HOW TO ski with the rich and famous, for a fraction of the cost

Five ways to enjoy luxury ski resorts, on a budget, from Jane Bolton, MD of ErnaLow.co.uk

1. Choose the right resort

Look for smaller satellite villages which are lower down the slopes compared to the A-list ski resort names. For example, if you want to ski ‘the playground for the rich and famous’ Courchevel, then La Tania is a great value choice. Or to ski Zermatt in Switzerland, you could stay over the border in Cervinia, Italy, which provides lift access to the Swiss slopes.

It is possible to enjoy a ski weekend on a budget, the key is choosing a less well known resort. Italy’s Sauze d’Oulx is highly rated and part of the vast 440km Milky Way ski area, meaning there are lots of terrific tree-lined pistes and plenty of red runs. It’s perfect for skiers with a bit of experience, and you can catch a flight to Turin airport and choose from affordable accommodation in the resorts.

2. Check the menus

When it comes to eating out then it is always wise to check the menu prices before you order. It’s not unheard of to end up paying £20 or £30 pounds for a hot dog or pizza on the slopes if you are not careful. When choosing a lunch stop, try to look for restaurants offering ‘skiers lunch’ set menus which generally provide good value for a hearty meal. Adding to this, you can save a lot of money by carrying a packed lunch. Pop to the local grocery store in the morning for ingredients to make sandwiches for your backpack.

3. Avoid peak weeks in the school holidays

If you attempt to ski anywhere in Europe during the school holidays then you’ll find it hard to score any deals. Things often get quiet during January and March, so even in the most expensive ski resorts you can pick up brilliant deals, especially on flight and airport transfers.

Les Menuires in France is another great option and is part of the extensive Three Valleys ski area. The best time to visit is February and March to enjoy the sunny south facing runs here. Grab a Three Valleys ski pass for great value for money and check out the many mountain restaurants in Les Menuires that are really reasonable.

4. Go self-catered

You’ll need a comfy bed after a hard day’s skiing, and even if you’re trying to save money you might still want a location that either offers skiing from the door of your hotel or a frequent ski shuttle service so that you can reach the slopes within minutes.

Self-catering accommodation works out much cheaper than half-board or all-inclusive, unless you’re cooking Michelin-standard delicacies and drinking champers every night! With self-catering ski apartments, you can live like a local and grab fresh ingredients from local supermarkets and delis to prepare your own meals. In the luxurious ski resorts, the cost between fully-catered and self-catered can be stark. Fully-catered chalets can cost upwards of £10,000 for a week while a reasonable self-catered apartment could be £2000 or less!

Because of things like onsite restaurants, bars and spas, ski hotels have a reputation for being expensive. But there are some scenarios where a ski hotel can be convenient and reasonably cheap. Opt for a three-star ski hotel, which is great value for money and staying on a half-board basis can sometimes save you cash too.

5. Ask the locals

Once you’re in the resort then don’t be afraid to ask the local workers for their tips. They’ll always know the cheapest places for a bite to eat or a cold drink at apres-ski. If in doubt, just follow along to where the ski instructors head once they’re finished – they’re easy to spot in their uniforms.

Alpe d’Huez is a favourite French ski resort for many as the bars and pubs deliver great value. Check out venues like The Underground Bar, Smithy’s, O’Sharkey’s, Sphere Bar, Igloo Bar and the local branch of La Folie Douce offering low priced drinks, promotions, and great atmospheres that range from cosy bars to full-on dance floor experiences where you can really let your hair down.