You’ve probably done some existing research into the cost of skiing and at this stage have quite possibly been put off by those hair-raising initial costs. You might find yourself asking why is skiing SO expensive. Well, if it’s a first-time ski trip you are seriously considering, it probably won’t be the last and with time costs will reduce.

With an extensive list of equipment needed, ski lessons, ski clothing, safety gear, accommodation, travel, food, insurance, the list goes on it all starts to add up. However, starting with a means to go on will usually mean a reduction in costs as early as your second ski trip. Depending on how quickly you grasp whizzing down the slopes and if you’ve invested in your own ski equipment. And whether it’s your first time skiing or you’re an advanced skier there are plenty of ways to reduce costs with a few nifty tricks.

Your first time skiing and the initial cost of skiing

Think of your first-time skiing experience or snowboarding holiday as an investment, one that with time will reduce future ski holiday costs. Reinjecting some fun into the possibility of future trips without the wallet scare. Allowing you to actually enjoy your experience, rather than worrying about possibly having to remortgage your house or move out altogether.

How much does a skiing holiday cost?

For full transparency, there is a lot to consider when planning a ski trip. Depending on how long you’ll actually want to spend on the slopes you’ll need to consider the costs per person depending on your holiday length:

1. Accommodation including the choice of ski apartments or self-catering apartments, hotels, chalets
2. Transport including flights and transfers 
3. Ski school and lessons for those early trips 
4. Food and drink
5. Equipment hire, safety equipment and clothing
6. Skiing Insurance 
7. Ski lift pass for lift travel up the mountain, lift passes range from a few hours to a complete season of lift and mountain access
8. If you’re travelling by car, think about parking and car hire costs
9. Activities and entertainment other than skiing like ice skating, spa days, mountaineering, etc

Your Skiing Investments

Ski lessons and school

If it’s your first ski season, it’s unlikely you’ll slide on your skis for the very first time and hit the slopes. It’s essential to get some professional instruction at a ski school. It’s probably much cheaper to get a lesson or two than hurtle down a slope and end up in hospital abroad. But it’s great to point out here, that it’s most definitely an initial added cost, remember you won’t need lessons every time you book a ski trip.

It’s important to get some lessons under your belt and unfortunately, it’s going to cost you, but again it’s an initial investment. One that will be incredibly beneficial in those first few days and of course in years to come when you’re a pro!

To ensure a head start rather than jumping in we’d recommend watching some ski videos and tutorials for the basics as these will help move your initial ski lessons at a good pace. It’ll also prepare you for what to expect too. Another great way to get some practice is by visiting an indoor ski slope, some simulating real snow conditions for extra realism. There are plenty dotted around the UK including 1:1 and group lessons at a much cheaper price than an on-location lesson.

Buying vs renting your ski equipment

As a first-time skier, you need to consider whether you want to buy or rent your skiing equipment which will of course have a huge impact on future ski trips. Initially, a substantial cost of skiing equipment and ski clothes are vital and if you are planning on subsequent trips it absolutely worth investing in your own ski equipment. Of course, we’re not suggesting picking up the full monty on your first trip, there’s no need to cart around two-meter skis to the airport on your first go. However securing your helmet, boots and goggles pre-travel is a great start. Alpine Action offers discounted hire if you have your own boots and helmet so you’ll just cover the cost of your skis and poles or snowboard. Make sure to pick entry-level and beginner skis 

Of course, after your initial investment in your boots, helmet and goggles you’ll have them for life. The same goes for that initial cost spent on ski clothing. There’s a lot you’ll need to buy first time around, but you won’t need to do the same haul for your next trip.

Your skiing packing list

If you are wondering what to wear when skiing or what to buy it’s likely you’ll already have some of the essentials: 

• Winter hat
• Neck warmer/buff
• Thermal tops & Leggings
• Fleeces
• Waterproof ski jacket
• Waterproof ski trousers
• Waterproof gloves or mittens
• Thermal bottoms
• Ski/board socks 
• Suncream & Lip Balm

And then there are your own holiday essentials to include as well as things like a day pack and a water bottle etc. 

Invest in yourself with pre-ski ski exercises

It’s also essential to prepare your body for the extensive exercise you’ll be undertaking every day. You don’t want to spend half your holiday sat on the sidelines, aching all over. Squats, wall sits, lunges and planks are all great at-home ski exercises. Balance and coordination, as well as lateral movement, are all key and can be practised through ice skaters and lateral hops. General fitness and cardio are also essential, so running, cycling, or brisk walks should be practised at least two or three times a week. Remember to stretch before and after your time out in the snow to prevent injuries.

Tips for Skiing on a Budget

There’s quite a list to consider when planning, don’t be disheartened as it all seems to add up. Your ski resort may also offer beginner packages for the perfect holiday, including everything you’ll need as a first-time adult skier.

When is the best time to book a ski holiday

There are plenty of ways to cut back, like ensuring you don’t plan for a ski trip during the school holidays. It’s also worth seeing if the beginning of the season and end of the season are a little cheaper, too, as these weeks can be a little quieter. Choosing a self-catering apartment may be more expensive upfront, but you’ll end up saving during your stay down to some good old home cooking.

When is the best time to book a ski holiday?

There are plenty of ways to cut back like ensuring you don’t plan for a ski trip during the school holidays. It’s also worth seeing if the beginning of season and end of season are a little cheaper too as these weeks can be a little quieter. Choosing a self-catering apartment may seem like a cheaper option to start with but could end up being more expensive when having to shop or eat out in a resort, plus you will have to tidy up after yourself. Staying in a catered chalet is a by far the most cost-effective way to stay in a resort, breakfast, and afternoon tea every day, with a four-course evening meal and wine for 5 out of 7 nights, and all this prepared, cooked and served to you. Take the strain and cost out of your holiday. Alpine Action offer fully catered chalets in the centre of Meribel.

Ski equipment and clothing

If you’re choosing to purchase your equipment and clothing there’s no need to go for the flashy, fashion branding. Just ensure you’ve got good protection and proper equipment that’s durable so you can use it year in and year out. Alternatively, you can always check with family and friends if there’s anything you could potentially borrow. Or check second-hand marketplaces for pre-loved equipment, sports stores also heavily discount old stock and reduce prices for end-of-season sales, you can always do your shopping early to help spread the cost.

Pre-booking your equipment and ski hire before you jet off also offers discounts including further discounts if you have your own boots and helmet. After all, it’s unlikely your head or feet are going to grow an inch by next year.

If you are travelling on a family ski holiday a ski pass is usually discounted or free depending on the age of your child. And if you’re new to skiing choose a local lift pass as it’s unlikely you’ll be scooting around the entire mountain where lift pass prices will start to increase dramatically.

The best ski deals

And if you want to go that one step further for the cheapest price, it’s best to book a winter trip, roughly any time after the first week of January. It’s said this is when you’ll find the most affordable options. Lastly, it goes without saying, as with any holiday, if you book early you are most likely to get the best holiday deal. It also means you have the opportunity to spread your travel, equipment and resort costs too. 

Where to ski and snowboard

Of course, if you are looking to save money overall generally you’ll probably want to stay as local as possible given flight prices. European resorts are a great place to start there are so many to choose from across the extensive Alps mountain range including French resort Meribel, impressively part of the biggest ski area in the world. Alps skiing offers thousands of opportunities spanning from France to Austria with over 1000 European ski resorts. 

Book your Meribel skiing holiday with Alpine Action early for the best deals on ski chalets, France and equipment hire. Start your ski journey in Meribel, welcoming families, first time skiers and our returning advanced skiers. There is truly something for everyone. Enquire now to experience skiing on the world’s largest ski resort!