5 TIPS TO SAVE YOU MONEY ON SKIING
31st July 2019
Last modified on October 18th, 2021
Maison Sport, the community for independent ski instructors, gives its top tips. If anyone knows how to save it’s probably these guys.
Ski holidays aren’t cheap.
But if you’re reading this and are a winter sports lover, you’ll probably know that already.
What we all want to do is understand how to cut down costs where possible.
So, who are the best informed to give out the best advice on saving money when thinking about a ski trip?
Those that live the mountain life.
Those who work with us, visitors to ski resorts, taking lessons and spending our holiday time and money doing the sports we love.
Ski and snowboard instructors.
Maison Sport is a company that connects people wanting lessons to instructors, without going through a ski school.
Read all about the company here: The New Way to Book Your Ski Teacher
So let’s hear from the guys and girls that know a thing or two about the ski industry.
Pick a resort near an airport
Resorts located close to an airport can save you lots of money and time travelling.
Let’s face it, no one enjoys wasting time travelling when you can be on the slopes.
Ski resorts in France such as Chamonix, Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are all good options for short transfer times.
Also in Italy, resorts such as Sauze d’Oulx, Courmayeur and Cervinia are all based close to airports.
Some resorts are more expensive than others.
On the whole Switzerland will set you back more than if you ski in Italy.
But don’t forget that some of the most popular “expensive” resorts offer amazing deals during quiet periods.
So shop around and make sure you take all aspects into account when booking; lunch on the mountain, special offers, the cost of a lift pass…
Pick your dates carefully
Time as well as place is key.
As well as where you book, consider what time of year you choose to ski.
Different times of year vary hugely in price.
You can make huge savings by choosing your holiday dates wisely.
Cheaper points of the season tend to be:
- Mid-December
- Middle of January
- Early to mid-March
Speak to your instructor
Your ski or snowboard instructor lives and works in the Alps.
This means they will have a wealth of information on specific resorts.
Tap into this knowledge and get their recommendations for local (and often cheaper) cafes, restaurants, accommodation and activities in the area.
Use public transport or shared private transfers
Most towns across the Alps have great transport links to get you from the airport to your ski resort:
- private transfer companies
- trains, buses
- coaches
- even boats
Public transport systems are often much cheaper than hiring a car, so make sure you have a look for alternative ways to travel.
For instance, Ben’s Bus run low cost shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon airports to surrounding resorts.
Buying your ski gear
Buying your ski clothing, goggles and helmet can save you lots of money if you plan to ski or snowboard every season.
Good quality gear can last a lifetime, but also doesn’t have to cost the Earth.
See it as a small investment that saves you money and the hassle of renting each year.
PlanetSKI is a big fan of Decathlon and its own brand of snow gear Wedze.
Helmets at Decathlon cost as little as £15 and a full kit-out last season cost from £110 – including thermals, goggles, ski pants, backpack: the whole shebang.
The cost of taking an oversized sports bag on a flight can be more than the cost of renting for a week.
Not to mention the faff of lugging skis around, and perhaps not having the right skis for the weather conditions.
And check out our article on GB racer Dave Ryding teaming up with Maison Sport.
Right now in the Alps: Independent ski instructor with Maison Sport, Caroline (@carolinedeklerk1) posts her views of Sainte Foy.
Maison Sport
For the Spirit of the Mountains – PlanetSKI: Number One for ski news
