Prepare your ski trip in Savoie

How do I book a ski trip?

Booking a ski trip takes a little planning. But with our expert tips, you’ll be sure not to forget a thing!

The first thing to book is your lodging. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have to choose from among hotels, vacation resorts, apartments through real estate agencies, vacation villages, chalets, and more. But don’t worry: it’s entirely possible to book ski accommodations at the last minute during certain times of the year, such as in January, for example, or in the spring in March or April. It will be more difficult, however, to take a last-minute family ski vacation during the Christmas break or the winter break in February…

Are you driving to your ski vacation? Be sure to reserve a parkingspot —ideally in a covered parking garage—if your lodging doesn’t have private parking. Very often, your host will take the initiative and offer to handle the parking reservation for you. Trust them: they’ll know how to choose the most convenient parking lot (the one closest to your lodging, best suited for your vehicle, etc.).

Planning Your Ski Trip

A ski trip means ski passes. Perhaps you’ve already booked them through your lodging provider’s all-inclusive ski package deals? If not, take a look at the different options available (weekly ski passes, special offers for families with children, day passes, ski passes granting access to the Paradiski ski area connected to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, etc.).

Here’s a tip: book the most popular activities in advance before they fill up (such as dog sledding, for example, which is in high demand). You can even reserve a table at a restaurant you’re particularly eager to try a few days before your arrival to avoid disappointment (the top-ratedrestaurants on Google or TripAdvisor usually fill up very quickly!).

• 3-star and 4-star hotels are popular with vacationers who spend more time outdoors than indoors and prefer amenities (breakfast, restaurant, wellness center, daily housekeeping, etc.) to independence. A vacation where you don’t have to lift a finger? Absolutely!
• Apartments rented through real estate agencies come in a wide variety of standards and sizes. They’re a favorite among families looking to recreate a cozy, independent space during their vacation (a full kitchen, separate bedrooms to ensure the kids get a good night’s sleep when the evening stretches into the living room, etc.).
• Vacation resorts offer the perfect compromise between a hotel and an agency-rented apartment, with their fully equipped units and sometimes highly specialized services (wellness center, equipment rentals, bar, etc.). Ideal for traveling with the whole family (you can book multiple apartments in the same resort).
• Resort clubs and vacation villages will appeal to fans of all-inclusive packages who want to offload as much of the ski trip planning as possible (before… and during!).
• Chalets combine spacious living areas with a traditional mountain atmosphere. Perfect for large families and groups of friends looking to fulfill a childhood dream!
• Bed-and-breakfasts are the way to go if you’re looking for a warm, friendly atmosphere and authentic moments of togetherness with local hosts.

Also discover La Plagne’s unique accommodations, as well as areas designated for RVs (even in winter).

Where can you go skiing on a budget?

The cheapest ski resorts are often those located at low and medium altitudes, where snowfall isn’t guaranteed. Are you a ski enthusiast? Don’t risk not being able to ski during your vacation—choose a high-altitude ski area, like La Plagne (70% of the slopes are located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, guaranteeing you’ll be able to ski from December through April; no more unpleasant surprises!).

Here are a few ideas for a budget-friendly ski trip:

• Travel outside of school breaks if you can ( for example, if you’re planning a vacation with just adults, or with a baby or young children who aren’t in school yet); January and April are perfect for an affordable ski trip in Savoie
• Keep an eyeout for special offers such as early-booking deals (if you’re planning a ski trip during peak seasons) or last-minute deals (especially if you’re traveling outside of school breaks)
• Compare the different ski passoptions (family packages are a great deal, for example). Also, if you’re a beginner, keep in mind that several very easy ski runs are accessible for free; why not start on these runs and wait until the end of the week to buy a ski pass, once you feel more comfortable?
• Opt for group ski lessons, which are more economical than private lessons
• If proximity to the ski area isn’t a top priority for you, skip the ski-in/ski-outaccommodations (which are more expensive than those located a bit further from the slopes). By choosing a place to stay in a lower-altitude village or one that requires a short walk to reach the ski area, you’ll enjoy your winter vacation just as much without breaking the bank.
  

In addition, be sure to factor in ancillary costs such as meals (will you eat at your vacation rental every night? Or will you go out to restaurants regularly?), and those must-have vacation souvenirs (cheese, a marmot stuffed animal, a La Plagne mug…).

Our advice? Start by listing your must-haves—all those little (or big) things you don’t want to do without. For some, that might mean modern, comfortable ski-in/ski-out accommodations with a spa; for others, it might be an activity they’re really looking forward to (like a week of off-piste ski lessons, for example); or perhaps a generous budget to treat yourselves during après-ski and dinner.

Then build your vacation budget around these elements. Opt for high-end accommodations with a gourmet restaurant and a wellness center, or, conversely, for budget-friendly accommodations if you plan to spend your vacation outdoors anyway—on the slopes and at restaurants.

What are the benefits of all-inclusive ski vacations?

All-inclusive packages offer two major benefits: they save you time and money! Not convinced? Grab your calculator and have fun adding up the following costs: lodging + parking + ski passes + equipment rental. You’ll find that the total cost is higher when you buy each service separately.

Why? Because accommodation providers get preferential rates from their partners (ski lift operators, ski schools, ski equipment rental companies, etc.) thanks to the large volume of services they book each year for their guests (you!). This means they can offer you very attractive all-inclusive packages that you’d be missing out on if you didn’t take advantage of them.

Plus, all-inclusive packages save you the hassle of doing your own research. Your accommodation provider knows the resort inside and out and can direct you to the ski school, sports shop, and parking lot closest to your vacation rental.

All-inclusive ski vacations at clubs and vacation villages go even further: on-site dining, daycare, kids’ clubs, entertainment… Make the most of your vacation to unwind, and let them take care of everything for minimal stress!