Probably the most important savings measures are those that you take before travelling: namely the "when" and the "where". Even if you might not feel like it in summer, if you already know in July that you want to carve your turns on the slopes in winter, you should book as early as possible. Many hotels and ski resorts offer early booking discounts - and these can be considerably cheaper than regular bookings. So sit down at your laptop, book your accommodation and enjoy the discounts.
Of course, demand is high at Christmas, New Year or during the carnival holidays. Those who are not tied to school holidays can save money when travelling in the off-season. Prices for accommodation and ski passes are often much cheaper outside these periods. And there is also more space on the slopes. So why not spend New Year at home and strap on your skis a little later?
Everything is organised on site, but the question remains: How do I get to Tyrol? Instead of spending money on petrol, tolls and parking, you can save money on the journey. For example, by booking a train or bus early enough. The same applies here: there are often discounts for groups or early bookers. Therefore: download podcasts, collect some cards and make yourself comfortable on the public transport.
Once you have decided on a location and organised your journey, the big question arises: how do you get your skis, ski boots and helmets to Tyrol? Hiring on site saves space when travelling. However, if you ski more often, you could invest in your own equipment in advance. Instead of buying new ski equipment, we recommend numerous second-hand shops or online platforms with second-hand skis, poles, helmets and ski clothing. These are often in good condition and cost a fraction of the new price. If you live in Munich, you can let off steam at the DAV ski flea market, for example: Here you can sell and buy used equipment twice a year. In addition to inexpensive equipment and clothing, you can also find alpine mountain sports literature and maps to get you in the mood for your holiday.
Accommodation near popular ski resorts with great pistes is particularly popular. A slightly cheaper and quieter option is accommodation in neighbouring villages. Of course, it's convenient to be on the slopes quickly. But the morning commute on the ski bus can also be romanticised together: for example, with a shared playlist, a deck of cards or researching the best huts for a Kaiserschmarren.
How about a holiday flat or self-catering cabin? Shopping together, cooking in the kitchen and having dinner at your "own" dining table in front of the fireplace adds an extra dose of romance. Self-catering accommodation is generally cheaper and you can follow your own rhythm.
All in one go: many ski resorts offer special combined offers where ski passes, equipment and accommodation are cheaper as a package. This is practical for guests who don't have to search for their equipment in different places. Such deals are often cheaper than booking all components separately. For example, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental offers packages including overnight stay, ski pass, accommodation and catering, staggered according to the number of nights.
The more the merrier - at least when it comes to discounts. If you apply for ski passes with a group of 20 people or more, for example, you can save a lot. Many ski resorts and accommodation providers reward the purchase of passes in bulk and offer discounts for larger groups or families. For example, in Sölden you get 12% for groups of 20 people or more, in Zillertal 10% for groups of 11 people or more. Some ski resorts even offer groups additional benefits, such as special access to the lifts, guided ski tours or discounts on ski hire, ski courses or catering. What's more, skiing in a group is much more fun than skiing alone!
If you want to live out your culinary talent, you can also prepare a winter snack for a change. This can be a classic such as bread with cheese, but there are also many dishes that are easy to take up the mountain. For example, omelettes with nut butter, jam or cream cheese. Or a warm meal such as lentil soup, vegetable stew or chilli in a thermos flask - this provides soothing warmth and energy during cold mountain breaks.
In some ski areas or around individual, catered huts, there are marked routes for ski tourers where you can climb the mountain. This is a great fitness booster. These routes are sometimes accessible free of charge, or you only have to pay a small car park fee. In contrast to open mountain terrain, however, the routes are secured against alpine dangers - and the pistes are groomed for the descent. If you have never done a ski tour before, you should hire a professional such as a mountain guide to lead you up the mountain and back down again.
Attention frequent skiers: Tirol offers the Tirol Snow Card for all those who want to regularly whizz down the slopes. It is your ticket to more than 90 ski areas in Tirol. So if you plan to spend your skiing days more often and in different regions in Tirol, you can save money with the Snow Card. Individual ski regions also offer season tickets for skiers.
Yes, there are certain days of the week in Tirol when skiing can be cheaper. Some ski resorts offer special discounts or concessions on certain days of the week. Special ski pass offers are often advertised on Wednesdays or Thursdays and the prices for ski passes are lower on these days.
