How to ski on a budget

Skiing is a notoriously expensive hobby – however there are ways to cut down the cost.

1. Take a pre-paid Currency card
Pre-paid plastic works like a pay as you go mobile phone. You top up with euros or dollars before you go away and then use it just like any other debit or credit card. Caxton FX guarantees the best exchange rates- which means they always beat bigger brands such as Marks and Spencer, Travelex and the Post Office, giving you the best deal. Purchases in shops and restaurants are also free of hidden charges and commission. Visit www.caxtonfxcard.com for more details.

2. Avoid peak season
Christmas, Easter and half term (mid February) are the most popular dates to be on the slopes. January and March - April is the best time to go if you’re looking for a cheap deal.

3. Book at the last minute
If you’re travelling in a smaller group, it is advisable to book your holiday right at the last minute as the later you leave it, the cheaper it becomes and most resorts usually have room. This is most advisable for smaller numbers – if you’re a party of 10+ there is obviously less chance of securing the desired resort and accommodation.

4. Catered accommodation is cheaper
Staying in catered accommodation means you won’t spend a fortune in expensive restaurants and shops.

5. Be forward thinking
Make sure you book your ski pass and ski hire online before going abroad as many websites offer great deals such as 2 for 1 ski hire and online discounts. Check out ski-republic.com

6. Go somewhere different
Steer clear of the big locations in European skiing - Val D’Isere, Courchevel, Meribel, St Anton, Verbier, Courmayer. Try a different location, Bulgaria for example, which is an up and coming hot destination.

7. Buy a local SIM card
Using your English mobile can cost up to 10 times the price you would pay in the UK. Instead, buy a local SIM card before you leave for your holiday so local and international calls are more reasonable.

8. Dynamic Currency Conversion
If you’re given the option to pay in local currency or sterling, always choose the local currency. This is a new process called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). The retailer or ATM invites you to pay in sterling and then does the exchange rate at an unfavourable rate, which costs you money. During last year’s ski season, Caxton FX research shows that around £30,000 was wasted at just five of the most popular ski resorts in Europe through DCC.

Top location tips

If you’re looking for:

Nightlife
Val Thorens, Verbier, Tignes and Val D’Isere are excellent resorts with superb night life and huge ski areas.

Romantic atmosphere
Courchevel 1850, is a perfect resort for that romantic retreat with some of the finest accommodation in the world.

Family environment
Meribel, Le Praz 1300, Les Gets, La Plagne are particularly suitable for families.