Jan

Skiing and Snowboarding Holidays on a budget

Mark Pawlak Category

As vacations go, you don’t generally think of skiing or snowboarding as a bargain holiday option. It’s not just the travel and accommodation that you have to fork out for but also the togs and accessories that you will need when you get there.

snowboarding and freestyle snowboarding on holiday

Snowboarding holidays, where fun comes cheap. Image: Flickr/boolve

However, there are always budget ways to enjoy any break and the snowboarding or ski trip is no exception, if you know where to look. There are still some great last minute ski deals online should you decide that you want to escape the rigmarole of a dull January; you can have a week on the slopes for a surprisingly small sum.

In general, the best way to stay on top of your budget when heading for the slopes is to pay for as much of it up front as possible. That extends not only to the flights and accommodation but also to things like ski passes or any snowboarding lessons that you may want to take while you’re out there. Make sure that you identify and pay for these before you travel so that all the money that you take will be for the enjoyable extras like food and drink.

The fewer extras that you have to shell out for during the trip, the more manageable the overall cost will be. You should also look into the cost of hiring skis, snowboards and other necessary garments and equipment prior to travel. You will find some excellent group skiing offers so if you are heading away as a family or social group expect to make savings in that department too.

Of course, you can’t start booking equipment and passes until you know where you are going. So which destinations and operators are offering good value at the moment? Well, a brief look online shows that Crystal Ski is currently promoting some particularly attractive deals. They seem to be close to the top on many a price comparison site. They are offering good packages to places such as Andorra and Bulgaria, as well as covering the more celebrated snowboarding sites in the French Alps.

One of the best destinations, in terms of value for money, is Arinsal, a small village in Andorra, close to the border of Spain. In the summer it is a biking paradise but, in the winter months, its mountains glow with white stuff and provide excellent slopes for the keen beginner. It also has designated snowboarding areas for those who prefer a modern incarnation of alpine fun.

For a not dissimilar price, you can get away to Pamprovo in southern Bulgaria. This is one of the most popular resorts in Europe because it offers such great facilities for families as well as ample opportunities to hone your skills with a range of slopes for amateurs and intermediate level snowboarders. It also has daily snowfall, which is great for snowboarding, as it is usually best enjoyed in areas of thicker snow. The highest peak in the region, Snezhanka, looms 1,928 metres above sea level.

If you want to take a trip to France and the beautiful French Alps, look no further than La Plagne, another destination that looks as affordable as it is beautiful. Set in the stunning Tarentaise Valley it has an impressive 225 km of slopes, some of which are over 3000 m in length. La Plagne has long been associated with snowboarding and has 10 custom built resorts to choose from in the area. As you might imagine then, it has slopes for every type of skier, from the intrepid toddler to the seasoned snowboard professional.

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 192 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"