Star regular Europebudgetguide.com contributor, Katy Stewart shares some general tips on budget skiing and gives you the lowdown on the best place to go skiing in Europe and Grand Massif on a budget: Morillon
Skiing holidays are often thought of as the preserve of the rich. With people paying thousands for a few days in Val d’Isère or Chamonix, the mere mention of skiing will make your bank manager shudder. However, with just a bit of inside knowledge, it is entirely possible to have a winter sports break at a low cost in Europe. From getting the gear to hitting the slopes, here’s how to do it.
1. Shop around for ski wear
At this time of year, stockists are slashing prices on winter sports clothing and accessories, but the ski season still has a good few weeks to run. A browse online will offer a great selection of deals and outdoor shops are also good place to start, with high street chains such as Blacks and Millets currently offering sale prices of under £30 each for ski jackets and salopettes. Don’t spend loads on things you don’t need to: make sure you have some good ski gloves, but goggles and helmets are readily available to hire when you get there.
2. Steer clear from the big names
If you go to Val d’Isère at peak season, then you will pay a premium for the privilege. However, this doesn’t mean you have to write off the Alps altogether; there are plenty of smaller resorts which can offer budget price deals. Morillon in the Grand-Massif region is just one of these resorts, which comprises a delightful alpine village and a family-friendly ski resort. It caters for complete beginners, children and more advanced skiers. A full day pass costs 33 euros and hiring gear is also cheap, with hire shops in the village charging just 23 euros for boots, poles and skis for 2 days.
Top tip: Get backpacker travel insurance before you leave, then get ski insurance at the resort. At Morillon, this costs under 3 euros per day.
3. Travel in a group
Most of the bargain accommodation comes in the form of chalets housing groups of 4-6 and more. www.peakretreats.co.uk is a good place to book a ski break in Morillon or other small resorts and offers chalet accommodation starting at 120 euros per person for a week, based on 4 or more sharing. If a cosy cabin with wood-burning stoves and superb mountain views sounds like the perfect place to come back to after a day on the slopes, then this is for you.
4. How to get to Morillon: Find a bargain flight
So you’ve got the gear and booked the chalet, now you just need to get there! Budget airlines are well-tuned in to the ski season and competitive prices can be found. Flying to Geneva is a good option as it is well located for many alpine destinations – Morillon is an hour’s drive away. Easyjet offers flights here from airports across the UK, including Gatwick, Glasgow and Bournemouth with prices starting at £50 for return flights.
Now all you have to do is enjoy a great skiing trip, feeling smug that you’ve avoided a hefty price tag. Of course, that smile might be wiped off your face as you go hurtling head-first down the slope, but that’s all part of the fun. Just make sure you do get that ski insurance, otherwise it might not work out so cheaply after all!
Follow Katy on Twitter: @katyabroad
Website: www.postcardfromtheworld.blogspot.com
Skype: katyabroad
