Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend. How we make money
Should you book a ski package with a tour operator, or put the trip together yourself? Both can work well, and neither is always cheaper. It comes down to how much you value convenience and financial protection, how flexible you are, and how comfortable you are juggling several bookings.
The short version
- A package bundles flights, transfers and accommodation, and often lift passes, hire and lessons. It is simpler, and flight inclusive packages sold in the UK come with ATOL protection.
- DIY means booking each part separately. It gives you more choice and can be cheaper, particularly for flexible travellers, families who drive, and people who already know a resort.
- In school holidays, compare both. Packages are not automatically more expensive, and they handle a lot of the logistics for you.
What is included in a ski package?
A typical package includes return flights from a UK airport, the transfer to and from your resort, and your accommodation. Many operators also let you add lift passes, ski or snowboard hire and ski school, often with the kit and passes waiting for you on arrival. Catered chalet holidays are almost always sold this way, with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner included on most nights.
Compare flight and hotel packages
These are affiliate links: if you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Expedia: flight and hotel packages
Expedia lets you bundle flights and a hotel into one booking. Price it against booking each part separately before you decide.
Skiworld: ski and chalet packages
Packages with flights, transfers and accommodation, from apartments to catered chalets. Skiworld says its holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected.
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
Package or DIY: side by side
| Package | DIY | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | One booking, one company to deal with | Several bookings to coordinate |
| Financial protection | Flight inclusive packages are ATOL protected | Depends on how and where you book each part |
| Flexibility | Usually fixed dates, often Saturday or Sunday to Saturday or Sunday | Any dates, any airport, any length of stay |
| Choice of accommodation | Limited to what the operator sells | Anything available in the resort |
| Transfers | Usually included | You book your own, or drive |
| Help if things go wrong | Rep or operator support in resort | You sort it out yourself |
| Price | Can be good value, especially in peak weeks | Can be cheaper, especially if you are flexible or drive |
The case for a package
Financial protection
If you book a package that includes a flight from a UK company, it should be protected by the ATOL scheme, run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. According to ATOL’s own guidance, if the travel company fails, the scheme can help you stay in your accommodation, reimburse money spent replacing protected parts of your trip, and arrange flights home. You should receive an ATOL Certificate when you pay. ATOL does not cover flights you buy directly from an airline, and it is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Less to organise
With a package, the transfer is waiting at the airport, your accommodation knows you are coming, and your lift passes and hire may already be sorted. For a first ski trip, or with young children, that matters a lot.
Help in resort
Many operators have reps or staff in resort who can help if something goes wrong, from a lost lift pass to a broken boiler.
Peak week availability
Operators often secure accommodation and flights well in advance. In February half term, that can mean a package is easier to find than the same apartment and flights bought separately.
The case for doing it yourself
More choice
Booking independently opens up every apartment, hotel and chalet in the resort, not just the ones a UK operator has under contract. You can also choose any airport, any day and any length of stay.
Driving and the train
If you plan to drive or take the train, most of the value of a package disappears, as the flight and transfer are the parts you would not use. Self drive accommodation only deals do exist, but DIY is often simpler. Our guide to getting to the French Alps compares the options.
It can be cheaper
If you are flexible on dates, book flights at a good price, and find accommodation directly, DIY can work out noticeably cheaper. It is not guaranteed though, especially in peak weeks.
The risks of DIY
- If an airline cancels or changes your flight, your accommodation and transfer are not automatically moved.
- If one company fails, the others are not affected, but you may lose money on the part that failed unless you are otherwise protected.
- You are responsible for timing the transfer around your flights.
- Good insurance matters even more. See our ski travel insurance guide.
Paying by credit card can give extra protection for purchases over £100 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which is worth knowing when booking separately. Check the conditions with your card provider.
How to compare fairly
When you compare a package with DIY, price up the whole trip:
- Flights, including hold luggage and ski carriage.
- Airport transfer both ways.
- Accommodation, and what meals are included.
- Lift passes, ski hire and ski school.
- Parking at your UK airport.
- Insurance.
Then think about what your time and peace of mind are worth. A package that costs a little more can still be the right choice if it saves hours of organisation and comes with protection. Our guides to lift passes and ski hire and lessons explain how to price those parts.
To build your own budget, see our family ski holiday cost guide.
Who should choose which?
| You are… | We would usually suggest |
|---|---|
| First time skiers | A package, so everything is arranged |
| A family travelling in the school holidays | Compare both, booking as early as possible |
| Driving to the Alps | DIY, or a self drive accommodation only deal |
| Flexible on dates | DIY, to take advantage of cheap flights and quieter weeks |
| A group wanting a catered chalet | A package with a chalet operator |
From our own trips
When we first started skiing, we booked packages. It took the stress out of a first trip, with the flights, transfer and accommodation all arranged. Now we know what we are doing, we prefer to put the holiday together ourselves, booking flights and a self catered apartment separately and choosing exactly where we stay.
Next step: Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Are ski packages more expensive?
Not necessarily. In peak weeks they can be competitive, and they include transfers that you would otherwise pay for separately.
Is a DIY ski holiday protected?
Not in the same way as a package. Each booking has its own terms, so check cancellation policies, pay by credit card where possible and buy good insurance.
Can I add lift passes and hire to a package?
Usually yes. Compare the operator’s price with booking direct with the resort and hire shop before you add them.