Blog | MountVacation.com

Before you go:

1- Choose a destination. Of course, ski resorts are like anything else, fame equals high prices, but it just might not be what you need. Consider the maximum distance you wish to travel, the ski/snowboard abilities of everybody travelling with you, as well as the services and installations you cannot go without. Medium-size and smaller resorts, say Puy St. Vincent, France, could have an offer that exactly corresponds to your needs and wishes, but at a much lower cost than, say, Zermatt, Switzerland.

2- Consider all costs when choosing your destination. When you compare costs between two ski resorts, make sure to you consider ski passes, but also the average price of restaurants, ski schools, equipment hire and accommodation, and also transport to and in the resort (airfare, car hire and shuttle).

3- Call the tourist office. The tourist office definitely should be the first place you call once you’ve chosen your destination. You can get learn about very interesting deals and packages, and get insight on when to go. For example, at Easter kids ski for free in Saalbach.

4- Study all-inclusive packages carefully before you buy. It happens that these packages (that include airfare, accommodation, ski passes, equipment hire, etc.) are more expensive than if you purchased all items separately from different suppliers. It can also happen that they include goods or services you do not need nor intend to use but will pay for anyway with a package. Making your own package takes time, but it may be worth it!

5- Book ahead. Plane tickets, accommodation, equipment hire, and everything else you can book ahead deserve to be. Many providers offer first minute discounts that can be quite interesting, and you’re sure you’ll get the exact dates, accommodation or equipment you want.

6- Go for self-catering instead of a half-board or full-board. Apartments are usually the cheapest and most practical accommodation option, especially for families and larger groups. One exception: if you really don’t want to cook on vacation and intend to eat all your meals in restaurants, then it could be wise to opt for an accommodation providing half-board or full-board service.

Once you’re there

7- Visit the tourist office. Once you get to destination, make the tourist office your first stop to gather information about promotions and free activities going on. Many resorts offer some kind of club card or discount card that can be purchased at the tourist office.
8- Eat in instead of out. Whenever you can, shop at the grocery store and prepare meals using your accommodation’s installations. Pack a lunch when you leave for the day or get informed on the restaurants offering low-cost lunch menus.