Often considered an extravagant holiday, skiing is now in many ways cheaper than a sun break.
I remember my inaugural ski holiday in Tignes almost put me off the slopes. After purchasing all the essential ski gear from one of the well known brands, I was hundreds of euro in debt before I even hit the mountains. Then there was the expense of ski hire, ski school and insurance, followed by accommodation, food for the week and all the niggly extras that I didn’t realise were linked to a ski holiday. Unsurprisingly my bank account took a worse bruising than my body did from all the tumbles on the slopes. But was I tempted to hang up my ski boots after my first ski holiday? Not a chance. For as soon as I mastered the snow plough, experienced the après ski scene and took in the spectacular scenery from mountain tops, I was hooked on this type of holiday. So much so, that I refused to give up my annual ski even when the recession crept in. It was instead a case of finding a cheap deal and downgrading my ski lifestyle, while ensuring I lost none of the enjoyment involved with this type of holiday. Having tried a few different ski holidays (both package and DIY) in a variety of destinations, I have figured out how to go skiing on a tight budget.
Firstly I have all the ski gear from my first snow holiday which instantly cuts costs. If, however, I was a first timer on the slopes I would borrow from a friend or else stock up on all the essentials from TX Maxx. Next on the checklist is booking a ski holiday for a bargain price. Much to the dismay of travel agents, ski holidays have taken one of the worst hits in the recession with more holidaymakers staying loyal to their sun break over ski. However the perk for keen skiers and beginners is that a snow holiday has never been so cheap. Week long deals can be bagged for as low €400 which will often include accommodation, flights and transfers. This was the price I secured earlier in the year when I went to the well known resort of La Plagne in France. The self-catering accommodation, Cassiopée was certainly compact but catered well to those out skiing all day and dining out at night. The additional perk of staying here was being a thirty second walk from the shops, bars and ski lifts.
The first day on the slopes my group of five debated how we could improve our ski skills without forking out a fortune. Rather than embark on ski school we clubbed together to pay for a private ski lesson. Our first one lasted three hours and cost €20 each. This saved us a chunk of money and each of us found we improved our ski techniques faster because of the individual attention from our instructor. Even with a lesson every day we would had spent €100 by the end of the week compared to ski school costs of €200. Combined with this cost saver were our bargain lunches. Well accustomed to dining in the scenic expensive eateries on previous ski holidays, I was far savvier and less extravagant this time, sussing out alternative options. The perfect solution came in the form of a wonderful charcuterie that created delicious ham baguettes for €3.50. Sitting on our ski jackets we would polish these off as we soaked up the warmth of the sun, before clumping our way to one of the al fresco bars for a hot chocolate or a strong tipple. With just enough time to relax our jelly legs and regain energy to head back to the slopes, we would embark on a few more runs in the afternoon calling it a day just in time for happy hour.
Dinners in La Plagne were cheap whether we ate in or out. Rather than pile up the calories we had burnt off on the red and blue runs, we stuck to one main course and shared desserts on nights out. On the nights in we nominated a chef to cook, while two did the shopping and the remaining pair did the wash up. For a grand total of €30 or €6 each we could eat and drink like royalty and none of us seemed to mind the small confines of our open plan apartment. For night time entertainment the playing cards and poker chips would appear and we would embark on a night of gambling – washed down with duty free baileys or gin tonics. On the nights we did go out, we cleverly opted for free table quizzes and pub crawls that included all drinks in the cover price.
With €400 as my budget for the week to include all ski lessons, food and extras, I was nicely surprised to see that I had change left over – more than enough to stock up on Milka chocolate and a trendy ski hat in the airport on the way home. Skiing on a tight budget was a challenge, but one that proved to be hugely satisfying knowing I could do it without splashing too much cash.
For ski holidays to La Plagne and other resorts in Europe visit Crystal Ski www.crystalski.ie
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