You live in an alpine paradise and you desperately want to partake in skiing or other snow sports. But with ski passes, gear, food, accommodations, transportation and more, how do you reconcile keeping to a strict budget while also enjoying the good life? While it’s a commonly held notion that everyone in Switzerland is made of money, we know this is not the case. And even if you do have a lot of money, that does not mean you want to spend it all! So, we are offering you some tips and tricks to save money while in the mountains.
- Take a mini “ski for free” holiday at Aletsch Arena
If you don’t have time for a full holiday, spend a Saturday at Aletsch Arena where children and teenagers up to age 20 can ski for free every Saturday until 18 April 2020. This amazing deal also comes with 30% discount on public transportation for both children and accompanying adults, a 10% discount on a 1-day ski pass for the adults and even a chance for your children to take a free beginner’s ski course on select days.
2. Have a big family sleepover at frutt Family Lodge
At frutt Family Lodge, up to and including age 15 can stay in their parents’ junior suite or suite for free. Think about it: you could build a fort with cushions and blankets and even have a family dance party in your matching pyjamas! Ideally located at the children’s ski lift, the lodge has an accompanying spa which you can access with a specially-priced family ticket. There are also plenty of other free or low-cost activities for children, as well as childcare for kids age 3+.
2. Have a big family sleepover at frutt Family Lodge
At frutt Family Lodge, up to and including age 15 can stay in their parents’ junior suite or suite for free. Think about it: you could build a fort with cushions and blankets and even have a family dance party in your matching pyjamas! Ideally located at the children’s ski lift, the lodge has an accompanying spawhich you can access with a specially-priced family ticket. There are also plenty of other free or low-cost activities for children, as well as childcare for kids age 3+.
3. Stay with a group of friends in a dormitory at Saas-Fee WellnessHostel4000
Just like most things in Switzerland, hostels are of top-quality. Yet few match a modern exterior design with breathtaking snowy backdrops like Saas-Fee WellnessHostel4000. This hostel which boasts a 1900 m2 wellness area, offers both private rooms and dorm rooms with up to 6 beds. Your booking also includes a free breakfast buffet and they also accept lunch-checks for your other meals and drinks.
4. Don’t forget that red card in your wallet
SwissPass – it’s not just for public transport. It offers deals on services through nearly 40 different partners, from Adelboden to Zermatt. The SBB also offers nearly as many snow’n’rail deals around the country with discounts of up to 50% on public transport and/or ski passes. Wondering how you will move all your luggage if you’re not driving? No problem: the SBB offers free 2-way door-to-door transport of your luggage from any address in Switzerland or Liechtenstein to select accommodations. And if you’re starting outside of those two countries or the place you’re staying in is not on the list, the SBB has solutions for these instances as well. So, you someone else lifts your heavy luggage, you get to keep some Swiss Francs in your pocket and you’re being environmentally friendly. All by taking advantage of Switzerland’s excellent train and bus systems. What’s not to love?
4. Don’t forget that red card in your wallet
SwissPass – it’s not just for public transport. It offers deals on services through nearly 40 different partners, from Adelboden to Zermatt. The SBB also offers nearly as many snow’n’rail deals around the country with discounts of up to 50% on public transport and/or ski passes. Wondering how you will move all your luggage if you’re not driving? No problem: the SBB offers free 2-way door-to-door transport of your luggage from any address in Switzerland or Liechtenstein to select accommodations. And if you’re starting outside of those two countries or the place you’re staying in is not on the list, the SBB has solutionsfor these instances as well. So, you someone else lifts your heavy luggage, you get to keep some Swiss Francs in your pocket and you’re being environmentally friendly. All by taking advantage of Switzerland’s excellent train and bus systems. What’s not to love?
5. Expat Parents Facebook Groups: 2nd-hand means #1 for savings!
In all likelihood, the majority of that luggage you have is your gear – your skis, poles, helmet, jacket, trousers, goggles, and those oh so heavy boots. These things can cost a small fortune, especially if your family includes children who seem to quickly outgrow everything in just 6 months. Check out the Expat Parents Facebook Groups to chat with the community about buying / selling / trading gear. You can also try other Swiss-based online marketplaces such as tutti.com or ricardo.ch.
