Soaring mountains plus quaint Alpine charm is the magic formula for luxury ski resorts. This can often come at an uncompromising cost though. Here at Economy Car Hire, we’re here to tell you that it is possible to plan a budget trip in Europe’s number one skiing destination. Let us present Switzerland on a shoe string!
Admittedly, Switzerland is renowned for being pricey. But with our inside info and a few clever resort choices it is possible to ski cheap here without emptying your bank account or compromising on your skiing experience.
Switzerland’s most well-known Ski resorts include Verbier, St Moritz and Zermatt. With varied terrain and breath-taking landscapes, it’s easy to understand their enduring popularity with winter sports fans. The choice of accommodation is predominantly luxury chalets and 5 star hotels, making them somewhat exclusive. Visitors to these resorts can expect to pay between £450- £1200 per person for a week’s half board accommodation plus ski passes.
In this sense Switzerland is a victim of its own strong currency. Fortunately, we’ve found a few hidden gems which offer some of the best skiing in the Alps with prices that will make you say ‘Ja!’ without becoming ‘Rah’.
Verbier
Yes, that’s right; it is possible to enjoy this must-ski resort without paying ridiculous prices. The large Four Valleys area features spectacular off-piste terrain, efficient lifts and 410km of runs. It’s also home to a number of pretty, lift-linked satellite villages that give you access to Verbier’s fantastic skiing without draining your bank account.
La Tzoumaz is one such village which can be found just the other side of Savoleyres ridge. Chalet breaks here offer luxury for much less. Known in the industry as a ‘back-door’ resort, La Tzoumaz offers easy access to Verbier’s slopes at discounted rates.
Its own slopes are north-facing. Whilst this means they get less direct sunlight during the deeper winter months, it also guarantees a longer season of good snow and a lot less crowds!
Nothing good ever stays secret for long. La Tzoumaz is set to become the future hotspot of the Four Valleys. Be sure to book up a holiday here before well-meaning investors and hotel developers price it out of the market.
Five star full board accommodation in La Tzoumaz will set you back no more than £850 per person per week. See here for more details.
Val D’Anniviers
This little known valley is perhaps one of the best undiscovered ski resorts in Europe. Take your pick of 13 alpine villages and 136 miles of slopes across 3 ski resorts: Zinal & Grimentz, Saint Luc and Vercorin. And all for fraction of what it would cost you in Verbier and Zermatt.
You will have to brave the road which winds up the valley to get there. There are a few switchbacks that are likely to test your nerve too. The on and off-piste terrain is world class and offers an enormous amount of skiing for all standards.
Off the slopes, the 15th century villages of Val D’Anniviers are unrivalled when it comes to charm. Wander round the cobblestone streets and you’ll find delicious traditional mountain food and cosy inns offering warm refuges from the wintry evenings.
For more information on where to book head to myswitzerland.com
Scuol
The spa town of Scuol is tucked neatly into a sunny little corner of the Lower Engadine. Framed by 3,000m peaks and overlooking the dazzling Swiss National Park, Scuol certainly doesn’t skimp gorgeous scenery or great ski runs. What it does cut back on however is price!
Our first piece of advice is to swap the swanky hotel for a B&B. Swiss hospitality is founded on a long tradition of good service and quality which means you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep and a tasty breakfast regardless of your accommodation.
B&Bs such as Bun di Scuol include ski passes in their reasonable rates meaning you save even more money! They also allow guests to use the kitchen free of charge to prepare their own evening meals.
Ski in Scuol and your body is likely to be grateful as well as your bank balance! Swap the ski bar for the ski spa and treat yourself to a relaxing evening or two at the Bogn Engadian Thermal Spa. A 6 day pass to the spa costs around £80. When the cost of a pint could set you back as much as £8 in the major resorts we’d say this is healthy exchange in more ways than one!
Scuol is just a few hours’ drive from Zurich.
So, if you don’t mind forgoing a few nights of hard partying in slightly quieter resorts, you’ll no doubt find a dream skiing holiday that won’t give you financial nightmares.
Got any recommendations on where to ski on a budget? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Written by Jessica Langlands from Economy Car Hire
