How to Save Money on a Winter Sports Holiday

Get a late dealSki resorts can be quite snobby places and this is one
To get a late deal you need to be flexible with yourof the reasons why the mark up on food is quite
holiday dates and sometimes where you fly into orhigh. You will find a lot of eateries on the slopes but
from. Booking as late as a week before your desiredyou can easily pay over the odds. The food is great
date of departure can save you hundreds of poundsbut do not just stop at the first convenient place. Ski
on accommodation because companies are eager toaround on the first day or ask people's advice for
fill every empty bed. The biggest savings arethe cheaper restaurants/cafes where you can get a
commonly found on chalet accommodation and lesspizza, a sandwich or bowl of soup. I have
so on hotel rooms. If you need to go on a certainexperienced mountain restaurants at either end of
date and want to go to a particular location, thenthe price scale so I know what it means to find a
waiting for a late deal is extremely risky. It pays tosuitable restaurant. Alternatively you can take a
be flexible.packed lunch onto the piste. On a good sunny day
Book a chalet not a hotelyou cannot beat it plus it is by far the cheapest
If you have a big party or even if you do not, aoption. Many chalets will offer a packed lunch to you
chalet can be very cost effective as most of thefor free or you can pick up supplies in the resort
time they offer half board living. In every chalet Ibefore you take the gondola up to the slopes.
have stayed in I have received breakfast and aDrinks and Apres Ski
three course meal in the evening with a good helpingA lot of money is thrown away in the evenings at ski
of wine. This is great value as restaurants in skiresorts in bars and clubs. You can pay up to
resorts can be pricey especially as the Euro is so£5 for a beer at a bar and more for spirits so
strong. Chalets in my opinion are also much morebe sure to either pick up a crate before you get to
comfortable than hotels as you have your own livingthe resort from a supermarket or get tanked up on
area and not just a bedroom, plus it is a good wayfree wine at the chalet if you are staying in one. I will
to meet other people.add that nightlife in ski resorts is always good
Buy a Sensible ski passnatured and very lively, often with live entertainment,
Use common sense and be realistic when you buy abut the drinks will burn a whole in your pocket.
ski pass. It will obviously be cheaper to buy a weeklyBorrow or buy equipment
pass over 5 or 6 daily ones, but also think aboutIf it is your first time skiing or boarding then definitely
where you want to ski. Many resorts are huge andhire your gear and take out the insurance. If you
have hundreds of kilometres of runs in severalknow someone with a pair of skis or a board then
valleys. Buy a pass which includes a couple of valleysask if you can borrow it as this will save you a
but not all. It is unlikely you will get time in a week orpacket. Alternatively, if you have been a couple of
be quick enough (unless you are a very confidenttimes and plan to go again, consider buying your own
skier) to get across to further valleys and back in agear because it will be a very worthwhile investment
day anyway so save your money. In the unlikelyover a 5 to 10 year period. If you do think this is the
event that you do tire of your current ski passway to go then always wait until the end of the
boundary, you can usually buy daily passes to otherseason before making a purchase. Ski shops generally
areas. If you buy passes through your tour operatorhave their sales then to make room for the new
you can sometimes get a discount so ask.season's stock. Many a bargain can be had.
Slope cuisine vs packed lunch