For many people the very mention of the phrase, ‘skiing vacation’ can bring immediate thoughts of, ‘expensive’ into their heads. Experienced skiers of course will be able to rid you of many misconceptions. Yes of course it depends on which resort you choose and what your aims may be. But skiing doesn’t have to be really expensive if you plan ahead, and in actual reality there are a great many bargains to be had in Europe especially France.
What’s the date?
If you can tinker with your dates and go skiing in the off peak season and away from school holidays then this will obviously give you a head start. You should also look online for bargain ski passes in order to save more money at these times. If you can find flights with a budget airline and don’t plan on carrying your own ski’s with you, then this too will benefit you greatly. Easy jet for example provide flights with many of the top French resorts in mind so shop around and you may just get a really good offer or two.
The Secret Is In the Packaging
If you’re savvy and know all about price discounts then you can save a lot by purchasing early bird ski passes especially in the French Alps. There are also discounts for families, students and the disabled, so there’s plenty to go at. By packaging together your flights, accommodation, lift passes and hire of equipment you’d be surprised just how much you can save. There are a few airlines who will store ski equipment free in their hold, so why not take a look online? Do this, and you remain very much in control, but it all has a bearing on where you plan to go.
Accommodation Essentials
As a general rule remember the higher the altitude of the accommodation in a ski resort the more expensive it will be. It’s generally much cheaper to stay in local towns and villages at a lower altitude and travel to the skiing areas. Lifts and buses are generally quite cheap and some resorts even provide free transport, so carry out plenty of research on your chosen resort before you leave and see what transport link each individual resort has. Self catering chalets or apartments are normally best for value but check out any special offers from a number of companies first off.
Gearing Up To Cut Costs
Of course everyone likes comfortable, quality equipment and clothing, but this in itself doesn’t come cheaply. You can actually buy excellent second hand items over the internet from reputed sites like Ebay and Gumtree, and this can work our better than hiring costs in the resort. Much of your equipment you’ll keep for a good while of course so this really can be a useful exercise if you don’t mind wearing something not quite pristine. Many greatly experienced skiers buy items this way so don’t think you’re skimping. Alternatively pre-booking equipment can save you a great deal of cash so shop around the online sites before getting to resort.
The great thing about French skiing is you’ll also find many free comfortable cross-country skiing tracks to use. This can cut the price dramatically of your holiday if it’s free to ski and LakeMontriond in the French Alps is particularly popular for this. This is a particularly famous area but most resorts have their own free cross-country sections.
Living the Life
Spending money can be a big dilemma for individuals on a budget, but you can still have a great time without being totally extravagant. Picnics in the mountain snow can be quite popular and of course there are supermarkets enabling you to enjoy a bit of what you fancy in self catering accommodation. No need to spend a lot of time in expensive cafes. There’s bound to be a particular place in your resort a bit cheaper than all the others so ask around when you get there. And of course finding a generally cheaper resort will help you greatly. The French tourism sites will list many of the ski centres. Les Houchesfor instance is much cheaper than Chamonix and is only a 10 minute bus ride away and if you take a look at Valloire, normally a cycling resort, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised, if it’s just enjoyable skiing you’re after.
So it really is possible to save quite a bit of money and have a skiing vacation you won’t forget just by planning ahead and being open to available offers. France is one of the best places for this, so what are you waiting for?
BIO
Danny is a true die hard skier and climber. After Climbing Mont Blanc back in 1999 Danny decided to move to Chamonix – his now spiritual home. For work he works for Geneva airport transfers company Chamonixfirst which allows him the flexibility to indulge in his passions of the great outdoors, skiing and climbing.
What’s the date?
If you can tinker with your dates and go skiing in the off peak season and away from school holidays then this will obviously give you a head start. You should also look online for bargain ski passes in order to save more money at these times. If you can find flights with a budget airline and don’t plan on carrying your own ski’s with you, then this too will benefit you greatly. Easy jet for example provide flights with many of the top French resorts in mind so shop around and you may just get a really good offer or two.
The Secret Is In the Packaging
If you’re savvy and know all about price discounts then you can save a lot by purchasing early bird ski passes especially in the French Alps. There are also discounts for families, students and the disabled, so there’s plenty to go at. By packaging together your flights, accommodation, lift passes and hire of equipment you’d be surprised just how much you can save. There are a few airlines who will store ski equipment free in their hold, so why not take a look online? Do this, and you remain very much in control, but it all has a bearing on where you plan to go.
Accommodation Essentials
As a general rule remember the higher the altitude of the accommodation in a ski resort the more expensive it will be. It’s generally much cheaper to stay in local towns and villages at a lower altitude and travel to the skiing areas. Lifts and buses are generally quite cheap and some resorts even provide free transport, so carry out plenty of research on your chosen resort before you leave and see what transport link each individual resort has. Self catering chalets or apartments are normally best for value but check out any special offers from a number of companies first off.
Gearing Up To Cut Costs
Of course everyone likes comfortable, quality equipment and clothing, but this in itself doesn’t come cheaply. You can actually buy excellent second hand items over the internet from reputed sites like Ebay and Gumtree, and this can work our better than hiring costs in the resort. Much of your equipment you’ll keep for a good while of course so this really can be a useful exercise if you don’t mind wearing something not quite pristine. Many greatly experienced skiers buy items this way so don’t think you’re skimping. Alternatively pre-booking equipment can save you a great deal of cash so shop around the online sites before getting to resort.
The great thing about French skiing is you’ll also find many free comfortable cross-country skiing tracks to use. This can cut the price dramatically of your holiday if it’s free to ski and LakeMontriond in the French Alps is particularly popular for this. This is a particularly famous area but most resorts have their own free cross-country sections.
Living the Life
Spending money can be a big dilemma for individuals on a budget, but you can still have a great time without being totally extravagant. Picnics in the mountain snow can be quite popular and of course there are supermarkets enabling you to enjoy a bit of what you fancy in self catering accommodation. No need to spend a lot of time in expensive cafes. There’s bound to be a particular place in your resort a bit cheaper than all the others so ask around when you get there. And of course finding a generally cheaper resort will help you greatly. The French tourism sites will list many of the ski centres. Les Houchesfor instance is much cheaper than Chamonix and is only a 10 minute bus ride away and if you take a look at Valloire, normally a cycling resort, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised, if it’s just enjoyable skiing you’re after.
So it really is possible to save quite a bit of money and have a skiing vacation you won’t forget just by planning ahead and being open to available offers. France is one of the best places for this, so what are you waiting for?
BIO
Danny is a true die hard skier and climber. After Climbing Mont Blanc back in 1999 Danny decided to move to Chamonix – his now spiritual home. For work he works for Geneva airport transfers company Chamonixfirst which allows him the flexibility to indulge in his passions of the great outdoors, skiing and climbing.
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