How to find cheap ski holidays

With the snow falling even in London, our thoughts are turning to this season’s ski holidays. But bearing in mind the economic climate, this isn’t the time to be spending big on the traditional ski package. Cheapflights has a few suggestions up its sleeve to help keep costs down, and enjoy a week on the piste.

Firstly, steer clear of those all-in-one chalet package holidays, which include airport transfers, ski hire and cake every tea time. Heading out by snow train, or booking flights to local airports and then arranging independent onward transfers can immediately save pounds.

Many low-cost airlines now fly to airports convenient for the slopes. See our travel tip on Ski Airports to work out which resorts you can reach from which European airports, details on who flies there and how to arrange onward transfer. Keep an eye on the seat sales for cheap flights, book your train ticket as soon as possible and you should be able to get out to the piste for next to nothing.

Look for a self-catering apartment in the resort, which can save hundreds of pounds on the cost of catered accommodation. Large, purpose-built apartments are always less popular than traditional wooden chalets and therefore cheaper. On arrival, do a big shop at the local supermarket and avoid eating out at restaurants. To really save money, pack a sandwich to take with you for lunch and avoid the often crippling costs of the mountainside restaurants. If this is a step too far, at least ski back into the bigger resorts for lunch.

Consider staying in a secondary resort, close enough to the larger traditional resorts to access the same pistes but cheaper than the exclusive primary resorts. For example, La Tania, in the Three Valley region, enjoys the same slopes as Courchevel and Meribel, though not the same status. As a result, accommodation here is significantly cheaper. If you don’t mind missing out on the nightlife and après ski of the major resorts – or you’re happy to catch a bus back afterwards – this can be a good way to save a lot of money. Check out Cheapflights’ travel guides to find information on resorts across Europe and North America such as Chamonix, Banff and Verbier.

If you’re travelling with children, pre-book ski-school before you arrive as this can often save money. And check out our travel tip on Family Ski Resorts to find the best destinations for the little ones.

Finally, pay attention to when you take your ski holiday. The most expensive times to hit the slopes are over the Christmas or New Year weeks and February half term. At the very start of the season, in early December, or the very end of the season, there are always bargains to be found, but be aware the snow might be patchy at these times.

© Cheapflights Ltd, Sabrina Wolfe

Have any other tips about how to save money on ski holidays? Let us know your suggestions by leaving a comment below

Comments

[Simon Walker]

I love skiing, and try to go as often as I can, which means I need to keep costs down. I've started going to the new resorts in Eastern Europe, like Borovets and they're pretty good. Not as many pistes, but wow, they are so much cheaper.

[Karen Mckinney]

Great advice. As an avid skier, I've always found it difficult to plan a cheap ski holiday, especially in Europe.