Top tips to help you ski and save this winter

UK online ski tour operator, Directski.com, has come to the aid of cash-strapped skiers with top ten tips to ski and save both before you ski and while you’re there.

BEFORE YOU SKI

1. Look for ski clothing bargains on E-bay, in charity shops, or borrow
2. Don’t skimp on eye protection but take summer sunglasses rather than buy new ski goggles
3. Look out for bargain, end of season high factor summer sun tan creams
4. Book to self cater, it’s cheaper to eat in and the holiday price tumbles for a group
5. Ask for ski gloves, socks, hats and accessories for Christmas
6. Take a polybag of instant coffee and tea-bags with you instead of buying in resort
7. Don’t buy skis or boots, hire in resort
8. Do some online research, find out the best value bars and restaurants before you fly
9. Book to ski in mid January or March when ski holidays are least expensive
10. Pack all liquids in your suitcase, airports will still confiscate perfumes and cosmetics

WHILE IN RESORT

1. Beware of expensive mountain restaurants, fill up at breakfast
2. Carry water with you rather than buying on the mountain, (Austrian tap water is even better than bottled)
3. Stock up in the duty free and hold your own apres ski parties
4. Avoid impulse buys in resort, they are the most expensive places to buy
5. Invest in a really good pair of ski socks, it’ll save pounds in blister plasters
6. Don’t buy ski boots on impulse, keep hiring until you can afford the best
7. If you’re not going to ski the full area, then only buy a local area lift pass
8. Go to the tourist office when you arrive, it’s where local discounts are advertised
9. Pack a disposable camera, not your best digital, they’re never the same when you drop them from the ski lift
10. Remember, if you can’t see a price, you can’t afford it