The Small Print
Initially, when looking through ski brochures the holidays can appear to be really cheap because most companies only show the cost of flight, accomodation and transfers,
Not the other add-ons.
This is not an underhand move by the travel companies but simply an easier way of breaking down the costs for ALL interested parties.
Many advanced skiers (or cross country skiers) only require the above arrangements.
Novice skiers, however, will probably need lessons - a more basic lift pass than an expert - and the hire of equipment added on.
Many advanced skiers will have their own equipment, so will not need to pay for a complete ski pack.
Some regular skiers might already have annual travel insurance cover, so also won't need this added.
Please let me point out, however, that holiday insurance (particularly for skiing) is absolutely vital ! (See below)
If you do have annual travel insurance, though, MAKE SURE that it includes winter sports, most don't but you can have this added for a small premium. If the worst comes to the worst, it is too late to try to arrange this from a hospital bed when about to be presented with a hefty bill for treatment.
If you do need any of the above, please refer to the relevant chapter for ways to make them more economical.
Other things that you need to take into account when costing up your ski or snowboard holiday:-
Meals
Obviously, your holiday is going to cost a lot more if you go full board in a 5 star hotel rather than self catering in a studio apartment. Meals can add a substantial amount to the total when costing up a ski holiday, but there are still ways of making it cheaper. For example, you could take your food with you from home, if flying, (but remember this takes up luggage space). If going by car, it is advisable to buy at a supermarket en route rather than in the resort, where it will undoubtedly be more expensive.
If you are going to eat out, though, check at reception to see which restaurants they recommend. They often have vouchers giving a discount for the ones they push. Also in the bigger resorts they sometimes have a 'What's On . . .' directory that advertises most of the local restaurants/hostelries, many of them offering a discount on production of their advert. So check it out!
Travel/Medical Insurance
As mentioned above, SKI INSURANCE IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL and not a feature you should skimp on. However you can still save a fortune on this by shopping around. Most travel agents/ski companies will offer you this as part of the package. As a general rule - don't take this - this is normally a lot more expensive than you can arrange yourself, but check.
If you are going through a travel agent or booking over the internet - be prepared - checkout the prices that other companies are offering first, and have this info to hand when organising holiday. (some adverts are included on this page - just click ad to open).
If you are going away on a summer holiday as well this year, it is nearly always more economical to take out annual travel insurance because many companies include 30 days skiing automatically as part of this - even cheaper if you take out an Annual Family Policy !
As a United Kingdom National Insurance payer, you are entitled to free emergency medical treatment anywhere in the EEC (plus a few other countries that we have a reciprocal arrangement with). This is available on receipt of a plastic EHIC card that you can obtain through the Post Office (you will also get greater details of the scheme when applying for this).
It is highly recommended that you obtain one of these otherwise you will have to pay for treatment.
However it must be noted - this is for EMERGENCY TREATMENT only.
It does not cover many other outgoings that you might incur like prescriptions, crutches etc.
It doesn't even cover you for hospitalisation or repatriation if they are necessary: - both of which could prove to be VERY expensive.
So a good travel insurance is recommended. Most insurers still insist, however, that you have an EHIC to offset some of their costs.
Also make sure that if you do have to attend the doctors or hospital, that you have plenty of spare cash, or a credit card, with you, as normally you have to pay the medical costs up front and reclaim them when you return to Britain.
AND make sure you get a receipt because without this your insurers will try wriggle out of paying up. (Isn't this always the case !!!)
Taxes & Surcharges
Most airlines are now adding fuel surcharge, airport taxes, baggage surcharge and carriage of skis as excess baggage to the final bill, so that what initially seemed a cheap flight suddenly becomes quite expensive.
Check thoroughly their small print !!!
Entertainment
If you are going to a basic resort for economy, then your bill for entertainment will also be more economical. However if you are going to a more upmarket resort with a multitude of nightclubs and bars, then expect substantially more expense to be incurred because of this.
(unless you don't go out !!! - but then why pay extra for this type of resort???)
Personally, I've always found that a really enjoyable time can be had in a resort that offers little more than one nightclub or disco and a few bars.
This resort will usually be more economical, in general, than its bigger glitzier neighbour.