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Ski and Snowboard beds on a budget

First-rate accommodation in the world's top ski resorts usually costs a packet -
but not at these bargain hostels, b&bs and hotels.

Gite le Belevedere - Chamonix, France

Ski hostels - Gite le Belevedere - Chamonix France Not so much a place to stay as a rite of passage for free spirits with a steep powder habit.

Generations of ski bums have won their spurs in Chamonix, world capital of downhill adventure, from a base camp in this cheerful chalet on Argentière’s main street, just down the road from the no less iconic Savoy Bar. There is free wifi access and showers are communal.

Details
Stay from €14.50.

For more info call 0033 450 185066 or visit www.gitelebelvedere.com.

Ski Lodge Engelberg - Engelberg, Switzerland

Ski Lodge Engelberg Engelberg, Switzerland

Over the last decade, Engelberg, an old monastery town south of Lucerne, has emerged from beneath the radar as one of the great freeride playgrounds of the Alps.

The Vikings have invaded, toting their new-wave reverse camber skis on the revolving cable-car and swarming down the Laub and other powder-choked, vertiginous slopes with fearless abandon. Bunk up with them at the Swedish-run Ski Lodge near the railway station. Forget cuckoo clocks – think cutting-edge cool.

Details
Stay from 100 swiss francs.

For more info call 0041 786 753366 or visit www.skilodgeengelberg.com.

Alber-hof - St Anton, Austria

Ski hostels - Alber-hof - St Anton Although it's in the village of St Jakob, a free ski bus ride from St Anton's challenging slopes, Barbara and Stefan Alber's biobauernhof (organic farm) offers typically Tirolean family hospitality at its best, with a crucifix over the bed, farm animals in the basement and home produce heaped high on the breakfast table. And staying in St Jakob will keep a lid on your après-ski expenditure too.

Details
Stay from €32 with breakfast.

For more info call 0043 5446 2563 or visit www.alberhof.at

Residence Mirella - Alagna, Italy

Ski hostels - Residence Mirella - Italy Seemingly oblivious to her pole position – close to the gondola – for a quick morning getaway at Alagna, Italy's capital of white-knuckle wilderness skiing, the elegant Emanuela Prato runs her pasticceria business like a tearoom in Budleigh Salterton, where you'd be more likely to find a group of maiden aunts than mountain guides and their clients poring over maps, and checking bleepers. Emanuela also has neat and tidy bedrooms and apartments.

Details
Stay from €42 per room.

For more info call 0039 0163 91286 or visit www.alagna.it

La Vanoise - Les Arcs, France

Ski hostels - La Vanoise - Les Arcs There is a certain kind of Brit who swears by the Logis de France badge as a guarantee of good value, home cooking and a warm welcome. The formula is by no means foolproof, but the Vanoise (above), in Peisey Nancroix, is a gem, perfectly placed for the Paradiski cable car link between Les Arcs and La Plagne. There's free wifi access and use of indoor pool and spa.

Details
Stay from €77.

For more info call 0033 479 079219 or visit www.hotel-la-vanoise.com.