That's La Plagne
How to Find Low-Priced Ski Holidays in Peak Weeks
While peak ski weeks in La Plagne, aligned with school holidays and festive seasons, traditionally mean higher demand and prices, there are still savvy ways to ensure your ski holiday remains affordable. That's right – your ski holiday doesn't have to break the bank! Sure, it's still going to cost more than a cheap ski trip in an off-peak week, but there are lots of ways to still take a low-priced ski holiday, even in the busier weeks.
Here’s how you can strike the perfect balance between experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of peak weeks and keeping an eye on your ski holiday budget.
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1. Book Well in Advance
The early bird catches the worm—or, in this case, the best deals. Accommodations, ski passes, and even ski hire prices can be significantly lower if you book months ahead of your planned trip. Some providers offer early booking discounts, so keep an eye out and secure your holiday essentials as soon as possible.
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
When booking your holiday, especially internationally, bank fees and poor exchange rates can quickly eat into your budget. Wise offers a transparent, low-cost way to convert and send money abroad. I use this a lot when I’m moving between the UK and France visiting family and also when I’m making big purchases like online courses, home appliances, and holidays. It’s saved me a bundle. Plus, I also get cash back directly into my account for using it.
By using the real exchange rate and charging low fees, Wise can save you significant amounts of money on pre-bookings for accommodations, ski passes, and lessons. You can also use the Wise debit card abroad to pay for expenses directly, avoiding high bank fees and exchange rates. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone looking to save money on international transactions.
Honestly, give it a try. I’ve turned my sister, mum, and dad into Wise converts as well! Find out more about Wise in my full review.
3. Explore Package Deals
Many tour operators and travel agents offer package deals that include accommodation, ski passes, and sometimes even meals or ski equipment rental at a reduced price. These packages can offer substantial savings, especially during peak weeks when every penny counts.
It can be tempting to try to piece together a DIY ski trip to try to save money. But the truth is that you often can’t compete with large companies and the power they have to provide cheap ski holidays – even in those peak weeks!
I'd always recommend comparing the 2 options: DIY ski trips versus package holidays to see which saves you the most. Just don't write off one or the other options without doing some research.
4. Choose Accommodation Wisely
Consider staying in accommodations just outside the most popular areas. For example, La Plagne is part of the larger Paradiski area, and staying in lesser-known villages can significantly reduce your costs. These locations also offer a more authentic experience and still provide easy access to the slopes via the resort's extensive lift network.
In La Plagne, visit the valley villages of Montchavin, Montalbert, and Champagny. These villages are beautiful in themselves and have some of the largest and lowest-priced accommodations in La Plagne.
This post has some great tips on how to find low-priced ski holiday accommodation.
5. Look for Last-Minute Offers
If your schedule allows for flexibility, last-minute booking can sometimes yield unbeatable deals. Some accommodations and service providers offer discounts to fill the remaining availability. This is just 1 example, but have a look at the Skiworld Last Minute Ski Deals page, which I always have bookmarked to check out for friends and family.
This approach requires some risk and flexibility, but the rewards can be substantial. It’s good for those who don’t mind which ski resort they head to or what sort of accommodation they end up with—this is usually the case for those travelling without kids! Also, those travelling in smaller groups, in twos and threes. If you're a larger group looking for a chalet for 12+ people, for example, you have more limited options and less flexibility. In this case, opt for early booking discounts.
6. Ski Group Discounts
Travelling as a group or with another family? Look into group discounts on accommodations, ski lessons, and lift passes. Splitting costs such as accommodation by renting a larger chalet together can also make a big difference in your overall expenditure.
7. Smart Ski Pass Purchases
Investigate options for ski pass discounts, such as family passes, early bird rates, or passes that limit access to certain parts of the mountain. If you plan to ski for more than a couple of days, look into week-long passes, which often come at a reduced rate per day.
Also check into the area passes as there are often larger area passes, like the Paradiski pass that covers La Plagne and Les Arcs. But to keep costs down, you can opt for the straightforward La Plagne pass, covering just the La Plagne ski resort. Don't worry, you've still got over 200 km pistes to explore!
8. Bring or Prepare Your Own Meals
Eating out can quickly eat into your budget. For example, when we head out for lunch as a family of 4, we will spend €100 for each lunch without splashing out (2 x adult main meals and 2 x soft drinks, then 2 coffees, plus 2 kids meals including drinks and desserts).
Choosing self-catering accommodation allows you to prepare meals, significantly reducing your daily expenses. Packing lunches for the slopes can also help avoid the premium prices charged at mountain restaurants.
9. Social Media Groups and Forums
In the age of digital connectivity, don't overlook the power of community knowledge. Joining La Plagne or ski holiday-focused social media groups and forums is like unlocking a treasure chest of insider information. These online communities are buzzing with seasoned skiers and local experts (like me!), all sharing their firsthand experiences, tips, and sometimes even exclusive deals you won't find elsewhere.
From finding out which restaurants offer the best value for a family meal to discovering hidden discounts on ski passes or lessons, the real-time advice you'll gather here is invaluable. To get started, search for groups on popular platforms like Facebook and dedicated ski forums like SnowBrains, and don't hesitate to ask questions. The ski community is known for its welcoming spirit and willingness to share knowledge.
10. Insurance and Cancellation Policies
When planning a ski holiday, especially during peak weeks, opting for the right travel and ski insurance is as crucial as packing your gloves. But it's not just about having insurance; it's about understanding what you're covered for. Look for policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, gear rental losses, and, importantly, trip cancellations or interruptions. Since skiing carries a higher risk of injury than many other holiday activities, ensuring your policy covers specific ski-related incidents can save you from unexpected expenses.
Equally important are the cancellation policies of your accommodations, ski passes, and other pre-booked services. Life is unpredictable, and plans can change, often at the last minute. Familiarise yourself with the cancellation terms before booking. Some providers offer ‘free cancellation' up to a certain date, while others may offer partial refunds or the option to rebook at a later date. Knowing these policies inside out can significantly reduce financial risks and might even save you money if your plans need to change. Always read the fine print and consider booking options that offer the most flexibility for peace of mind.
Check out this in-depth dive into ski holiday insurance to help you figure out your best options.
That’s La Plagne & Low-Priced Ski Holidays in Peak Weeks
By planning ahead, considering alternative accommodations, and making smart choices about where and when to spend, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a magical ski holiday in La Plagne during peak weeks without overspending. Remember, the joy of skiing and the memories made on the slopes are priceless, but that doesn’t mean they have to come at a premium cost.
See you on the slopes!
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