I’m a ski expert – I’ve found the cheapest months to book a family holiday

IF you're planning your next (or first) ski holiday, then the cost is likely to be one of the biggest concerns.

But ski experts have revealed the cheapest months to visit - as well as when to avoid.

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Ski Beat, who have been taking Brits to France for nearly four decades, debunked myths of when the pricey months are to visit.

Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell told Sun Online Travel: "Around 1.5 million Brits go skiing every year.

"Knowing when to ski, is second only to where to ski.

"Choose wisely, and prices can be up to half for the same holiday at high season dates.

"Temperatures can be pleasant late season, though bargains can be found early before the whole of Europe wakes up to the short ski season."

Here is everything to know about when the best time to get a ski bargain is, as well as when to find the best weather.

JANUARY – Chilly and cheaper

Skiers and wannabes not tied to school holidays should head to the slopes during the first few weeks in January once the festive crowds have disappeared.

There are shorter lift queues, less crowded resorts and slopes, no fights for seats in restaurants, quieter ski schools, and prices and temperatures are significantly lower.

Expect to pay up to half the price of the same holiday taken
over Christmas and New Year.

Ski Beat has January holidays from £880pp, including return UK flights, transfers, cooked breakfasts, lunch cakes and three course meal with wine.

FEBRUARY – resorts are in full swing

The whole of Europe wakes up to the fact it is already halfway through Europe’s five month ski season.

Resorts are in full swing, slopes, lifts and ski instructors are busy, and half term holidays see a rush of family skiing mid-month, one of the few times to ski without taking kids out of school.

Holidays are in high demand, so book a year ahead for the widest choice.

MARCH – Spring skies and open slopes

With a solid base of winter snow, warmer spring temperatures, resorts still in full swing and a whole month without school holidays, March welcomes skiers who enjoy wide open slopes, frequent blue
skies and more elbow room to dance on tables when the lifts close at sun-down.

Seek out resorts with access to high altitude run for bullet-proof spring skiing, and take sun protection, warm clothing
and lots of selfies.

APRIL – it’s not over yet, long days and low prices

Often overlooked, but April is the go-to time for many ski experts and enthusiasts, with a more relaxed feel in the resorts, crisp virgin snow for an early morning start, and long lazy afternoons in uncrowded mountain restaurants.

Ski holiday prices are usually the lowest for the entire season too.

If Easter falls late, families can enjoy skiing in warmer weather and kinder climes, without taking kids out of school. 

Ski Beat has April holidays from £657pp, including return UK flights, transfers, cooked breakfasts, lunch cakes and three course meal with wine.

DECEMBER – go bargain early, or festive late

December is when it all starts up again.

Keep an eye on November snowfall, 2023 had an epic start to the season with metres of snow arriving in good time for the first departures in December.

Be ready to drop everything and ski early at some of the season’s lowest prices before everyone else wakes up to the fact.

There is no doubt a white Christmas and a lively New Year in the mountains are bucket list experiences, a ski holiday is for life, so be prepared to book up to a year in advance to get what you want, especially for groups of families and friends.