2. ENTER THE ALPS
For longer ski seasons and guaranteed snow, a wise choice is Europe’s Alps. They are, after all, named for their snow (from the Latin “albus”, meaning white) and are also synonymous with competitive skiing, “alpine skiing” the proper term for racing downhill.
They are also mountains of incredible magnitude. Europe’s highest and most extensive range, the Alps traverse 200,000km² across eight countries. You’ll have heard of the highest peak, Mont Blanc, at 4,809m but the range also has about 130 peaks higher than 4,000m. And that means a huge choice of resorts — and competitive pricing. For your best shot at snow, choose a resort that sits at about 3,000m or higher but take care not to go too high, as the harder to access a resort becomes the more extreme its pricing.
3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Research different resorts and compare prices for accommodation, lift passes and equipment rental. Look for package deals that include multiple services — such as all-inclusive accommodation, food and ski passes — as they can often be more cost-effective. Another option is to go with a group and share a self-catering apartment or chalets with kitchen facilities, which will require more work from you in terms of shopping and cooking but can translate into substantial savings. For your daytime excursions, pack your own snacks and drinks, and have a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes to avoid the need for expensive midday meals.
