Travel tips

Save Money on your Ski Holidays

Last updated 6th June 2017

Here are our top 10 money-saving tips for your family ski holidays so you can hit the slopes without it breaking the bank.

1. When to go during school holidays 

If you’re tied to school holidays, the week before Christmas is a great time for a good value family holiday as prices are low and the slopes are quiet. Early or late Easter breaks can also be cheaper, but choose a high resort to be sure of snow. Avoid Christmas, New Year and the February half term week when prices spiral.

2. When to go out of school holidays 

Families with pre-school children should consider travelling after the schools have gone back in January for best value and best chance of good snow. 

3. Mid-week dates are cheaper 

Some operators offer flexible arrival days with varying lengths of stay, so you can plan your travel for midweek dates when flights and ferry crossings are cheaper.

4. Money-saving websites 

Holiday companies put their best offers online. Check websites for last minute deals or discounts at off-peak times.

Check out our guide to money-saving websites for travellers

5. Find free childcare offers

Good childcare can add around £200 per child to the cost of a family ski holiday. Look out for weeks when operators may offer this for free, usually as a booking incentive during the low season months of January, February and March (excluding half term).

6. Hiring ski gear 

Complimentary ski and boot hire for children is sometimes available when parents pre-book equipment, look out for deals.

7. Where to eat on the slopes 

Avoid buying lunch from the rip-off sandwich bars on busy slopes, where a inedible hot dog or stale sandwich may cost as much as a substantial main course at a sit-down restaurant, where you can give yourself and the kids a proper break.

8. Ski passes

Look out for family ski pass deals, available in many resorts. 

9. Toddler travel

Some family ski specalists will supply baby and toddler essentials such as nappies, baby wipes and powdered formula milk directly to ski chalets. This can help reduce the number and cost of checked-in bags.

10. Teenage adventures

If you’re travelling with teenagers who are keen to try out the local nightlife, choose accommodation near or in resort centres to avoid paying out on late night taxi fares.

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Find out where to go on a cheap ski holidays, what age your children should start skiing, and then find the best ski schools for kids to get them well-versed on the slopes,