Looking to book a ski holiday on a budget in 2019? From cheap accommodation options and choosing the right ski resort to finding ski gear at the right price, all you’ll have left to plan is which après-ski party to attend each night!
Top 10 tips for cheap ski holidays this winter
1. Find the cheapest flights
There’s no point in securing a place in a ski school or planning your après-ski outfit until you’ve found yourself affordable flights to your ski resort of choice! In order to find the best deals for a cheap ski holiday, set up a Skyscanner Price Alert, a free email service that lets you know when the cheapest flights are available. And it lets you book them within minutes.
Another way to save money on your flights is to check your chosen airline’s baggage policy. Getting stuck with a nasty fine at the airport due to overweight luggage is never the best way to start your dream holiday. While many budget airlines, such as Ryanair and easyJet, appear cheaper at first glance, once you add on their checked luggage fees you might be better choosing a slightly more expensive flight. British Airways, for example, allows one checked bag as part of the ticket price.
If you choose to fly with Ryanair, check out our guide to Ryanair hand luggage allowance and how to avoid the fees.
2. Choose alternative accommodation
One of the biggest expenses for people looking to book a ski holiday is the accommodation. You need to put those dreams of luxury cabins with hot tubs and five star resorts on hold if you plan on sticking to any sort of budget. Instead, book yourself into a hostel. With prices starting at just €23 per night for a bed in a dorm staying at a place like Gîte le Chamoniard Volant in the French Alps is the perfect option for spendthrifty skiers. With such opportunities to save money and make friends, who needs champagne and hot tubs?
3. For a cheap ski holiday, avoid the main resorts
In many of Europe‘s big ski resorts the price of accommodation, food and drink increases the closer you get to the centre of the action. To avoid extortionate prices, head to one of the satellite resorts, which will still give you access to the best of the slopes but at a much more reasonable price. In Switzerland, check out La Chable resort instead of Verbier. And swap Zermatt for Cervinia for a more affordable alternative ski destination. In France, book into Osiers resort close to the Three Valleys.
If, on the other hand, you decide to splurge, why not head to Dubai. Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East – and one of the best things to do in the city.
4. Don’t buy anything new
If it’s your first time hitting the slopes and you don’t own your own ski gear, fret not. You don’t have to spend hundreds of euros buying the most fashionable (and expensive) multi-coloured ski pants! Put your credit card back in your wallet and instead ask around your wider friend circle to see if anyone has gear you can borrow.
If you have no luck, charity shops in most of Ireland’s main cities and towns will have a few options. Or you can always head over to your nearest Aldi or Lidl, which often have the cheapest deals on winter clothing and ski gear. TK Maxx is another great option. Particularly if you’re adamant about having something new, but still don’t want to break the bank. If you’re heading away in February or March, you should be able to pick up lots of bargains in the January sales.
Looking for some on-piste action? We’ve got you covered with our list of fun and affordable February mid-term break holiday deals.
5. Bring a packed lunch
This one might seem pretty obvious, but bringing a packed lunch with you on to the mountainside is sure to save you upwards of €15 each day. Generally, restaurants on the slopes don’t serve high quality cuisine. And can still charge an arm and a leg simply because they’ve got a captured audience.
Avoid their crazy prices and buy food in the local stores, or village market, and have yourself a private picnic on the slopes away from the crowds. You will be guaranteed a more peaceful meal. And will probably have a spectacular view to go with it if you pick the right spot. Plus, think of all that mouth watering, freshly baked bread and french cheeses waiting to be devoured. Yum!
6. Get free lessons
If it’s your very first time either on skis or a snowboard, signing up for lessons is very important. Especially if you’re hoping to go home with all your limbs intact! Avoid paying for expensive tuition by signing up for a package that includes free lessons for beginners at the start of the holiday. Another option would be to bring along friends or family members who are much more experienced than you. They can give you some beginners lessons on day one in return for a few beers in the bar later that night.
7. Opt for afternoon lessons
If you resist the urge to jump out of bed bright and early, you may be able to save a little more money. As morning lessons are the most popular across the board, ski instructors charge less for afternoon lessons. Paying less and avoiding the morning crowds seems like a pretty good deal to us!
8. Choose your ski pass carefully
Buying a ski pass can be another big expense when booking a winter holiday. It’s important to consider your options carefully before purchasing in order to get the best value ski deal. The less days you’re on the main slopes, the less your pass will cost. Some resorts have baby slopes for beginners that you don’t have to pay to use. Another option would be to head off cross country for one or two days. These routes are totally free and give you the chance to see things from a new perspective.
9. Buy a season pass
Planning to take up skiing as new hobby, or decided to finally take it seriously? If you think you’ll be returning to the same resort many times this winter, buying a season pass will save you quite a lot of money. Not only is it cheaper than buying separate weekly ski passes, you will get other benefits such as 10% off food, drinks and clothing within certain resorts.
10. Ski holiday on a budget? Invite the grandparents
Clearly not an option for everyone, we thought we would include it anyway! If you’re planning a big ski holiday with the family, kids and all, inviting your parents to come along can actually save you money in many places. You can wave goodbye to the overpriced in-resort babysitters and cut the cost of your weekly food spending. You can even split the rent on a nice mountain chalet. Surely this is worth the sacrifice of feeling like you’re fifteen again on a family holiday?
Ski holidays in Switzerland 2019: Discover 5 fantastic ski resorts near Basel.
10 tips for booking a ski holiday on a budget 2019
| 1. Find the cheapest flights |
| 2. Choose alternative accommodation |
| 3. Avoid the main resorts |
| 4. Don’t buy anything new |
| 5. Bring a packed lunch |
| 6. Get free lessons |
| 7. Opt for afternoon lessons |
| 8. Choose your ski pass carefully |
| 9. Buy a season pass |
| 10. Invite the grandparents |
*Updated January 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but may subject to change and/or availability.
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