Packing for a holiday in cold winter weather is much harder than stuffing light summer linens into a suitcase.

It’s even more difficult when winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are involved. These activities require bulky equipment like skis, boards, and boots, which often inflates the cost of travel.

Fortunately, Adam Roy, CEO of The Volla, a provider of accommodation rentals, has shared some savvy tips for travellers looking to save money on their winter ski trips. 

His top advice is to avoid checking in your boots when flying, as losing them can be costly. Instead, he suggests carrying your boots in the cabin with you. 

He explained: “I’d recommend not putting your boots in the hold and keeping them with you instead. If bags are delayed or lost, you can always hire a new board or skis but getting a new pair of boots is a huge hassle.” 

Also, replacement boots won’t fit the same as your own, whether you buy or rent them.

The caveat is that some airlines might object to boot bags on board, so it’s best to pack them in a small, permitted-size suitcase. While the standard size for cabin luggage depends on the airline, most allow bags up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches). 

Budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air might have stricter dimensions, whereas premium airlines may offer more leniency.

As for other ways to cut costs on your winter holiday, it’s always best to travel off-season for those without children and with flexible schedules to save money.

The cheapest months are typically between February and April, but January can also offer great value and excellent snow conditions. It’s always worth checking school holiday dates for the February half-term and Easter. This year, the Easter school holidays for state and pub schools will likely be between April 7 and April 21.

Adam revealed insider tips for those looking to hit the slopes: “I also recommend choosing higher resorts where the season starts even earlier and finishes later. Saas Fee, for example, is one of the first European resorts to open each year. Its winter season runs from the beginning of November until the end of April.”

To maximise your winter holiday experience, the travel guru advises booking essentials well ahead of time. “I’d encourage people to book restaurant reservations and buy lift passes in advance to avoid disappointment,” he said.

For those considering ski lessons, Adam suggests an afternoon schedule. “Group sessions are always cheaper too, and a great way to boost your confidence,” he added, highlighting the potential for discounts and the social aspect of group learning.

And when it comes to travel insurance, don’t skimp on coverage – being prepared can save you from unforeseen expenses on your snowy retreat.

The travel expert has emphasised that securing travel insurance is an “absolute must”. He warns against opting for the cheapest deal, especially when planning winter sports holidays, even “if you are tightening your purse strings”.

Most standard travel policies do not cover potential mishaps on the slopes. Adam explained that a comprehensive skiing insurance policy should include coverage for damage, theft, or loss of personal or rented equipment and loss of a ski pass.