Cheapest possible ski trip

[massistar]

Just back from a lovely week in the Dolomites and DS17 is itching to go again. We normally do half term as well but decided not to this year as I've got a big birthday coming up.

DS wants to try and go for a few days at half term with a couple of mates. He's a very good skiier so not got any worries there but he's talking about places like Poland which I don't have any experience of. We've skiied Italy, France, Austria and Andorra in the past so open to any suggestions for a super cheap holiday for bunch of lads who don't care about the standard of accommodation. Any ideas?

Ps I know that cheap, ski and half term don't go together. It's all relative!

Bulgaria is the cheapest I've been to ... not particularly extensive skiing if you're used to French / Austrian resorts - but cheap and cheerful.

What about Bavaria? You get Austrian-like conditions and apres ski without the cost. Oberstdorf has lots of runs for competent skiers and has several nearby airports. Depending on where you are in the UK, Innsbruck is a great base, regularly has cheap flights and has glacier skiing.

We’ve been to Livigno several times. It’s a PITA transfer but cheap as chips when you’re there because it’s a tax-free haven (because of the historical difficulty in getting there!) Amazing slopes. If they don’t mind a longish bus transfer it would be perfect.

Was thinking Bulgaria. They are all expert skiers but spend a heck of a lot of time messing about in snow parks and making jumps so doesn't need to be huge terrain necessarily.

Brasov, Romania.

Assumed that Livigno would be expensive so will check it out! Italy would be perfect as he's fluent in Italian.

Another vote for Livignio, Bulgaria is cheap but its cheap for a reason.

Not heard of this resort! Thank you!

Our nearest airport is Bristol so usually ok for flight choice!

Livingo is fab. Borovets in Bulgaria is really cheap too, I don't think they have any snow yet though!

It would be better if he went back to somewhere he knows. Andorra might be relatively cheaper. Check snow conditions too

Don’t do Andorra, dire

have you checked the snow situation Op? Cancellations left right and Centre due to lack of snow. Some reporting more like gravel

Good point @LIZS . He knows the Dolomites around Arabba inside out but it's so expensive so maybe Andorra would be better. I feel oddly weird about him going to Eastern Europe by himself.

We went to Soldeu last year and whilst it's not the best place I've ever skied it was far from dire! The cheap beer and fried chicken will appeal..

Snow conditions in the Alos seem to have improved since new year but still plenty of time.

Not much snow at the moment so double check!

Romania, Bulgaria and possibly Germany

Somewhere in Aosta valley it's not a peak holiday week. How about somewhere like Pila? I wouldn't recommend somewhere like Bulgaria for good skiers. Maybe for beginners but heard too many bad things when people have other comparisons!

Actually the snow is starting to improve massively. And next week there’s over a metre forecast for the western alps. IIWY I would choose as cheap as possible SC accommodation in a decent resort and just go for it. If you’re both decent skiers I doubt Bulgaria etc would do it it for you.

"Cheap" and "Half term" are not words usually found in the same sentence.

This year, half term across Europe falls in the same week, Week 7 (w/c Sat 11th Feb.) so prices are going to be high.

"Cheap" places such as Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are not worth it if the skiers are used to big Austrian and French resorts and modern facilities. I've never considered Bavaria to be less expensive than Austria - the cool "Schickimicki" from Munich and Nurnburg keep the prices high, particularly for weekends.

The alternative is to find accommodation 10-15km outside of the resorts and to drive/bus/taxi in every day. For example, Saalfelden for Saalbach/Leogang/Zell am See. Accommodation will be cheaper - but then there is the cost of the transport every day (maybe €30 each way in a taxi, although there are free ski buses). By far the biggest issue is going to be finding flights from the UK. They are either already sold out or extremely expensive.

I am also looking at a "cheap" half term ski trip. I posted before asking about ski trips by train, but it's composed outside my budget during half term. So at the moment I am trying to decide whether Bulgaria is as bad as people say it is or whether it's worth a risk for a (comparatively) very cheap ski trip 🤷‍♀️

completely outside my budget*

I can see Bulgaria (including flights, half board hotel, transfer, ski rental and ski pass) for 2 people for just over £1000 for 4 nights. It's ridiculously cheap compared to even Andorra

You say he wants to go for 'a few days' at half term. This means mid week flights are an option I assume? That part of it shouldn't be too costly, but the big challenge could be trying to find accommodation which will take a booking of less than 7 nights during the peak week.

Not that I've ever been, but how about Sierra Nevada? I'd think flights to Malaga would be cheap, and a short break may easier. Or - left field - Scotland...??

I would love to go skiing in Scotland, but have been told on my other thread that either the slopes or the roads leading up to them are usually closed, so it's too unreliable for a holiday

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Our half term is the week after.. so from the 18th but don't think it'll make much of a difference.

I did look at Sierra Nevada as flights to Malaga are quite cheap and it'd probably be big enough for a few days.

I wouldn't consider Bulgaria if I was going as we've been spoiled with the Alps for too long but the boy just wants to see snow!

I learned to ski in Scotland so have thought that they could just wait till last minute and head up there on a road trip if there's decent snow.