Is it possible to ski in Switzerland on a budget?

When times are tough, the first thing that many families rethink is a holiday, particularly a skiing holiday. So I thought it would be a good time to recommend a place where skiing is not so expensive.

The area that I am recommending today is not even an half hour from Geneva airport, where EasyJet flights from various UK airports are scheduled daily.

It is not as high as the mountains of Mt Blanc so not suitable for holidaying very early or late in the season. It is also not a big resort so if you are looking for apres ski party then you will be disappointed.

It is however great for a relaxing holiday, and for learning to ski. The area is called Massif des Brasses, or Les Brasses.

Whether you chose to stay in the slightly larger town of Saint Jeoire or the tiny but quaint village of Bogeve, you can be sure that you will pay a lot less than for a holiday in Chamonix or Morzine. This renovated farmhouse in Bogeve is not a typical pretty chalet, but it looks good inside and is just a short drive from the slopes, and at €950 not too expensive. In Onnion this chalet is available for a similar price. These apartments in Bogeve are pretty basic, but from a bargain €200 for 4 people, possibly the cheapest way to ski in France. These I have found by googling "chalet les brasses", I have no personal knowledge of the accommodation, but it does show that a skiing holiday in France does not have to cost a fortune, if you are willing to downsize a bit.

We go to Plaine Joux for sledging. There are two prepared pistes for sledging, a cross country track, ski school and equipment hire available. The restaurant is more like a canteen, but there is a little buvette that sells hot chocolate, coffee and crepes right at the bottom of the sledging piste. A couple of minutes walk away there is a traditional restaurant which serves local specialties in a typical Alpine style chalet.

After the fun in the snow,  chocolat chaud and crepes really hits the spot.

We have not been skiing yet, but friends have told us that the area is great for the kids learning to ski. The prices for the lift pass are €100 for a 6 day pass for adults, and €74 for kids. In comparison to the other ski resorts, that is almost half price.

Chamonix is about an hour away, so if you want to do some more serious skiing or fancy a trip on one of the cable cars, it is not a long drive. If you do go to Chamonix, then don't miss the fabulous Mer de Glace that I blogged about our first winter in Switzerland.

We shall be heading up to Plaine Joux as soon as it snows. We have spent Christmas Eve there the past two years, sledging and walking with the kids. It is a good start to the Festive Season. Cannot wait.