Staying Cheap while Skiing at Chamonix
Written by Marcus Cederstrom
Skiing is not cheap, especially when you’re skiing at Chamonix in the French Alps. That means it’s necessary to try to save money wherever possible. Hostels are a good place to start.
Le Chamoniard Volant is an inexpensive option just a short walk from the middle of town. In ski boots on snow covered roads maybe 10 or 15 minutes. The hostel itself is perfect for the traveling ski bum, although, there were some older people and even a family or two staying there. They even have free parking if you’ve managed to get yourself a car.
The hostel is filled with wood, wooden walls, wooden floors, wooden tables, which, in the mountains seems to work quite well. The bedrooms are tight, but have bunk beds which make for a good place to hang your wet ski clothes to dry overnight. I suggest bringing your own sheets, those provided are thin and don’t leave much to the imagination.
The bathrooms were all shared and did not have a sink. Luckily, each room did have a sink. The showers were incredibly clean and well maintained, although they had the habit of going a bit cold halfway through only to regain the temperature later.
If you’re really looking to save some money for the skiing, the hostel offers a community kitchen. If you’re looking to save a bit of money but not willing to cook, pay for dinner at the hostel. For just 12.60 EUR I ate enough salad, bread, cream of broccoli soup, beef stroganoff, and cheese to feed a small army served in the dining room. Or at least one of the four bunk rooms in the hostel.
All in all, the hostel was simple with very few frills. Considering it was a ski trip, that was perfect. A place to sleep, a warm meal, and a nice shower. Plus the view of the surrounding mountains was amazing. I couldn’t ask for more.
There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets, whether you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful or a bit of luxury.
Marcus, skiing isn’t the only thing that attracts people to Chamonix!It isn’t even the only Winter Sport!! ;o)
Hostels are cheap to stay at, although I note you included the price of your meal in y our article but not the price of a night, which starts at €13.50 in a dorm.
Lift passes in Chamonix are amongst the most expensive in Europe, so unless you are a seasonaire, you will still be forking out a lot of money. That aside I love Chamonix, it still takes my breath away when I see the pinnacles of the Aiguilles Vertes and Aiguilles Rouges in the rising or setting sun. It is also a leader in sustainable travel, which is why I am out here right now.
If you are under 40 and want to ski or snowboard, then UCPA offer some very cheap all inclusive deals for lodging, all food, lift pass and instruction.
Other options for saving money are to come here now (low season), when apartments are at their cheapest. If you book an apartment last minute you will save at least 30% off normal rates. Come with a group and the price per night will be around the same price as a hostel.
John
what?!? skiing is of course the only acceptable winter sport though. none of that crazy snowboarding or snowshoeing.
You are right though, but as an avid skier, it is what caught my attention. Chamonix has quite a bit to offer, not just sporting-wise but also as a town.
I should have mentioned the price, because of the time I was there the prices changed mid-stay with the holiday rate ending on the 3rd of January. For this particular hostel, they do a great job of publishing all of the prices including holiday rates. I went for the smaller room and paid 16.50 after the holiday season had ended.
[...] Marcus has already written a post with tips for those on a budget but still wanting to go skiing in Chamonix, here I provide some tips for skiing with children in France. Far too many are under the [...]