Cheap 4 day ski recommendations please

[BastardtheCat]

Want to book a surprise 3-4 day ski weekend in Feb half-term for DD and I. No lessons needed but we will prefer to fly from Cardiff or Bristol. Cheaper the better but don’t want to return to Bulgaria.

Ooh no advice but following as we always struggle to get 4 day ski holidays. Almost always as expensive as a week, that’s if you can find one!

we did a 4 day trip to Morzine one year (about 8 years ago) with Alpine Elements I think it was, could see if they’re still going/doing 4 day breaks.

youll have more luck DIY it rather than a package I’d have thought. Andorra’s often cheap, and Poland/Norway/Finland sort of resorts too.

sorry I’m no practical help!

Cheap and skiing and school holidays really don’t together! And when it’s cheap it’s not great (looking at you Bansko). What’s your budget? Would you drive?

There's little chance of finding a cheap, short break at half term. Almost all of Europe is on half term that week and resorts are probably already fully booked. Yesterday I looked on airbnb and VRBO for accommodation that week in my favourite resort and there were zero properties available, and nothing on the tour operators websites. On booking.com there were hotel rooms available, but for about €600 to €900 per night.

The other challenge is flights. Flights to the Alps from regional airports such as Cardiff and Bristol usually only depart on Saturdays. Scheduled departures from London are available most days, but on Skyscanner these are showing as costing over £500 for a return trip.

Yes I drive and I’ve driven to the Alps before and don’t want to do it again.

Inwould go and train as a bloody teacher so no cheapie term time holidays for me.

And yes, Bansko and Borogravia I’m giving a wide swerve!

Budget is about £600 pp so I guess I’ll have to DIY it. Transfer to resorts are so pricey though!

😓🤦‍♀️

I think you will stand a much better chance of finding something early in the Easter holidays than in half term - ish that an option?

Options will be limited but look at Skiweekends or Heidi, they both offer short ski breaks. As pp sadi, Easter hols will have more availability and lower prices.

You could always try peak retreats (sort of a broker type) if you are not fussed on laction. They are not especially cheap though.

Have you considered non Alps? Thinking either Andorra or perhaps Scandinavia? With a 4 day break- even is you are pretty expert you won't need the range of some of the bigger Alps ski areas

Thanks everyone. Easter isn’t an option so really pushing for Feb. Will give any location a go if we can easily get there and afford it. Even contacted a ski operator in Georgia - super cheap ski passes and accommodation, but reviews are too mixed for my liking.

I’ll keep looking!

Italy and France have their carnival the week after the UK. It’s not at the same time.

This is where exact dates are important. Carnival is always the week in which Shrove Tursday (Mardi Gras) falls, which in 2026 is the week commencing Sat 14th Feb. This is also the week (in 2026) that most of the UK has half term, but some areas of the UK and some private schools might have their half term break a week earlier.

Heidi may have four day holidays and ski weekends. We have done 5 days with them and they are cheaper than others

It isn’t always aligned to Mardi Gras though. Some schools eg Paris have 21st Feb until 8th March off.

Just seen this thread and I think you’ll really struggle for Feb half term. It’s the no 1 week of the skiing year. For future years why not take a look at the short articles on the link? Having had my student son whinge about the price of transfers, agreed they can be extortionate, so why not get the train to the heart of the Alps? My personal recommendation is to get the overnight train to Briancon.

https://skiflightfree.org/

It’s a train that’s not well known in the British ski community but generally a lot cheaper and goes every day (bar the odd rail replacement service!)