How to have a cheap ski holiday?

The most expensive part of the holiday is usually the accomodation. Package deals will usually work out close to the cheapest if you book with a large group and go self catering somewhere that is reasonably priced. Some tour operators offer cheap deals on lift passes, or throw them in. As a complete beginner, you will probably not even need a lift pass on the first day as you will be skiing in the beginners area which is usually free (i.e. no lift pass required) if you are taking lessons. You could buy the passes one day at a time, as you may decide to take a rest on one day. Some areas have ever expanding areas you are allowed to ski on, with varying prices. You cannot allow for that in a pre-booked ticket. Beginners can save a lot on lift passes, as they usually only ski in a small area initially. Buy clothes second hand on ebay! Beer is very expensive in resorts on draft. Spirits tend to be much cheaper, especially local spirits (like pastis in France) The last time I was in Val d'Isere it was nearly £4 a pint of Murphy's or Guiness. Probably closer to £6 now. Cheapest way is not to stay in a large expensive resort. Stay in a smaller lower resort, which shares the same ski area. Brides les Bains is very cheap for beers and accomodation compared to Meribel. The lift from Brides les Bains takes 30 minutes, but you are then in Meribel ready to ski. Catch the first lift up in the morning and you are then in the beginners area. (you will need a lift pass in Brides les Bains to ski the beginners area)

Try skiing around closing day. There's usually still plenty of snow, still cold, still great, but no one is there because they have moved on to other things in late April/early May and the ski areas only close because people stop coming/their permit runs out