Budget ski holiday ideas
Winter is officially well on its way and with it all thoughts turn to winter’s favourite past time – skiing and snowboarding holidays!
Whether it’s a unique skiing experience further afield in Japan or somewhere a bit closer to home with our European counterparts, finding the best accommodation at the right price is key to a successful trip.
With many ski resorts renowned for expensive accommodation, Hostelworld.com has handpicked their hidden gems that won’t break the bank and will leave plenty of money for après ski!
Cheap ski holidays in Europe
Randolins, St Moritz, Switzerland
Randolins is situated on the unique Suvretta hillside, one of the most beautiful places in St. Moritz with a view to match. The hostel lies in the middle of the paradise of the Engadin Mountains and is perfectly located for active travelers next to fantastic ski slopes and hiking trails.
Randolins Backpackers is the ultimate choice for those in the know who like simple and affordable accommodation without missing out on the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and services of a 3* Hotel!
It also boasts a wellness oasis where one can sooth those aching muscles after a hard day on the slopes by slipping into the welcoming hot tub. This truly is a unique hostel.
PrevYouth Holiday Centre, Inari, Finland
Located in the heart of Northern Lapland this hostel is definitely worth a visit! Surrounded by the amazing Finnish countryside of Arctic Hills, magic rivers and crystal clear waters this cosy and active hostel is perfect for those looking for a unique experience.
There are lots of winter activities at the Youth Holiday Centre; from an exhilarating day on the slopes to orienteering and camping out in the forest, there is something for everyone. The staff are very friendly, laid back and always up for sharing advice on the local area over a drink or two. Guests can also join them on husky sleds or snowshoes!
For food lovers, the hostel also provides Lappish meals for large groups, to be washed down with a cold beer- one of the best ways to experience this incredible culture!
Slochd Mhor Lodge, Scotland
Not many people would think of the UK as a ski destination but Carrbridge in Scotland is exactly that. When the snow is good in Scotland, Scottish skiing is right up there with some of the best smaller European winter resorts.
Cairngorm and Aviemore offers skiers and boarders some of the best and most challenging runs in Scotland and there is also plenty of off-piste skiing which is popular with snow boarders. The tops of the mountains are relatively flat so if cross-country is your choice there are plenty of routes for you to follow.
If skiing is not your choice, the Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure centre offers you the chance to experience a few adrenaline filled hours of handling a team of dedicated sled dogs.
Situated near the Cairngorms National Park you can ski cross-country from the door of Slochd Mhor Lodge, around the forest trails, whilst spotting red deer frolicking in the snow (not forgetting the hip flask for the journey!) Take in the exclusive skiing experience in Scotland whilst being looked after by the fabulous hosts.
The Treehouse, Grunau-im-Almtal, Austria
The Treehouse is a small friendly hostel hidden away in the tiny village of Grunau, just an hour away from bustling Vienna and Salzburg, making it the ideal getaway. Situated in the middle of the Totes Gebirge (the dead mountains) the area around the hostel provides an ideal environment to experience the amazing skiing Austria has to offer.
The secluded location ensures it’s easy to re charge the batteries; unless of course you choose to join in the fun of the downstairs bar, where the guests and locals can mingle together and chat about the best runs of the day and pick up any local tips, which are often the best. The Treehouse is situated only 200m away from the ski lifts.
The hostel are there for any of your needs and will also supply ski gear free of charge if you happen to forget your goggles or bobble hat as well as always being on standby with a hot gluwein to bring guests back to room temperature.
Voss Vandrarheim, Norway
Norway is one of only a few destinations that can boast guaranteed snow conditions and no lift queues. Couple this with fantastic, affordable accommodation and direct scheduled flights and you are set for an unforgettable holiday.
Voss Vandrarheim hostel is beautifully situated by the lake Vangsvatnet, 700 m from the train and bus station in Voss. At the end of a day of wild adventures on the slopes you can kick back and relax in the hostels own sauna, just in time to recharge yourself so you can take part in the many festivals that take place in Voss, including the Vossa Jazz Festival.
This town also boasts some fantastic bars if you fancy joining the locals in one of the town’s charming watering holes to ease the pains from the day’s tumbles.
Ostello Dolomiti, San Martino de Castrozza, Italy
This beautiful, quaint hostel is a typical mountain lodge, previously owned by lumberjacks and ideally located at the base of a chairlift in the heart of Paneveggio Natural Park meaning guests can ski out straight from the door onto the beautiful mountains. It also offers guests private parking and stunning views of the Dolomiti Mountain.
Just two hours from both Venice and Cortina, the Ostello Dolomiti offers rooms ranging from singles to dorms for six people with a maximum capacity of 30 people. After the end of a long day on the mountains, the hostel cooks up heartwarming local Umbrian fare that is always cooked fresh.
Maison des Quatre Balcons, Les Arcs, France
This small and friendly hostel is perfect for those thrill seekers who just want somewhere to lay their heads after a fantastic day out on one of the best skiing mountains. It is in an ideal location for transport links and quiet nights as there is no bar in the quiet village of Nancroix. This therefore ensures a quiet night’s sleep for the next day’s action packed activities!
Situated in a beautiful, unspoilt Alpine village Maison des Quatre Balconsis great for those who are serious about winter sports. This hostel is brilliant value for money, in a gorgeous location and you are guaranteed to meet lots of like minded people who are also there to enjoy what the mountains have to offer.
Cheap ski holidays further afield
Backpackers Hostel Ks House Hakuba Alps, Japan
If you’re looking to travel further afield for an unforgettable ski experience then try Japan. The flights may be slightly more expensive so we’ve looked out some great value accommodation in the form of K’s House.
Hakuba is one of the most popular places in Japan for Skiing, hiking trails and hot springs. The K’s House chain has been awarded 3 awards by Hostelworld.com users since 2004 and is still going h3.
K’s House is in a great location for all amenities and local tourist traps. Experience a different kind of skiing holiday and head to this amazing destination for friendly and inexpensive accommodation.
HI-Whistler, Whistler, Canada
Looking for a rush of adrenaline and to experience a number one skiing experience without the pain of expensive accommodation? This is the hostel for you.
HI Whistler is a purpose built facility that was originally used as athlete’s accommodation for the 2010 Winter Olympics. HI Whistler offers luxury that you may not expect with luxurious double rooms and private four-person dorms.
Skiing and boarding are top of the list in Whistler with it being one of the world’s leading Ski Resorts. HI Whistler definitely caters for the adrenaline junkie in a laid back atmosphere.
You can grab a coffee or something stronger at the ‘Cheaky Cafe’, store your bits and pieces in the self proclaimed ‘amazing’ storage room or just slip of your skis off and relax in front of the 52″ TV with the new friends you’ve made.