That's La Plagne
Ski Holiday Budgeting: Getting to Grips with the Basics
When the snow begins to blanket the mountains, the call of the ski slopes becomes irresistible. Yet, for many families, the thought of planning a ski holiday brings on a chill not from the snow but from potential costs. I'm here to melt away those financial fears. Having lived in La Plagne and navigated the ski holiday budgeting maze myself – and for lots of friends and clients! – I've learned it doesn't have to break the bank to enjoy those snowy slopes.
All the info here is going to be helpful for setting a ski holiday budget, regardless of where you want to ski. But I’m going to pull on examples from around my home resort of La Plagne which should hopefully help demystify ski holiday budgeting!
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Understanding the Basics of Ski Holiday Costs
Accommodation varies wildly, from cosy, budget-friendly apartments to luxurious chalets right by the lifts. In La Plagne, I've discovered that booking early or visiting in January (a slightly quieter period) can snag you a fantastic deal on accommodation.
The other option is to leave it late and snag a last-minute deal. But fair warning, if you opt for this, then you have to be prepared to be flexible on the date, style of accommodation, location etc.
Read more about choosing the right accommodation for your budget.
Ski Passes Are one of the significant expenses. But knowing the ins and outs can save you a bundle. Typically, these are the questions to ask to find the cheapest ski passes:
- Passes covering multiple days to benefit from reduced rates
- Look into family packages that bundle everyone's pass for less
- A lot of ski resorts encourage booking online before arriving into resort with discounts
- Check areas covered. For example, in La Plagne you can get simple La Plagne ski passes and also Paradiski passes covering La Plagne and Les Arcs. You need to figure out which pass suits your needs best – i.e., beginner skiers rarely need the larger area ski passes, so save yourself some money!
La Plagne offers a variety of passes, catering to every need. Explore more to find the best ski pass deals.
Equipment Rental is an area where you can adjust your spending based on need. Renting in the resort is convenient but most of the ski rental shops encourage renting online before arrival, with discounts of 40 – 50% online. There are also some good online platforms like Snowrental.com that you can put your accommodation address into and find the ski rental shop closest to your accommodation.
If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy ski equipment, check out this guide that will help you weigh the pros and cons of both options.
Travel and Transportation
The journey to the slopes doesn't have to be an expedition. And when it comes to budget ski holiday travel, it can be time to think outside the box. Below are some suggestions, plus the travel search engine that I use for each option to find the lowest-priced tickets out there.
Flying might be quick but remember to factor in the cost of transporting your ski gear, as well as the ski transfers from the airport to your ski resort. It’s great to find cheap ski flights, but if you can’t connect your transfer to the flight times, then you can end up paying a fortune for the transfers. Head to SkyScanner to find the cheapest flights for your preferred route.
I should also say, that if you’re looking for a ski transfer from the airport, check out Ski Lifts. They’re good for finding private, shared or taxi transfers at low prices. They’ve also got a great loyalty program and you can earn quite a lot off of future bookings.
Driving to ski resorts; La Plagne can be cost-effective and scenic, especially if you're packing your equipment. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to explore the area. I really like DiscoverCars.com to find cheap car rental. It checks the big-name brands but also pulls up ones that I wouldn’t find on my own.
Trains are becoming a more and more popular way to get to your ski holiday. Not only are they often easier with young children. But they can be quicker, avoiding the heavy traffic. Plus they often come up under budget when compared to flights and ski transfers. I book my train travel with Rail Europe when I’m heading back to the UK.
Local ski resort transport is typically quick and efficient, with free shuttles connecting different parts of the resort, making it easy to get around without extra costs.
Food and Dining
Self-catering is a game-changer for budget ski holidays. Opting for family dinners cooked in the warmth of your home away from home can create some of the best memories. Eating out is lovely, but doing it sparingly can save a lot. For example, as a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids (5 and 7), we will spend an average 100€ very easily on lunch. This will only go up for evenings and dinners and if we opt for drinks, desserts, etc. It can easily mount up to an astronomical amount!
Packing snacks for the slopes can also avoid overpriced resort food. Imagine enjoying your homemade sandwich with a view of Mont Blanc – priceless and budget-friendly!
Ski Lessons and Activities
Choosing between group and private lessons can heavily impact your budget. In my experience, group lessons offer great value and provide kids with an opportunity to make new friends. La Plagne has a fantastic selection of ski schools offering competitive group rates. There are quite a few questions to ask yourself when weighing up ski school options, here’s a good guide to help find the right ski school for you.
Additionally, ski resorts are brimming with free activities. We've spent countless afternoons sledging or building snowmen, all without spending an extra euro. Plus, these are often the main activities the kids want to do rather than visiting the swimming pools or play areas.
Hidden Costs and Savings
Don't let unexpected expenses catch you off guard. Travel insurance that covers ski holidays is a must and can save you from unforeseen costs due to accidents or equipment loss. If you own your gear, regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs. Also, keep an eye out for discount cards and loyalty programs in your ski resort. This article has some great tips flagging up the 10 main hidden costs of ski holidays.
Creating a Budget Plan
To keep everything in check, I use a spreadsheet to track our expenses, from accommodation and ski passes to meals and lessons. Start planning early and look for ways to save monthly towards your ski holiday fund. It's amazing how small savings can add up to a mountain of memories. You can download my free ski holiday travel budget planner here.
That's La Plagne & Setting Your Ski Holiday Budget
Planning a ski holiday on a budget doesn't mean skimping on the experience. It's about making informed choices and knowing where you can save without compromising on the fun. In La Plagne, the opportunities to create unforgettable family memories are endless, regardless of your budget. With a little planning and some insider tips, you can hit the slopes without financial worries trailing you like a shadow.
See you on the slopes!
