We are heading into the prime time for those who like to ski and many will be planning their New Year breaks to the snow-topped mountains ready for a week on the slopes. My brother went snowboarding for the first time recently and is now hooked and planning another winter holiday.
However, ski holidays are notoriously expensive. This is in part due to equipment hire and lift passes, all of which makes this a more expensive holiday option. Thankfully Holidu, the search engine for holiday homes, has done the hard work for you. They have researched and produced a round-up of the cheapest ski holiday destinations in Europe.
If you have never skied before then read this as it is never too late to learn!
France 1. Thollon les Mémises – £35
Nestled between Lake Geneva and the Mémises mountains you will find the Thollon les Mémises ski resort. Located in the village of Real Savoyard, this is the perfect location for a family-friendly holiday on a budget, with a variety of activities on offer including a ski school for kids to take lessons at and cross country tracks. A trip here will only cost you £21 for the day ski pass and £14 per person for accommodation. Total ski area: 50km Recommended for: beginner and intermediate
2. Hirmentaz/Les Habères – Bellevaux/Habère-Poche – £37
The second French location is another one that is ideal for the whole family, and a place where you will definitely get more for your money. The ski stations of Hirmentaz, in the Bellevaux commune and Domaine des Habères, in the commune of Habère-Poche, link together giving you access to all of the ski areas they both offer. Only costing £22 for your day ski pass and £15pp for your accommodation, this location is cheap and cheerful. Total ski area: 50km Recommended for: beginner and intermediate.
3. Arêches (Beaufort) – £41
Last up on our list for France is a charming, eco-responsible ski village which is overlooked by the stunning Mont Blanc. With 50km of mixed ability ski runs, numerous off-piste natural areas for the thrill seekers and a Freestyle Snow Park, this resort definitely has something to suit everyone. Also, there is no need to worry about snowfall levels here, as this resort boasts one of the highest annual snowfalls in the entire Alps. A daily ski pass costs only £26 and holiday rental for a night £15pp.
Italy 1. Riserva Bianca – Limone Piemonte – £56
First up for Italy is the amazing Riserva Bianca resort, which is home to a mighty 80km of ski km and is known to be one of the most complete ski resorts you will find in the Southern Alps. Snowboarders will love it here due to the wide width of the runs, allowing you plenty of space to shred and carve your way down the slopes. A ski pass will cost £30 and home for the night £26pp, making this our cheapest Italian resort this year. Total ski area: 80km Recommended for: intermediate skiers and snowboarders
2. Pragelato – £68
At first glance this Italian village may seem like your average ski resort, but Pragelato has a number of very special features that make it a must-see for all mountain lovers. Firstly, it has its own links to sporting history: it was a major host location for many events during the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics! Secondly, Pragelato is linked via a modern cable car system to Via Lattea, also known as the Milky Way, which is one of the worlds largest ski domains. £31 for your ski pass and £37pp for an overnight stay. Total ski area: 50km Recommended for: intermediate skiers and snowboarders
3. Aprica – £59
Head to Aprica and you will not be disappointed – here you will find slopes to accommodate beginners taking to the slopes for the first time and seasoned professionals looking for some challenging runs. Just a two hour transfer drive from Milan airport, this a well-connected resort to reach. Still coming in cheap at £34 for ski pass and £25 per person for a rental, Aprica is another affordable choice for this winter. Total ski area: 50km Recommended for: intermediate skiers and snowboarders .
How to Save Money on Ski Holidays
These locations offer better value for money for families looking to book a ski holiday. Other ways to save money on ski holidays include:
Take a packed lunched rather than eating out every lunchtime. More resorts have picnic areas now in which you can eat together and save money on expensive burger and chip meals!
You can also save money on flights if you drive so it is worth looking at those options when booking.
Buy your ski wear from outlets or out of season to get the best offers. Aldi always have a great range of base layers available and are much cheaper. Ask friends if it is your first ski adventure and borrow clothes until you know that you will be going skiing again.
Let us know how else you have saved money on ski holidays.
