Ski holidays

The best dates to find great deals on skiing in Spain

When is the best time to go skiing? When is the best time of the season to go skiing in Spain for cheap? The best quality and quantity of snow doesn't always coincide with the best deals: as with everything else, the high season (holidays and, in the world of skiing, especially in February) is more expensive. Those privileged enough to live relatively close to the ski resorts will find it easier to take advantage of the cheapest days. Here are some tips on how to find bargains on trips to the snow:

• Skiing over the long weekend in December. Although it may seem like an expensive time to ski because that's when everyone travels, the truth is that, as it's the start of the season, it's quite easy to find bargains on trips to the snow. Take advantage of it and book in advance to find more discounts! Plus, with Estiber's snow guarantee, you're guaranteed snow on your trip, and if the resort doesn't open, we'll refund your booking.
• Weekends in December and weekends in January. Outside the holiday season (Christmas, New Year's Eve), it is a good opportunity to find good ski deals. In addition, these are weekends that are not yet crowded, ideal for those who are looking for more peace and quiet.
• Skiing at Christmas. If you're looking for skiing bargains, it's not the best time. But the truth is that it is magical and very special to spend the Christmas holidays with postcard landscapes: among mountains, all snowy, with special decorations and activities to set the scene... something that will delight, above all, those who travel to the snow with children, as Father Christmas or the Three Wise Men don't forget to visit the little ones on the slopes. Of course, you won't see them travelling with reindeer or camels: they will arrive on skis!
• Skiing in February. This is one of the best times of the year for skiing: it's cold, it's the height of the season, with good snow thicknesses. And, of course, you pay for it; it's the most expensive month of the winter season. In February, the ski slopes are full thanks to the ‘white weeks’ in schools, colleges and workplaces. It is more difficult to find ski deals.
• Skiing in March. The end of the ski season is approaching in many resorts. In this month it is possible to ski in a very pleasant way: good weather prevails, with the time change the days are longer and there is more chance of sunshine... and all in a month when there is still snow in the ski resorts. Best of all: prices at this time of year are cheaper, so it's an ideal time to find cheap ski trips and enjoy a getaway in good temperatures.

Cheap skiing in Spain is possible

Some say that skiing is an expensive, even elitist mountain sport that is not affordable for everyone. Although it is obviously more expensive than hiking in summer, the truth is that ski resorts have become very affordable over the years. We can list the cheapest ski resorts by the price of the ski pass, but nowadays there are already cheap trips to the snow that include, in the same package, the ski pass, accommodation and even ski equipment hire (if you need it).

Where to ski in Spain and where are the best deals on snow? We offer ski packages at unbeatable prices in many ski resorts, but without a doubt, the most economical offers in Spain are the following:

• Skiing in Espot and Port Ainé: These two resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees are characterised by their modest size (between them they have around 50 skiable kilometres and around 50 alpine ski runs) and because they are ideal for beginners and children, as the green and blue runs predominate (although there are also some with more adrenaline, so that veterans don't get bored). The quality of the snow in Port Ainé is special thanks to its microclimate, while Espot stands out for its beautiful natural surroundings and its tranquillity. Two snow bargains worth taking advantage of, ideal if you're trying to ski on the cheap.
• Visit Boí Taüll ski resort: Another proposal for skiing in the Catalan Pyrenees, at a good price. Boí Taüll is one of the favourite resorts for those looking for a quiet trip to the snow, without overcrowding, without queuing at the ski lifts and enjoying the disconnection in the mountains. Don't miss out on the ski offers at the highest resort in Catalonia, with altitudes ranging from 2,020 metres to 2,751 metres. Open spaces dominate in an environment that conveys calm in a skiable area of 550 hectares and 47 kilometres with 47 pistes.
• Discover the resort of Port del Comte: This is one of the most unknown Catalan ski resorts, and perhaps for this reason, it has a good range of skiing offers but very little accommodation available near the ski area. Located in Solsonès, it is just over two hours' drive from Barcelona. It is modest but welcoming, and there is no shortage of trails for all levels of difficulty. It is ideal for skiing near Barcelona and for a getaway to the snow at a good price.
• Spend a few days in Astún-Candanchú: These two ski resorts in the Aragonese Pyrenees (in Huesca) are two safe bets, with more than 100 kilometres and more than 100 slopes between them. Candanchú is considered the oldest resort in Spain, which has made it one of the most prestigious. Due to their medium size, they are great options for interesting offers on ski trips.

When is a good time to find ski deals in the French Alps?

• Skiing in the Alps over the long weekend in December. In addition to the so-called ‘Spanish long weekend’, another good idea is to ski in this dream landscape at Christmas or New Year's Eve, as there is no lack of entertainment at this time of year. A magical experience in which you can admire picture-postcard landscapes with picturesque villages. Here, snow is guaranteed at the start of the season, which means that as well as great photos, you'll be able to enjoy magnificent snow conditions. These are some of the only dates where you can find 3, 4 or 5 night deals in the ski resorts.
• Skiing in January in the French Alps. This is a good month to avoid the crowds in the French Alps once the kids have gone back to school. The snow also makes it easy to go skiing, for those who love the wildest adventures. Although it is high season, it is still possible to find ski deals in January in the French Alps. To find ski packages in the Alps, as in the rest of the year, you will need to stay a minimum of 6 nights.
• February, high season. This is the most popular time of year to hit the slopes, so it will be more crowded with tourists from different countries and prices will be significantly more expensive. However, if you can only go skiing in February, you should know that, although you will pay for it, you will enjoy more movement, more activities in the resorts and fantastic conditions on the slopes, full of powder snow. Be sure to check out the deals on ski trips in the French Alps at this time of year.
• March and April. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are more pleasant and the Easter ski holidays are here: you have no excuse not to take a trip to the snow in the French Alps! Check out the ski offers for the end of the season and end the year with a good skiing holiday.

Andorra is much more than a destination for snow travel.

But you already know all of this. However, if there's one thing you'll definitely get right when choosing Andorra for your snow getaway, it's that it's much more than just skiing. When the slopes close around 5 p.m., what do we do for the rest of the day? It's too early to confine ourselves to the hotel during winter holidays, don't you think? In Andorra, you won't be short of plans. Here are some ideas:

• Relax at a spa. The most popular one is undoubtedly the Caldea thermal leisure center: it has nearly 45,000 square meters with a capacity for over 2,600 people simultaneously; in its facilities, we can disconnect and give the body a well-deserved rest thanks to the thermal waters of Escaldes-Engordany. But it's not the only wellness center in the country; there are others like the Hotel Spa Princesa Parc Andorra, Sport Wellness Mountain Spa, or the Park Piolets Hotel & Spa. The best part is that there are snow offers that include the ski pass, accommodation, and access to a spa in the package.
• A paradise for shopping. Going shopping is another very popular activity among those who go skiing in Andorra: it's full of shopping centers with major brands, where we can find authentic bargains thanks to its low taxes. A good option for buying everything from branded clothing to electronics, jewelry, gourmet products, or perfumes.
• Many mountain activities. Taking off the skis doesn't mean stopping moving your body. At least not in Andorra: there are many proposals to complete the day in the mountains, from renting snowmobiles to taking a dog sled ride (mushing), visiting the Tibetan bridge of Andorra, descending the dizzying zip line of Mon(t) Magic, or building igloos for those traveling with children.
• Gastronomy and nightlife. The après-ski in Andorra has many proposals to extend the night as much as we want: a reference restaurant in Grandvalira is l'Abarset, which offers live music and DJ sessions; the DiamondCBbC in Pas de la Casa; or the Iglú Hotel Bar in Grau Roig, where everything is made of ice. For those who prefer to enjoy the country's typical cuisine in unique places, the bordas in Andorra are a must-visit.

Advantages of booking all-inclusive ski deals

• The price. As we say, it is cheaper to book a trip to the snow with a package prepared by a specialised agency such as Estiber. It is easy to understand why: a company achieves exclusive prices with its interlocutors, hotels, ski resorts, shops, etc. So, if you were to hire each service on your own, you would not benefit from these discounts. And neither would you benefit from their corresponding complements (insurance, equipment rental, courses, etc.).
• You save time. In addition to finding interesting ski deals with a hotel plus ski pass package, you will also close the trip to the snow in an easier and faster way. No more headaches when looking for a hotel that interests you in terms of price, location, etc. Here you will contract, from a single platform, everything you need for your ski trip.
• It gives you more security. For the same reason of contracting everything with the same operator, it gives you the security of having a single interlocutor to solve any problems that may arise. When contracting for free, a problem can make you go through calls to several providers... it is not worth it.
• Forfait without queuing up. At Estiber we offer you an incentive: we deliver the ski passes daily to the hotel where you are staying. When we get to the mountain, what we want to do is ski, and not waste time queuing at the ticket office. This way you can make the most of the day and get straight onto the slopes.
• Snow guarantee. With Estiber you can cancel your snow holidays if the ski resort decides not to open at the beginning or end of the season, with no cancellation fees. You can also do this free of charge up to 15 days or less before your trip, regardless of the reason (you have an unforeseen event or you have simply changed your plans).