Cheap Ski Guide
Skiing’s not cheap but there are ways to save money when booking, before you go and whilst you are there. Here are some tips:
When Booking
Book in advance – if you are well prepared booking a flight via Easyjet and then your hotel or chalet direct can save money, but only if you book well in advance. Otherwise ski packages, that offer fully catered board are very good value for money.
Last minute deals – a no brainer but if you are more flexible with your dates and where you would like to go booking up near your date of departure can save hundreds of pounds.
Go Self Catering – not everyone’s idea of a holiday but it is possible to hire a chalet in the most expensive resorts for around £500 for 4 people. Then take a trip to the budget supermarket for a whole week’s cooking. A great way to sae money.
Free ski passes for kids – many ski operators offer free ski passes for children under the age of 11, so look out for this when booking. Crystal Ski offer this and also packages that include boot hire, lift pass and ski tuition.
Take the coach – if you want to go to the French Alps, SkiBusUK offer a £100 return ticket to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Look out for special offer as this has also been at £50. This provides access to Tignes, Val d’Isere, Les Arcs, Val Thorens, La Plagne and Les Trois Vallées ski area (via Moûtiers). Once at Bourg-Saint-Maurice you will need to get a taxi to your resort, however if you fancy going to Les Arcs you can actually stay in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and take the Funicular to Les Arcs resort every day which only takes 7 minutes.
Lower profile resorts – skiing is no doubt expensive but by choosing up and coming resorts or resorts that aren’t as popular you can save money. Resorts in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe are famously cheap but more offer less skiing options.
Before You go
Pre book ski hire before you go to save money – By looking around on the internet before traveling you can find the best value hire shop in the resort, rather than going to the first shop you see. Many hire shops offer discounts when you book online, try Skiset to start with.
Free ski passes for kids – many ski operators offer free ski passes for children under the age of 11, so look out for this when booking. www.crystalski.co.uk offer this and also packages that include boot hire, lift pass and ski tuition.
Saving money whilst you are there
Make packed lunches – Although it is nice to eat in mountain restaurants they are very expensive and generally poor value for money. A good idea is to make a packed lunch with snacks and just stop for the occasional hot chocolate to have a rest.
Après ski – if you are out for a good time, make use of the happy hours usually from around 4pm. Most bars have these and although it will be busy get in as many jugs you can fit on the table. Most people go for the happy hour and will then make their way back to their accommodation for drinks from the shops before heading out again. Beware of some nightclubs in the popular resorts, as they will literally charge the earth for some drinks; a friend of mine once paid 24 Euros for a red bull and single vodka in Verbier, only to find the minimum spend on card was 25 Euros!
Total Ski Budget Ski Guide – top tips on saving money before you go and while you’re there!