Choose the right ski resort and save a fortune this winter
Not all ski resorts are equal. That is the conclusion of two recent holiday surveys. TripAdvisor looked at which resorts offer the best value for money while the The No1 Currency report examined the luxury end of the market and compared the more exclusive resorts.
The reports indicated that the most expensive ski resorts can be found in Canada and America while the best value resorts for families were in Europe.
Holidays in Spain or Bulgaria would cost a family of four less than £2000 for the entire trip including ski passes equipment hire lessons and meals. A similar holiday in Austria would cost more than £5000.
With this level of variation it obviously makes sense to shop around and make sure that you get the best possible deal for your trip.
Mid-priced resorts including Sochi in Russia Ordino Arcalis in Andorra and Berchtesgarden in Germany all cost between £2000 and £3000 for a week long family holiday. If you are new to skiing and would like to try some private ski lessons then why not consider five days tuition in Courcheval. This resort in the French Alps which is the favourite of David Beckham’s family offers a week of lessons for £689. A similar package at Whistler costs more than £1700.
The best luxury resorts
Among the luxury resorts it was discovered that Cortina is the best value for money costing around £1000 per person excluding accommodation and flights. The most expensive resorts were as might be expected Aspen and Whistler in the USA and Canada Prices there were £2329 and £1984 per person respectively.
High prices is clearly not an exclusively north American problem with St Moritz and Zermatt both charging more than £1600 for a weeks skiing. A slightly cheaper option for families seeking a luxury resort at a more reasonable price is would be to try Klosters. This resort is much loved by British royalty and most recently has been visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is possible to enjoy a week of skiing here for less than £1400 this is certainly worthwhile for those who consider that the point of a skiing holiday in the luxury resorts is just as much about being seen by your fellow tourists as it is about the activity on the ski slopes.
The best family ski resorts
If a ski holiday for your family really is all about the skiing and not making a fashion statement then you would be well advised to look towards eastern Europe and perhaps Andorra. Here you will find a quality skiing experience at a much more family friendly price. A family of four can spend a week in Bansko for just over £1600 less than the cost of a single individual in some resorts.
Despite the image of skiing as a rich persons sport choosing the right location for your family holiday means that it really is possible for a family on an average budget to enjoy a holiday on the slopes staying fit and learning new skills together in the outdoors.
