Slopes on a budget

The ski season is almost upon us and an expensive break is looking even more so, thanks to the downturn. Fortunately there are some things you can do to make sure your efforts to save don't go downhill while you're carving down the slopes.

Budget for necessities

Costs for winter sports holidays quickly mount once you take into account skis, clothing and car hire. Use a checklist and budget each item with a minimum and maximum spend, taking care to cross off any unnecessary items.

Use market intelligence

The news often helps us gauge discount opportunities. A useful money-saving article begins by outlining the woes for the traveller; however, on closer inspection, there is a passage that gives us a glimmer of hope: "The numbers going on ski holidays fell by 13 per cent last winter, leaving tour operators with hundreds of empty beds to sell at bargain prices. This winter they are reducing the number of beds on offer, hoping to match supply with demand."

The key part is what is not said — operators are "reducing the number of beds" they sell. Unless a hotelier is going to bulldoze several rooms the owner still has beds to fill. Approach hotels directly — you can get contact details from advertisements and websites such as Owners Direct.

Don't overspend on gear

You can save by borrowing hats, jackets and salopettes from friends or colleagues. Ask around and you may be surprised how many people have ski clothing they can lend you.

If you decide to buy clothing, avoid purchasing costly items you will only use on the slopes. Consider what you can use at home: hats, gloves, jackets or suntan lotion. Once you have a list, visit the cheaper high-street stores such, which offers huge discounts on specialist gear or Marks & Spencer, which has lower-priced alternatives. The internet is also fantastic for those seeking new and used items.

Alternatively, you can rent clothes or equipment to keep costs down. Edge2edge.com is one such clothing-rental service.

Talk the price down

Having researched various prices, have in mind the saving you want to make.

When you have decided where you want to stay, approach the hotelier or landlord. Tell them that a winter break is only a possibility if you can get a good price. Give your "minimum" budget as a figure slightly lower than your actual minimum (leaving you room to manoeuvre) and ask if they would be interested in renting you a room.

Wait for a revised quote (assuming they don't accept your first offer). To further reduce the price, ask if they could improve the deal if you could be flexible with dates. If not, what else could they add? Perhaps free childcare costs, pick up from the airport or bottom of the piste. Try and mention other accommodation that are offering good deals in the area.

When it comes to buying clothing, be charming to the salesperson but make sure they realise that you will walk away unless you get a deal. Your final attempt at money off could be a small extra — for instance, free thermal socks.

Exhibitions and other events will also let you test your negotiation skills — exhibitors will be reluctant to return home with unsold stock. If you can, arrange to go on the last day to maximise your chances of a bargain.

Better deals can be had towards the latter end of the ski season — if you can afford to book late and take advantage of good snowfalls at the end of the season you have even greater opportunities to negotiate.

Strength in numbers

Whether it is kitting yourself out, organising your accommodation or booking a chalet, the larger the group the more the chance of a discount. Let each supplier know the size of your group and your potential spend if they will give you a good deal.

Don't let a cardrive up costs

If you are planning to drive to the airport make sure you get a good deal on your parking slot. There are lots of places to look for better prices if you just arrive at the airport.

At the other end, car hire can be expensive in the ski season. Weigh up the need for your own vehicle compared to buses that drop you at your accommodation.

Travelling tips

Use a flight search engine for cheap flights but beware of additional costs if you are taking your own equipment. Ski boots can also be costly to transport if they are a second piece of luggage, so weigh up borrowing boots and skis against the cost of hiring them when you arrive.

Get tips from regular skiers. SkiingonaShoestring.com offers plenty of advice, forums and essential links for all your skiing holiday needs.