When Is the Cheapest Time to Go Skiing?

A ski or snowboard holiday does not have to break the bank! Travelling at the right time can make a significant difference to the overall price of your holiday: the cost of accommodation, flights, lift passes, lessons and packages.

The best-value weeks are outside of the school holidays like Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter. However, the lowest price is not always the best value for money if only a small part of the ski area is open.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the normal ski season.

Early December: budget-happy but sometimes less predictable:

The first weeks of December can offer some of the lowest prices of the ski and snowboard season.

The resorts, in general, are less busy and accommodation is widely available. Flights also usually cost less than during the Christmas and New Year period. This is an ideal time for adults travelling without children.

The main risk can be snow coverage. Lower-altitude resorts may have limited pistes open, so you should look for a higher-altitude resort, glacier skiing and/or strong snowmaking facilities (snow cannons)

Early December can be excellent value, but your choice of destination matters.

Christmas and New Year: festive but significantly more expensive:

Christmas and New Year are usually among the most expensive weeks of the ski season.

There is always a high demand especially for family-sized accommodation and hotels offering festive meals. Flights and even transfers can also become considerably more expensive.

A Christmas ski holiday can still be worthwhile if the festive atmosphere and “white Christmas” is a priority. However, it is not usually a budget-friendly option.

Booking well in advance is always recommended to give a better choice of accommodation, especially when travelling with children and securing better flight options.

January: often the best value:

For many skiers and snowboarders, January offers the best balance between budget and and snow conditions.

The weeks immediately after New Year are normally quieter, and prices frequently fall once the New Year is over. Snow conditions are normally well established and secure.

January is particularly suitable for:

• Couples

• Adult groups

• Flexible travellers

• Beginners who prefer quieter slopes

• Skiers looking for good-value lessons

The weather can be very cold, so suitable clothing and equipment is very important. Shorter daylight hours are another consideration, although most visitors still have plenty of time on the pistes.

February: excellent skiing but higher prices:

February often provides the most reliable winter conditions, and, for that reason, it is also one of the busiest periods in the ski season.

School holidays across the UK and Europe increase demand significantly. The exact dates of school holidays vary between countries and regions, meaning busy weeks can extend across much of the month.

Families may have little choice as to when they can holiday and if they are obliged to travel during half-term it is often better to look at the more budget-friendly destinations like Andorra as opposed to the more expensive resorts of France and Austria.

Travellers without children will normally find much better prices and less busy resorts by avoiding February.

March: warmer weather and good value:

March can be an excellent month for a ski or snowboard holiday. The longer days, quieter resorts and more comfortable temperatures bring a lot of skiers and snowboarders that do not want to pay the optimum prices of February. Snow quality may change slightly during the day, especially in low or sunny resorts. Morning conditions are often firmer, with softer snow developing as temperatures rise.

Higher-altitude destinations or resorts with good snow-making facilities are the safer choice later in March.

April: lower prices but choose the resort carefully:

April holidays can be much more affordable, particularly towards the end of the ski season.

Late-season trips work best in high-altitude resorts or destinations with glacier access. Lower resorts may have limited runs open, even when conditions remain excellent higher up.

Easter can temporarily increase prices, so check school-holiday dates before booking.

April is a good option for relaxed skiers who enjoy sunshine and longer days rather than needing perfect winter snow from the village to the summit.

So what is the cheapest month to ski?

January is usually the best month for combining budget with dependable snow conditions.

Early December is usually cheaper, but snow is less predictable.

March also provides great value, particularly for travellers who prefer warmer weather.

So, to reduce your holiday costs you should:

Avoid school holidays where possible

Compare resorts before making your final decision

Choose accommodation outside of the more famous destinations.

Book only the holiday extras that you need and calculate the total cost, including passes, equipment hire, lessons and transfers.

SkiAndSnowHolidays.com can help you find the best value money for holiday to suit your needs