Ski holidays, pros, and cons, how to plan them effectively without breaking your budget
“Life is like skiing. Just like skiing, the goal is not to get to the bottom of the hill. It’s to have a bunch of good runs before the sun sets” - Seth Godin
The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has made a substantial amount of people make a lot of adjustments to their wallets, including keeping a tighter rein on their budgets.
The data indicates that it has become increasingly more difficult for people to weather the economic difficulties, with the main reasons stated by respondents being an increase in food shopping expenses (94%), an increase in gas and electricity costs (82%) and a rise in fuel prices (77%).
ONs increased their data collection by using a larger pool of data to assess the various actions people are making to combat the cost-of-living challenge in more depth between 30th March to 19th June 2022.
The main lifestyle changes those who took part in the research reported had been cutting back on non-essentials (57%, around 26 million people), reducing their gas and electricity outgoings (51%, about 24 million people), decreasing journeys made by a vehicle which were not essential (42%, roughly 19 million people).
The cost of living has also impacted the ability to purchase ski holidays as, according to new research, 5 in 10 British package holiday skiers have decided to adjust their winter season trip in 2022. Snow sports can be costly; with lift passes, equipment, rentals, transport, lessons and food, the costs quickly mount up.
Research conducted by Club Med, which provides all-inclusive holiday packages, also revealed that 45 per cent of regular skiers are thinking of altering their winter sports plans.
The study had 2000 British participants and was undertaken during a time when energy prices and severe inflation were straining people’s ability to travel for winter sports.
Although there is much more normality this year compared to previous seasons disrupted by the pandemic, the cost-of-living calamity means that people are facing much more of a burden on their financial pockets.
Ski trips are expected to increase in price as some energy-concentrated resorts boost costs to manage the rocketing electricity and gas costs. Even though prices are expected to rise, some ski fanatics seek more budget-friendly skiing holiday options without causing severe ruin to their finances. According to Club Med research, 53% of participants are contemplating more cost-effective options. On the other hand, others are putting their skiing boots aside for now.
Meanwhile, according to research conducted by ABTA, regarding general holiday making, just 4% of people who ventured on holiday this year have decided not to make another trip next year because of financial constraints, and 61% of respondents will go on a holiday abroad. However, just 35% will adjust their spending habits and opt for less expensive trips.
ABTA undertook the study in late August before Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget affected the pound and increased the prospect of further increased interest rates, elevated mortgage expenses and diminishing disposable salaries.
ABTA Holiday Habits report noted an increase in people booking holidays through agents or travel experts in 2022 compared to 2019, as many had holidays cancelled during the pandemic. This booking method was primarily used by families, more than half of whom had young children.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ski holidays
Advantages:
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A bonding experience for families, partners, or friends
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Enjoyable activity/ good form of exercise
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Alternative ski trips are also available to less popular destinations as more popular ski destinations tend to be more expensive
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Cheaper if you travel in the low season
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Memorable experience
Disadvantages:
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Skiing can be pretty expensive, especially if you want to travel to the most popular skiing destinations
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Skiing comes with several extra costs, such as lift passes, equipment, rentals, transport, lessons, and food
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The cost-of-living crisis makes it more difficult for many households to afford adventures like skiing which may seem out of reach
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Risk of minor to severe injury
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Some injuries from skiing can result in fatalities
Cost-effective Skiing recommendations
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Travel during low seasons
The cost of going abroad increases substantially during the summer school holidays, Easter, Christmas and two half-term holidays. However, travelling out of season is usually less expensive and less disruptive. Travel supermarket says the best time to travel is January or March for skiing trips.
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Choose a budget-friendly resort
The booking of a holiday that fits within your best interests in terms of expenses, such as airport and accommodation, the distance between the airport and your place of residence, the distance between airport and accommodation is vital as booking in haste can sometimes lead to investing in a costly holiday when you could have purchased a more cost-effective holiday. For Ski holidays, it is advised to avoid popular destinations such as France and Switzerland and to go to resorts which are not as known, such as Bulgaria, as these usually offer skiing at a less expensive rate.
If you are hoping to make money, go further research and see which countries give you more bang for your buck when you exchange your home currency.
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Take Ski lessons in the afternoon
Most people prefer to ski in the morning; therefore, prices are higher during this time of day; however, ski schools offer discounts in the afternoon.
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Rent out equipment in advance
Booking your ski equipment in advance may be less expensive than hiring equipment when your get to your chosen destination. Pre-booking may facilitate and speed up the pickup of your pre-booked kit, and it is more likely to be ready when you get to your resort.
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Outdo baggage fees
Travelling as light as possible can help to avoid paying extra charges for baggage; it is also a good idea to weigh your bag at home before you arrive at the airport.
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Take longer travel routes
If you do not have any time constraints and can go the long way around, think about purchasing flights with a stopover, as indirect journeys are usually cheaper. Different airports can also vary in price, so compare the prices they are charging and ensure that your chosen airport is within a reachable distance before taking the plunge.
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Flexibility is key
The cost of booking a flight can differ depending on the month, day and time of day in which you travel; research and flexibility are vital in the art of perfecting your booking. Weekends are generally more expensive, according to Skyscanner.
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Consider catered accommodation
A package deal that includes a catered chalet or half-board hotel may work out cheaper than eating out in the resort. Deals can include other incentives such as Ski hire and may make it easier to calculate how much you may need to put aside for your trip before travelling.
If you opt out of a package that includes catering and decide to be fully in charge of your own meals, choose an accommodation with cooking amenities, as purchasing food from outside daily will be costly.
Saving is also essential for several needs, from emergencies to saving for adventures such as ski holidays. Keeping track of your finances is crucial so you can keep an eye on what is coming in and out of your account and notify your bank if you notice any unauthorised purchases. Intellisaving is a money-saving app that enables users to track and integrate multiple saving and interest-bearing accounts to their platform to facilitate tracking of these accounts and to allow users to compare the best saving rates for different saving products by various banks and building institutes.
The website and app are also home to numerous articles with money-saving tips ranging from retirement to fintech and budgeting.
Skiing can be an expensive sport, but by seeking cost-effective strategies such as those mentioned, adventure seekers on a budget will be better prepared to invest in a skiing adventure in the future.
Skiing trips in countries which are not usually popular destinations for skiing may also help you save a pretty penny while making once-in-a-lifetime memories with your dearest and nearest because any opportunity to experience something new is a worthwhile investment of your time and money as long as you can make it fit within your financial means.