That's La Plagne
Help! What are the hidden costs of family ski holidays?
A family ski holiday can be a fantastic and memorable experience, but it's important to be aware of potential hidden costs that can add up quickly.
As a mum, working and living in a ski resort, I’m always on the hunt to reduce our cost of living out here! Plus, looking for savings for my friends, family and you lovely blog readers to help book budget ski holidays! So today, I’m going to run through some of the most common but hidden costs – some of them are perhaps more obvious, and others can really catch you out.
So, let’s jump in and check out how you can anticipate these costs and manage them to have a great family ski holiday experience on a budget.
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11 hidden ski holiday costs on family ski holidays
1. Ski Equipment Rentals
If you don't own your own ski equipment, you'll need to rent it. This includes skis, boots, poles, and helmets. Rental costs can vary, and it's important to factor this into your budget. If you’re unsure about whether to rent or buy ski equipment, check out this guide to help you make the right decision for your family ski trip.
TOP TIP: Rent online before arriving. From years of experience, there are ski deals to be had before arriving at the resort. I like Snowrental for equipment hire because they also have a great map app to help you find the ski rental shop closest to your ski holiday home.
2. Ski passes
The cost of lift passes can be significant, especially if you're skiing at a popular or high-end resort. Look for discounts or package deals that may include lift tickets as part of the overall package; WeSki is great for this, with cheap accommodation and passes bundled together. You can read a full review of who WeSki are and why they're worth checking our or your ski trip here.
TOP TIP: Once you’ve chosen your ski resort, sign up for their newsletters to be alerted about any upcoming ski deals. My home resort of La Plagne had a flash sale of up to 40% off lift passes in the month before the ski resort opened this winter.
3. Ski Lessons
If you or your family members are new to skiing or want to improve your skills, ski lessons are often necessary. These can incur additional costs, so be sure to include them in your budget. I always recommend people book ski lessons. It can be tempting to cut this out of your budget, but you will learn so much quicker with a good instructor in a safe and fun environment.
TOP TIP: See if your ski school also provide ski rentals, as they will often bundle them together for extra ski savings.
4. Accommodation Extras
Some accommodations may charge additional fees for amenities such as parking, Wi-Fi, tourist tax, or other extras. Make sure to check the fine print when booking your ski accommodation.
5. Meals and Dining
Eating out at ski resorts can be expensive, with hot chocolates often setting you back over 5€ per mug! Plan for the cost of meals, snacks, and beverages both on and off the slopes. Consider preparing some of your own meals if your accommodation allows.
TOP TIP: Find the local bakeries in your ski resort. They often have meal deals and delicious pizzas, baguettes and desserts that are perfect for lunch at home or out on the mountain.
6. Ski Holiday Transportation
Post-Brexit and Covid, the cost of ski holiday transport has increased dramatically. Getting to the ski resort can involve various costs, including flights, rental cars, or ski transfers. Additionally, parking fees at the resort should be considered if you're driving.
TOP TIP: Make sure all the moving parts of your ski transport match up before booking anything. You might find cheap flights, but if they are to a quieter airport without ski transfers, those flights aren’t much use.
If you're unsure about ski travel and transfers, then have a look at Ski Lifts. It's a good starting point for low-priced, but reliable ski transfers. Check out my review of Ski Lifts here for more info.
7. Ski Clothing and Gear
In addition to renting equipment, you might need to invest in suitable winter clothing such as jackets, pants, gloves, and goggles. These items can be expensive but are crucial for staying warm and dry on the slopes.
But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With several secondhand ski options and cheaper suppliers, check out this guide to finding reasonably priced ski clothing.
8. Childcare and Activities
If you're travelling with children, you may need to budget for childcare services or activities to keep them entertained while you're on the slopes. Again, post Brexit, English-speaking childcare has become more difficult to find – and more expensive! So if this is something essential to you on your holiday, make sure to book it ahead.
TOP TIPS: Check out family ski holiday providers, which include childcare. Search out private childcare suppliers; local Facebook groups are good for this, and if all else fails, think about travelling with other families with similar-aged children or taking the grandparents to help out.
9. Ski Holiday Insurance
It’s easy to forget about, but travel insurance, especially for winter sports, should be the first thing in your ski suitcase. This can cover unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost equipment. However, it adds to the overall cost.
TOP TIP: Check out this article, which will help you demystify ski holiday insurance.
10. Currency Exchange and Fees
If you're travelling internationally, be aware of currency exchange rates and any fees associated with using credit cards or withdrawing cash. One of the best things I have discovered since living out here is using Wise, an online money transfer platform (formally called TransferWise). It’s great for moving money between currencies without incurring annoying bank fees.
TOP TIP: I’d absolutely recommend using TransferWise (or another similar platform) to pay for high-cost items like ski accommodation, lift passes and equipment hire. Not only will it save you on fees, but you also earn cashback simply for using the platform.
11. Tipping and Gratuities
Last but not least – and easily forgotten in your budgeting! Factor in tips for services such as ski instructors, hotel staff, and restaurant servers. Depending on where you are skiing, tips are expected in a lot of services. These costs can add up over the course of your trip.
That’s La Plagne and the main hidden costs of family ski holidays
While a family ski holiday promises thrilling adventures and picturesque mountain vistas, it's important to be mindful of the potential hidden costs that can accumulate quickly. From equipment rentals and lift tickets to meals, accommodation extras, and unforeseen expenses, a well-planned budget is essential to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
My final tip is to remember to account for unexpected expenses by having an emergency fund, especially if you’re venturing into the realm of winter sports for the first time.
If you’re looking for more reading, one of the best articles to read about this is my popular article about demystifying travel hacking for ski holidays.
By taking these factors into consideration and creating a comprehensive budget, you can embark on a family ski holiday with confidence, ensuring that the only surprises you encounter are the breathtaking views and the joy of creating lasting memories on the pistes.
See you on the slopes!
