Skiing on a budget
Skiing doesn’t have to cost the earth and although all the hidden extras often add up to a painful bank balance, there are ways you can save money and still have a good time. Although once a sport primarily for the rich and famous, there is now a large market catering for people who love to ski but don’t have a trust fund to support their hobby.
- Ski in snow-sure resorts at off-peak times for really good deals. Christmas, New Year and School holidays (UK and European) drive prices right up
- Check out the top discounts from broker sites such as Iglu Ski and If You Ski for the biggest range of what’s out there
- Decide your resort and book your accommodation and budget flight as early as possible
- Avoid flying on Saturdays or Sundays (peak travel time to the Alps) – these are always the most expensive. Travel early morning or late at night if you must travel at the weekend
- If you need new ski clothes, check out discount shopping villages and the sales for cut-price attire (see Kitting out the kids)
- Travelling in a group will always get you a better deal – splitting the cost of accommodation and transfers and by getting bulk deals of ski hire and group lessons
- Ask your accommodation provider if they have any deals with any of the local hire shops – many can get 10% discount from their local shop
- Instead of eating at over-priced mountain huts, lunch in style by the side of the piste with a picnic of local cheese, bread and meats –all picked up cheaply at the supermarket
- If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, cook at home with the help of the local supermarkets and delis to save on restaurant bills.
- If you want some nights out, drinking cheaper supermarket booze before heading the expensive bars will fortify you for the usually shocking resort bar prices
