There are others but I think that they want staff who can speak Spanish.
Thirdly, get travel insurance. Andorra is not in the E.U. so your E111 does not apply. You will be covered by CASS (Social Security) when working but unlike the U.K, you will be covered only after you have made enough contributions.
GETTING TO ANDORRA
Fly to Barcelona or Toulouse then catch the bus. (See elsewhere on this site for bus times to Andorra). If you book in advance, the bus will take you to Arinsal for a few Euros more. Otherwise, it will drop you at the bus station in Andorra la Vella, then taxi to your destination. This may be cheaper if there is more than one person.
WHERE TO STAY
You may want to spend your first few nights in a hotel while you sort things out. Some hotels do a very cheap room rate for workers BEFORE the season starts. It might be worth trying the Poblado or Micolau in Arinsal or the Palarine in Erts, there may be others. However, when the season starts the price will return to tourist rates. Most people share a flat. A one bed flat will cost about 600 euros a month. But an agent will want one month’s rent as commission, one month’s rent deposit and one month’s rent in advance. Bear in mind that January’s rent will be due before your first pay packet. Some bars offer accommodation to staff. Or you may meet someone who has rented a flat and wants lodgers to help with the rent.
GETTING A WORK PERMIT.
Assuming that you have found a job, your employer must obtain a work permit for you BEFORE you start work, or he will be heavily fined. They will help you complete a file that must contain the following:
Your police report with the FCO stamp attached.
A letter from your landlord or hotelier certifying that you have accommodation.
If married, your marriage certificate, if you are single, you just sign a form.
Your Andorran bank account details and your CASS (social security) number. Your employer will explain where to obtain these.
Your C.V. non EU workers must show written proof that they have 2 years experience in the work that they have applied for.( New rule last year)
Your passport
You will take this to immigration in Andorra la Vella.. You will be told to return the next day. On your return you will be told a day and time for you to attend hospital to give a blood sample. The hospital will tell you when the results will be ready and give you a day and time to see the doctor with the results. After the medical you will be told to return to immigration, usually the next day to pick up your green card. (work permit). You are now street legal. Hooray!
It sounds awesome but once the ball starts rolling it will fall into place, so do not be put off by it. We have all been there. The whole process will take more than a week but should be less than two. You will have a fabulous time for the rest of the season.
A FEW TIPS
Arrive as early as you can afford to. This will give you a better chance of finding work and good accommodation. The British tourists will arrive on the 21st December and you will be very fortunate if you do any work before that date. The 6,7&8th December will be very crowded with Spanish and you may be put out of your hotel.
Last year the national minimum wage was about 870 Euros per month, less 5% which will be deducted for your CASS contributions. I do not think that you will be paid much more.
The resort usually opens the first week in December. You can get a discounted lift pass once you get a work permit. So until you do, there will be no skiing or snowboarding, unless you pay full price for your pass.
Last year they wanted to see an air ticket back to your country of birth for NON E.U. Aussie Dave was most unhappy having to spend two months stake money on a plane ticket back to Oz. (New rule last year)
I hope that some of this is of assistance and does not put anyone off coming to Arinsal. It really is a great resort. I look forward to having a chat and drink with you when you arrive.Don’t forget the high altitude sun cream
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Number one tells his story for the week.
The resort closed at 5pm today, so another season is finally over. The weather and skiing has been great for the last three days after several days of light snow during the first part of the week.
The instructor’s end of season party was poorly attended due to some being on courses and others had left to do whatever instructors do in the summer. Our table consisted of 6 very lively people. Some residents came for the banquet and some friends came for the dancing and drinks. So overall there was a good attendance.
There was plenty of dancing and everyone joined in, except Jan the Swede, who fell asleep sometime after the dessert. Some of the guests sang duets with Trevor, our live musician. The hotel management considered that one of the instructors, who deliberately left his car at home, was unfit to walk and gave him a bed for the night. After the last instructor had left there was an unfortunate incident. A couple who had enjoyed themselves then had a domestic row. The management tried to call the police to diffuse the situation. However he dialled 110 (the correct number for the police) but failed to get an outside line, so he connected with room 110. He asked a very tired and puzzled young lady to come to the Palarine to deal with a disturbance. Eventually the real police arrived and the lady booked into the hotel and the gentleman left in a “taxi” with flashing blue lights.
We have had some great parties in the Palarine this season, New Year’s Eve, Burns’ night, St Patrick’s day and a really great Chinese New Year. All were very lively indeed but I think that I might have to look for another venue for next season instructor’s party. year’ one was just too eventful.
I hope all of you have had a great winter and that I may see some of you next year. I will write a report as soon as I have some information on next season. Bye
The instructor’s end of season party was poorly attended due to some being on courses and others had left to do whatever instructors do in the summer. Our table consisted of 6 very lively people. Some residents came for the banquet and some friends came for the dancing and drinks. So overall there was a good attendance.
There was plenty of dancing and everyone joined in, except Jan the Swede, who fell asleep sometime after the dessert. Some of the guests sang duets with Trevor, our live musician. The hotel management considered that one of the instructors, who deliberately left his car at home, was unfit to walk and gave him a bed for the night. After the last instructor had left there was an unfortunate incident. A couple who had enjoyed themselves then had a domestic row. The management tried to call the police to diffuse the situation. However he dialled 110 (the correct number for the police) but failed to get an outside line, so he connected with room 110. He asked a very tired and puzzled young lady to come to the Palarine to deal with a disturbance. Eventually the real police arrived and the lady booked into the hotel and the gentleman left in a “taxi” with flashing blue lights.
We have had some great parties in the Palarine this season, New Year’s Eve, Burns’ night, St Patrick’s day and a really great Chinese New Year. All were very lively indeed but I think that I might have to look for another venue for next season instructor’s party. year’ one was just too eventful.
I hope all of you have had a great winter and that I may see some of you next year. I will write a report as soon as I have some information on next season. Bye
Friday, April 4, 2008
Arinsal Ski instructor Number One tells his story
THE END IS NIGH.
I have finished just with my last group of the season. I had a beginners group consisting of 9 very jolly ladies plus the husband of one of them. We all had a very merry time, sometimes meeting in the RED X to watch the video of the days skiing and laugh at the antics of the group. Thank you ANNA, for being a great sport and providing some great footage. There are no British groups in the resort next week, only a few independent travellers taking advantage of the cheap deals on offer and the late snow.
As there will be very little work next week, I am going to Soldeu to do an instructor’s course with the CSIA (Canadian Instructors). My next report may be my last for some time as I do not think that I will have much to say about ARINSAL, whilst in Hampshire. I might try if I can only get some inspiration. The sun is shining and the snow has been good, in spite of a very windy day on Tuesday.
I have finished just with my last group of the season. I had a beginners group consisting of 9 very jolly ladies plus the husband of one of them. We all had a very merry time, sometimes meeting in the RED X to watch the video of the days skiing and laugh at the antics of the group. Thank you ANNA, for being a great sport and providing some great footage. There are no British groups in the resort next week, only a few independent travellers taking advantage of the cheap deals on offer and the late snow.
As there will be very little work next week, I am going to Soldeu to do an instructor’s course with the CSIA (Canadian Instructors). My next report may be my last for some time as I do not think that I will have much to say about ARINSAL, whilst in Hampshire. I might try if I can only get some inspiration. The sun is shining and the snow has been good, in spite of a very windy day on Tuesday.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Number One Report.
WHEN IS GOING TO STOP SNOWING? After being asked when is going to snow for the last few weeks, we finally had some snow. A few flurries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Monday it was snowing heavily. Corinne picked me up in her four wheel drive and complained about the state of the traffic due to the large fall of snow. I asked her when the first skier would ask “When is it going to stop snowing? “ The answer was 3pm going up on the six seater chair, by one of the new arrivals. We have had snow on and off all week. Friday was very warm so perhaps that is the end of this weather system. We now have enough snow to last until the end of the season. Anyone thinking about a late holiday on very quiet slopes should check with the hotels as there are great deals being offered.. For instance the PALARINE is offering Dinner bed and breakfast for 20 euros per person per night.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Number One Report.
SMOKERS. Arinsal, Andorra is a great place for smokers. I noticed in the supermarkets, that several well known brands cost about 20 euros for 200 cigarettes. If you do not smoke for pleasure but merely to feed your addiction, consider some of the local brands. They are about half that price. Just think of the damage 400 smokes can cause for about 20 euros! Just remember that we are NOT in the EU, so you are only allowed to take 200 cigarettes back with you. Andorra has not caught up with mainstream Europe yet. They still allow smoking in bars but I have noticed this season, several polite Irish and English smokers going outside to smoke. HOTEL PALARINE bans smoking in the dining room but permits it in the bar.. Andorra usually catches up with the rest of Europe, in its own time. For example women have had the vote since 1970 and in 2005 Andorra admitted 6 asylum seekers. Some may consider both of those developments as retrograde steps. I do not think this is the right place to debate these matters. Now for the serious stuff, when I left the mountain this afternoon, it had just started to SNOW.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Number One Report.
FOOTBALL. This week I am moaning about football on TV. Arinsal is great for football fans who do not want to miss their team’s games. The QUO VADIS and EL DERBI can each show three games at the same time, on different plasma screens. The HOTEL PALARINE can show freefootie downloaded from the internet, although sometimes the quality is not great. Now on behalf of non football fans, I tried to find a cheerful bar WITHOUT A TV, I failed. Some dull hotel lounges are TV free but not very welcoming. I thought that if I could find a cheerful bar, I could persuade some young ladies from my group to join me for a quiet drink and chat, during the matches. Last season there was an ideal bar. It was the best kept secret in Arinsal.. It seemed that no one went there apart from me. This bar brewed its own beer and should have been very popular with beer drinkers like myself. In spite of my efforts to keep the brewery open. Unfortunately, I failed to drink enough ale and it did not open this season.
I think that there is a niche market for non football drinkers. Are there any bar owners in Arinsal who would like to try this radical approach?
I think that there is a niche market for non football drinkers. Are there any bar owners in Arinsal who would like to try this radical approach?
Friday, March 7, 2008
Number One Report.
SNOW. It would be impossible to write this week’s report without mentioning snow. Monday was incredibly hot and therefore the snow was very soft and slushy. I was in the Skippy Park with 8 kids. They would go to the top of the rope tow and straight line down to the bottom. No need for a snow plough in such slow conditions. Tuesday was a different matter altogether. The morning was bright and cold. The snow cannons were going full blast, the first time for three weeks. Yesterday’s slush had turned to solid ice after a bitter night. The piste had been groomed so the Skippy Park was lovely and smooth but very firm. My kids were making great snowploughs but were unable to go round the mushrooms, as they just skidded on the ice. The skies darkened and it started to snow. I took the kids to the nearby Refugi for a hot chocolate. By the time we returned, there was a good covering of snow and getting deeper every minute. The going was now so slow that they were back to straight lining down the slope and having great fun with the new snow. It kept snowing all afternoon.
When I got to my hotel down in Erts the police had closed the road to Arinsal, except for 4 wheel drive vehicles and those with snow chains. It snowed all night and in the morning it was blizzard conditions. Sadly the blizzard was so bad that they were unable to open the lifts, so we were stuck in the village for the day. We will all have to work on Saturday to make up the hours in ski school. The QUO VADIS and the BULL were doing a great trade in Full English breakfasts.
It snowed on Thursday night but Friday saw high winds and a lot of people were bussed to Arcalis and Pal. Guests here this week have seen a lot of snow but unprecedented high winds for three days marred their holiday. We try our best to make your visit to ARINSAL as pleasant as possible but we cannot control the weather. It should be great skiing for anyone arriving on Sunday..
When I got to my hotel down in Erts the police had closed the road to Arinsal, except for 4 wheel drive vehicles and those with snow chains. It snowed all night and in the morning it was blizzard conditions. Sadly the blizzard was so bad that they were unable to open the lifts, so we were stuck in the village for the day. We will all have to work on Saturday to make up the hours in ski school. The QUO VADIS and the BULL were doing a great trade in Full English breakfasts.
It snowed on Thursday night but Friday saw high winds and a lot of people were bussed to Arcalis and Pal. Guests here this week have seen a lot of snow but unprecedented high winds for three days marred their holiday. We try our best to make your visit to ARINSAL as pleasant as possible but we cannot control the weather. It should be great skiing for anyone arriving on Sunday..
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Number One Report.
WIDE OPEN SPACES. Last Sunday Kevin, Corinne and I enjoyed a great days skiing. This was due to three factors:
1, The wide open spaces. Since the school half term finished the slopes have been very quiet.
2, The snow was in very good condition. However this week has been warm and the conditions could now be described as Spring Snow. (Hard at first, great during the day and slushy in the afternoon)
3. We had a lot of free time as there are not many clients about on a Sunday. Most of the British and Irish clients are on change over on Sundays.
The number of people expected to be skiing for the remainder of the season is less than last year. This means a lot more space for those who come to ARINSAL. All we are waiting for is a fresh fall of snow to make it perfect. It also means that there are great bargains to be had. For instance the HOTEL PALARINE, where I stay is offering, Dinner, Bed and Full English Breakfast for 20 Euros per night per person, from 31st March until the end of the season. That is a lot cheaper than I am paying. Maybe I should check out then take up the offer, if there is room.
Anyone coming here late in the season will find that the all ski shops have great offers on this season’s equipment and clothes. Just be aware that Andorra is not in the E.U. so restrictions do apply. Hope to see some of you soon.
1, The wide open spaces. Since the school half term finished the slopes have been very quiet.
2, The snow was in very good condition. However this week has been warm and the conditions could now be described as Spring Snow. (Hard at first, great during the day and slushy in the afternoon)
3. We had a lot of free time as there are not many clients about on a Sunday. Most of the British and Irish clients are on change over on Sundays.
The number of people expected to be skiing for the remainder of the season is less than last year. This means a lot more space for those who come to ARINSAL. All we are waiting for is a fresh fall of snow to make it perfect. It also means that there are great bargains to be had. For instance the HOTEL PALARINE, where I stay is offering, Dinner, Bed and Full English Breakfast for 20 Euros per night per person, from 31st March until the end of the season. That is a lot cheaper than I am paying. Maybe I should check out then take up the offer, if there is room.
Anyone coming here late in the season will find that the all ski shops have great offers on this season’s equipment and clothes. Just be aware that Andorra is not in the E.U. so restrictions do apply. Hope to see some of you soon.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Number One Report.
RETURNING GUESTS. On the chair lift, I met a lady on her seventh visit to ARINSAL. I had taught her daughter to ski some years ago.. This had me thinking about returning guests. Last Sunday evening, in the RED X bar I met three lovely young ladies, ALEX, MICHELLE and VICKI, all from CANNOCK. I remembered them from my beginners’ class two years ago. I recall that they did like to party but never missed their class. MATT (Dingo) had helped them last season and he joined us for a drink. During the conversation, they told me that they were not keen on the 10 am start, so we arranged that they would be in the 12 noon class and were placed in the class of my good friend, Sean, a fun loving instructor. They very much enjoyed their week and MICHELLE came first in the class race. The last time I saw them, they were in the ORIENT EXPRESS, an excellent Chinese restaurant beneath the RED X bar. They were surrounded by plates of Thai Crayfish Tails, Spicy King Prawns, Spring Rolls and three instructors.
STEVE and KRYSTYNA, whom I had mentioned in earlier reports are returning on the 16th of March. This will be her sixth and his second visit to Arinsal.
If anyone reading this is a returning guest, why not add a comment? I am sure that people would be interested in your views.
STEVE and KRYSTYNA, whom I had mentioned in earlier reports are returning on the 16th of March. This will be her sixth and his second visit to Arinsal.
If anyone reading this is a returning guest, why not add a comment? I am sure that people would be interested in your views.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Number One Report.
SKIING HOLIDAY. That phrase consists of two words. The first word “Skiing” is very important but the second word is also important. I believe that the whole holiday should be enjoyed. However sometimes over indulgence during the holiday can ruin your skiing.
Two of my clients did not turn up for the beginners class on Tuesday, due to get overcooked on the Monday Night Pub Crawl.. When they turned up for their lesson the following day, they found that the class had all progressed so much, that they could not keep up with the others in the group. Obviously it is not fair to hold up the whole class because some people have over indulged so they left the class. Sometimes, we are able to find a very slow group with room to take these people, but it is not always possible.
Progress during the first three days of lessons is so fast, with a very steep learning curve. So when clients miss a day, they cannot rejoin their class, unless we can find another group with a suitable level and space. It means that they have virtually left ski school. They can book private lessons if they want to catch up with their group or just do their own thing. So be warned, be sensible with your evening entertainment if you want to enjoy your skiing. Even better skiers cannot ski well with a hangover, I should know!
I am not against having a drink, after all it is YOUR holiday and you should enjoy it which ever way you choose without being lectured to by a boring old fart. I am only trying to explain the consequences of missing lessons during the first three days of your holiday.
I have had three really great nights in my hotel: THE PALARINE, New Year’s Eve,Burns’ Night and the Chinese New Year. Living in the hotel meant that I only had a very short distance to stagger to bed. Now they are talking about hiring an Irish band for St Patrick’s Day. Instructors have to be fit not only for skiing but for the après ski as well. I do a lot of training, to be able to enjoy the evening and still ski the next day. After all it is a working day for me but it is YOUR holiday. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY AND THE SKIING.
Two of my clients did not turn up for the beginners class on Tuesday, due to get overcooked on the Monday Night Pub Crawl.. When they turned up for their lesson the following day, they found that the class had all progressed so much, that they could not keep up with the others in the group. Obviously it is not fair to hold up the whole class because some people have over indulged so they left the class. Sometimes, we are able to find a very slow group with room to take these people, but it is not always possible.
Progress during the first three days of lessons is so fast, with a very steep learning curve. So when clients miss a day, they cannot rejoin their class, unless we can find another group with a suitable level and space. It means that they have virtually left ski school. They can book private lessons if they want to catch up with their group or just do their own thing. So be warned, be sensible with your evening entertainment if you want to enjoy your skiing. Even better skiers cannot ski well with a hangover, I should know!
I am not against having a drink, after all it is YOUR holiday and you should enjoy it which ever way you choose without being lectured to by a boring old fart. I am only trying to explain the consequences of missing lessons during the first three days of your holiday.
I have had three really great nights in my hotel: THE PALARINE, New Year’s Eve,Burns’ Night and the Chinese New Year. Living in the hotel meant that I only had a very short distance to stagger to bed. Now they are talking about hiring an Irish band for St Patrick’s Day. Instructors have to be fit not only for skiing but for the après ski as well. I do a lot of training, to be able to enjoy the evening and still ski the next day. After all it is a working day for me but it is YOUR holiday. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY AND THE SKIING.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Number One Report.
VILLAGE PEOPLE. This week I thought I would mention some of the Village People that you may meet during your stay in ARINSAL. At the top of the hill is the SAN ANDREU, famous for it’s ”Curryoke” (sic) night, run by two ex ski instructors, SIMON and the much more lovely KIRSTY. If you are ever in the QUO VADIS, you will be served a shot by KEVIN, a very hospitable South African from Scottburgh. His very attractive team includes a very vivacious blonde, CHLOE. Across the road is EL CAU, famous for the Friday Seventies Night. CARLOS runs a very effective team which includes the long serving ALICIA.
EL DERBI, which attracts a lot of Irish guests, is run by South African twins, DEAN and DARREN. After knowing them for about ten years I still get confused when I meet them separately, but can correctly identify them when they are together.
Behind the bar of THE RED X, a bar popular with ski instructors, is TIGGER, who is from Hartlepool. He has a monkey above the bar. For those who are unaware, a monkey is the mascot of Hartlepool F.C. and in a typical piece of English eccentricity, the guy who plays the monkey was elected as Mayor of Hartlepool. What makes the story even better, he was re-elected for a second term.
Down at the bottom of the hill in Erts is the HOTEL PALARINE, where I stay. GRAHAM and STUART run a very friendly team which includes the vibrant and curveious TINA, who is from Argentina, and looks absolutely fabulous when she wears hear Chinese outfit when serving in the BAMBU restaurant.
I apologise to the many other friendly staff in ARINSAL that I have failed to mention but they all know that I love them all.
EL DERBI, which attracts a lot of Irish guests, is run by South African twins, DEAN and DARREN. After knowing them for about ten years I still get confused when I meet them separately, but can correctly identify them when they are together.
Behind the bar of THE RED X, a bar popular with ski instructors, is TIGGER, who is from Hartlepool. He has a monkey above the bar. For those who are unaware, a monkey is the mascot of Hartlepool F.C. and in a typical piece of English eccentricity, the guy who plays the monkey was elected as Mayor of Hartlepool. What makes the story even better, he was re-elected for a second term.
Down at the bottom of the hill in Erts is the HOTEL PALARINE, where I stay. GRAHAM and STUART run a very friendly team which includes the vibrant and curveious TINA, who is from Argentina, and looks absolutely fabulous when she wears hear Chinese outfit when serving in the BAMBU restaurant.
I apologise to the many other friendly staff in ARINSAL that I have failed to mention but they all know that I love them all.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Number One Report.
Last Wednesday I was in the RED X listening to TREVOR, playing his guitar and singing requests from a rather lively group of Irish skiers. During that evening I danced with a lovely blonde Irish girl called Debbie. She was wearing a figure hugging terracotta dress and calf length leather boots. She looked stunning. This made me think about an earlier report, when I complained, that for five months, I do not get any real ale to drink. Another thing that we miss out here is ladies’ legs. On the slopes they wear ski pants and in the evenings sensible trousers or jeans. Ladies, if you pack a dress and bring suitable shoes that you can carry in a bag to the bars, I can guarantee that you will receive a lot of attention from instructors and other deprived workers.
Every Friday, weather permitting, the ski school holds slalom races. Each instructor has a “gold?” medal to award to the member of his group, who completes the slalom course in the fastest time. The intermediate course is set on Les Fonts, by the very popular Floppy, who trains Argentine boy racers during our summer. The beginners’ course is set near the nursery slope just above the Refugi restaurant and is much easier. These races are filmed and shown in various bars in the evening. This is a very popular event and the bars can get quite crowded during après ski. Many people go on to the Seventies night above El Cau, to hear sounds from the seventies and to watch the Full Monty. Sometimes there are not as many people on the ski slopes on Saturday morning, due to a little over indulgence. But that is another story.
Every Friday, weather permitting, the ski school holds slalom races. Each instructor has a “gold?” medal to award to the member of his group, who completes the slalom course in the fastest time. The intermediate course is set on Les Fonts, by the very popular Floppy, who trains Argentine boy racers during our summer. The beginners’ course is set near the nursery slope just above the Refugi restaurant and is much easier. These races are filmed and shown in various bars in the evening. This is a very popular event and the bars can get quite crowded during après ski. Many people go on to the Seventies night above El Cau, to hear sounds from the seventies and to watch the Full Monty. Sometimes there are not as many people on the ski slopes on Saturday morning, due to a little over indulgence. But that is another story.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Number One Report.
Today, Sunday is change over day for the British and Irish. So there is very little work for us. Steve the horse, the lovely Corinne and I went skiing and enjoyed the quiet slopes and the good condition of the snow. We all enjoyed the black and red gullies down from the Pic Negre. The weather has been warm for the past week and the conditions are similar to March. Firm to start with, then very good until late afternoon when it becomes very heavy. We stopped about 3pm.
In the ski school race on Friday, special K did win her fifth medal by narrowly beating Chris, a young man with the potential to become an instructor. Well done Krystyna, not bad for a young glamorous grandmother. During my free time I enjoyed several runs with her and Jake.
There are a few more clients here this week. The numbers tend to build up until the school half term. If you do not have children try to avoid going skiing on the 10th and 17th February. Either come on the 3rd or wait until 24th. The atmosphere is entirely different during half term. The slopes are very crowded and the bars have children in them in the early evening and are very quiet at night. There are very few young single people in the resort during than period, except for a few groups of teachers.
We could do with some new snow or a few cold days so that we can make some.
On Friday we had a very successful Burns Supper in the HOTEL PALARINE. The dinner was fully booked and some others arrived for the dancing and poetry. Stuart, our convivial barman gave a spirited rendering of Burns’“The Henpecked Husband”. The Burns Party at the RED X BAR, was much quieter, which made the dancing much more comfortable. Those that did attend enjoyed their evening and I was grateful for a fairly early end to the night.
In the ski school race on Friday, special K did win her fifth medal by narrowly beating Chris, a young man with the potential to become an instructor. Well done Krystyna, not bad for a young glamorous grandmother. During my free time I enjoyed several runs with her and Jake.
There are a few more clients here this week. The numbers tend to build up until the school half term. If you do not have children try to avoid going skiing on the 10th and 17th February. Either come on the 3rd or wait until 24th. The atmosphere is entirely different during half term. The slopes are very crowded and the bars have children in them in the early evening and are very quiet at night. There are very few young single people in the resort during than period, except for a few groups of teachers.
We could do with some new snow or a few cold days so that we can make some.
On Friday we had a very successful Burns Supper in the HOTEL PALARINE. The dinner was fully booked and some others arrived for the dancing and poetry. Stuart, our convivial barman gave a spirited rendering of Burns’“The Henpecked Husband”. The Burns Party at the RED X BAR, was much quieter, which made the dancing much more comfortable. Those that did attend enjoyed their evening and I was grateful for a fairly early end to the night.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Number One Report.
This week I have had a group of “advanced beginners” and a few private lessons. This had me thinking, which is best? Group or private lessons? Being in a group is very good for someone on their own. It is a great way to meet other people of a similar level. However to improve your skiing there is no doubt that a private lesson is best. YOU will have the undivided attention of you instructor, rather than it be shared with a dozen others. The speed will be suitable for YOU, not constantly being adjusted to suit the inevitable difference in abilities of 12 people. There is no pressure to keep up with the others, the only objective would be to improve your own standard of skiing.
There was a lovely lady in my group who skied well but lacked confidence in her own ability. She booked a one hour private lesson with my good friend, the very attractive Corrine. The next morning this lady was skiing as well as anyone in the group and not staying at the back, a long distance behind the others. I am positive that it was that one hour lesson with Corrine that totally transformed the lady’s skiing.
I had a private lesson with a client in his 60’s. He had been skiing for some years and had become used to skiing around the mountain safely and enjoying himself. But is parallel turns were a succession of skids. Before the lesson had finished, he was edging his skis and carving his turns instead of skidding.
The choice is yours. You can enjoy the company and fun of a group lesson or if you want to improve you skiing rapidly, go for private lessons. After all it is YOUR holiday, so enjoy yourself.
There was a lovely lady in my group who skied well but lacked confidence in her own ability. She booked a one hour private lesson with my good friend, the very attractive Corrine. The next morning this lady was skiing as well as anyone in the group and not staying at the back, a long distance behind the others. I am positive that it was that one hour lesson with Corrine that totally transformed the lady’s skiing.
I had a private lesson with a client in his 60’s. He had been skiing for some years and had become used to skiing around the mountain safely and enjoying himself. But is parallel turns were a succession of skids. Before the lesson had finished, he was edging his skis and carving his turns instead of skidding.
The choice is yours. You can enjoy the company and fun of a group lesson or if you want to improve you skiing rapidly, go for private lessons. After all it is YOUR holiday, so enjoy yourself.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Number One Report.
We had a nice fall of snow on Friday night and some on a blustery Saturday. Sunday was my day off and when I awoke, there was a bright clear blue sky. I had a quick breakfast and rushed up to the slopes. The snow was light and powdery and there were very few people on the pistes, so I had a great morning’s skiing. All the gullies from the top of the PIC NEGRE were open and we made the most of the quiet slopes. I finished early and went to the HOTEL PALARINE for a late Sunday Lunch. Roast beef and roast pork with all the trimming, washed down with a couple of bottles of Fuller’s London Pride. I felt very pleased with my day and I still had time for a quick “siesta” to refresh me for the evening.
If there are any “Jocks” coming to Arinsal for next week, we have a treat for them. There will be two nights to celebrate the birth of Robert Burns. On Friday the 25th The HOTEL PALARINE will be holding a Burns’ Supper with Haggis , Roast beef, smoked salmon and other Scottish fayre. There will be live music and Scottish country dancing. It is surprising just how many instructors are now expert at “Strip the Willow” and “The Eightsome Reel”. It would only be fair to point out, that they all ski a lot better than they dance!
On Saturday 26th, the RED X bar will hold their long established Burns’ Party. This is a very informal occasion, where people are encouraged to bring finger food to share. Haggis, by it’s nature, does not make good finger food so plates and forks are provided. There is usually wild and energetic dancing, fuelled mainly by Whisky and San Miguel. Last year we had six nationalities dancing in one Eightsome reel. Both nights promise to be great fun.
If there are any “Jocks” coming to Arinsal for next week, we have a treat for them. There will be two nights to celebrate the birth of Robert Burns. On Friday the 25th The HOTEL PALARINE will be holding a Burns’ Supper with Haggis , Roast beef, smoked salmon and other Scottish fayre. There will be live music and Scottish country dancing. It is surprising just how many instructors are now expert at “Strip the Willow” and “The Eightsome Reel”. It would only be fair to point out, that they all ski a lot better than they dance!
On Saturday 26th, the RED X bar will hold their long established Burns’ Party. This is a very informal occasion, where people are encouraged to bring finger food to share. Haggis, by it’s nature, does not make good finger food so plates and forks are provided. There is usually wild and energetic dancing, fuelled mainly by Whisky and San Miguel. Last year we had six nationalities dancing in one Eightsome reel. Both nights promise to be great fun.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Last year we held a very successful Burns’ Night in the RED X bar. Two clients, who attended this party are returning this year. Due to a gap in TV production JAKE, who was here with his brother also called JAKE, is going to spend two weeks here to include Burns night. He will arrive on Sunday. His stay will overlap with SPECIAL K “, who is another fan of Burns night. This will be SPECIAL K’s 5th visit to ARINSAL. This remarkable and popular lady has won her ski school race on her 4 previous visits. Can she make it 5 in a row? Watch this space for the answer. This year she is bringing her man on his first ever skiing holiday. The ARINSAL Ski School are excellent at helping first time skiers to enjoy the sport. We all hope that Steve becomes another fan of ARINSAL and will return on many occasions in the future.
ARINSAL has a large amount of clients returning each season. This is particularly the case with our many Irish guests.
Now for some information for our first time visitors;
A frequently asked question is,“What group should I join?
The answer is fairly obvious if you have never put on skis. You go to the beginner’s class.
If you have skied before and when you stand outside the ski school and look to the right, you will see a 4 seat chair lift. If you can safely ski underneath it, you should go to the intermediate groups, where you will be graded and put into a suitable class. In Arinsal we have levels 1, 2 and 3 for intermediate skiers.
The problem group are those people who have skied before but do not feel confident enough to join the intermediate group. They should go to the dry slope/ advanced beginner’s group. This applies to people who have had two hours on a plastic slope or went skiing 35 years ago with the school and anyone in between. I have this group this week. We spend a little time classifying these clients to make 3 or 4 different levels.
Skiing is like falling off a bicycle or eating cucumber. It soon comes back to you.
ARINSAL has a large amount of clients returning each season. This is particularly the case with our many Irish guests.
Now for some information for our first time visitors;
A frequently asked question is,“What group should I join?
The answer is fairly obvious if you have never put on skis. You go to the beginner’s class.
If you have skied before and when you stand outside the ski school and look to the right, you will see a 4 seat chair lift. If you can safely ski underneath it, you should go to the intermediate groups, where you will be graded and put into a suitable class. In Arinsal we have levels 1, 2 and 3 for intermediate skiers.
The problem group are those people who have skied before but do not feel confident enough to join the intermediate group. They should go to the dry slope/ advanced beginner’s group. This applies to people who have had two hours on a plastic slope or went skiing 35 years ago with the school and anyone in between. I have this group this week. We spend a little time classifying these clients to make 3 or 4 different levels.
Skiing is like falling off a bicycle or eating cucumber. It soon comes back to you.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Number one tells his story for the New Year
New Year weak is now over. I saw the New Year in at the Palarine Hotel. We had a magnificent buffet followed by an inclusive bar and fancy dress party. The hotel helped with the fancy dress and I think that less than half a dozen were not in costume. I wore my infamous Speedos as a beach bum. No one abused the bar, I did not see anyone totally drunk, but then I did not see anyone over 18 totally sober. A great night. I met my morning group at 9-30 am. All 12 were waiting for me. Well done guys. Most of the group were Irish and I think that was a great turn out for New Years day. Wednesday and Thursday brought some welcome snow. On thursday the roads were very slippy. In fact I walked back to my hotel in in my 20 minute walk I saw 4 vehicle (including the ski bus) in various ditches. The skiing on Friday was superb. Fresh snow and a clear blue sky. Absolutely marvellous.
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