City Bonuses: Splurge, spend or save on a winter ski break

As City bonus time arrives once more, many workers are already planning ways to spend their windfalls – although a recent survey has shown that the majority are not expecting the bumper pay-outs of last year.

Since some workers will be looking for extravagant ways to blow their bonus and others will be hoping to treat themselves in a more frugal fashion, winter sports specialist Flexiski has put together some suggested ski break packages for city workers that will cater for whatever level of bonus they receive.

Flexiski specialises in tailor-made flexible breaks to some of Europe’s top resorts. The following packages have been suggested by the company’s expert staff in response to a city bonus predictions survey on website HereIsTheCity.com, which showed that 38.4% of city workers expected a lower bonus than last year; 17.6% felt it would be the same; whilst 30.9% expected a larger wad of cash. The remainder were unable to predict what their bonus would be. Over 3,000 staff voted in the survey.


For those expecting a bigger bonus – Unashamed indulgence in St Moritz

The world-famous Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is one of the most exclusive and extravagant properties in the glitzy Swiss ski resort of St Moritz. Flexiski will help you begin your ski break in style, with business or first class flights to Zurich followed by a helicopter transfer from airport to resort. It is easy to fill a week in St Moritz – so why not stay even longer? Flexiski does not restrict its clients to just seven- or 14-night bookings, so choose the departure and return dates that suit you.

As well as the fabulous skiing across half a dozen distinct ski areas, St Moritz hosts a number of spectacular events including horse-racing on ice; golf on a frozen lake; and an annual polo tournament at the end of January. City workers used to gambling with the company’s money might even want to take a chance with their own, in the St Moritz Casino.

Guests should also take the time to enjoy the on-site facilities at Badrutt’s Palace, which include seven gourmet restaurants (including Nobu); three bars and a nightclub; an ice rink and swimming pool; and the Daniela Steiner beauty spa, which offers a range of massage and beauty treatments.

Flexiski can tailor-make this blow-out ski trip as well as assisting clients with a number of in-resort services including booking restaurants, spa treatments and arranging lift passes, equipment rental or lessons as required.

For those expecting the same bonus as last year – celebrate in style in St Anton

St Anton resort in Austria is famed for its nightlife and guests staying at Flexiski’s Amalien Haus chalet will find themselves just a stone’s throw from all the main bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Sleeping up to 31 guests, the Amalien Haus is ideal for a group of friends wanting to spend some of their annual bonus on a group ski trip where they pound the slopes during the day as well as taking full advantage of the après ski.

St Anton enjoys excellent snow conditions throughout the season and is a good resort for intermediate and advanced skiers. Guests who would prefer to take lessons, or take their skills to the next level, should invest in a private instructor or expert off-piste guide – both of these can be booked with Flexiski. Fly business or economy class to Innsbruck or Zurich, from where Flexiski will arrange private resort transfers for the group to St Anton.

For those expecting less than last year – scrimp on flights, splash out on skiing

Flexiski prides itself on the quality of its ski breaks, offering hand-picked hotels and chalets in some of Europe’s most popular resorts. More budget-conscious travellers, including those who are pessimistic about this year’s bonus package, need not compromise on this quality when booking a Flexiski break, however. The company can offer various options for those wanting to book an upmarket, tailored ski break without breaking the bank.

For a start, Flexiski is not affiliated to one particular airline, meaning guests travelling to a resort such as Méribel could choose to fly with a low-cost carrier such as Easyjet to Geneva Airport. Flexible transfer options mean that bus, coach or minibus transfers can be arranged in place of helicopter or private taxi transfers from the airport. And for the best rates, why not book a short mid-week break, rather than a long weekend or week-long holiday?

Once in resort, Flexiski’s clients will benefit from the excellent, personal service at a catered chalet such as Méribel’s Chalet Leonardo. The cosy chalet sleeps up to 22 guests, with an open fireplace and an outdoor hot tub. A chalet manager and team of experienced staff are on hand to make the guests’ stay as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. And there is always a bit of room to treat yourself, so speak to Flexiski about what extra activities it can organise in-resort.

For more information on Flexiski’s breaks in France, Austria and Switzerland, visit flexiski.com.