How to Afford a Ski Holiday in Your 20’sThe new wave of resort accommodation & holiday styles for all budgets!

Anna Ross


7 years ago in France

Skiing is expensive. Fact. But there are certain things we don’t speak about which has affected the Euro exchange rate over the past year of so and made it EVEN harder. Plus an increase in some resorts and chalets aiming themselves at a more exclusive market, it seems to have become harder for the average person to afford a week in the mountains and get our ski fix. The good news is that there is a revolution, a movement away from the flash chalet holidays to a more basic hostel style option. Maybe it is my generation who have caused this. The ones who were taught to ski at a young age, who have the hunger to get onto the mountains but at the same time, are unable to afford the expensive chalet options which seem to be the norm and therefore need a more budget option.

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Lodges and hostels are this ever growing accommodation option that seems to have hit European resorts in the last few years. They are popular with a younger market who just want somewhere close to the slopes that cooks good hearty grub and offers a friendly vibe with likeminded people. I was lucky enough to spend a few days at the Ticket to Ride Mountain Lodge in Meribel, which is an example of this new wave of accommodation, offering fully catered stays from £60 a night. With the capacity for 22 people and room options of doubles, twins, triples and quads there is an option to suit everyone from young couples to a group of mates. Centrally located above Meribel in Mottaret you are a 2 minute walk to the slopes, which is situated in the heart of the largest ski resort in the world.

It offers hearty breakfasts consisting of a range of cereal, yoghurt, fruit and toast as well as a cooked option each day to really set you up for a good day on the mountain. When you return from an awesome days riding there is cake waiting for you and you have the option of a cuppa or if you want something stronger there is a Lodge bar which offers a great range of drinks. Dinner is served around 7:30 each evening offering a 2 course meal of delicious and healthy food such as lasagne, tapas and fajitas! The Lodge has extra ski amenities such as a boot and ski room to leave your equipment in a safe place as well as a tuning room to sort out any of your equipment.

I have to say what made my visit so enjoyable and why I think the Lodge has got it so right is all down to the staff. The 5 man crew consists of skiers and snowboarders in their 20’s who understand what the lodge is trying to be and just like me they are all at the age where they need this kind of accommodation to work in order for them to afford to get onto the mountain each year. They are super friendly, accommodating and genuinely great people who just want the guest to have a good time.

Ski Weekends

Another trend is the “Ski Weekend” or short stay ski holiday. As well as reducing the price, it also reduces time off work for busy workers, and gets you a small ski fix and a perfect break away without being too much. The Ticket To Ride Mountain Lodge offers min stay of 3 nights and you can check in and out on any day of the week, so is a perfect place for a flexible short stay this winter.

Early or late season deals

Another good tip to cut the cost of a ski holiday is to look for early or late season deals. It is often so much quieter on the slopes and where a lot of people are nervous in booking a holiday because of the potential for no snow, historic trends from the past few years have shown that you can have freak massive snow dumps during this time, and be in for a bargain week! Also, if you choose a large ski area like the 3 Valleys with glaciers, then you are guaranteed snow! Base yourself in Meribel Mottaret in the centre of the 3 Valleys for easy access to the high snow-sure areas. Lift pass companies will always open when they say they will otherwise they have to pay out compensation to people who have booked and that is a huge financial blow, so they will always aim to have the links to the snowy areas open at the start of the season.

Contact Ticket To Ride for our “Premier Neige” offers on early season chalet and lodge stays in Meribel!

learn snowboarding

I very much believe this is the way ski holidays are going to go forward and I have to say I am pretty happy about that. All most people want from a ski holiday at my age is good food, friendly staff and a bed to sleep in. If it costs as little as £60 a night who needs 5 course meals and champagne each night!?

Our top tips to cut the costs

1. Go for a long weekend instead of a week
2. Go early or late season – often worth the risk with great snow conditions and quieter pistes!
3. Choose wine over beer in France
4. Pack a lunchtime sarnie
5. Catered over self catered (all you can eat and cheaper than supermarkets!)

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, check our availability at www.meribelmountainlodge.com or email us at [email protected].