How to cut the price of a week on the slopes

Skiing holidays

It’s not known for being the most budget friendly family holiday and skiing trips to Europe have just got a bit pricier because of the weak pound.

Even so, families could save up to £3,000 by looking beyond the popular destinations for a week’s break on the slopes.

Switzerland, Austria and France have among the most expensive ski resorts in Europe, costing upwards of £6,000 for seven days’ skiing for a family of four.

But families could enjoy the same ski time in Italy or Bulgaria for half that price.

Based on the cost of flying from London, one of the most expensive destinations is the iconic Grindelwald resort in Switzerland which comes in at £10,100 for a family of four, while a week’s trip to Pamporovo in Bulgaria would cost £4,396.

Pamporovo also comes in as the most cost effective resort for couples. Flights and accommodation for seven nights cost £2,198. A week in Cervinia in Italy costs £5,580 for a family holiday.

But do cheaper resorts offer the same idyllic views and facilities as those in Austria, France and Switzerland?

Jacqueline Dobson, managing director of Barrhead Travel, says they will match the best and in some ways offer more.

“The resorts of Bankso [also Bulgaria] and Pamporovo are family favourites as there’s so much for the full family to get involved with après-ski.

“Additionally, the Italian slopes also offer incredible value with the laid-back atmosphere making it a popular choice for families with younger children learning how to ski.”

Those wishing to fly from Edinburgh can find seats in January to Grenoble airport, some 40 miles away from the French resort of Les Deux Alpes – blessed with the largest skiable glacier in Europe – for £144 per person.

If the final 40 mile trip from airport to resort is a no-go then the Chamonix resort on Mont Blanc is only a few hundred pounds more expensive. A seven night stay in this firm favourite with skiers since the 18th century will cost a family of four around £5,924.

Renting equipment and ski lift passes will be next on your itinerary, and prices for a family of four can cost £1,000. Hiring skis and boots are £150 per person at the Zermatt resort in Switzerland but its ski passes match its impressive runs, coming in among the most expensive at £314 per person.

At the other end of the scale, Borovets in Bulgaria will charge just £55 for skis and boots. Cervinia in Italy charges just under £100. Pamporovo, will include both the cost of the equipment and ski passes in the cost of the holiday.

Ms Dobson  says: “Ski holidays to Switzerland are generally the most expensive at this time of year.

“You’ll find that prices can be higher than other European resorts for the ultimate Alps experience, although with the truly magnificent mountainous scenery that this small country is famed for, it’s not hard to see why it remains a firm favourite amongst skiers of all backgrounds and abilities.”

Simon Phillips, retail director at foreign exchange company No1 Currency, comments: “Skiing has never been a cheap holiday, but the weak pound has ratcheted up prices even further for Britons wanting to hit the European pistes this winter.

“The combination of good infrastructure and the odd dash of celebrity glamour make the well-established resorts in the big three skiing countries – Austria, Switzerland and France – an attractive but expensive proposition.

“A week-long trip to Switzerland for a family of four can set you back the cost of a small family car before you even board the plane.

“So if you’re on a tighter budget it makes sense to choose resorts in Bulgaria and parts of Italy, as they are a lot more affordable – but make sure you shop around for currency before you leave to ensure you get the best possible rate.”

Prices in the table below are for flights from and to London. Check your travel agent for comparable prices from other airports

Source: Skis, boot hire, flights and accommodation: www.crystalski.co.uk (Date: Feb 10th – 17th)

Location	Ski/boot hire per person (6 days)	Area lift pass per person (6 days)	Flights & Accommodation per person (7 nights)	Flights & Accommodation per couple (7 nights)	Total per person	Total per couple	Total family of four
Pamporovo, Bulgaria	incl	incl	£1,149	£2,198	£1,149	£2,198	£4,396
Bansko, Bulgaria	£64	£119	£1054	£1860	£1,237	£2,226	£4,442
Borovets, Bulgaria	£55	£124	£1449	£2420	£1,628	£2,778	£5,556
Cervinia, Italy	£92	£291	£1301	£2024	£1,684	£2,790	£5,580
Les Deux Alpes, France	£121	£229	£1335	£2110	£1,685	£2,810	£5,620
La Thuile, Italy	£140	£212	£1168	£2210	£1,520	£2,914	£5,828
Chamonix, France	£158	£274	£1226	£2098	£1,658	2,962	£5,924
Selva Val Gardena, Italy	£107	£267	£1279	£2240	£1,653	£2,988	£5,976
Kitzbuhel, Austria	£177	£243	£1200	£2192	£1,620	£3,032	£6,064
Val Thorens, France	£155	£263	£1533	£2238	£1,951	£3,074	£6,148
Tignes, France	£140	£258	£1531	£2364	£1,929	£3,160	£6,320
Solden, Austria	£144	£209	£1225	£2450	£1,578	£3,156	£6,312
Courchevel, France	£135	£263	£1818	£2530	£2,216	£3,326	£6,652
Meribel, France	£163	£263	£1732	£2540	£2,158	£3,392	£6,784
St. Anton, Austria	£171	£219	£1369	£2614	£1,759	£3,394	£6,788
Ischgl, Austria	£195	£267	£1239	£2478	£1,701	£3,402	£6,804
Val d’Isere, France	£176	£258	£1793	£2558	£2,403	£3,426	£6,852
Saas Fee, Switzerland	£199	£275	£2091	£3524	£2,565	£4,273	£8,546
Zermatt, Switzerland	£150	£314	£2492	£3932	£2,956	£4,860	£9,720
Grindelwald, Switzerland	£230	£259	£2113	£4072	£2,602	£5,050	£10,100