Four ways to save on a skiing holiday this winter Skiing holidays are well known for being a strain on the pocket, but if you’re determined to hit the slopes on a budget this this winter, buy essay for college and read four tips to get you started:
When and Where?
As with almost any type of holiday, ski trips are more expensive to take in high season and at weekends. Although the snow quantity and condition can be unpredictable at the start or end of a ski season, the prices will reflect this. If you’re flexible on the resort, why not make as many travel plans in advance and decide on the accommodation later, depending on how the snow conditions. Lift passes are often cheaper at smaller resorts, and Bulgaria and Slovakia are tipped to have some excellent value options. Scotland is also a great option for those in the UK as travel costs can easily be halved
Getting There
Dig around for package bargains. They are few and far between when compared to the value that can be had for a DIY trip, but it only takes one to come up and you’ve saved a packet already! If you choose to create the package yourself, look at all the options and check the cost of flights on comparison websites against train, coach and bus options, as well as taking the car. Carrying a whole host of skiing or snowboarding gear whilst changing platforms in Paris doesn’t sound appealing, right? Door-to-door shipping companies can beat expensive airline baggage charges, especially if you are shipping to the USA or Canada, and make the travel aspect hassle free.
What to Where?
You might be already thinking, I won’t be carrying sackfuls of warm clothing because I’ll hire it at the resort. However, if you’re planning to return to the slopes on future trips, you would be wise to look at second-hand equipment and clothing on sites like eBay. If you’re planning ahead for winter 2014/2015, head to the ski shops at the end of spring to look out for sales on last season’s stock. If you can, borrow some gear in return for a massive thank you (and maybe a bottle of wine or a few beers). Snowrental says it can beat hire prices by 50 per cent, so don’t make any decisions before visiting for a quote; also, do other research and work out what’s cheapest for you over the next few trips, not just this one.
Accommodation
Booking late has its positives, as resorts often lower prices to avoid vacancies and ensure apartments and chalets are rented. However, you may not be so lucky and there may not be anything available during your dates. Booking early can also provide good deals, and offering a larger deposit to secure a slightly cheaper overall price may hold sway on a private deal. Finding accommodation in a low- valley area will bring the costs down too, and then it’s only a short drive or bus journey to the resort. Having somewhere with cooking facilities will enable you to keep eating (and drinking) out to a minimum, so also check there is a supermarket nearby. Taking your perfect packed lunch in a hard box will not only save you a few pennies, but will also keep you from wasting valuable time in a restaurant so you can enjoy more time on the slopes.
More information:
The Wall