Are Weekend Ski Trips Actually Any Cheaper Than a Week Long Break?

A quick ski weekend sounds like the perfect mini-getaway: a few days on the slopes, alongside some fun Apres ski, and a break from the usual routine. The assumption is though that fewer days means spending less, but that's not always the case. Flights, transfers, lift passes, and weekend surcharges can quietly add up, sometimes making a short ski trip almost as expensive as a full week.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can still enjoy a weekend in the mountains without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of the hidden costs you need to watch for - and tips to make your next short ski trip genuinely affordable.

Why Weekend Skiing May Not be a Money Saver

Flights and Transfers

Weekend flights can often be more expensive, especially if you’re travelling during peak ski season and wanting the popular times to maximise weekend skiing. Add transfers from the airport to the resort, and suddenly the “budget weekend” starts to look a little less budget-friendly. However if you can fly mid week instead, you could save yourself a lot of money.

Midweek transfers however can be tricky. Many shuttle companies operate primarily Friday to Sunday, meaning if you travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday, your only option may be a private transfer. Unless you’re travelling with a group large enough to split the cost, that can quickly eat into your budget.

Accommodation

You might assume three nights in a resort costs less than seven - but weekends are peak times. Resorts know demand spikes Friday to Sunday, so nightly rates go up. Longer stays, like a full week, often benefit from discounted rates, making the per-night cost lower than a short weekend trip. Again, choosing a mid week short break could skip this premium cost.

Lift Passes

Lift passes can be another sneaky cost. In many ski resorts, shorter multi-day passes don’t actually work out much cheaper per day than a full-week pass. For example, in Les 3 Vallées the 6-day adult pass is €409, which comes out to about €68/day, while a 3-day pass is €213.30–€237 depending on timing so roughly €71–€79/day.

Another example is Tignes / Val d’Isère: a 3-day pass costs €225 for an adult, or €75/day, but a 6-day pass is €450 (meaning €75/day too), so you don’t necessarily save much by buying more days, especially if you’re only squeezing in a few.

Even in smaller or less well-known resorts this effect appears: at Cerkno (Slovenia), the 3-day adult pass is €115 (€38.33/day), whereas the 6-day pass is €196 (€32.67/day).

so, if you’re planning a short ski break, don’t assume that “fewer days = big savings.” In many resorts, short passes are still priced to encourage longer stays, meaning the per-day rate might not drop as much as you expect.

Equipment and Extras

Equipment costs can also catch weekend skiers off guard. Most rental shops base their pricing around full-week stays, which means that hiring skis, boots or snowboards for just a few days can work out more expensive per day than a standard 6-day rental. If you’re only planning a short break, it’s worth comparing daily vs multi-day prices before you arrive.

Baggage fees are another easy-to-miss expense. Airlines charge a flat fee for ski or snowboard bags, regardless of how long you’re actually on the slopes. So whether you ski for two days or seven, you’ll pay the same to get your gear there and back. For many weekend trips, this can make renting equipment in-resort a more cost-effective (and easier) choice.

Don’t forget the smaller extras too: helmet hire (often not included in the ski and boot rental price), clothing rentals if you don’t own ski gear, and the temptation to upgrade to “premium” skis or boots, all of which can add up quickly on a short trip.

How to Save on a Short Ski Trip

Even with these costs, weekend skiing can be doable if you plan carefully. Here are some strategies:

• Travel mid-week: Flying out on Tuesday - Thursday is often cheaper than Friday to Sunday. Hotels are also lower rates mid-week.

• Stay in satellite villages: Small towns just outside the main resort can save you a significant amount on accommodation. Most offer ski bus links or even direct lift access.

• Choose smaller, snow-sure resorts: Big-name destinations can carry big-name prices. Lesser-known resorts often offer cheaper lift passes without compromising on snow quality.

• Use public transport: Resorts accessible by train can save you the cost of private transfers. Austria is especially good for this but many French resorts also have good rail links.

• Book partial packages: Tour operators like Sunweb include lift passes in all their holidays, often offering better value than booking each element separately. We've found short breaks on their website from as little as £91 with ski passes included!

• Share transfers: If a minibus is necessary, look for shared transfer services. Alps2Alps, for example, offers shared rides from Geneva to major resorts for €25–€50 one way.

• Rent gear locally: Skip airline baggage fees by hiring skis or snowboards at the resort. Many shops offer discounts for online bookings in advance but. Iwould bring your own helmet and just strap it to your backpack - we've never had a problem doing this before.

  
  

Resorts That Work for Short Trips

Some resorts are particularly well-suited for weekend or short-stay trips because of their accessibility and affordability. Here’s a selection of options across France, Italy, and Austria worth considering:

France

Les 7 Laux – Around 35 minutes to an hour from Grenoble Airport, this underrated gem offers over 100 km of slopes, modern lifts, and very reasonable prices. Lift passes start from around €45, making it a great-value option for a short ski break.

Les Arcs – Direct train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and a free funicular to the slopes makes this vast Paradiski area (425 km of pistes) easy to access. Budget self-catering apartments and a mix of beginner and intermediate runs make it ideal for a weekend getaway.

Chamonix – About three hours by train from Geneva or just a 1.5-hour drive, Chamonix is famous for Mont Blanc views and world-class terrain. Lift passes start at €65, making a short trip more affordable than many expect.

Saint-Gervais – Just an hour from Geneva, Saint-Gervais combines charming village vibes with access to Mont Blanc Massif slopes. Quieter than Chamonix, it’s great for beginners and intermediates looking for a relaxed weekend.

Grand Tourmalet / La Mongie – Around an hour from Lourdes, this is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, offering 100 km of varied terrain. Ideal for budget-friendly weekend trips for families and intermediates.

Val Cenis – Accessible from Chambery in 1 hour 45 minutes or Turin in 2 hours, Val Cenis is quieter than big Alps resorts, with manageable pistes and affordable lift passes - perfect for a scenic, relaxed short break.

Megève – About an hour from Geneva, Megève offers a classic alpine town experience with charming streets and dining options. While slightly pricier, it’s ideal for a stylish, short ski escape.

La Rosière – Around 1 hour 45 minutes from Chambery, this resort sits on the French-Italian border with sun-soaked slopes and access to the Espace San Bernardo area, perfect for families or intermediate skiers on a weekend.

Italy

Bardonecchia – Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Turin, Bardonecchia is known as one of Europe’s best-value resorts. Family-friendly, with “kids-go-free” equipment hire deals, it’s perfect for a short weekend escape.

Sestriere – 1.5 hours from Turin, Sestriere sits in the heart of the Via Lattea ski area, offering 400 km of pistes. Lift passes start from €50/day, giving access to Olympic-grade facilities without the high price tag.

Pila – Also 1.5 hours from Turin, Pila is compact but well-laid-out, with reliable snow and slopes for all levels. Its size makes it easy to enjoy a short break without feeling rushed.

Gressoney – Around 2 hours from Milan in the Aosta Valley, Gressoney offers scenic slopes and varied terrain. It’s a quieter alternative to the bigger resorts, ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking a peaceful weekend.

Austria

Mayrhofen – Quick train from Innsbruck or Munich makes Mayrhofen very accessible. Staying in nearby Zell am Ziller reduces accommodation costs while still giving full access to the Zillertal ski area, which offers varied terrain for all abilities.

Söll (SkiWelt) – Transfers from Innsbruck or Salzburg are straightforward. As part of the SkiWelt area, it offers 284 km of pistes, plenty of accommodation options, and terrain suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.

Kaprun – Around 1.5–2 hours from Salzburg, Kaprun offers easy access to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier with reliable snow for all levels. Connected to Zell am See, it provides extra terrain for those wanting variety. Family-friendly and compact, it’s ideal for a short weekend break with nearby accommodation and ski-in options.

Making Short Ski Trips Work for Your Budget

Weekend or short ski trips aren’t automatically cheaper than a week-long break. Per-day costs for flights, accommodation, lift passes, and equipment can be surprisingly close to a full week. But with smart planning, a short trip can still be affordable and enjoyable. Here’s how to make it work:

• Rent gear in-resort: Avoid airline ski bag fees by hiring skis, boards, and clothing locally. Helmets can often be strapped to your backpack for free.

• Choose accessible resorts: Pick resorts with quick airport or train connections, nearby accommodation, and ski-in/out options to save time and transport costs.

• Check for local deals: Many resorts offer mid-week or weekend-specific discounts on lift passes or shuttle services, a small saving that adds up.

• Plan a realistic itinerary: To avoid weekend surcharges and crowds, consider travelling Sunday to Tuesday or mid-week. For example, Sunday morning arrival - half day ski, full Monday skiing, half-day Tuesday, then a evening departure. A structured schedule like this maximises slope time, reduces costs, and avoids rushed days.

Weekend vs. Week: What You Need to Know

So, are weekend ski trips cheaper than a full week? Often, not in terms of per-day cost. Short breaks that fall over Friday–Sunday can carry surcharges and fewer discount opportunities, meaning the price per day is similar to longer stays.

The upside is that its still possible to get a decent amount of skiing in and have a much needed reset even when just going for a few days. The key is to plan strategically: choose accessible resorts, compare lift pass and equipment options, and focus on enjoying the time you have rather than trying to cover every slope.

In short, short trips aren’t always a bargain, but with smart choices, like travelling mid-week, booking early (although we do love to book a last minute bargain too!), and selecting resorts with good accessibility, they can deliver an incredible skiing experience in just a few days. Think of it as a short, sharp alpine reset rather than a money-saving opportunity, and you’ll come home with snow-filled memories, not regrets.