Irish holidaymakers think skiing breaks the bank - but expert shares simple tips to save big
Irish holidaymakers are eager to ski but worry about the high costs, with 80% concerned about the expense of trips. Olympic skier Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards shares expert tips on budgeting for a ski holiday, including choosing affordable destinations,
For many Irish holidaymakers, skiing has long been seen as an expensive getaway and the cost of hitting the slopes is a major barrier to their winter holiday dreams.
According to new research from international money app Wise, almost two-thirds of Irish people (63%) would love to go on a ski holiday, but managing the costs remains a key challenge.
With this in mind, Olympic skier Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards is sharing expert tips to help first-time Irish skiers make the most of their budget.
The Wise Ski Travel survey, conducted with 1,000 Irish adults, revealed that while nine in 10 respondents agree a skiing holiday would be more memorable than a beach vacation, 80% of Irish holidaymakers have significant concerns about the high cost of skiing. Data shows that consumers estimate that a ski trip would cost them an average of €901 per person, which is €302 more than the cost of a typical beach holiday.
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When asked about the biggest expenses associated with a ski trip, almost half (45%) of Irish holidaymakers cited accommodation and the cost of renting or purchasing ski gear as the priciest parts of their holiday. To offset some of these expenses, 'Eddie the Eagle' has offered some valuable budgeting advice.
Eddie said: “You don’t need to splurge on gear as a first-timer. Borrow from your mates or shop around on second-hand sites. Alternatively, you can also hire ski gear - which is perfect if you’re particularly unsure on if you’re going to love it or not.”
Many first-time skiers are willing to spend an average of €209 on gear, with over a third (36%) uncertain about what they actually need. Eddie's advice is to focus on getting the right boots, as they make all the difference when it comes to comfort on the slopes.
The Alps remain the most popular destination for Irish skiers, with 50% of survey respondents choosing this iconic region. However, 10% of skiers are opting for more affordable destinations like Bulgaria, where ski holidays can be much cheaper. Eddie suggests that the key to keeping costs down is thorough research. He advised:
Budget in advance and do your research on destinations: If you’re going skiing for the first time, the expense can feel daunting. Set aside some money as far in advance as possible to pay for things like flights, accommodation & ski lessons, passes and hire in manageable chunks. Alternatively look at package deals as they can often be cheaper.
For every budget, there is a destination: From low budget options like the Czech Republic or Slovenia to more expensive alternatives like Japan and Canada. It’s important to do your research before you go on where you can get the most value for money.
Don’t be afraid to go off-peak: Whilst you never want to go off piste, going off-peak times can help save some cash. Aim for the beginning or end of the season when slopes are quieter. You’ll save money and enjoy a more relaxed skiing experience.
Beware of extra fees when booking your trip: Many airline and accommodation booking websites will rip you off through ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion’. When paying for flights or accommodation in another currency, some websites convert the cost for you and add on a markup. Always choose to pay in the local currency and check the exchange rate being offered with the real exchange rate on Google.
The survey also revealed that 38% of Irish skiers fear unexpected costs could blow their budgets. One common pitfall is the hidden fees associated with exchange rates when booking flights or accommodation. Eddie advises holidaymakers to always pay in the local currency and avoid “dynamic currency conversion,” which can lead to extra charges.
Additionally, when booking ski passes or renting gear, be sure to choose providers that are transparent about their fees, helping you avoid unnecessary surprises.
While hitting the slopes is the highlight of any ski holiday, Après-ski also plays an important role in the experience. The majority of Irish skiers (51%) see Après-ski as an essential part of their trip, but 65% agree that food and drink at ski resorts can be much more expensive than at typical holiday destinations. On average, Irish skiers spend €109.53 at resort bars during their trips.
Eddie recommends pooling money with friends for the bar to save on multiple transactions and encourages skiers to use a card that offers a good exchange rate, like the Wise card, which ensures you get the real exchange rate and avoid hidden fees.
For those looking to save money on meals, Eddie suggests packing your own sandwiches, snacks and plenty of water to cut down on the cost of eating at ski resorts.
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