Ski season 2023: Save money by booking at one of these under-the-radar resorts

The 2023-24 ski season is just around the corner. But heading to the mountains isn't exactly a cheap holiday. 

The best-known ski destinations tend to offer expensive Saturday to Saturday stays with little flexibility. This is cost and time prohibitive for many snow sports enthusiasts.

“Whether it’s for budget reasons, or the thrill of finding a hidden gem, there are some great alternatives to the classics," says Marcus Blunt, co-founder of travel agent Heidi.

This newly launched online platform offers skiers more flexible options than traditional sites, according to its founders. Weekend breaks and lesser-known destinations are their specialty.

So if you are looking for a ski trip somewhere unusual or simply hoping to save money, where can you go? Here are a few swaps from the founders of Heidi that could cut costs and offer better flexibility.

Chamonix in France is on many skiers' bucket lists, but a lift pass at this resort isn’t cheap. It can cost up to €74 a day in high season.

A cheaper alternative for advanced skiers and free-riders is Jasna in Slovakia. It offers some of Europe’s best off-piste routes with lift passes costing around €59 per adult per day in the high season. Accommodation is also inexpensive at as little as €25 a night for a B&B.

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The resort is small, with few slopes available for less experienced sportspeople, but has good access to a lot of off-piste routes with a number of freeride zones. It’s usually quiet, too, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll find some untouched snow.

Les Gets in south-eastern France is well known for being a picturesque resort overlooking the Mont Blanc range of mountains.

For a budget option in the same region, try the village of