Introduction to DIY Ski Holidays 🏂
Booking a DIY ski holiday is surprisingly simple – and it can save you a huge amount of money, especially if you’re a family.
Yes, it takes a bit more research than a package deal, but it gives you total control: you choose the resort, dates, accommodation and extras that work for your family, without a travel agent’s price tag.
I have written this guide to make it simpler for you. This updated 2026 guide makes it even easier for you to book your own ski break – without missing anything important. Whether you’re first-timers or seasoned slope-goers, follow my 10 easy steps to plan a fun, budget-friendly ski holiday that fits your family.
Contents
- Introduction to DIY Ski Holidays 🏂
- 1. Decide on Dates 📆
- 2. Choose a Resort ⛰️
- 3. Book Transportation ✈️
- 4. Reserve Accommodation for Your DIY Ski Holiday 🛏️
- 5. Organise Transfers
- 6. Purchase or Hire Ski Equipment / Clothes
- 7. Book Ski School
- 8. Buy Ski Passes
- 9. Take out Insurance
- 10. Be Organised, Relax and Enjoy Your DIY Ski Holiday!
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👉 Download your FREE Ski Holiday Checklist and Ski Holiday Packing List!! 🏂
1. Decide on Dates 📆
Ski holidays are far more expensive in the Christmas holidays and February half-term so if you can go at any time between January and April, that doesn’t land in the school holidays, that’s a fantastic start.
This was never an option for us so don’t worry if it’s not an option for you either, you can still save money.
For families who have school age children, booking ski holidays in the first week of Easter is a much cheaper option than Christmas or February half term.
🌟Tip: Resorts at higher altitude (or with good snowmaking) are best at this time of year.
Or, if you are happy for your children to miss a day or two off school, ‘bookending’ your stay is also a great option.
🌟 Top tip: ‘Bookend’ your stay – fly out a day before or after peak weekend flights and you could save hundreds on flights, even if it means adding a night in a cheaper hotel either end.
If you’re more flexible, try early January or mid-March. These are still snow-sure in many resorts and often far cheaper.
2. Choose a Resort ⛰️
Choosing a resort for your DIY ski holiday takes a bit of research. To make it easier, have a look at travel agent brochures or websites.
Not all ski resorts are pricey! For 2026, the best budget-friendly countries are:
- Andorra – great value, with large ski areas like Grandvalira
- Bulgaria – ideal for beginners and families (look at Pamporovo or Bansko)
- Italy – resorts like Bardonecchia, Livigno and Passo Tonale are family-friendly and cheaper than French or Swiss options
- Spain – smaller resorts like Baqueira-Beret offer sunshine and savings
We often go to Les Gets, a charming French resort that’s very family-friendly (see my separate Les Gets blog for more info). It’s more expensive than Bulgaria or Andorra, but it’s easy to get to and great for kids.
🌟 Easter snow tip: Make sure your chosen resort is snow-sure at the time you’re travelling. Check weathertoski.co.uk for up-to-date snow history and forecasts.
3. Book Transportation
🚗 Self -Drive
Driving can be a great option for families – especially with lots of luggage. You’ll need to factor in ferry crossings, tolls, snow chains and possibly an overnight stop.
✈️ By Air
Book flights as soon as they’re released for the best deals (usually around 9–12 months in advance). If you’re late booking, use Skyscanner to compare options and check if ‘bookending’ could save you money.
🚇Trains and Buses
If your resort is near a train line, travelling by rail can be cost-effective and more relaxing than driving. Buses from airports are often the cheapest transfer option.
👉 SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS ON SKY SCANNER
4. Reserve Accommodation for Your DIY Ski Holiday 🛏️
Book early! The best family-sized chalets and apartments go quickly – especially in affordable resorts.
🏨 Hotels: Use Skyscanner to compare hotel prices across platforms like Booking.com and Expedia.
🏚️ Apartments/Chalets: Renting a place with a kitchen saves money on meals. Check Booking.com, Vrbo, and Airbnb, and always check location – ideally you want to be close to lifts, or near a ski bus stop.
🌟 Money Saving Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, also consider HomeExchange, where you can swap your home with another family near the slopes – often with access to sledges or ski gear!
Also, check out your ski resort website for recommendations.
5. Organise Transfers
Most resorts are 1-3 hours from the nearest airport. You have 4 options:
🚗 Hire a car
Can be cheaper than group transfers for families or groups. You compare rental car prices on: Rentalcars.com.
⚠️ You will need winter tires and possibly snow chains, check that the car hire company provides the required gear.
🚍 Bus Transfer
If you would rather a transfer, you can book this through your airline, your accommodation hosts, or resort website.
🚐 Private Transfer
Find the best price for a private transfer on: airporttransfers.com
🚆Train
Some resorts have train stations that are conveniently located.
6. Purchase or Hire Ski Equipment / Clothes
Equipment
Ski Equipment rental places are in every resort. You will need skis, poles, ski boots and helmets. Compare prices on: Alpineresorts.com.
Clothing
You will need:
- Base layer: thermals, ski socks.
- Mid layer: long sleeve top, fleece,
- Outer layer: salopettes or ski pants, ski jacket.
- Accessories: ski gloves and ski goggles/glasses.
Ski clothing can be quite expensive but there are lots of less expensive options. We have found Tresspass and Aldi good for ski clothes.
🌟Money Saving Tip: For second hand ski equipment and clothes, check out WhoSki.com
7. Book Ski School
The most cost effective ski school lessons are the resort ski schools. You will find these on the resort tourist information website. Other options are often available, including private lessons.
🌟 Tip: Before booking passes separately, check to see if passes are included with your ski lessons, or if you are entitled to a discount.
8. Buy Ski Passes
Pre-book your passes online via the resort website to avoid queues and get early discounts.
Family ski passes and multi-day packages often work out cheaper than buying daily tickets.
9. Take out Insurance
Ski holidays absolutely need travel insurance with winter sports cover. Make sure you tell your insurer that you’ll be skiing – even if you’re just planning a few lessons.
⚠️Check that the policy covers:
- Mountain rescue
- Equipment (owned or rented)
- Lessons missed due to injury or illness
🔗Blog to Read: See my guide How to Protect Your DIY Holiday
10. Be Organised, Relax and Enjoy Your DIY Ski Holiday!
Print out all bookings, lift passes, and insurance docs before you go. Double check:
- Passport dates
- Airport parking
- Resort contacts & accommodation address
- Local emergency numbers
Pack snacks, entertainment for the journey, and spare gloves – kids always lose gloves. 😄
That’s it! Your 2026 DIY family ski holiday sorted in 10 easy steps. With a bit of planning, you can save hundreds – and have a relaxed, memory-making snow trip with the people you love most.
👉 Download your FREE Ski Holiday Checklist and Ski Holiday Packing List!! 🏂
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