Pierre & Vacances suggests top five ways to save on ski holidays
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit, and the subsequent drop in the value of the pound against the euro, has resulted in a surge of Brits anxious about holiday prices. In an attempt to save money, the country saw a dramatic rise in the number of ‘staycations’ over the summer, with an increased number of holidaymakers preferring to take trips to destinations such as Cornwall and London rather than abroad.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Skiers concerned about whether they will be able to hit the slopes at all this season should know that winter-sports holidays don’t have to cost the earth. Pierre & Vacances, the leading provider of self-catered accommodation in Europe, outlines how customers can choose exciting but affordable holiday options that are easy to arrange. Here are the top five ways holidaymakers can beat the Brexit blues by taking advantage of flexible dates, ski extras and exclusive offers.
Maximise on flexible dates
While the majority of ski tour operators still offer the traditional week-long holidays with weekend departures, Pierre & Vacances offers flexible dates and durations. Plenty of fantastic skiing can still be achieved on a four-night stay, but the amount spent on accommodation, ski passes, and ski hire is greatly reduced. As well as skiers being able to squeeze in a shorter trip for a fraction of the price, customers also have a better choice of budget flights that help to save money. For example, booking mid-week easyJet return flights from London Luton to Geneva, rather than at the weekend, could save up to £47 pp; a huge difference for larger families.
These options also suit the growing number of workers who don’t fit the Monday to Friday work life, as they can benefit from more adaptable dates. Holidaymakers can also book flights as part of a package via the Pierre & Vacances website and take advantage of these flexible flight routes departing on any day of the week, depending on availability.
Thanks to Pierre & Vacances’ flexible arrival dates and durations, skiers worried about costs do not have to miss out on holidays altogether. They can arrange trips with dates that suit them and for durations that won’t break the bank. Shorter breaks will keep holiday prices down and will mean that workers with limited holiday time can still enjoy the pistes.
Ski in March and January
With a late Easter next year, March and January are the ideal times to book a low-cost ski holiday, away from the popular school holiday times; customers will find accommodation that’s more than 50% cheaper than going at Easter or in February. These skiers will also benefit from quiet, open pistes and usually better snow conditions than Christmas and Easter. Winter-sports enthusiasts will be happy in the knowledge that they spend more time skiing and less time queuing, for the price they’ve paid on lift passes.
If skiers really can’t avoid February and the festive period: book early
Not everyone can avoid the busy periods, so when planning a ski holiday at Christmas or half term it is crucial to be organised. Like other tour operators and accommodation providers, Pierre & Vacances has reported a boost in Christmas ski sales this year thanks to last year’s snowfall, and February half term is renowned for being the most popular time for British holidaymakers to ski.
Paris school holidays begin the week after UK half term, so February will be consistently busy and therefore generally more expensive. If families, who are restricted to school holidays, book December and February dates early, they can ensure the best prices and avoid disappointment. They can save up to 23% on Christmas dates with Pierre & Vacances when booked early.
Pre-book ski extras with Pierre & Vacances
Pierre & Vacances offers its guests impressive discounts on ski extras, such as lift passes, ski lessons and equipment, when they pre-book online. Customers who purchase lift passes in advance on Pierre & Vacances’ website can benefit from a minimum 5% discount on a week’s lift pass and, if booked before the start of November 2018, up to 20%. What’s more, lift passes can be delivered straight to the residences, allowing skiers to skip the long lift pass queues and have more time on the slopes.
Those booking equipment rental via Pierre & Vacances can save up to 25%. Ski rental can be ready to collect at the SKISET shop – many of which are conveniently located next door to, or as part of, larger residences – making the first morning of the ski holiday more efficient.
Beginners, or those looking to brush up on their skills, will spare the hassle of organising lessons in resort by booking online early. They’ll also have a better pick of the instructors and the opportunity to save up to 25%.
Make the most of special offers
Pierre & Vacances offers last-minute deals throughout the season to ensure customers get the most for their money and have their best ski holiday yet. Skiers don’t have to miss out on the best times to hit the slopes if they take advantage of Pierre & Vacances’ special online offers.
Here is a selection of the best deals from across the season.
Early winter bookings:
Save 26% at 3* Residence Le Quartz in Belle Plagne
The Residence Le Quartz is situated in a quiet area at the foot of the slopes within the friendly, pedestrianised resort of Belle Plagne. With more than 400km of piste including a link to Les Arcs, the Paradiski ski area is ski haven. Guests can put up their feet after an exciting day on the slopes on their personal balcony.
Priced at £173.20 pp (£346.40 per studio down from £465.75 saving 26%) for a seven-night self-catered stay that sleeps up to two people arriving 14 December 2018.
Save 22% at 5* Premium residence Arc 1950 Le Village in Arc 1950
Arc 1950 is an ideal early-season destination as it boasts a snow-sure high altitude. The ski-in, ski-out Premium Residence Arc 1950 is a luxury gem within the Pierre & Vacances range, located in the heart of the pedestrianised village.
Priced from £200.75 pp (£803 per apartment down from £1036 saving 22%) for a seven-night self-catered stay that sleeps up to four people arriving 14 December 2018.
Christmas and February half-term offers:
Save 23% at 4* Residence Les Bergers in L’Alpe-d’Huez
This 4* Residence Les Bergers is found at the heart of the village, just 100m from the ski lifts and shopping centre. The Grand Domaine Ski Area has year-round sun and 250km of varied pistes ideal for the whole family. Soothe sore muscles in the sauna and dine in style at the Savoie speciality restaurant.
Priced from £340 pp (£679 per studio down from £881 saving 23%) for a seven-night self-catered stay in a studio that sleeps up to two people arriving 22 December 2018.
Save 12% at 3* Residence Les Gémeaux in Belle Plagne
Located in an idyllic, family-friendly and pedestrianised village, the Residence Les Gémeaux is the place to stay for great access to the huge Paradiski ski area.
Priced from £293.50 pp (£1174 per studio down from £1333 saving 12%) for a seven-night self-catered say in a studio that sleep up to four people arriving 16 February 2019.
Flexible dates:
Save 20% at 5* Premium residence L’Amara in Avoriaz
This luxury ski-in, ski-out residence provides a superb base to explore the Portes Du Soleil ski area and offers a shuttle to the ESF ski school for the younger members of the family. Relax in the heated pool or Deep Nature ® spa after a thrilling day on the slopes.
Priced from £177.25 pp (£709 per apartment down from £886 saving 20%) for a four-night self-catered stay in an apartment that sleeps up to four people arriving 18 December.
Save 20% at 5 * Premium residence Les Terrasses d’Eos in Flaine
Located on the slopes and nestled in a spruce forest with spectacular views over the valley, this five-star residence is an alpine haven. Discover the wonders of the Grand Massif Alps and unwind in the outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool.
Priced from £102.25 pp (£409 per apartment down from £511 saving 20%) for a four-night self-catered stay in an apartment that sleeps up to four people arriving 18 December.
March and January offers:
Save 13% at 3* Residence Plagne Lauze in La Plagne
Built in the traditional Savoy village style and nestled within pine trees, this accommodation is just 250m from the slopes, so ideal for exploring the massive Paradiski ski area. A dip in the heated outdoor pool will serve as a relaxing end to a busy day on the pistes.
Priced from £437.50 pp (£875 per studio down from £1001 saving 13%) for a seven-night stay in a studio that sleeps up to two people arriving 2 March.
Save 23% at 3* Residence Saskia Falaise in Avoriaz
Situated in the pedestrianised resort of Avoriaz, this ski-in, ski-out residence offers great skiing in the Portes du Soleil ski area. Marvel at the breath-taking panoramic views of the Morzine valley and take the children to Aquariaz, a tropical themed water park in the mountains
Priced from £153.25 pp (£613 per studio down from £799 saving 23%) for a seven-night stay in a studio that sleeps up to four people arriving 12 January.
For more information on Pierre & Vacances offers visit: www.pierreetvacances.co.uk or call 0870 0267 145