The Hidden Costs of Ski Holidays (and How to Avoid Them)

You think you’ve found a bargain ski holiday, only to discover you’re going to have to pay hundreds, if not thousands, more once you factor in all the extras. Things like airport transfers, hold luggage, ski passes, equipment hire, and even food in resort can all add up fast. But don’t worry, there are ways to keep costs under control without sacrificing the fun.

Airport Transfers

Transfers can be a big hidden expense. Coach companies like Ben’s Bus are great for low-cost transfers to many of the big-name resorts, mostly operating Friday to Sunday, which works well for week-long holidays. If you’re travelling midweek, Alps2Alps often offers discounted private transfers. It’s also worth checking resorts that are accessible by train or public transport to save even more, or considering self-driving if that’s an option.

Hold Luggage

Cheap flights can suddenly become expensive once you’ve added four hold bags for your family. The good news is you probably need less than you think. Vacuum bags are a great space saver, and wearing your bulky items on the plane helps too. Some airlines still include hold luggage, so it’s worth comparing budget airline prices with BA or SWISS before booking. SWISS even allows ski carriage for free as part of your checked luggage, and you can fill any space around your skis with clothing to make the most of it. We've even done hand luggage only ski weekends - check out our video here.

Package Holiday Options

Before booking, check if a package holiday might actually be cheaper overall. Companies like Crystal Ski often include hold luggage, airport transfers, and even half or full board accommodation at very competitive rates. Because they charter their own flights and run large transfers, they can keep costs low. They also run great offers like two-for-one lift passes or free child places, which can make a package deal work out cheaper than organising everything yourself.

Another favourite we've used is Sunweb. All of their holidays include lift passes, and we’ve found weekend breaks from as little as £91 per person when the pass alone would usually cost double that. You can go all-inclusive or just book an apartment with the lift pass included. Just double-check flight and transfer costs before adding those through Sunweb, as these are often cheaper to sort separately.

Lift Passes

If your holiday doesn’t include lift passes, this can add over £1,000 for a family of four, so it’s worth researching carefully. Many resorts let children ski free up to a certain age, often six but sometimes as high as eight. If you’re total beginners, you might only need passes for the nursery slopes for your first few days, which are often free. Beginners also rarely need access to the full ski area, so buying a local pass instead can save a lot. Many resorts also offer early bird discounts if you book passes in advance, so it’s worth joining mailing lists to stay in the loop.

Ski Lessons

Lessons are essential for beginners, and group lessons are usually the most affordable option. Private lessons will help you progress faster, but you could start with one or two to build confidence before switching to group sessions. If you want to practise on your own between lessons, Carv is a fantastic digital tool that helps you improve your technique. (We’ve shared more about Carv and our referral discount code here.)

Equipment Hire

Always book ski equipment as early as possible to take advantage of early bird discounts. If you’ve booked your own accommodation, ask your host if they have discount codes for local hire shops. For beginners, and even those who ski 1-2 times per year it’s not really worth buying your own skis or poles just yet, but investing in a good helmet is a must, and owning your own boots can make a big difference in comfort.

In-Resort Supermarkets

This is one of the sneakiest costs that catches people off guard. Supermarkets in some ski resorts inflate prices dramatically, which can quickly blow your self-catering budget. If you’re driving, bring food from home or do a big shop down the mountain before heading up. Otherwise, you may find that half-board accommodation ends up being better value than cooking everything yourself.

Final Thoughts

Ski holidays are magical, but the hidden costs can be a real shock if you’re not prepared. The key is to plan ahead, compare options, and look out for package deals that include extras like transfers, luggage, or lift passes. With the right planning, a ski trip doesn’t have to break the bank, and you can spend less time worrying about costs and more time enjoying the slopes.