Is DIY cheaper than packages?

Experience tells me there is NO saving to be made by going DIY, and you increase the chances of something going wrong.
I've taken the vast majority of ski holidays with packages, as you get the whole deal - flights, transfers, accommodation - all taken care of. However, you do get more choice of where to go and stay with DIY obviously.
If you're going to drive a large vehicle and share costs with another group, its probably worth thinking about DIY.

Brochure prices do seem high this season, about 20% up year on year if you ask me, but if you can wait you'll get a bargain. Problem is you say you have to go Xmas week.......is it worth asking if you can or are prepared to take your kids out of school, as you'll save a fortune going early January for instance?
Also, if you go Xmas week, that week sells fast so you need to book something sooner rather than later.

As for where to go, Italy is generally cheaper for food and drink than the rest of the Alps, Austria not too far behind. I avoid France where possible for various reasons including the price of food and drink, and you're right to avoid Bulgaria for a whole shedload of reasons IMO.

Consider when you can or will travel first, but if its you and your family I think you'd be far better off with a package.

Let us know what you decide!

If you're going DIY then think train from airport to ski resort to avoid transfer taxi fares which are always high. Self catering saves a bundle. Smaller resorts = cheaper lift passes. Don't be stingy on equipment, it really makes a difference to your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Car journey from the UK is ~£500 return (depends how far east or south you go and from how far north you're driving).

Italians all go skiing from boxing day on through New Year, so prices will be higher after christmas day. Package companies' prices aren't affected by local holidays just UK ones.

Small independent companies can often offer very good deals and a great personal service, tailoring your holiday to your budget.

Volf wrote:
Car journey from the UK is ~£500 return (depends how far east or south you go and from how far north you're driving).

Hi Volf,

usually I would agree with this quote (including the crossing), but this year we are going to skip France almost completely on our drive to Austria. I am expecting this to drop the price by £100+ as we will not be paying any tolls on the French roads.

With hindsight, we could have saved this last year as well when we went to Switzerland, and equally when we have driven to Livigno in years gone past.

So with three in the car, we are looking at about £130 each in total to get there and back, without any restrictions on what gear we take with us :)

Just remember the snow tyres or chains !! 4x4 won't help you when braking, the tyres will.

Snow tyres are a LEGAL requirement in most alpine countries, and tbh I found them much better from end of Nov through to end of March in the UK as well.
As for snow chains, I drove across the Col du Lauteret in April and we didn't have chains with us, never needed them. But probably a good idea to have a set in the boot just in case if you're going in the depth of winter.
Recommended to haver a dry run fitting them before you go!

:) No problems with tyres thank you..

Our annual ski vehicles are fitted with BF Goodrich All Terrain boots, which perform extremely well in the snow, but we take chains as well just in case.



In over 10 years of driving, we have never had to use chains, despite some very iffy weather conditions.

Tony_H wrote:Snow tyres are a LEGAL requirement in most alpine countries,

Er no they are not :lol:

If you look at the regulations I do believe that you'll see the need for chains or winter tyres, if road conditions meet certain criteria/the Police say so. Austria is a notable exception, though I imagine someone from the EU will take that up sooner or later.

Additionally, I'm not sure that snow tyres are made for road use, never seen a pair.

I don't own winter tyres, get by just fine with the M/S tyres which are standard for my car. Can't remember which year last used chains, more than 6 years ago.

Everyone driving in an alpine country should check the requirements for visitors well in advance of travel.

The issue of DIY v TO mainly depends upon your individual circumstances. If you are in a position to use £39 flights/free airmile flights, and can get a train close to the resort, and are savvy enough to get good accomodation costs, DIY will often beat TOs.
Last year, We did DIY in the Skiwelt at New Year, paying only 45 Euro for HB.
My lowest cost was free return airmile flights, 19 Eu/night accomodation, 30Eu train fare each way. I even hitched up from rail station to resort!

I normally buy a season pass. The effects of this vary, but last years pass covered half of Tirol, and worked out at £70 a week, c/w £170/£210 average.
I agree that chalets generally offer good value, but I would not choose to do that again. Good for some, not for me.