Going on a ski holiday is expensive, especially for an entire family, between accommodation, equipment, passes and the cost of living on site. It is best to go outside school holidays when possible, periods when prices can be reduced by 50%, or during the much less busy Easter holidays. In any case, it is best to book your vacation well in advance to hope to reduce the bill. Otherwise, there are other tips for spending a ski holiday at a lower cost. A few leads.
To spend a ski holiday at a lower cost, it is better not to choose the big resorts, especially with the family. Renowned, very popular, often referred to as “luxury”, these resorts charge high prices for accommodation, catering, ski lifts or even rental and ski lessons. Smaller resorts, less known, but just as well equipped as the big ones, offer attractive prices. For families, some hold the “Family Plus” label which allows them to benefit from prices negotiated with accommodation, ski lessons for example. Beware of the cost of food at ski resorts where most of the time the prices are inflated compared to normal prices. It's best to leave with a full load of groceries when possible.
Finding affordable ski accommodation, especially during school holidays, is often impossible. If you are lucky enough to work in a company that has a works council, they very often offer unbeatable prices on rental accommodation. Moving away from the big resorts or their center also makes it possible to find much cheaper apartments or chalets. In terms of accommodation, house swapping or couchsurfing can also be alternative solutions so as not to have to pay huge sums.
Going skiing abroad is also an option to consider if you want to go at a lower cost. Countries like Slovenia, Poland or Romania are countries where ski resorts offer very affordable prices compared to major French resorts.
Buying a jumpsuit, ski pants or après-ski boots is essential, but these purchases increase the bill when you want to go on vacation in the mountains in winter. To avoid these heavy expenses, especially when you have children and for a short stay, you have to think about turning to family or friends to borrow these clothes. Swap shops or garage sales can also be good tips for equipping yourself at low prices.
When it comes to skiing equipment, many online ski rental shops offer discounts if you book in advance. You can also get information from the tourist offices of the ski resorts which sometimes offer attractive rates via global formulas for ski rental, packages and accommodation. Opting to rent equipment belonging to those around you or exchanging it for a service is much cheaper than renting your equipment in a shop on site.
Ski passes significantly inflate the cost of a ski vacation, especially at larger resorts. Not waiting to be there to buy them can save money. Sites like skipower.ski or cinesnowcard.com offer discounts on ski passes at many resorts. Also remember, if you are going on holiday with several people, to find out about group rates, which are more economical. Some resorts offer discounts for students, seniors, large families or the unemployed upon presentation of supporting documents.
On the other hand, before arriving in your station, do not hesitate to stop in the valley where the passes can sometimes be sold cheaper than at the foot of the slopes. Works councils also have interesting price offers in this area.
