What are the best value skiing destinations?

Question:

I am planning on going skiing somewhere this winter. Do you know where the best value destinations are and how I can save money when booking and travelling?

Answer:

By Bob Atkinson, travelsupermarket.com

In recent weeks you would have been forgiven for thinking that there would be no ski holidays this winter. Heavy snowfalls have only just reached the European resorts and many feared that the start of this year’s season would be seriously delayed.

So now that snow is here, the next challenge for committed skiers and snow boarders is to find a holiday that they can do without breaking the bank. The pound has been weakening against the Swiss Franc and many resorts have seen searing costs pricing people off the slopes.

However there is some light at the end of the chair lift. The Post Office have completed their annual report into the cost of a family skiing trip and identified where you can find a good deal. The best value destinations to keep costs down are as follows;

Bulgaria – this has proved to be the best overall value of the resorts checked on, scoring well on aspects such as ski and boot hire, ski schools and eating out. Head for resorts such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Prices were shown to be up to 55 per cent cheaper than Switzerland

Slovenia – again scores well across the board and identified as the cheapest destination in the Euro zone. Good resorts to try are Bled, Kranksja Gora and Bohinj.

Austria – while still expensive for food in comparison to some resorts, there are bargains to be head in ski equipment hire. Popular resorts such as Ellmau, Mayerhofen and Soll.

Of course, there are a huge range of other factors to consider and just because a country or resort may be cheaper does not guarantee you a great snow based holiday. Its vital to consider the type of runs available, snow levels and record, the type of accommodation, food and entertainment you enjoy, transfer times and overall ambience of the resort just as much as price.

The last thing you want to do is to end up somewhere that you don’t like. So research reviews such as those on the Ski Club of Great Britain.

So once you have settle on your destination, you should focus your attention as well on keeping general costs down. Follow these tips to keep more change in your pocket:

Research everything you can online and compare both package holiday prices with DIY flights, transfers and hotel. If possible avoid travelling at Russian New Year in the first week of January, February half term and Easter. Prices rocket and availability is tough.
Ensure you buy a good quality travel insurance suitable for winter sports. Remember that an annual policy including winter sports option may well work out far cheaper if you holiday overseas two or more times a year and you then benefit from cover year round for all mini breaks and UK breaks over two days in length. Use price comparison sites such as MoneySupermarket.com to compare prices in the market and save huge amounts on airline, tour operator and Post Office rates.
For all other travel extras prebook online and as far ahead as possible. These are the things that people often leave too late and then pay over the odds - car hire, airport parking or rail to the airport and travel money options.
A great way to cut costs is to opt for self catering. Eating out costs and bar bills can be hideously expensive in many European resorts, especially Switzerland where the pound is very weak against the Swiss Franc. Try and shop in a large supermarket outside of the resort for the best prices on your arrival, including things such as drinks and basics, then drive your cheaper food into resort to your accommodation. Top up with fresh foods in resort where prices are higher. Eat out sparingly and look for meal deals and early dining offers.
Consider chalets as a cost effective way of travelling with a larger group. The 'all inclusive' style of price may well work out cheaper than you thought.
Eat a full hearty breakfast and take snacks or a packed lunch and drink with you in a back pack to cut down daytime eating out costs.
Pre book all things such as ski and equipment hire, ski and lift passes and ski lessons from home to keep costs down. They are rarely cheaper on arrival in resort. Weigh up the cost of hiring equipment vs. buying in the UK and the cost of travelling with the kit. You could even borrow clothing from fellow ski friends ensuring that if fits correctly, especially boots which MUST fit well.
For lift passes only buy what you need. A local pass may be sufficient rather than a pass for wider slope areas. And also check out family options and group tickets
Keep baggage costs down
Ensure you use cash where you can exchanged at the best rates back in the UK for Euros, dollars etc. Avoid cards where you can for eating out to avoid poor exchange rates or card charges