However, winter holidays do not come cheap. We ask the experts for the best ways to save on everything from accommodation to lift passes and food.
When to go
"Avoiding peak periods over Christmas, New Year’s Eve, February half-term and Easter holidays means fewer crowds and less competition for accommodation and flights," says Marcus Blunt, co-founder of ski holiday operator Heidi. “January and March are the cheapest months while still enjoying excellent snow conditions.”
For families confined to school holiday periods, the choice is more limited and the advice is to go later.
“Why not ski over the Easter break?” Victoria McLean, of Ski Independence, says. “Prices are lower, the days are longer, making for a more leisurely pace and more time on the slopes, and it’s that little bit warmer – making sunny après-ski all the more likely.”
You can also save by going for fewer days. “If you have a tight budget a shorter ski break is a great option,” says Mr Blunt. “For example, booking four nights rather than seven will still give plenty of time to ski but will naturally save on accommodation, lift passes, ski hire and often flight prices.”
Resort choice
Alexandra Armand, of Tip Top Ski CoachingAlexandra Armand
One of the biggest ways to save is to pick a cheaper resort. “Some resorts are globally very expensive, such as Val-d’Isère, whereas those like Les Deux Alpes are much more reasonably priced for everything: lift passes, food and drink and accommodation,” says Alexandra Armand, who runs Tip Top Ski Coaching.
“Quieter resorts can also mean less time queuing and a more chilled-out experience,” says Mr Blunt. “For example, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (both Savoie) give you access to the magnificent Trois Vallées ski area without the premium price tag of their bigger resort neighbour, Val Thorens.”
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Ms McLean adds: “Montgenèvre in Hautes-Alpes is a brilliant option and offers excellent value both on and off the slopes – a six-day lift pass here comes in at only £249 per person. It’s at a snow sure altitude and there’s a huge amount of skiing – plus you can pop over to Italy for lunchtime pizza. Flaine (Haute Savoie) is another great choice with many options for self-catering.”
You can also keep costs down by choosing a destination with proximity to rail links, says Ms McLean.
“For example, Les Arcs (Savoie) can be easily accessed from Bourg-Saint-Maurice via the funicular railway that departs within walking distance of the railway station and reaches the village of Arc 1600 in less than 10 minutes. It is included in a Les Arcs lift pass.”
Lift passes
Lift passes can “differ massively” depending on the resort or ski area, warns Mr Blunt. “For example, a six-day pass for Isola (Alpes-Maritimes) costs £171, compared to £386 for a six-day Trois Vallées pass.”
Many resorts will offer discounts for older skiers; the Tignes and Val d’Isère ski area (Savoie) offers a ‘senior price’ for people aged 65-74 and free lift passes for over-75s.
In some resorts, booking lessons will entitle you to a slightly reduced price on a lift pass.
Clothing and equipment
Check whether family and friends have any pieces you could borrow, or rent clothing and equipment at the resort. Booking online rather than walking in will usually ensure a lower price.
“Your ski instructor will also usually have a deal with a ski shop,” says Ms Armand.
Food
“Choosing self-catering is a big cost saving – even more so if you’re travelling as a family. In the year to date, we’ve seen a 50% increase in our self-catering bookings compared to last year,” says Mr Blunt.
“My advice would be to ask your instructor for restaurant recommendations and even to make bookings for you,” says Ms Armand.
“And remember that water is paid for on the mountain as there is no safe drinking water available. Make sure you have a bottle with you during the day as buying it adds up quickly for a family of four!”
Bank charges
Finally, hidden charges can add further to your total spend on holiday.
“ATMs and paying by UK cards can incur charges and do not always give the best exchange rates. I’d recommend a Revolut, Monzo or equivalent card to allow for exchange to euros and spending in the resort,” says Ms Armand.
Reader tips
“The Pyrenees is your best bet. A ski holiday is expensive but at least in the Pyrenees you’ll find it more informal, friendly and a lot kinder on the bank balance.” - AH
“Book skis online rather than pay the ‘walk-in’ rate on arrival. And take a picnic in a rucksack rather than pay for lunch on the slopes. Lovely as having lunch in a restaurant is, it does add up.” - RP
“Ski passes are often cheaper after midday and run to the close of lifts. Take ‘brunch’ instead of lunch or eat an enormous chalet breakfast.” - JW
“In Haute-Savoie, look for Praz de Lys - Sommand, Plaine Joux or Les Brasses. However, they tend to be lower, so check for snow records. Cross-country skiing is also a lot cheaper than downhill, in case it takes your fancy. Look for Agy near Saint-Sigismond.” - SR
“If you’re booking your holiday early and know where you will ski, check lift prices to see if they do early purchase deals.” - CM
“There is cheap public transport to local ski stations Auron and Isola 2000 (both Alpes-Maritimes).” - DS
