Prepare your ski trip in Savoie

How to book a ski trip?

Booking a ski trip requires a bit of organization. But with our helpful tips, you'll be sure not to forget anything!

The first thing to book is your accommodation. The earlier you do it, the more choices you will have among the hotels, holiday residences, apartments through real estate agencies, holiday villages, chalets etc. But rest assured: it is quite possible to book ski accommodation at the last minute during certain periods, such as in January for example, or in spring in March/April. However, it will be more complicated to go on a ski holiday with family on a whim during the Christmas holidays or the winter holidays in February…

Are you going on a ski vacation by car? Make sure to book a parking space, ideally in a covered parking lot, if your accommodation does not have private parking. Very often, your host will take the initiative and offer to handle the reservation of a parking space for you. Trust them: they will know how to choose the most convenient parking (the closest to your accommodation, the most suitable for your vehicle, etc.).
 

Preparing for your ski trip

When it comes to a ski trip, it means ski passes. Perhaps you have already booked them through your host's all-inclusive ski trip offers? If not, take a look at the different packages available to you (weekly ski pass, special offer for families with children, daily ski pass, ski pass giving access to the Paradiski area connected to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, etc.).

The good idea: book the most popular activities in advance before they get fully booked (like dog sledding for example, a highly sought-after activity). You can even reserve a table that particularly appeals to you a few days before your arrival to avoid disappointment (the top-rated restaurants on Google or Trip Advisor usually fill up very quickly!).
 

• The 3* and 4* hotels are favored by vacationers who spend more time outside than inside, and prefer services (breakfast, restaurant, wellness area, daily housekeeping…) to independence. A vacation where you don’t lift a finger? That’s a big yes!
• Rental apartments through real estate agencies offer a great diversity of standards and sizes. They are among the favorite accommodations for families looking to recreate an independent cocoon during their vacation (full kitchen, separate bedrooms to preserve the children's sleep when the evening extends in the living room, etc.).
• Tourist residences are a perfect compromise between a hotel and an apartment for rent through a real estate agency with their fully equipped accommodations and sometimes very specialized services (wellness area, equipment rental, bar…). Ideal for traveling with a group (you can book several apartments in the same residence).
• Clubs and holiday villages will appeal to fans of all-inclusive who want to offload as much as possible the organization of their ski trip (before… and during!).
• Chalets combine large spaces with a typically mountain atmosphere. Perfect for large families and groups of friends who want to fulfill a childhood dream!
• Guest rooms will be your preference if you are looking for friendliness and authentic sharing moments with locals.

Discover also the unusual accommodations in La Plagne, as well as the spaces dedicated to motorhomes (even in winter).
 

Where to go for a cheap snow trip?

The cheapest ski resorts are often those located at low and medium altitudes, where snow cover is not guaranteed. Are you a skiing enthusiast? Don't take the risk of not being able to ski during your vacation, and choose a ski area at altitude, like that of La Plagne (70% of the ski slopes are located at over 2000 m altitude, which guarantees you can ski from December to April; goodbye to unpleasant surprises!).

Here are some ideas for a budget ski trip:

• Leave outside of school holidays if you can (for example, if you plan to spend your vacation with adults, or with a baby or young children who are not yet in school); the months of January and April are perfect for a budget ski trip in Savoie
• Watch for early booking special offers (if you are considering a ski trip during peak times) or last minute (especially if you are traveling outside of school holidays)
• Compare the formulas of ski packages (family packs are very interesting, for example). Also, if you are a beginner, know that several very easy ski slopes are accessible for free ; why not start on these slopes, and only buy a ski pass at the end of the week, when you feel more comfortable?
• Opt for group ski lessons, which are more economical than private ski lessons
• If proximity to the ski area is not an essential criterion for you, set aside the accommodations ski-in ski-out (which are more expensive than accommodations located a bit further from the slopes). By choosing an accommodation located in a lower altitude village or requiring a bit of walking to reach the ski area, you can enjoy your snow holiday just as much without breaking the bank.
   

In addition, of course, think about additional costs such as dining (will you be eating every evening in your vacation rental? Or will you be going to a restaurant regularly?), and the essential vacation souvenirs (cheese, marmot plush toy, La Plagne mug…).

Our advice? Start by listing your essentials, all those little (or big) things you don't want to do without.For some, it will be a modern and comfortable ski-in ski-out accommodation with a spa; for others, an activity they really desire (like a week of off-piste ski lessons for example); or even a comfortable envelope to treat themselves during après-ski and dinner.

Then build your vacation budget around these elements. Opt for upscale accommodation with a gourmet restaurant and a wellness area, or conversely, for budget accommodation if you plan to spend your vacation outside, on the slopes and at the restaurant.
 

What are the advantages of all-inclusive ski trips?

All-inclusive trip offers have two major benefits: they save you time and money! Not convinced? Take out your calculator, and have fun adding up the following costs: accommodation + parking + ski passes + equipment rental. You will find that the total amount is higher when purchasing each service separately.

Why? Because hosts benefit from preferential rates with their partners (operators of ski lifts, ski schools, equipment rental shops…) due to the large volume they order each year for their guests (you!). They can therefore offer you very attractive all-inclusive package deals that you would be wrong to miss out on.

Moreover, all-inclusive offers save you from tedious searches. Your host knows the resort perfectly and will guide you to the nearest ski school, sports shop, and parking to your vacation rental.

All-inclusive ski trips in clubs and holiday villages go even further: on-site dining, childcare, kids' club, activities… Take advantage of your vacation to unplug your brain, and let yourself be guided for minimal mental load!