TIPS FROM THE NEILSON SKI & SNOWBOARD HOLIDAY INSIDERS

Looking for new ways to save a few extra pounds when heading out to the mountains this winter? Then take some advice from Neilson's expert insiders

Neilson Top 10 Money Saving Tips

Neilson Insiders have come up with a selection of ways for you not to have to break the bank on your holiday this winter.
 
1.  Always pre-book your ski essentials such as lift passes, equipment hire and any tuition you want before you go. They will generally be more expensive in resort (particularly with the weakening Euro). Neilson also offer a lift pass and tuition price promise, guaranteeing that you won’t find it cheaper in resort. If you do, Neilson willl give you the difference back.

2.  Look out for special offers on Ski Essentials and accommodation. Many resorts and properties often have offers such as buy one get one free on lift passes, free wine with your dinner or free child places. Neilson highlight special offers on their brochures and at neilson.co.uk and make them easy to find to help you save money. If you’re flexible on dates, try to head for weeks that have the most amount of offers available.

3.  If you’re travelling with kids, Neilson have thousands of free child places and extra discounts for younger children aged 2-5 years old. These are highlighted online and in the brochure so go for a property that has these great offers available. Also watch out for family lift passes. More resorts than ever are offering these and they can save you over £100 in some resorts.

4.  Catered chalets are a fantastic way to cut down on spending while you’re in the mountains as the only meal that isn’t included is lunch. Breakfast, afternoon tea with a freshly baked cake everyday and a three course evening meal with complimentary wine are all included in your holiday cost.

5.  One way to spend less on lunch is to head back to the resort instead of eating at the pricier restaurants on the mountain. There is more choice and competition for business in the resort centre, so you’ll find that the prices tend to be more reasonable.

6.  Neilson  have some fantastic offers for groups of seven people or more going skiing or snowboarding. So grab as many people as you can to go with you and try to fill a catered chalet, as that’s where you will get the best group discount and value for your money.

7.  Consider driving to your resort. Many of the resorts in France are only around an eight to ten hour drive away, and with prices starting from just £117 per person, including the Eurotunnel crossing, it can be a really cheap way to get to the Alps.

8.   If this is going to be your first winter sports holiday, try to avoid the better-known resorts, as they tend to be more expensive. Head for places like Andorra, Bulgaria or Livigno in Italy as, not only are things like food and drink cheaper but the cost of the Ski Essentials tend to be a lot more reasonable. For example, a full ski pack (six days lift pass, equipment and tuition) in Courchevel in France starts from £379. The same pack in Borovets in Bulgaria is just £163, that is a massive £216 saving!

9.  Make a packed lunch for your journey the mountains. This will stop you having to buy the over priced airport food for your transfer to the resort or airport. Nobody likes paying £4.50 for an egg mayonnaise sandwich that you could make better at home!

10.  Lastly, something that catches many people out is to remember to tell your mobile phone network that you’re traveling abroad. Roaming charges when on holiday can be really high, but most companies have lower charges if you tell them that you’re going. Also, if you have a smart phone, turn the internet access off so that you don’t get a nasty shock when your next monthly bill comes in, otherwise you may well need another holiday!

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