What to do
Cheap things to do on a ski holiday
Get more from your lift pass, pay less for lessons and enjoy the mountains off the slopes without spending a fortune.
A ski holiday does not have to mean spending money every hour of the day. These ideas help you get more out of your lift pass and your time off the slopes without blowing the budget.
Get value from your lift pass
Start early
The first hour after the lifts open often has the best snow and the shortest queues, so you get more runs for the same pass.
Buy the area you need
Beginners may only need a local or beginner pass for the first few days. See our ski pass guide.
Find free beginner lifts
Some resorts have beginner areas with free or low-cost lifts. The piste map or tourist office will tell you.
Lessons
Lessons without the big bill
Group lessons cost less per person than private lessons and are a good way to improve fast. If you book private lessons, sharing with friends or family at the same level splits the cost.
- Book ahead for school holiday weeks, when classes fill up.
- Ask whether lift passes are included in children’s ski school packages.
- A few lessons early in the week can save a lot of frustration later.
Cheap things to do off the slopes
Plenty of the best mountain days cost little or nothing.
Winter walking and snowshoeing
Many resorts have marked winter walking paths that cost nothing to use. Snowshoes can be hired cheaply in many places.
Cross-country skiing
Nordic trail passes are usually much cheaper than an alpine lift pass, and the exercise is excellent.
Sledging and exploring
Some resorts have marked sledge runs, so check whether you need a lift ticket to reach them. Markets and old villages are free to wander round.
Safety first
Off-piste is not a budget shortcut
Skiing away from marked runs carries real avalanche risk. If you want to try it, go with a qualified mountain guide, carry the right safety kit and know how to use it, and check that your travel insurance covers off-piste skiing. Always follow local advice and the daily avalanche risk level.
Evenings
Après ski on a budget
- Make a picnic lunch. Mountain restaurants are often the most expensive part of the day.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and a snack.
- Look for happy hours in town rather than on the mountain.
- Self-catering? Shop in the valley supermarket where you can, as resort shops tend to charge more.
Packing next?
What to hire, what to borrow and what is actually worth buying.