How to Book an Affordable Ski Holiday
To some, booking an affordable ski holiday may seem like an ambitious task. However, here at Ski Basics we are firm believers that an unforgettable ski holiday does not need to come with a bank breaking price tag. There are many ways you can reduce your costs without compromising on quality and we’ve rounded them up here for you. So, read on for 17 tips for booking an affordable ski holiday…
17 Tips for booking an affordable Ski Holiday
Booking an affordable Ski Holiday
1. Plan the trip yourself
First things first, one of the easiest ways to reduce any additional costs is to go direct. Cut out the middle man and plan the trip yourself. Finding and comparing flights using sites such as sky scanner couldn’t be easier and there are a whole host of options when it comes to transfers to take you to your chosen resort. For all you need to know on planning your travel to Meribel, check out our complete guide.
Most hotels and ski chalet companies will have their own easy to use websites and a team who are on hand to help plan a trip catered to your needs. To speak to our friendly, expert team about a trip to Meribel, simply get in contact.
2. Pick the right month
Price is often largely influenced by the time that you travel. If you don’t have children, we would always recommend booking around the school holidays. Not only does skiing slightly outside of the peak periods save you money but you will also have the opportunity to make the most quieter slopes. There are also often a number of great additional deals during off peak periods. Here at Ski Basics when you stay with us during week 5 and 6 of the season, you will receive a complimentary Meribel Valley lift pass for each member of the group, included within the price of your stay (worth approximately £250).
If you are skiing kids, then get ahead of the game and start looking early. Comparing your options is always a good way to ensure you get the right deal for you. For families, chalets may often work out better value than multiple rooms in a hotel and will mean everyone is together with the luxury of your own space.
3. Plan in advance
Planning as far in advance as possible is always a great way to save when booking an affordable ski holiday. Avoid the dreaded price increases implemented by airlines as the date of travel draws closer. Ski holidays often book up fast, particularly if you’re looking for a family friendly chalet in a good location. So, starting to look early is a good way to ensure you have your pick of the bunch.
You can check out ouravailability and prices now on our website. If you see something you like but need to confirm a few details, no problem! You can hold chalets for free with no booking obligation for 48 hours.
4. Book as a group
Gathering a group is another effective way to save your ski holiday without compromising on quality. Catered and self-catered chalets are often great value when booked in a group and mean that you still have the luxury and comfort of your own space to relax after a big day on the slopes.
The size of chalets can vary quite a bit but generally chalets will range for sleeping 6-12 people.
5. Find an affordable Ski Chalet
When it comes to ski chalets, you will often have the choice between self-catered or fully catered service. Some people are surprised to hear that fully-catered chalets can more often than not, work out as better value for money than opting for self-catered.
Pictured here, Ski Basics Chalet Lapin (6 bed)
Fully-catered
This will of course depend on how you go about preparing food and / or eating out when self-catered. However, often having a fixed price for all food served within the chalet can work out more affordable over the week.
For example, when staying with us at Ski Basics with either of our fully catered services, you can enjoy a full continental breakfast (including hot option) 5 days of the week and help yourself to continental spread provided on the other 2 days, freshly baked afternoon tea is served everyday and you can enjoy a 3 or 5 course meal on 5 nights with free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the week, all included within the price of your stay.
Please note, what’s included in our fully-catered services varies between our Classic and Plus services. You can learn more about what’s included in each service by visiting our service page.
Self-catered
If you prefer a little more flexibility and space, then the self-catered chalet option may be for you. There’s still a whole host of ways you can book an affordable ski holiday when going self-catered such as, preparing meals at home in the chalet rather than eating out. And if you’re driving, why not bring a few essentials with you ready for the week ahead.
Even with Ski Basics self-catered service, we’re on hand behind the scenes to make sure you have a holiday to remember and there are a number of ways we can help to make it one of your best yet whilst remaining affordable. Why not have a magical evening of french cheese and wine by the fire in your chalet rather than heading out to one of the restaurants in resort? Simply order through our online shop or speak to your chalet manager who will be able to help organise this for you.
6. Pre Book your ski pass
Pre-ordering your ski passes before you arrive in resort is another simple yet effective way to save when booking an affordable ski holiday. When staying with us at Ski Basics, pre-ordering your ski passes through our online portal will save you around £20 per pass. Your chalet manager will then be on hand to deliver these to your chalet upon arrival.
Go a step further and eliminate the cost of your lift pass by staying with us at Ski Basics during the first two weeks of January and receive a complimentary Meribel Valley Ski Pass for each member of your group, worth approximately £250.
Plus, if you’re travelling with kids and / or older friends and family members, under 5’s and over 75’s ski for free. Proof of age will be required so ensure you have ID with you at the point of purchase.
And it doesn’t end there, reduced ski pass prices are available for groups of two or more in Meribel. However, it’s useful to note that this pass discount is only available for passes bought at the same time, online for the same duration in the same ski area in a single transaction.
For more information on the price of lift passes in Meribel and The Three Valleys, head over to our Ski Pass page.
7. Consider driving to the resort
Self-driving is also often a popular choice for many ski holiday makers and it can be a great way to drive down your costs. If you’ll pardon the pun. Of course you will need to estimate the cost of your crossing, fuel and tolls but driving often also gives you an added level of flexibility and control of your journey that flying does not. If you’re travelling with a group who can each contribute towards the cost of the drive, it’s usually a no brainer when it comes to planning an affordable ski holiday. Plus, it’s often a great option for avoiding additional charges when flying if you have your own ski equipment.
Timewise you’re looking at approximately 12-14 hours door to door (depending where in the UK you’re travelling from). So, when you factor in the time spent travelling to and waiting at airports, the overtime travel time may not be all that different to flying. Understandably, the thought of driving to resort for the first time may feel a little daunting so why not check out our complete guide to travelling to Meribel.
Packing for an affordable Ski Holiday
8. Rent your ski equipment (and prebook it in advance)
Most resorts will have a variety of shops where you can rent your equipment so it’s always a good idea to check out the different offerings online beforehand. Again, when booking an affordable ski holiday it’s always recommended to book your ski hire in advance. If you’re headed for Meribel and staying with us at Ski Basics, you can also make the most of exclusive discounts when hiring from our recommended ski hire shops in Meribel centre. Learn more over on our Ski Hire page.
9. Buy your sun cream and essentials at home
Another super simple way to save is stocking up on toiletries and other essentials before you leave home. Prices for these kinds of items in a ski resort will often be far greater than you would expect to pay at home. So, don’t forget to grab them all before you hit the road.
For those staying with us at Ski Basics, we’ve got you covered when it comes to your toiletries and your lips will remain nourished throughout long days on the slopes with your very own Ski Basics lip balm waiting for you on arrival!
10. Rent your ski clothing
Not only is renting your ski clothing great for the environment, it’s also great for reducing the overall cost of your ski holiday.
There are a whole host of organisations now offering hirable ski wear. Including some big retailers such as John Lewis other online sites like Ecoski, Hurr Collective, Blanqo and Crecassee Clothing.
Rental sites are particularly good if you’re looking for something with a designer label to wear on your affordable ski holiday or if it’s your first time hitting the slopes and you’d rather not invest in all the gear until you know you’ll be going again.
Once you know you will be skiing regularly, we would recommend investing in your own gear as overtime this will likely work out better value for money. The best part? You don’t have to splash out to get good quality clothing that will go the distance. Plus, there are a number of ways to make big savings on the best brands. Such as, shopping at the end of the ski season or during the summer and autumn months when retailers are cutting their prices and sending old season stock to outlets.
If you’d still like to be as environmentally mindful as possible when it comes to your ski wear, check out our blog on the best sustainable ski wear brands. If it’s your first time skiing and you’re not sure what you’ll need, take a look at our complete guide on what to wear skiing.
11. Exchange your money at home & search for the best rates
Exchanging money at home in the UK is a goldie oldie when it comes to ensuring you get the best exchange rate possible. Secondly, almost all outlets (even in the mountains) now accept card payment, with some having even gone cashless! So taking the time to open a travel friendly bank account such as Monzo or simply a pre-paid travel card that will not incur any overseas charges is another easy way to ensure you get the most for your money when skiing.
So, now you’re up to speed on how to pack for an affordable ski holiday, make sure you don’t forget a thing by using of our handy ski holiday checklist.
Keeping it affordable when you arrive at your ski holiday
12. Cook for yourself
If you’re going self-catered then cooking for yourself at your chalet rather than eating out is a sure way to save money. Meribel and almost all resorts will be equipped with supermarkets where you’ll be able to purchase food for cooking at home. If you’re self-driving, bringing some of your own store cupboard essentials and stopping at a supermarket at the bottom of the mountain is another effective way to make your ski holiday more affordable. Often prices charged in supermarkets at resort level will be considerably higher than further down the mountain.
13. Eat in the village rather than on the slopes
If you do decide to eat out, we recommend enjoying restaurants located off the slopes and sticking to what’s on offer at resort level. Most resorts will have a whole host of local restaurants to choose from. If you’re staying with us in Meribel, you’ll be spoilt for choice from local savoyard delicacies to authentic italians and more. Simply speak to your chalet manager who will be on hand to provide recommendations to suit your group and make any reservations you require.
14. Consider some fun nights in
As we mentioned, we’re firm believers that booking an affordable ski holiday does not always mean compromising on quality and memories made. Why not plan a night in to remember? Play some games, get competitive with a group quiz or simply enjoy some bubbly in the chalet hot tub or spa area.
Here at Ski Basics, we’re on hand to assist with the organisation with a whole host of fun activities and delicious food options for chalet staff night off or our self-catering guest. Why not make the most of…
Fondue/Hot stone/Raclette delivery
A large range of meal deliveries
Pizza delivery
Cocktail nights with “Mountain Mixology”
15. Take afternoon ski lessons
If you’re looking to have ski lessons, there are a number of ways you can save when booking. Opting for an afternoon lesson is a great way to bag a bargain when it comes to private lessons.
Secondly, if you’re likely to need a few lessons, booking in ‘bulk’ is often the way to go.
Advance booking a block of lessons for the week will usually work out as better value than booking 2 or 3 or alternatively, booking one to see how you go and then deciding to book more.
If you’re heading to Meribel, be sure to learn with the best by taking a look at our recommended ski schools.
16. Think about childcare
As with most elements of an affordable ski holiday, booking childcare in advance is usually the best way to save. If you’re lucky enough to have a family member who is happy to take it easy on the slopes and look after the kids around ski school (or the entire time!) it can equate to some big savings on the overall cost of your holiday.
17. Embrace Happy Hour
When you do head out, be sure to embrace happy hour. Apres ski is undoubtedly an important part of any ski holiday. Whether it be in the apres bar or back at your accommodation. If you’re heading out to apres bars, be sure to look out for happy hour offers to keep things as affordable as can be. There’ll often be different offerings and hot spots to choose from each evening of the week.
If you’re heading to Meribel, enjoy happy hour at the infamous Jacks in the centre town everyday from 4-7pm or head to apres at Lodge du Village all throughout the week. For the latest updates on happy hours and where to find yourself the best bargains, speak to your chalet team who will know where to head each night of the week.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! 17 tips for booking an affordable ski holiday. If, like us, you believe that booking an affordable ski holiday doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your experience then why not take a look at our chalets and their availability. If you have any questions and would like to speak to a member of the team, get in touch and we would be pleased to hear from you.