For many adventure lovers and thrill seekers, skiing or snowboarding holidays feature on many bucket lists. Dreams of exploring the majestic French, Italian or Swiss Alps surrounded by idyllic countryside villages, while enjoying activities on seemingly endless ski playgrounds.
Club Med Grand Massif Samoens Morillon.
However, for many South Africans, the costs involved can leave potential holidaymakers unsure whether to book or not. Here is some excellent news – there is a way you can book a snow holiday and not break the bank. We have put together a list of saving tips that you can work with to save some rands. And with a little bit of planning, you can still ensure you get the best snow holiday ever!
1. Book a skip getaway in advance
Do not wait until the last minute to book your holiday. Yes, you could potentially get decent last-minute deals, however, when you book in advance you get to pay a manageable deposit and also spread out the payment of the balance over several months. Booking in advance also allows you to get the first pick of the best reasonably priced resorts like the adults-only Arcs Extreme, perfectly set at the foot of the slopes, and renowned for amazing sports offerings and après-ski. You can also test out the magnificent Serre Chevalier, in the heart of the Southern Alps, at 400 metres (4,590 ft) high. At Serre Chevalier, you can ski with views over the Massif des Écrins mountain range.
2. Book your ski getaway trip in off-season
As with any holiday where you are looking to make a bit of a saving, it is always advisable to look for holiday deals off-peak season. Avoid the popular periods as demand will be high and the prices will be equally so. When looking for a snow holiday, it is advisable to consider the start of the snow season and the end. November kicks off the season and is a time when one can also experience the magic of the first snowfall. The end of the season is between March/April and is known as European Spring Ski. This period is perfect for beginners and families as the slopes are less busy, days are warmer and longer and more importantly, prices are lower
VALTHORENS.
3. Investigate all-inclusive ski offerings
While it is tempting to consider the Do It Yourself (DIY) approach when booking a snow holiday, it ultimately ends up being more expensive due to the many extras that come with a ski adventure or the unexpected costs one might not have anticipated. An all-inclusive holiday like the ones offered by the leaders in ski holidays, Club Med, takes all that into consideration. With a Club Med holiday accommodation, meals, snacks, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), lift passes, equipment hire and ski lessons are included and paid for upfront. The non-skiers can make the most of after-ski activities, challenging indoor climbing walls and swimming pools. You can practically leave your wallet at home and enjoy a magical adventure to your heart’s content without the worry of a huge bill at the end of the holiday. For additional peace of mind, should guests request it, flights and transfers can also be added to the package!
4. Hire or borrow ski gear and equipment
While it may be tempting to purchase one’s ski gear brand new, it is really not necessary and can cost a pretty penny as one needs rather specialised ski clothing and equipment. If you are looking to save some money or if this is your first ski trip, consider either borrowing the gear from friends or spending a bit of time shopping for secondhand deals. If you have booked your holiday in advance, you can watch out for end-of-ski season specials online and save a wad of cash.
A ski holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little bit of patience and preparation, you can enjoy the best snow holiday of your dreams and not have to survive on two-minute noodles for the rest of the month. If you are currently shopping around, check out this fun interactive Ski Comparison Tool to compare prices between all-inclusive and DIY options.
Pictures: Supplied
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