When I was in my 20s, I took my then boyfriend skiing for the first time. On a budget and overconfident, I insisted I could teach him myself. Paying for ski lessons seemed a stretch, given our limited money, so we decided I’d show him the ropes. After all, I had been skiing since childhood – how hard could it be?
On our first morning on the bunny slopes he caught an edge and fell, whacking his elbow. With his arm in a sling, he sulked in our small self-catering apartment while I skied alone. The moral of the story? There are some things that are worth spending money on when you ski, and professional lessons are definitely one of them. Please, learn from my misplaced frugality.
It’s no secret that ski holidays have never been cheap, but annual trips to the slopes have become increasingly expensive over recent years. According to the latest Post Office Travel Money ski report , a six-day lift pass in Europe now costs UK skiers 10.7% more than it did last year. And in some resorts, prices have more than doubled over the past decade. So where can you cut your costs without sacrificing the quality of your trip? And what is truly worth paying for? Take my experienced advice – if you’re planning a trip to the slopes, here’s where to save and when to splurge.
It all starts with how and where you book your trip. If you’re a beginner or intermediate skier, then consider a smaller resort rather than one of the big names. They might not have as many miles of runs but lift prices will be significantly cheaper. With 77 miles of piste plus access to the five other Haute Maurienne Vanoise resorts, low-key Val Cenis offers a six-day adult ski pass for €258.50 (£221.50). By comparison, the equivalent pass at Les Portes du Soleil , which straddles France and Switzerland and has 370 miles of runs, costs €352 (£302). Even better, look to holiday providers such as Sunweb , whose packages include lift passes as standard, instantly eliminating any extra fees to pay when you arrive at the resort.
Timing matters too. Christmas, new year and February half-term are the priciest weeks of the year to ski. If you’re travelling with kids, choose the Easter break instead; the days are longer and warmer, and the prices are lower. Just make sure you choose a high-altitude resort to guarantee snow – Obergurgl in Austria as well as Val Thorens and La Plagne in France are all good options. If you’re not tied to school holidays, then avoid them altogether.
Transport is another area where you can save. Budget airlines have long been the go-to for flights from the UK to the Alps, but if you’re taking your own ski gear then it may be more economical to choose a premium airline such as Swiss International that offers your first set of ski or snowboard equipment free. For even greater savings, Sunweb is currently offering free bronze ski/board equipment rental to everyone who books a flight and transfer ski package to France. If you plan to travel by train, you’ll also need to book well in advance.
Once you’re in a resort, dining out can often be the biggest drain on your wallet. Self-catering accommodation is a great option to mitigate this, of course, as long as you’re organised in terms of groceries. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t believe in cooking on holiday (understandable), take the time to explore the best catered chalet deals instead. Sunweb has a range of half-board and all-inclusive meal plans depending on how flexible you’d like to be. My biggest food tip, though? Avoid the mountain restaurants and pack a picnic lunch for the piste instead.
Above all, book early. Early-bird deals are consistently the easiest way to save.
When to spend the extra money on ski holidays
Travel insurance should be at the top of your list. Standard travel policies often exclude skiing, unless you add specific cover, so make sure that you do. Taking chances on the slopes without adequate insurance could end up costing you a fortune. The free UK Global health insurance card (GHIC) – which has replaced the European version (EHIC) – may cover some medical costs abroad, but it won’t, for example, pay to get you off the mountain if you’re injured.
A quality skiing kit is also worth the investment; nothing can ruin a day of skiing quicker than cold fingers and toes. If you want to be savvy with your budget, then consider renting rather than buying new gear – EcoSki, for example, is a rental platform offering premium, technical ski clothing for adults and children.
Decent goggles are also worth the splurge; the right lenses will make a difference when it comes to spotting bumps, ice and subtle changes in the snow, not to mention protecting your eyes from UV rays. And if you don’t own your own skis, boards or boots, exploit the opportunity to reserve equipment before you arrive. If your trip is with Sunweb, you can do this when you’re booking.
If nothing else, be prepared to pay for ski lessons. Skiing is a hugely enjoyable sport, but it can be frustrating, and potentially dangerous, without proper instruction. Group lessons are cheaper than private ones. However, if you are travelling with friends, hiring an instructor and splitting the cost can work out well. Afternoon sessions tend to be quieter and less expensive. Even intermediate and advanced skiers can benefit from some expert guidance, particularly if you’re keen to venture off-piste. Whatever you do, however, don’t rely on your partner to teach you.
Choose Sunweb for your next skiing adventure
On our first morning on the bunny slopes he caught an edge and fell, whacking his elbow. With his arm in a sling, he sulked in our small self-catering apartment while I skied alone. The moral of the story? There are some things that are worth spending money on when you ski, and professional lessons are definitely one of them. Please, learn from my misplaced frugality.
This report is published with credit to theguardian.com. Full available text from the wire is above. Read on theguardian.com →
Source: theguardian.com · Katja Gaskell. Published 1 Sept 2026, 10:13 am.
