Where To Stay
In recent years, the standard of accommodation has risen dramatically in French ski resorts. The ‘rabbit-hutch’, self-catered apartments are mostly gone, to be replaced by residences with more space, facilities and comfort, while chalets and hotels have improved too. However, don’t waste money on superfluous extras, advises Nick Williams, managing director of Mountain Heaven, the catered and self-catered specialist ski tour operator. “There are so many ‘nice-to-haves’ with ski accommodation, but by choosing wisely you can save money.” Outdoor tubs are a good example: they add an average of £100pp to the cost of a catered chalet, but often guests will use them just once or twice during their stay.
Ski-in, ski-out location is something that many skiers initially request as a ‘must-have’. However, few properties can genuinely claim to offer this facility and those that do command a huge premium. Many experienced skiers realise that by staying a short distance from the slopes, they can have far more chalet for their money and still access the slopes easily. Chalet companies often offer a free minivan chauffeur service to and from the slopes – normally just a few minutes’ drive away.
Larger upfront costs for catered stays can sometimes work out cheaper overall. “On paper, catered chalets look more expensive than self-catering,” says Williams. “But catered chalets can be great value because most include a full breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine – which will almost certainly give you a saving over eating out. All the shopping and cooking is done for you, so you are saving money and hassle. Plus, there are no surprise costs, because your meals have been paid for.”
Sticking to cooking in the apartment, without straying to restaurants can cut costs further. In this case, be wary of prices at ski resort supermarkets, which can be wince-inducingly high. Stopping en route to the resort at one of the large supermarkets down the valley for a week’s shop is far more cost-effective.
Look out for inclusive facilities at self-catered residences too, says Schouller. “More and more self-catered residences have access to an indoor pool area as well as whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room etc, with good examples being La Napoléon in Montgenèvre and Les Cimes Blanches in La Rosière.”
For those happy to stay in hostel accommodation, a superb-value option is Action Outdoors, which can offer low prices due to being a partner of UCPA, the not-for-profit French hostel association. Packages include full-board accommodation, ski pass, equipment hire and lessons or guiding. Its weekly piste and ski touring programme alone has 127 courses in 11 destinations, with prices starting from less than £500.
Another inexpensive inclusive option is Snowcoach, whose hotel holidays to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Valmeinier provide half-board accommodation, ski pass and ski hire. It also offers overnight coach travel, giving two extra days on the slopes.
Food Tips
Depending on the resort and the restaurant, lunch on the mountain can burn money. It’s all too easy, after an exhilarating morning carving the pistes, to find only an overpriced restaurant for a refuelling stop. Starting the week with local tips on where to eat and where to avoid can help. Packing healthy snack bars, nuts and dried fruit or even pre-prepared baguettes in a small rucksack for your party is a great option.
Ski Gear
If you have your own skis or snowboard, be wary of airline charges – travelling by train is a way to avoid them. When it comes to renting gear, the cheapest online deals are rarely for the best equipment. It is better to pay a little more for the quality offered by shops in the resorts, either in person or online in advance.
Ski gear can cost a fortune – and for items of clothing that might be used once or twice a year, the relative cost is phenomenal. Consider borrowing items, rummaging in charity shops or on the Gumtree classified ads website, or keep an eye on discount retailers such as SportPursuit and TK Maxx.
