Skiing on a Budget

Skiing can be a notoriously expensive hobby, however there are ways to cut down the cost if you are looking for a budget ski break in Italy this season. Here are just a few ideas from the team at Holiday Homes in Italy

1. Book early
There is a false impression that leaving it to the last minute will bring you an excellent deal. Italian ski resorts notoriously stick to advertised prices and cheap airline prices often rocket close to the departure date. If you book early, not only are you more likely to secure the desired resort and accommodation but also benefit from reasonable flights and early bird booking discounts.  Holiday Homes in Italy are currently offering a discount on all ski accommodation booked before the end of November 2012, click here for more information: SKI ACCOMMODATION DISCOUNT!

2. Avoid peak season
Christmas, New Year and half term (mid February) are the most popular dates to be on the slopes. Mid December, January and March - April are the best times to go if you're looking for a cheap deal.

3. Stay self-catering
Holiday Homes in Italy obviously specialise in self-catering accommodation (although we do offer the odd B&B and hotel) but staying in a self-catering apartment not only gives you flexibility but also the possibility to spend the odd relaxed night in, saving not only on bars but also expensive restaurants. Most resorts have a good supermarket to stock up on supplies and reasonable Italian wine!

4. Get bargain ski wear
Ski wear is notoriously expensive but with the demise of C&A a few years ago, there was a gaping hole in the bargain ski wear department. There is some great affordable ski wear in H&M and Primark, Matalan and more recently the likes of Asda joined in the ski wear market and have been offering extremely reasonably priced ski wear . Also try e-bay, which is great for not only suits but also skis and boots, which will save you on the hire when in resort.

5. Go somewhere different
Steer clear of the well known resorts in Italian skiing in the Milky Way and Sella Ronda and try little known areas such Prato Nevoso in Piemonte, Bardonaecchia in Piemonte, Pinzolo close to the resort of Madonna di Campiglio and Folgaria in Trentino.

6. Buy a local SIM card
Using an English mobile can be a lot more costly than in the UK. You can buy a local SIM card in the airport or resort, which will ensure that local and international calls are more reasonable.

7. Buy currency beforehand
With the euro fluctuating this year, it is advisable to buy currency in advance when it is at a high point rather than obtaining an unfavourable rate through a cash point in the resort. Specialist currency companies like Moneycorp  and M&S are offering better rates than your local bank, which is often the obvious choice.

Here are are pick of the crop for this seasons bargain ski properties

1.Aosta Residence 
This beautiful residence in Gressonney is only 700m from the Monterosa ski area. 7 nights for 4 people in a Studio Apartment from only £379.00 total!
2 .Prato Nevoso Residence
Ski with the Italians in Mondoli Ski area north of Turin with over 100km of uncrowded pistes, prices start from as little as £477.00 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4 people for 7 nights.
3. Pinzolo Apartments
For those of you that like the chic resort of Madonna di Campiglio.  Pinzolo is just 20 minutes by bus from the upmarket resort, it also has access to the same ski slopes but the accommodation is a fraction of the cost.  £503.00 for a 2 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 5 people for 7 nights.

4. Villa Chez Nous Apartment
Is in very popular and lively resort of Sauze D'Oulx.  The apartment is just 100m from the ski lift and just 1 hour transfer from Turin Airport.  2 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6 people  Prices start from £99.00GBP per person per week (based on 6 sharing)

View all Ski accommodation in Italy