A ski holiday at a popular resort with all the bells and whistles can rack up the pounds fairly quickly. But you can still have an enjoyable holiday even if you’re trying to be mindful of your spend. We’ve found some of the best budget friendly ski holidays – all under £500. <br> <br>
Arinsal, Andorra
<br> <br> Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it packs a lot of punch. Arinsal in the northwest of the country is at a prime location for skiing, with the altitude meaning good snow is almost guaranteed from early December onwards. It’s great for beginners as there’s plenty of gentle slopes, as well as one of the best English language ski schools in Europe. A 7 night stay at Hotel Xalet Besoli including flights from Gatwick, comes to £403pp from mid-December. <br> <br> Being so close to Catalonia, many restaurants in the area serve Catalan dishes. One of the most popular is La Tasca d'Arinsal, which also has a great wine menu. And if you need a break from skiing one day, Hotel Spa Princesa Parc has a bowling alley which is open to the public. <br> <br> For the après ski, there are several great options, but the most popular is the Polar Bear bar right at the top of the slopes, which has a sun deck with a great view of the area. <br> <br>
Bjelašnica, Bulgaria
<br>
<br>
Classic destinations for skiing include France, Switzerland and Italy, but you shouldn’t underestimate Eastern Europe when looking for a high quality ski resort that won’t break the bank. Bjelašnica in Bulgaria is the highest altitude resort in the country, so snow is always plentiful. There are plenty of beginner runs as well as blue and red ones in the area.
<br>
<br>
One week at Hotel Bjelašnica including flights from Gatwick, as well as breakfast, comes to £391pp. The hotel itself is budget luxury, with an onsite spa for the days where your muscles protest against any more skiing. The area is also ripe for exploring either by foot or on horse back, with many rides of varying length available at Lazy Horse.
<br>
<br>
The overall experience is relaxing and close to nature, and this extends to the après ski. Bjelašnica is not known for its great after ski options – you can always have a beer in the hotel bar, but if you’re looking for a great party to round out the day, there are better options out there.
<br>
<br>
Les Deux Alpes, France
<br>
<br>
One of those options is Les Deux Alpes in France, which is known to have some of the best après ski in the French alps. With nearly 30 bars in the area, you’ll be sure to find one you like!
<br>
<br>
A 7-night stay at the Edelweiss Hotel comes to £435pp for seven nights, and while it doesn’t include flights, return tickets from Gatwick to nearby Lyon can be found from £60, meaning it still narrowly lands on our under £500 list. And it’s well worth it – the hotel is no more than 200 metres from the slopes, bars and grocery stores, so everything is within supremely walkable distance.
<br>
<br>
You’ll be here a few nights so it’s your choice if you try to hit all the most popular places in one glorious pub crawl, or try to spread them out, but for an unmissable night, start at Michelin starred Le Diable au Coeur Restaurant which serves regional specialties with a modern twist. Or, if you prefer something more low-key to start, try Bar Motown Café which is small but very cosy.
<br>
<br>
For great beer, wine and home-made French herbal liqueur Génépi, Smithy’s Tavern is your next stop. And finally, for an unforgettable high-altitude clubbing experience, iconic Pano Bar at 2,600 metres is one of the most popular in the area. Oh, and it opens at noon, so you don’t even need to do any skiing beforehand.
<br>
<br>
Hopfgarten im Brixental, Austria
<br> <br> If you're under 35 and would like to travel with a group of people your age – and are happy to jump on a coach rather than a flight – a Contiki tour to Hopfgarten im Brixental might be the option for you. A week-long trip including an overnight coach to and from London comes to £383pp and includes accommodation with the group you’ve travelled with, and breakfast every day. One benefit of travelling this way is that you’re likely to meet other people who are similar to you, and are up for making new friends. <br> <br> Contiki also offers paragliding in the mountains as an add on, if you’re feeling brave. They charge an additional €134, and since you’ll be in the air with a trained instructor, you’ll be able to use the time for some great photos. <br> <br> The after ski in Hopfgarten is not completely nonexistent, but it does consist mostly of beers in the hotel bar. If you’re in the mood for a party you’ll need to pack your new friends into a taxi to nearby Westendorf which is well known for its great après ski options. Westendorf is just six minutes away, and the journey should cost about €20. Once you’re there, there’s a range of bars to try out – give Wunder Bar with its resident bar singer a try to start! <br> <br>
Peisey-Vallandry, France
<br>
<br>
If you’re after a luxury experience in a purpose-built village that looks straight out of a movie, you can’t miss Peisey-Vallandry in France. Résidence P&V Premium Arc 1950 Le Village is a collection of residences with everything you need. Five days in this self-contained village comes to £497pp, and beyond just skiing it also offers a fantastic wellness centre.
<br>
<br>
This wellness centre offers everything from jacuzzis to massage treatments, and even an opportunity for an around-the-world self-care journey, with a Finnish sauna and a Turkish hammam among the options on offer. And of course, an outdoor heated swimming pool where you can relax right in the winter landscape.
<br>
<br>
Peisey-Vallandry itself is not the liveliest for après ski, but nearby Peisey-Nancroix is home to a few different well-renowned bars – The Flying Squirrel is perfect for those looking for an all-night party, and Greg's Bar provides a cosier, more intimate experience.
<br>
<br>
Wherever you go for your budget friendly ski adventure, make sure that you’re getting the best rates and fee-free spending abroad by using your Caxton Currency Card. Apply for yours today, or top up your existing card.