When it comes to prime skiing destinations, few come close to the French Alps. And in that realm, the Grand Domaine ski area of Alpe d'Huez is arguably the most idyllic. Located in south-eastern France, it’s about 3,300 metres above sea level and boasts nearly 250 kilometres of ski runs. Alpe d'Huez comprises of several 'stations' including Vaujany, Villard Reculaz, Oz en Oisans. and Auris
Make no mistake, this region won’t let you down. It caters to skiers of all ages and abilities. And even though some of the villages may seem to be a bit remote, it’s easy to access the entire ski area. It might be a bit pricey in comparison to some other European resort but it's very affordable for a French ski resort. There are also a few strategies that you can use to lessen the impact on your wallet.
Establish a Budget
The first step in planning a vacation is figuring out what your budget is. Be warned that a skiing trip to the French Alps isn’t a cheap venture. Those on tighter budgets might not be able to enjoy all of the luxuries like 5-star hotels and expensive restaurants, but they will still have a blast. Of course, the biggest part of setting a budget is sticking to it which means you may have to resist a lot of temptations.
Book a Room Outside of the Resort
While there are always exceptions, you will usually find that the cost of accommodations can be quite high if you stay in prime locations like Vaujany. Again, you can usually save a chunk of change by booking a few months ahead. You should also make use of the various hotel booking sites as they tend to offer great deals on hotels. One nice thing about the Grand Domaine region is that there are a lot of hotels with a wide range of prices.
Book Your Flight in Advance
One of the easiest ways to save money on any vacation is to plan ahead. In particular, book your flights and other transportation in advance. If you are going with your family, this can save you a lot of money that you can allocate to other exciting activities in the Grand Domaine. Either that or use it to play some slots at the UK low minimum deposit online casino. Be careful though. Online gambling is prohibited in France.
You should consider using a free service like Google Flights to find the cheapest flights. You may find that the lowest-fare flights don’t offer the most convenient times, but they will get you to your destination. It’s also usually cheaper to fly with budget airlines.
Use a Bank Card that Offers Rewards
Using a bank card that offers rewards can actually save you money and even get you discounts. Between the airfare, transportation, hotel, and dining, you’re going to be spending quite a fair amount of money. Then there are all of those coincidental expenses. Why not get rewarded? Even if those rewards don’t pay off right away, they will certainly come in handy when you plan your next vacation.
Rent Ski Gear Instead of Buying
Why buy when you can rent? Ski gear, that is. Purchasing equipment isn't only costly but also a hassle if you’re not a frequent skier. Rental shops often provide top-level gear, and you can snag some good bargains, especially online. This way, you avoid lugging heavy items around. Save your muscle power for hitting the slopes or, more realistically, for carrying plates of fondue.
Try to Book a Room with a Kitchenette
Excluding the cost of travel and accommodations, food is going to be one of the biggest expenses. This is why it’s a good idea to book a hotel room that has a kitchen or cooking facilities if possible. You’re not going to find any massive superstores like Costco, but there are several grocery stores in the region that have all of the essentials and then some. You can still dine out, but every meal you whip up in your kitchen will save you money. This includes things like sandwiches and other snacks.
The Bottom Line
A ski vacation in the French Alps may seem like an adventure that only the rich and famous can afford, but that’s not true. By planning ahead and making a few savvy decisions, even those on tight budgets can find a way to experience the Alps in all of its glory. Following the tips above will save you a lot of money and make it possible to achieve what you thought was impossible.
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