Times are tough and many families are cutting out unnecessary extras this year, but there are ways to enjoy a ski holiday in Europe for less. Here’s how to save money without having to sacrifice fun on your budget-conscious winter ski holiday.
New Resorts
If skiing in Gstaad is beyond this year’s budget, choose an up-and-coming winter sports destination outside the traditional Alpine destinations. While France, Norway and Switzerland remain expensive, skiing in duty-free Andorra has its merits, along with Livigno in Italy. Choose self-catering holiday rentals in a small village on the outskirts of a popular ski area for lower prices and great skiing.
The biggest savings come by heading east to Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. Poiana Brasov in Romania offers incredible value with a week’s skiing including equipment and lift passes for under £200. Bankso in Bulgaria has had a multi-million pound investment providing excellent amenities and so far has retained its low prices.
Off-Peak Seasons
Christmas, New Year and school holidays inevitably command top prices, but outside those dates there are some great discounted offers. The cheapest times to ski are early and late season as snow conditions are less certain. By heading north or choosing a resort at a high elevation you will have the best chance of great skiing for the lowest price. Skiers in the off-peak season will also be able to negotiate discounts on lift passes and ski lessons as demand is lower.
Book Early or Late
Early bookers are usually drawn in by great deals and special incentives. If you are prepared to be flexible then wait until 2-3 weeks before departure and pick up a last-minute bargain. Singles and couples can usually drop lucky but large groups may have to book early. All-inclusive packages include lift passes, flights, ski rental and sometimes even food and drink with great savings.
Getting There for Less
Flights vary in price depending upon your choice of airport. Many resorts are accessible from two or three airports, so compare prices and choose the cheapest airport destination. Flying midweek usually offers lower flight costs. Although budget airlines offer low cost seats, adding luggage, skis and other fees can quickly turn a cheap flight into a costly one. Ryanair has some great deals at £20 each way, but they will charge an extra £80 to transport your skis there and back. EasyJet currently charges £37 each way for skis, however Swiss Air and Jet2 transport skis free on certain dates and Flybe, Bmibaby and Snowjet have more reasonable costs.
Families and groups of friends travelling together can save money by driving to the ski resort rather than flying, and you can take far more luggage and equipment as a result. Sea France has special offers of £19 one way for a car and four passengers from Dover to Calais. Total costs of petrol and the ferry crossings can be around £264 for a family, about one third the price of flying plus shuttle transfers with luggage and equipment. Eurostar is a great deal for singles from £149 return. It delivers passengers right to the resorts of Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-St-Maurice. You can even travel overnight by train, saving time and accommodation costs.
Shop Before you Go
Make sure you beg, borrow or cadge all the clothing you will need for your ski trip as even small items such as socks, gloves and sunglasses can be hugely expensive at the resort. You do not have to have the latest ski gear – layer up your winter woollies beneath a padded jacket from TKMaxx or Asda and you will be warm and cosy without spending a three-figure sum on ski wear.
Save Money on Accommodation
Although a fully serviced chalet is nice, a self-catering holiday apartment will work out much cheaper, especially if you share with family and friends. With a self-catering kitchen you can stock up at a French hypermarket along the way and prepare meals and snacks to save a fortune. Enjoy beer and drinks at home with your own après-ski party before hitting the nightclubs.
Equipment on a Shoestring
If you cannot borrow skis or a snowboard, consider buying second-hand equipment which you can sell later for the same cost as you paid for it. If you have to rent equipment, booking online and picking up your equipment on arrival can also save money.
By thinking outside the box you can still manage a ski holiday on a tight budget. Take the challenge and trim all unnecessary extras, choose a less popular resort, rethink transport and gear and you shall go to the piste, Cinderella!
