Feb 2023 half term that doesn't cost ££££

[OhCobblers]

France seems to cost a bomb at half term. Is there anywhere else that is semi reasonable self catering?!

Italy? If so, whereabouts?!
Thank you

Look at Germany, far less common from the U.K. so flights tend to be more reasonable (or drive)

Good luck with that, maybe Bulgaria or Pyrenees?

We go to Thollon-les-Memises. It’s a small resort overlooking Lake Geneva. As well as being beautiful, it’s supposed to be the cheapest ski resort in France. We’ve got a chalet there, but friends are renting a 2 bed apartment for £650, You won’t find big hotels there, but a friendly atmosphere, good skiing now they have snow canons, gorgeous scenery and plenty of cheap apartments to rent. There are some great little restaurants, a cinema, bars as well as events put on by the village like the Wednesday giant fondue which are great fun! It’s 40 mins from Chatel and 20 from Switzerland for a change of scene

All the major resorts are crazy during UK half term. February in France is their half term, I’ve been told (when I did my ski season in France) that one area takes the first week, another the second and so forth so the whole of February in France or closely located resorts are crazy busy and prices.

however, that being said, I did my season in Montgenevre on the French/Italian border and it was never busy except on Boxing Day. I skiied every day bar 2 the entire season and only queued for a lift once, on Boxing Day. I’d recommend that resort, you can access Italy (Clavier) as part of your lift pass, or upgrade and ski all the way to sauze and sestriere but if you choose not to there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Monty and Claviere.

can’t comment on the price as I was obviously a seasonnaire then but family have been back since on good deals!

in my experience, Bulgaria is one of the cheapest resorts to go to. I’d reccomend Borovets depending on your levels of experience.

We are going to Italy but after New Year as our schools don't go back till the 9th. Italy does tend to be a lot cheaper than France and is better value on the slopes as well. I love the Dolomites (Canazei, Arabba, Corvara etc) but also considered Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere this year. It's small hotels or apartments though, no chalets like in France so depends what you are after.

Sorry, just read that you did say SC!

Would also recommend Andorra. it's cheaper again. Not quite as nice as the Dolomites but great value for self catering. We've stayed in Pas de la Casa and Soldeu. Preferred Soldeu out of the two.

Why don’t you try and get an Air B&B in the valley near a resort? You will have to drive up hill to resort, but massively cheaper than going on a package. Eg check out Guillestre (15 mins from Vars) or Argentière (15 mins from Puy St Vincent) or Embrun (20 mins from Les Orres). Also think about smaller resorts where passes are a lot cheaper.