So, if you’ve managed to nab a good second hand board, a cheap or free accommodation deal and hitchhiked your way to the mountains, you are doing pretty well.

Here comes the sting in the tail: the damn lift pass.

These are notoriously pricey. A week’s lift pass for the Portes du Soleil is nearly enough to feed a small child for a year.

“Just stay for the whole season and get a job with the lift pass included”

You could wing it without a lift pass. Check out this article on by-passing the lift pass system.

However, if you don’t fancy the hassle of ending up in jail and/or lost in the backcountry, pick a cheap resort. Lesser known spots might not have the same variety of runs or insane backcountry opportunities, but they will have just as much snow for half the price.

Or just stay for the whole season and get a job with the lift pass included. Win-win.

COST: Free – £200 for a week’s pass