November 18, 2025, 1:54 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Accommodations are still surprisingly available

Despite the approaching holidays, a ski vacation is still realistically planable. While the most popular dates around Christmas and New Year’s are in high demand, according to an analysis by the platform Hometogo for the German Press Agency, for example, 18 percent of vacation accommodations in Austria are still bookable in December.

In the new year, availability increases significantly: Particularly in March, nearly 46 percent of offers are still open, according to Hometogo. The situation is similar in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. Even in German ski areas, availability in December is still relatively high at 38 percent.

If you still want to travel around Christmas, you should decide quickly–or hope for last-minute deals through cancellations. A broader selection is already available for 2026, including for the winter holidays in February.

Also interesting: Where skiing in Europe is still relatively affordable

High demand in top regions for travel packages

Travel packages in particularly popular ski regions are already scarce. The tour operator Snowtrex reports: In Austria’s Zillertal or the Salzburg region, only limited contingents are available over the New Year–as well as in South Tyrol and the French Alps. Booking behavior is similarly strong for spring dates. Snowtrex currently registers 25 percent more revenue compared to the same time last year and nearly 15 percent more travelers.

These weeks are less in demand–and cheaper

After the Christmas holidays, it’s worth traveling for the budget-conscious. “If you want to go on vacation cheaply, go after the Epiphany. Christmas is packed, then it gets quieter before picking up again at the end of January,” explains Andreas König from the German Ski Association (DSV).

An analysis by Airbnb also shows: Interest in winter sports destinations is lowest in the weeks of January 10 to 16 and January 17 to 23. Regions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including the Black Forest, Hochsauerland, and Bavarian Forest, were considered.

Snowtrex sees the “greatest savings potential” right after New Year’s and from March until the Easter holidays. “At this time, the slopes are emptier, the snow conditions are still good, and the sun shines more often,” they explain.

Where ski vacations are particularly affordable

Large ski areas guarantee snow reliability–and high prices. But there are alternatives: According to an analysis by the booking platform Holidu, the small ski area Réallon in the southern French Alps is among the more affordable options. The day pass costs 29 euros, and accommodations average 14 to 18 euros per night per person.

It also becomes cheaper when traveling outside the high season. Off-peak prices apply in many regions. Additional savings are possible with offers that include a free ski pass with accommodation booking–such as in Kühtai (Tyrol), Bodenmais (Bavarian Forest), Oberstaufen, and Bad Hindelang (Allgäu), as reported by the magazine “Ski & Berge” of the DSV (German Ski Association).

Regarding accommodation costs, the Hometogo analysis also shows: In Poland and the Czech Republic, the price level is particularly low overall. Another tip for families: In many ski areas, children up to a certain age ski for free–sometimes regardless of whether the parents buy a pass. Those who are flexible can specifically look for regions with attractive family policies.

More on the topic

It Doesn't Have to Be Expensive 8 Tips to Save Money on Your Ski Vacation

Ski Pass Prices Compared Where Families Can Save on Ski Vacations–and Where It Gets Expensive

Early bird discounts or spontaneous purchase? How dynamic pricing works for ski passes

Whether an early purchase of the ski pass is worthwhile depends on the pricing model of the ski area. According to the DSV, more and more regions are relying on so-called dynamic pricing–that is, dynamic pricing strategies. Various approaches are used:

• Time-dynamic: Early bookers receive up to 15 to 20 percent discount when purchasing online–the earlier, the cheaper. However, the actual savings are often difficult to understand.
• Meteo-dynamic: Here, the weather determines the price. On cloudy days, there are sometimes significant discounts, according to the DSV.
• Fully dynamic: Booking time, demand, and weather are combined–prices change daily. Consumer advocates criticize the lack of transparency of this model.

Nevertheless, the advice is: If you’re traveling to a ski area with flexible pricing models, you should book early to save. The catch: Early booked ski passes are usually not easily cancelable. Neither bad weather nor partially closed lifts are generally reasons for returns–it’s often different in cases of illness or injury. A look at the terms and conditions of the cable cars can provide clarity here.

In general, online purchase is recommended–even with fixed prices. Even if booked on the first day of skiing, there are often small discounts. Plus, you avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter.

Equipment: Buy, rent, or wait?

New ski fashion, specific lengths, or special color preferences? Then, according to Andreas König from the Ski Association, it’s wise to buy now. However, prices are particularly high until Christmas–it might be cheaper afterward. In general, the purchase is costly: A complete set including clothing, helmet, ski goggles, and gloves costs, according to König, “1,200 to 1,500 euros.” “That’s mid-range,” says the DSV expert.

Whether the purchase is worthwhile depends on personal usage. While ski jackets and gloves can also be worn in everyday life, skis or snowboards are only used on the slopes. A rule of thumb from the Ski Association: From ten to fourteen ski days a year, owning your equipment pays off. Those who ski less often are usually better off with rental equipment.

With material from dpa