Advertisement

Skiing Hacks: 6 Tips And Tricks To Have A Snow Holiday On The Cheap

Skiing is famous for being a pricey pastime, but taking up the sport, and enjoying some proper winter snow doesn't have to cost the earth if you use our savvy tips

The ski season is upon us. But if you're wondering how to live the Alpine dream without giving your credit card too much of a bashing you need some insider tips to get the snow holiday you deserve.

We spoke to the team at Powder White, a specialist ski operator, to find out their their ultimate tips to keeping the costs down.

Skiing deals are still available for THIS season. Hit the slopes! (REX)
Skiing deals are still available for THIS season. Hit the slopes! (REX)

1.    Don't leave it until you get to resort to book your ski hire. The best discounts are available in advance and it's worth asking if the rental shop will bring the skis and boots to your accommodation avoiding the inevitable scrum and sweaty sock aromas of the ski shop experience

2.    Fed up of paying mountain restaurant prices every day? Rent a locker at the bottom of the mountain and keep lunch / snacks and a thermos of hot drinks in here or to be truly free, pack your rucksack with some tasty mountain treats for an al-fresco picnic on high

3.    You don’t have to pay the earth to look sleek on the slopes. Scout the shops and online ski wear sites during the summer (off season) to pick up branded ski clothes at cheaper prices. And if it’s your first time and you’re not sure you'll like it, beg, borrow and steal from friends and you’ll have an outfit together in no time. You won't really care what you look like on the slopes, as long as you're warm



4.    For a great value option in top resorts, think about renting an apartment – they've come a long way from the days of brown carpets and some are now akin to a hotel with great facilities like swimming pools and spas

5.    Chalet and resort staff are the key to all knowledge, ask them for insider tips on where the best happy hours are – you'll save a fortune on après-ski drinks by heading to the right places

6.   Consider your transport options, planes aren’t always the easiest and most convenient way to get to a destination.  Train travel is a great way to get close to ski resorts making for a short taxi ride or transfer right into the centre of key European ski resorts. There’s no baggage allowance so bringing your skis is easy and you can even pack a little train picnic meaning the holiday starts the moment you get on board

[Top Tips For Skiing With Children]
[Incredible Ice Rinks Around The World]