FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General
Information
Do
I need to be an expert skier to come on Flügel Tours?
No.
The
skiing is very diverse and can be as easy or as adventurous as you desire.
Many people enjoy both mellow days on the groomed (piste) slopes or
go off-piste in the powder both in/out of the bounds of the resort.
No matter what your skiing level, you will have a blast and return a much
better skier than you came. And even if you are an expert level skier,
be aware that going off-piste can be dangerous if you don’t
know the terrain or are unprepared -- please consult your guide before
attempting on your own.
Can
I ski on my own?
Yes.
Clients are welcome to ski on their own at any time. Since après
ski is a daily occurrence in St. Anton and for Flügel Tours, we use it not only as a meeting point
at the end of the day but also for talking, laughing, drinking, dancing, singing, and having fun. However,
your participation is completely optional.
I
am a snowboarder, can I come?
Yes.
Snowboarders are welcome on both Austria and Italy trips but the terrain in
Italy is more suited for a snowboarder. In St. Anton snowboarding is becoming more popular but the area's topography is
not always ideal for boarding in the backcountry -- long run outs sometimes
force boarders to walk for 2-4km to get out (not fun!).
Is
it dangerous to ski in the Alps?
The
Alps are very avalanche prone to both natural and skier triggered slides.
Wear your avalanche transceiver if you have one even if you are not
skiing the backcountry. Please do not attempt to go off-piste without an avalanche
transceiver it can be extremely dangerous – and besides, no one would ski with
you sans beacon. If you have
an avalanche transceiver but do not know how to use it, please let us know and
we can review basic rescue procedures. You
can rent an avalanche transceiver when you are with a mountain guide but
otherwise you will need to buy one. We
can help you purchase one as well.
Are
airfare and ground transfers included in the package price?
No, airfare and
ground transportation to/from trip destinations are not included. By not
including air/ground transportation, our international clientele have the
flexibility to drive and the U.S. clients are able to use frequent flier
miles. However, winter is a great time to
travel to Europe as fares tend to be exceptionally low (R/T tickets can be as low as
$300) and deals are easy to find,
especially close to departure date. Flügel Tours will recommend flights
and ground transportation to clients.
How
much is does it cost to rent skis?
A
six-day test ski package costs approximately $120/€120. The fee is
partially waived if you purchase skis.
I
am a vegetarian, will I starve?
No, but it
is difficult to find food without meat. So eat a lot before coming if you are a vegetarian.
Just kidding, we will help
you read the menu for vegetarian dishes.
Are
there really no lift lines in Europe?
Yep.
Ski
lines in Europe are generally non-existent.
If you see space, fill it or someone else will!!!
Don’t get hung-up on your ski tops as you are bound to get them
walked on. You will get used to
it. And stay
close to your lift partner or you will lose them. This is especially important on the tram as only a
certain number get on and if you are lagging, everyone has to wait for you
at the top. We might not wait if
there is fresh powder.
What
happens if I loose my ski pass?
Do
not lose your ticket or forget it at home. These are electronic passes
and it is very difficult to replace these tickets and will waste half a day to
do so.
Can
I do laundry?
There
is no laundry in the apartments or hotel, so bring enough clothes to last you the week.
However, if you absolutely need it done let us know and we will ask one
of our gracious hosts if they can do it.
What
are the closest international airports for the Austria trip?
Zurich, Switzerland (3-hours by train) and Munich, German (4-hours by
train) are the closest major airports. It is also possible to fly into
Innsbruck, Austria, which is only 1.5 hours away by train but flights tend to be
less convenient. Ground transportation via train is the cheapest, most
convenient and perhaps the most enjoyable way to get to St. Anton. A Flügel
Host will greet you at the train station and escort you to the
accommodations. A private taxi can also be arranged for large groups
(Zurich Airport only).
What
are the closest international airports for the Italy trip?
Geneva, Switzerland
(1.5-hours via car) and Torino, Italy are (3-hours by
train) are the closest major airports. A group will also be leaving from
the Zurich, Switzerland airport that you can catch a ride with.
Valgrisenche can only be accessed by car so arrangements will be necessary
to meet a Flügel Host if you are taking a train to Aosta or
Courmayeur.
What
About Money?
In general, all you need is your ATM card
and you can withdraw up to $300/€300
per day. While you can buy
Euros before you leave the USA, there is no need. If you are traveling
through Switzerland, withdraw either a minimum amount from
the ATM or use your credit card to avoid
getting stuck with too many Swiss Francs.
What
documents do I need to bring?
Passport, credit card, ATM, copy of passport, insurance card or
copy.
Do
I need Insurance?
In most cases your
current insurance will cover you. However, if
you are interested in travel insurance to cover gaps in your current insurance
for mountain rescues (air lift) and extreme sports injuries (hospital, surgery,
rehab, etc.), check out Travel Guard at www.travelguard.com
or call 1-800-826-4919 (US only). The
cost is ~$50 for coverage up to 30 days. It is
advisable to inquire with
your Insurance carrier whether you are covered outside the U.S. in case of an
emergency (air evacuation, hospital, etc.).
What
ski clothes should I bring?
3 pairs of socks, 2 pair
long underwear tops & bottoms, ski/board pants, ski jacket, ski shirt,
fleece vest, fleece jacket, ski sweater, gloves, glove liners, ski hat, goggles,
sun glasses, sunscreen, neck gaiter, and chap stick. Try to bring clothes that will layer, as temperatures can
be extremely cold (0° F to 45° F).
What
ski gear should I bring?
It
is recommended you bring at least your ski/boarding boots and your board if
you are snowboarding. Test skis
(newest models) and poles can be easily rented through Team Jennewein Galzig
ski shop.
An avalanche
transceiver (Orthovox, Tracker) is required if you intend to ski off-piste in
the backcountry -- ski guides will not take you without one. You can
bring your own, buy one at a discounted price from from Team Jennewein sport shop
(~€200) or Flügel Tours will rent one for you.
Skiing
backpack, shovel and probe are optional but recommended if you have them
What
street/après
ski clothes should I bring?
I have no idea what
you like to wear but bring a pair of shoes you can go out in as well as walk
through the snow in, an extra warm jacket, extra hat,
bathroom stuff, electricity plug, etc.
We will be going to some nice restaurants where nice casual clothes (jeans and
sweater) are appropriate. You
do not need to bring towels, sleeping bags, etc.
What
should I leave behind?
Don’t
bring extra pairs of skis (you can usually rent a better pair of test skis from
our friends at the Galzig Ski shop). If
you insist on bringing skis, please bring only one pair.
What is a Flügel?
Flügel is German for the English word "wings." There is also a drink called a Flügel – the original Red Bull and vodka concoction. Drinking Red Bull, founded in Salzburg, Austria "gives you wings" and hence the drink's name Flügel. After an unbelievable powder day in 1998 and few rounds “Flügels” at the Krazy Kangaroo Bar, an idea was born: Flügel Tours.
If you have additional questions or comments that you cannot
get answered please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
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