Cheap Ski Holidays
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With 90+ years of experience sending ski fanatics to the Alps, we know a thing or two about how to get the absolute best value for money. Our team of dedicated ski experts are on hand to provide you with all the insider hacks, like when to hit the slopes (spoiler alert: off-peak season means cheaper deals), how to choose wallet-friendly resorts that are a little more off-radar, and how to leave more change in your pocket by choosing a modest, but still comfy, self-catering apartment. We believe that ski holidays should be accessible for all budgets, and our tailor-made packages offer top-tier trips without breaking the bank. Psst... affordable skiing isn’t just a wish – it’s your next adventure.
So whether you’re after a budget-friendly snowboarding adventure, a cheap singles ski holiday, a romantic couple’s escape to the Alps, or a trip with a large group of mates aiming to save big on your annual ski adventure, our fantastic deals make it all possible. Some resorts are easier on the wallet than others and with our savvy know-how, we’ll help you uncover the best deals on ski resorts. With exclusive ski package deals and expert advice, Erna Low makes finding an affordable ski holiday simple. Ready to book your next trip? Then let’s get you on the slopes for less.
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Cheap Ski Holiday Deals
Ski on a budget: how to cut costs without compromising on experience
If you’re tired of draining your wallet every time you hit the slopes, we’ve got the ultimate scoop – and seeing as you’re looking to ski for the best price possible, you’ll want to hear all about it... Ski holidays don’t always come with a pricey attached tag. With a savvy mind and a little forward planning, you might just find yourself on an unforgettable ski holiday for a lot less. Here are a few tips on how to leave enough change in your pocket for a cheeky après beer while still maximising your time on the slopes.
- Choose a budget-friendly resort
Some resorts offer incredible skiing at lower prices compared to their more popular neighbours. Destinations like Les Menuires, La Plagne and Sestriere provide excellent snow conditions, convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation options and connections to vast ski areas – all the magic of an incredible ski holiday without the matching price tag. With a bit of digging, you’ll soon find that powder doesn't always come at a premium. Instead, ignore the sparkly jewel of the bigger name resorts and opt for the lesser travelled path. You never know; you might uncover some absolute gems hidden in plain sight (and on the cheap)! - Take full advantage of off-peak season times
Slash costs on ski accommodation, lift passes, equipment hire, lessons and more by steering clear of peak season. Christmas, half-term and festive holidays are highly sought after and fill up quickly, leading to much higher prices for all the stuff you could get for a much better price outside these dates. January, mid-March and late-season are undoubtedly the best times to find cheaper deals while still enjoying excellent ski conditions. - Save on self-catered and self-drive packages
Eating out in resort every day gets pricey, but self-catered apartments allow you to save big when you take care of your own meals. Plus, if you’re driving yourself to the Alps with a self-drive holiday package, you can bring much more than airport baggage allows, meaning you don’t really need to buy much when you get to the resort. Driving to the Alps with an Erna Low Eurotunnel package can be a cheaper and more flexible option, too, especially for families and groups. - Book either well in advance or last-minute
For the best value, book early to lock in lower prices or keep an eye out for last-minute deals on accommodation and ski passes. Erna Low offers exclusive early-bird and last-minute discounts, ensuring you always get the best deal. Either way, it’s a win-win!
Cheap Ski Resorts
Skiing on a budget doesn’t mean settling for second-best. There are plenty of fantastic resorts in Europe that offer affordable accommodation, snow surety and access to some of the most incredible slopes on offer within the Alps – all without the premium price tag. Here are some of the best destinations for a cost-conscious ski holiday.
- Les Menuires, France
Les Menuires offers all the perks of the jaw-dropping Three Valleys ski area, which is the largest interconnected ski area in the world – only you won’t have to pay the high prices associated with Val Thorens, Méribel or Courchevel to enjoy its high-altitude slopes, incredible views and epic slopes. With unlimited access to 600km of pistes, ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a lively but affordable après-ski scene, it’s perfect for those who want to get their ski fix without stretching their budget too far. - La Plagne, France
Part of the legendary Paradiski area, La Plagne is a top-tier choice for large groups and multi-generational families looking for an affordable ski trip. The resort has plenty of self-catered apartments right next to the slopes, as well as an incredible selection of slopes for skiers of all levels and abilities. Lift pass prices are also more reasonable here compared to other large ski areas. - Sestriere, Italy
As part of the Milky Way ski area, Sestriere offers access to an incredible 400km of slopes at a fraction of what French and Swiss resorts cost. Its high-altitude position pretty much guarantees great snow, and you’ll find plenty of affordable hotels and apartments with access to the slopes only a short “ski-boot-stomp” away.
Driving vs. flying: which is the cheaper option for your ski holiday?
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If you’re looking for smart ways on how to save a few pennies on your next ski holiday, working out your travel options is probably high on your list. After all, there’s lots to think about – like which option is more sustainable, what’s more convenient, and how easy is it to get to the resort? Ultimately, how you travel comes down to your personal preference, but here are some things to consider that may affect your decision:
- The cost of flying
Flights are the quickest travel option and can be relatively cheap if booked early enough. However, when you add baggage fees, ski carriage, airport transfers, peak pricing and all the associated costs like food and drink to the mix, it soon starts to add up. For solo travellers or couples, flying can be convenient. But for families and groups, there are definitely more cost-effective options out there. - The cost of driving
A self-drive option with LeShuttle offers great savings. You don’t have to worry about extra add-ons and there's no charge for extra baggage, which means you can take all the home-away-from-home comforts you can’t fit into a suitcase. If you’re travelling in a group, the cost can be easily split between everyone so it works out cheaper per person. You can also stock up on supplies before you get to the resort (there’s usually a supermarket at the bottom of the mountain), which will save you a considerable amount of change. One last thing – you can easily reach smaller, lesser-known resorts that are a bit harder to get to via public transport if you’re driving. - The verdict
For families and groups, driving is often the cheapest and most flexible option. Plus, there’s no waiting around for your luggage to arrive or standing in crowded airport queues during the chaos of changeover day. However, if you’re short on time and don’t mind paying a little extra, flying can be more convenient.
How to save money on ski passes, equipment hire and lessons
With a little planning, you can easily cut costs on ski passes, equipment hire and lessons without missing out on that all-important ski time. Here’s how to keep more change in your pocket while still enjoying an unforgettable winter adventure.
- Book your ski pass in advance
Buying your ski pass at the resort can be expensive. But we’ve got good news... many resorts offer early booking discounts if you purchase online before you arrive. Some resorts also have family passes, group discounts and beginner-area passes, which can be a cheaper alternative if you’re not ready to ski the entire mountain or don’t mind sticking to the local slopes. - Save on ski equipment hire
Hiring ski gear last-minute? Unfortunately, that’s an easy way to pay more than you need to. Pre-booking your ski hire ensures you get the best prices and availability – especially during peak weeks. Erna Low partners with trusted ski hire shops, so you get high-quality equipment at competitive rates. - Find the best deals on ski lessons
If you or someone in your group needs lessons, look out for group lesson packages which are much cheaper than private tuition. Some resorts also offer discounted beginner packages that bundle lift passes, ski hire and lessons together for extra savings.
Best ski resorts for cheap family ski holidays
Even though family ski holidays come with their own set of challenges (like who gets the biggest bed!), they don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. When you choose the right resort, you can enjoy fantastic skiing, child-friendly slopes and all the holiday-making facilities you could want – all while leaving more change in your pocket for a hot chocolate with all the whipped cream after an exhausting day. Whether you’re looking for safe and secure beginner areas, reputable ski schools or affordable self-catered accommodation, these resorts offer great value without compromising on quality:
- La Clusaz, France
La Clusaz is a brilliant alternative to pricier French resorts, offering fantastic skiing, a welcoming atmosphere and overall great value for families. Just an hour from Geneva, the resort is only a short transfer away, making it an ideal destination for families with young children who can’t cope with long travel times. The resort features a decent selection of beginner-friendly slopes, top-tier ski schools and a relaxed resort centre that’s well-suited to families. With affordable self-catered apartments and reasonably priced lift passes compared to big-name resorts, La Clusaz is a sparkly hidden gem for anyone in search of a budget-friendly ski holiday. - Pas de la Casa, Andorra
If you’re looking for snow-sure slopes as well as great value for money, Pas de la Casa in Andorra is a fantastic choice. As part of the Grandvalira ski area – the largest in the Pyrenees – it offers a decent 210km across a selection of varied terrain at a fraction of the cost of pricier alpine resorts. Families will love the excellent English-speaking ski schools, gentle nursery slopes and budget-friendly ski-in/ski-out accommodation options. Plus, Andorra’s duty-free status means eating out, ski hire and shopping are all much cheaper than in France or Switzerland. We call that a win! - La Tania, France
For families who want to explore the legendary Three Valleys without the hefty price tag, La Tania really does offer it all. Conveniently nestled between Courchevel and Méribel, this small, family-friendly resort offers great-value accommodation with direct access to one of the largest ski areas in the world. The pedestrianised village is safe and easy to navigate, adding that extra layer of confidence when travelling with kids, and the beginner areas are perfect for young skiers learning the basics. With cheaper lift passes, plenty of self-catered accommodation options and fantastic doorstep skiing, La Tania is a brilliant budget-friendly alternative in the Three Valleys.
Why book a cheap ski holiday with Erna Low?
At Erna Low, we’ve been helping people hit the slopes in Europe since 1932 – and let’s face it, when you’ve been doing something for that long, you get pretty good at it! Our team lives and breathes everything skiing and we’re committed to making sure you get the best value for your ski holiday package without compromising on quality.
When it comes to skiing in France, we’re pretty confident our carefully curated ski packages define the word bargain! Even better – we’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you confidence that you’re getting the best value for money. Resorts like La Plagne, Les Deux Alpes and Tignes have loads of budget-friendly options that still deliver a fun-filled experience, even if they are considered “cheap”. In our bid to make skiing a more affordable adventure, we’re going all out to help you find epic deals that offer the perfect blend of value and quality. So whether you prefer taking it easy on wide and spacious green runs or like to test your wits and skills against the more challenging black pistes, there's something to suit every preference – and you won’t need to sell your skis to afford it!
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.