Ski holidays are some of the most exciting adventures away that you can have, but they are also among the most expensive. Thanks to ski hire, lift passes, food and drink, you may find yourself burning a big hole in your wallet. But fear not! Thankfully there are cheaper alternatives to the pricey, traditional resorts such as Chamonix, Courchevel and St. Moritz, that are just as good for slope action but won’t break the bank.
1. Jasná, Slovakia
Nearest airport: Poprad Airport (Tatry) 60km away
Just across the border from Austria, Jasná offers all of the mod-cons and traditional views you’d expect from the Alps but at a fraction of the cost. Spread over Chopok mountain, Jasná is Slovakia’s largest ski area, boasting over 48km of slopes and 30 lifts. Rising up over 2000m, the resort has a good reputation for snow and is a great destination for beginners, with easier slopes close to the hotels. Tropical Paradise, a huge thermal water park close by, offers some much needed respite and relaxation from all the action.
Average prices for:
5 day ski pass: 140 euros
Ski hire: 74 euros
Pint of beer: 1.20 euros
Lunch: 6 euros
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
Nearest airport: Sofia Airport
The flagship of Bulgaria’s ski resorts, Bansko sits at the foot of the Pirin mountains and has had millions in investment over the past few years. 75km of slopes provide skiing for all levels, with the longest single slope being an impressive 16km long. There’s reliable snow here on north-facing slopes and 90% of the runs are equipped with snow cannons (just in case the snow does hold out!). Located in a UNESCO world heritage site, Bansko also offers some incredible views from the slopes.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 175 euros
Ski hire: 71 euros
Pint of beer: 1.15 euros
Lunch: 5 euros
3. Poiana-Brasov, Romania
Nearest airport: Bucharest Airport
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Poiana-Brasov is the most well-known resort in Romania. With just under 25km of ski slopes, the resort isn’t big by any means but it is great for families and beginners and has a good reputation for ski schools and friendly instructors. Count Dracula’s castle is just 23km away and its also worth checking out the nearby medieval town of Brasov.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 106 euros
Ski hire: 56 euros
Pint of beer: 2.3 euros
Lunch: 7 euros
4. Popova Sapka, Macedonia
Nearest airport: Skopje Airport
With just 10km of groomed ski slopes available, Popova Sapka may be petite, but look further and it’s rounded mountain range offers over 50km of excellent off-piste action for powder-lovers. Snowcats ferry skiers up to the highest points and the adventurous can even go on a snowcat safari by night.
Average prices for:
7 day ski pass: 82 euros
Ski hire: 80 euros
Pint of beer: 1.30 euros
Lunch: 6 euros
5. Vogel, Slovenia
Nearest airport: Ljubljana Airport
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A beautiful resort and Slovenia’s best all-rounder, Vogel looks over the picturesque Lake Bohinjska in the Triglav National Park. Because of its location, the resort is protected so no snow cannons are allowed. There’s also not a huge amount of buildings and bars so it’s a good choice for those wanting a more untouched setting. There are around 18km of slopes available with frequent snowfall and there’s plenty of off-piste areas too.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 133 euros
Ski hire: 92 euros
Pint of beer: 2.80 euros
Lunch: 9 euros
6. Janské Lázne, Czech Republic
Nearest airport: Prague
Two hours outside of Prague, Janské Lázne hosts 14km of forest lined slopes and is a good destination for beginners, intermediates and children. The highest ski lift is 1275m so it does mean that snowfall in the resort is variable, but there are plenty of snow cannons to help out. Thanks to flood lit pistes, seven of the slopes are open at night and although the slopes aren’t great for boarding, there is a snow park with boxes, rails and jumps.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 135 euros
Ski hire: 85 euros
Pint of beer: 2.5 euros
Lunch: 6 euros
7. Livigno, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Airport
Livigno in Italy is a great resort for intermediates, boasting 100km of runs and reliable snow between the end of November and April. A myriad of bars and restaurants means there plenty to do apres-ski and to top it all off, the whole resort is duty free.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 223 euros
Ski hire: 81 euros
Pint of beer: 4 euros
Lunch: 8 euros
8. Les Deux-Alpes, France
Nearest airport: Grenoble Airport
Although in France and at a high altitude, Les Deux-Alpes is great value. Time on the slopes is spent between 2300m and a glacier reaching 3400m, which also has snow all year round. Hotels are affordable and the resort is great for late night revellers, even more so when its taken over by Rise Festival in December. The festival brings over big name talents to perform at different locations across the resort.
Average prices for:
6 day ski pass: 200 euros
Ski hire: 95 euros
Pint of beer: 7 euros
Lunch: 10 euros
Wherever you decide to go, you’ll be able to find the cheapest flight and hotel deals anywhere in the world with Cheapflights.
- Wanting to travel light and save some cash? Try “Packing for a ski holiday with hand luggage only“
- More about the scenery and less about the sports? The take a look at “The best European ski resorts for non-skiers“
