The Best Cheap Ski Holidays for 2013

Ski holiday expenses can mount up when you consider the cost of equipment, flights, accommodation, lift passes and ski hire, not to mention the slope-side food and drink.

If you multiply that by 3, 4 or even 5 people then it can become daunting, but that doesn’t mean family ski holidays are just for the wealthy; if you shop for the right deals, select your resort well and don’t go overboard on après-ski then there is no reason why you and your family should miss out on some incredible fun.

Borovets, Bulgaria

The newly crowned king of cheap ski holidays, Bulgaria, does have some great resorts at very reasonable prices and Borovets is one of the best.

Borovets is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria and are comprised of 3 separate zones (that aren’t properly linked yet) where you will find plenty of slopes to keep you entertained.

Ideal for beginners and intermediates, and great for the kids, Borovets’ highest peaks are above the trees so have plenty of wide, open pistes to explore. The area is also well-known for its top-notch ski instructors, and if you fancy a drink the nightlife is good as well.

Les Gets, France

Situated in France’s vast Ports du Soleil, Les Gets is a beautiful village that is perfect for beginners, while other areas in one of the Alps’ largest ski areas will satisfy even the most experienced skiers.

Les Gets has a very family-friendly feel to it and plenty of accommodation, so there are lots of affordable places to stay. The Ports du Soleil’s modern lift system makes getting around much easier and allows you to ski over to Avoriaz and Morzine and also over to Switzerland if you’re feeling adventurous.

Brides Les Bains, France

A great choice for families, Brides Les Bains is a small village 20 minutes from Meribel by cable car.

Brides Les Bains is slightly out of the way – the only way to get to and from the slopes is by cable car to Meribel – but it does enable you to ski in the Three Valleys, France’s largest ski area, at a discount price.

Brides Les Bains is sleepy little town with a small selection of restaurants but the nightlife is minimal, so it is a more relaxed destination for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Highlands, Scotland

Scotland had a bumper season last winter and is one of the best places to go for families on a budget. The resorts are easy to access by car, which helps to keep the costs down and makes them perfect for a long weekend away.

It is also much more feasible to go last minute, so keep your eye on the weather reports and if you spot a nice weekend you can jump straight in the car.