Skiing with the family this year doesn’t have to be a snow-go.
Think of a skiing trip and a budget break usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. From the star studded slopes of Aspen, Colorado, to the world-famous resort of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, skiing has an image of being an exclusive activity that in turn comes with a fairly exclusive price tag.
In times of economic crisis especially, taking the whole family away for a winter getaway can seem like an impossible feat. However, those who look beyond the more eminent and ostentatious ski resorts are finding that there are definitely bargains to be had that won’t break the bank. Here are a few recommendations as to how to ensure that you are not left out in the cold this year.
With the pound still clambering back up against the Euro, it seems that our big-name hotspots around the Alps may be off the menu for the foreseeable future. This doesn’t mean that the whole of the continent is beyond consideration though. Europe has a vast array of alternatives to offer, and whilst they may not all carry the prestige of Courchevel, they can give their visitors much more for their money.
Although once thought of as the bargain basement alternatives to the Alps, the slopes of Bulgaria and Andorra have upped their image in recent years and are now a very agreeable possibility if you are on a fairly tight budget. Resorts such as Bankso and Soldeu may not have the same level of visual impact as their more westerly rivals, but they offer decent facilities, well-reviewed tuition and excellent all round value for money. Their slopes are especially good for beginners or slightly under-confident intermediates, so if you are panning on taking young children this may suit.
While Eastern Europe may not immediately spring to mind as a ski destination, beyond the Euro zone you can find many deals on snow holidays. Krvavec in Slovania is a very reasonable resort that offers some great ski getaways, while the winter ski wonderland of Levi, Lapland is festive fun for all the family away that is ideal for a low-budget Christmas treat.
If the thought of straying too far from the Alps is a little too much for you, Megeve in France has very picturesque slopes, and can be fairly cost-effective for those willing to make the journey by car. Similarly, Gressoney in Italy is a hidden gem that has managed to avoid both big crowds and big prices.
The most important thing when trying to bag a ski
bargain is to avoid high season prices by being flexible with your dates. At
the time of writing, a week in a Bed and Breakfast at any of these locations
can be found for around £200 pp. Of course, if you are travelling with the
family don’t forget to take out full insurance cover. Have a look at websites like
Go Travel to name one, and their various travel insurance packages to suit
a variety of needs, ensuring you peace of mind on the slopes.