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The winter ski season is well and truly in swing. Like so many people, you’ve been looking for a last minute winter holiday deal so that you’ll be able to get in some skiing but also save money. You’ve got everything arranged, your ski clothes are ready, you’ve a good pair of boots and then you discover– the airline wants as much as £100 extra to fly your skis there and back! And remember, if you’re not flying alone – the cost just goes up and up. Ouch! Where are the “good old days” when most airlines let you take at least one pair of skis free of charge? Unfortunately, the advent of budget airlines put a stop to that perk! Some Helpful Tips • When you’re searching for that winter holiday deal and think that you’ve found the perfect package – before making a final booking, check how much it costs to fly your skis there and back. Remember, the deal may be cheap, but air freighting your skis could make the real cost prohibitive. • Find out if your ski bag counts as a regular piece of luggage. Are there any special weight or size restrictions? It’s possible that you’ll be able to pack a couple of pairs of skis, perhaps even your ski boots without having to pay for more than a normal piece of hold luggage. We recommend getting a “suitcase scale” so that you can accurately weigh all of your luggage - and especially your fully packed ski bag. • If you’re really pressed for weight on that winter holiday deal and are worried about paying top rate excess baggage at the airport – wear those ski boots. You may feel a bit conspicuous but think of the money you’ll be saving - and you can take a pair of slip-ons onto to plane to be more comfortable. • Airport baggage handlers aren’t known for being gentle with baggage. Even though skis are built to be flexible and sturdy, pack them well to avoid damage from knocks when they’re thrown into the plane’s hold. • Check how much it will cost to hire a pair of skis at your ski resort. Even if you love your own skis and they feel “just right”, hiring a good pair of skis and maybe even boots could be cheaper than flying your own there and back. Taking the Scenic Route All of the tips above are valid if your winter holiday deal includes flights. But consider this: you could take your car or get a ski train and be at your resort within 8 to 12 hours, and with no weight restrictions. By train, a standard ticket can cost around £150 per person. Going by car can take a little longer and, depending on the car of course, the cost could be around £400 for petrol and another £300 (approximately) for tolls (including the “Chunnel”). The main thing, though: make the most of your winter holiday deal. You’re there to ski, not worry about the cost (too much). Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. With a team that has years of experience, if you're looking for a great winter holiday deal in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.
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