Follow these top tips for going on a skiing holiday in 2011!
The temperature is dropping and while many people are dreading the cold dark nights and frozen pavements, others have a glint in their eye as they know how much fun winter can be. The skiing and snowboarding season is here and it doesn't have to be expensive to get kitted up and on that chairlift.
Equipment
It costs around €100 on average to hire skis or a snowboard for a week. Online you can pick up the same kit, second-hand, for less. There are plenty of people who buy skis, use them for a week, and decide winter sports are not for them. Be careful by keeping your search local as you'll need to examine the kit, but a quick glance at the base will tell you if it's hardly out the wrapper or if its owner has been grinding rails. Modern skis are wider at the tip and tail, so avoid anything completely straight as they’re guaranteed to be older, and a lot harder to control.
Take into account that you'll need to pay for extra luggage if flying, but you do get to take it home with you and use it again and again.
Lessons
If this is going to be your first time on snow, get at least six hours instruction at a dry ski slope or snow dome before you leave. Lift passes in certain resorts can be over £300 for 6 days. At that price, do you really want to spend time on a nursery slope? Get some lessons and get up the mountain on the second day of your holiday, not the fourth.
Clothing
I recently saw a ski jacket advertised as 'less than half price' but even with that, it was still over £200. You're not going Arctic exploring so the chances are you'll already have one that'll do the job. Something waterproof and wind-proof will do, as long as it’s elasticated or has velcro at the draughty bits, the waist, wrists and neck. It's the layers you wear underneath that are important for heat management, so pack a fleece and a few long sleeved t-shirts.
There are plenty of outdoor outlet stores where you can pick up salopettes, goggles and helmet with bargains to be found in TK Maxx, especially later in the season.
Avoid the peak
Going to a resort over Christmas, New Year and at the half term holidays can more than double the price of your holiday, and as the resort will be busy, you may spend half the morning queuing to get a gondola. Make the most of your time out there by dodging the crowds.
Book early/Book late
Two contradictory pieces of advice, but savings can be made either way.
If you're looking to do it yourself, keep an eye on Skyscanner.net where real savings can be made on 'flight only' deals. Look online and contact apartment owners directly as many are willing to negotiate the price, especially if you are booking early and travelling at off-peak times.
On the other hand, many package deals can be found last minute as long as you are fairly flexible about where to go. The big benefit with this, other than the price, is that you can check the up-to-date conditions and head to the best snow.
Avoid spending any Euros
It's no longer the ultra cheap option it once was, but places in Eastern Europe are still a bargain compared to the Alps. Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia all have lift passes that cost half of what you pay in Western Europe and a pint for less than £2 to cool you down at the end of the day.
Harness the power of the Internet
For any given resort in the world, chances are there's an internet forum, facebook page and twitter feed. Speak to people who know or actually live in the resort. They'll direct you to the cheapest places to eat and drink, and may be able to recommend a good local instructor. Lift passes are usually cheaper if bought online and many companies offer a package including lessons and/or hire.
Sunscreen
It's not something many people realise, but it can get be surprisingly sunny on a winter sports holiday. Make sure you bring a high factor sunscreen, lip balm and after-sun as these are always very expensive in the resort. Also, the brightness of the sun is effectively doubled as the sunlight is reflected off the snow so take a decent pair of sunglasses.
Don't eat on the mountain
The higher up the mountain, the more expensive it gets so take food and water up with you. A few boxes of energy bars won't take up too much room in your suitcase and are brilliant for a snack. If you're staying at a hotel on half board, make up a few rolls at breakfast and take some fruit. But, and this comes from personal experience, remember there's a banana in your backpack before getting on a chairlift.
Stay in the UK
Don't forget there are five resorts in the Scottish Highlands that offer value for money. Lift passes are around £30 per day and you'll find plenty of budget B&B's a short drive from the hills. It may not have the glamour of the Alps but there's some surprisingly good skiing and boarding to be had without leaving the country.