Summer is well and truly behind us, and as the months get colder and the days get shorter, it can be easy to suffer from the winter blues.
However, if you need a reason to look forward to winter, planning a ski break can be just the thing!
After all, there's nothing like hitting the slopes and making the most of the fresh mountain air before heading to a cosy chalet for that world-famous apres ski.
And although ski holidays have a reputation for coming with a hefty price tag, it is possible to find some great travel bargains, so you can still have a snowy escape without breaking the bank.
To give you a helping hand, we've put together the ultimate guide to getting through the ski season without blowing your entire budget...
What's included in the guide?
- The best websites for finding bargain ski holidays
- Top tips for finding cheap ski holidays
- 5 insider hacks for skiing on a budget
Beginner's guide to your first week on the slopes
The best websites to find cheap ski holidays
Crystal Ski Holidays has a dedicated deals page so you can easily find the latest offers on both its ski and snowboard getaways. You can find breaks from as little as £290pp.
easyJet holidays has packages to the hottest resorts with bargain prices starting from as little as £174pp so it's definitely worth checking out to see if there are any deals on your chosen dates.
Lastminute.com has everything from Bargain Ski Breaks to luxury getaways, and you can often find great deals on their packages - including savings of up to 50% off!
TravelSupermarket is great for finding a ski bargain - especially if you're flexible with your dates as it searches out the cheapest offerings available at that time. And for an extra helping hand, it also highlights the top 10 deals happening right now.
Inghams has a dedicated offers page for last-minute deals in case you decide you want a spontaneous trip into the mountains!
Top tips for finding cheap ski holidays
Mark Tavender, Expedia's Direct of Product, has shared his top tips for a bargain break...
1. Drive down the price: Check you are booking a flight from the closest airport to your resort, as the cost of private transfers can escalate if you’re not travelling in a large group. Ask your hotel or chalet if they have a shuttle service or if other guests are arriving at the same time – you could split lifts with them.
2. Budget your bites: Don’t overpay for a stale sandwich on the slopes. Instead, opt for a self-catered chalet to give you the option of packing your own lunch in the morning.
3. Booking basics: You could save up to 20 per cent if you log onto Expedia over a weekend to book. In fact, if you hit ‘book’ on a Sunday, you can save up to 36 per cent on average. Plus, booking flights, accommodation and activities at the same time can also create bundle savings.
4. Apres-duty free: If you fancy a more exotic drink after a busy day in the snow, there is a chance you’ll get stung by bar costs in your resort. Using your self-catered chalet to prepare duty-free drinks is a way of winding down without paying a premium.
5. Cross-country savings: While last year’s top destinations of France, Italy and Austria are most popular with Brits, heading outside of the Eurozone could save you money. Try Eastern European destinations such as Bulgaria or Slovakia.
5 insider hacks for skiing on a budget
The travel gurus at TravelSupermarket have shared some handy insider secrets to snapping up the best bargains...
1. Go for the right resort
Although you've probably heard many a story about Whistler in Canada and Chamonix in France , less well-known resorts offer the same snow-filled fun for considerably less money.
Stick to the east for the best value, home to cheap skiing destinations such as Soldeu and Arinsal in Andorra and Bansko in Bulgaria . If it has to be France, the Brides-Les-Bains area is usually one of the cheaper options.
2. Be flexible on your departure date
Rather than heading out on a Saturday, fly out mid week if you can and you can save hundreds - especially if you're using a last minute or package deal.
3. Don't buy your ski kit - borrow it.
Kitting yourself out for a week on the slopes can make a huge dent in your holiday budget and you'll only be wearing it for a week. Don't be ashamed to ask friends and family if they have spare stuff they could lend you.
For equipment, TravelSupermarket recommends shopping around online and booking rental skis and snowboards in advance - not only does it work out cheaper than turning up on the day but they may even deliver it to your accommodation.
4. Go in January or March
They're the cheapest months (while most expensive ones are December and February), with last minute, late season offers also saving you lots of pennies - just make sure you check the snowfall before booking.
5. Suss out the ski lifts
Ski lifts can add a big expense to your trip, so check out your options before you book.
You can also grab on a deal depending on your expertise. If you're a beginner on the nursery slopes, you may be able to get draglifts free of charge - at least for the first few days - so it's always worth asking the lift pass office before shelling out.
Beginner's guide to the first week on the slopes
TripAdvisor snow-loving users have previously shared some handy advice on how to make the most of your trip.
1. Watch the weather
“Many resorts in the Western U.S. and Canada open as early as October,” says TripAdvisor user South691. “But you have to watch the weather. Last year, many resorts still did not have good snow in December.”
2. Choose the right equipment
Novices should steer clear of aging equipment. “Rent skis and boots instead of borrowing a friend's old pair. Learning to ski on a modern pair of skis is not only safer, it will help you progress faster,” says user Janice M.
Use the money you save in airline oversize baggage fees to rent parabolic skis, which are easier to learn on, advises user Bonjours (a ski instructor).
If you’re set on buying your own equipment, don’t do it online unless you’ve already tried the stuff on in a store. “Proper fitting ski equipment is critical to a good and safe ski experience,” says user IslandGrl.
3. Stay warm
“The best boot heaters are the ones that are battery operated and are installed in your boot,” says user mexicocity.
For a cheaper alternative, buy some disposable ones and “put the adhesive in the toe of your boot rather than adhering it to your sock.”
“Avoid wearing cotton fabric, as it retains moisture and can make a skier or snowboarder colder. Synthetics, wool, or wool blends are much better choices for warmth,” reports user IslandGrl.
4. Pack wisely
IslandGrl always carries her ski boots on the plane: “Even if our luggage gets lost, I can still ski confidently as long as I have my boots.”
"As for getting non-ski gear, don’t bother with a second pair of heavy boots, says user Amos H, who just brings lightweight walking boots for getting around.
And don’t let the chill fool you, warns Figgygirl. "You’ll need high-SPF sunblock and lip balm to protect against the sun.
“The weather can change in one day, so always carry a hat and goggles with you. We take a small backpack to carry things on the slopes.”
5. Check your insurance
Check your health and travel insurance policies to see if you’ll be covered for injuries due to winter sports—not all plans cover this, says Figgygirl.
