Dreaming of an amazing ski break but worried about breaking the bank? Don’t fret – there’s plenty of ways to ski on a budget and still enjoy the slopes in all their glory.
From knowing when to book, to the best places to go to save some pounds, we’ve got just the tips to help you get away to snowy scenes without spending a fortune.
Opt for a lesser-known resort
The most famous or well-known resorts tend to be the most popular, which means they’re also the most expensive. If you opt for one that’s less well known, or perhaps just smaller, you’ll get the benefits of bagging a bargain, and encountering less crowds!
Sometimes, you’ll still get access to all the same slopes as the big resorts too – for example, with The Three Valleys in France. Courchevel and Val Thorens are the most popular and therefore the most pricey, so opt for lesser known Les Menuires and you’ll get to experience the same spectacular slopes but in a quieter location and for less.
You can also save big by changing things up from the big-name ski countries like France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy by opting for the likes of Bulgaria or Andorra. You won’t be cutting your experiences short – these destinations still boast amazing slopes, top-notch ski schools and all-out apres-ski. The prices of food and drink are generally much lower in these locations too, so you’ll likely save a small fortune when you’re there!
Go out of peak season
Knowing when to go is a sure-fire way to help you save! Going at the very start or end of the ski season is usually always good value, as things are either just warming up (or cooling down!).
You’ll find most resorts get going in December, meaning you can often bag a brilliant deal if you can get away before the school holidays begin (usually the week before Christmas). Who wouldn’t enjoy getting away during this magical time – you’ll be able to take advantage of a fabulous festive atmosphere, posing for selfies with decorations dotted around your resort, marvellous markets and even special entertainment. It’s a win-win!
Once the kids are back to school in January, prices also take another dip – so you could bag yourself a new year getaway for less! This time of year generally has the best snow and fewest crowds – another great reason to book this time of year.
If you’d rather wait until later in the season, you can snap up a great deal in late March or April too. Not only will you bag some brilliant end-of-season savings, but you’ll also get to enjoy the early spring weather – which means plenty of apres in the sunshine! Make sure to pick a resort at high altitude in these months if you can, to ensure you get the best snow conditions possible.
If you’re tied to going away when the kids are off school, then we’d suggest choosing your ski holiday in either the Christmas or Easter school holidays – avoiding the half term week that pops up around February. The former school holidays are nearer the start and end of the ski season, which usually means they’re that bit cheaper.
Budgeting your Board Basis
When it comes to selecting your board basis, it all depends on how you like to budget. Would you prefer to have everything mostly paid for before you go, taking minimal spending money? Or do you want to find a great deal on your accommodation and budget when you’re out there?
If you’d like to pay more in the upfront cost of your holiday and spend less while you’re away, then picking a half-board hotel could be the way to go. This means your breakfast and evening meals are all included in the price of your getaway – allowing you to set yourselves up for the day from a delicious breakfast buffet.
You’ll have the freedom to decide what to do for lunch based around your plans for the day, and then come evening time you can look forward to getting back for a marvellous multi-course meal, often with mouth-watering cuisine local to your country, like a cheesy French fondue. Having most of your meals covered means you know where you stand with your budget before you even get away.
If you want to keep the purse strings a little tighter, and don’t mind budgeting while you’re away, then going for a self-catering accommodation could save you even more. There are great deals to be had on self catering options, which simply covers where you’ll be staying, and then it’s up to you to sort how and when you eat. In many ways, this gives you the most flexibility throughout your trip!
If you love whipping up your own meals then this option is perfect for you – you’ll be able to pop to the local supermarket and stock up on all the foods you’d like, giving you more control to keep costs down. The cheap produce available should mean you save plenty – and you’ll be eating food you’ve hand picked yourself. You can always still choose to enjoy a few meals out too, if your budget allows.
Keep an eye out for offers
This one might sound obvious – but it’s one that’s key! Great offers can pop up occasionally that can have you saving hundreds of pounds.
Keep an eye out for 2-for1 lift pass offers when booking your trip – these are a key component of your ski holiday and you simply can’t be without them. They’re quite literally your ticket to the slopes! They give you access to all the cable cars and chair lifts that’ll see you making your way up the mountain. Bagging a 2-for-1 offer would have you snapping up some big savings!
Sometimes families can even get themselves free lift passes for children, depending on the resort you’re in – so it’s worth looking into. The cut-off age is around 5 years old but in some places, like Arinsal in amazing Andorra, free lift passes apply for kids right up to 15.
Go easy if you’re a newbie
If it’s your first time taking to the slopes, then it’s important you pick the right options to suit you – this will help you not only to have the best experience, but to save on the purse strings too.
Like when it comes to selecting which lift pass to buy for example, you’ll often be given the choice of a local one (giving you access to the nearby slopes) or an area pass (which gives you access to the wider ski area). If you’re new to skiing then it’s best you stick to a local pass – you’re not likely to ski the whole area on your first trip, and as they’re cheaper this will give you some savings.
When it comes to hiring your equipment, you could make savings here too by making sure you select the right options. Opt for beginner bundles – such as entry level skis or board – which will be cheaper than the intermediate and advanced gear. You won’t notice any difference when you’re just starting out. Sometimes you can book ‘beginner bundles’, which include all your extras for one set price – this can often work out cheaper than booking everything separately.
Not spending a fortune when you’re there
There are plenty of free activities to do while on your spectacular ski holiday. We’re talking wonderful wintry walks through snowy scenes, taking a dip in the pool at your accommodation, letting off some steam in the sauna, watching resort-run shows and even enjoying torchlit descents put on by the local ski school.
Of course you can always enjoy some quality time together around the fire, getting toasty after a chilly day on the slopes, playing board games, eating and drinking away, and watching films together. Sometimes chilled evenings with your loved ones are just what you need after a hectic day!
We hope you’ve picked up some top tips for saving on your ski holiday – these amazing trips certainly don’t need to break the bank!
Facebook
Twitter
Email 
