New report singles out Italy as best value for ski resorts

Those who are keen to hit the slopes for less this winter will find that they will get more from their money by heading to the Italian Alps, according to the annual Post Office Travel Money report (a pdf) into skiing holidays.

The research revealed that out of 27 major resorts across Europe and North America, Italian resorts offered the best value for money. The survey looked at the cost of a six-day ski pass, ski and boot hire, ski school and the cost of one day’s food on the slopes.

The Italian resorts of Livigno (£362), Sestriere (£419) and Cervinia (£439) took the top three spots in the global “best value” top ten list.

The findings come as competition between tour operators is said to be heating up, with some reducing prices at Italian resorts by 10 per cent over the last year.

Andrew Brown, head of travel money at the Post Office, said: “Italy looks like being the pick of the bunch for skiers who want to visit one of Europe’s best-rated ski countries this season and save money into the bargain. Not only are prices down in Livigno and Selva but the Italian resorts, rated by experts as offering world-class skiing, feature in the top ten choices for best value.”

While Italy takes the crown in terms of worldwide ski resorts, skiers on a budget will find prices lowest in the World Heritage Site of Bansko (Bulgaria), which offers the cheapest ski pass and equipment hire. This comes in at a total of £264.52, 25 per cent less than the runner up Kranjska Gora (Slovenia).

Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) offers the best value within the eurozone at £324.56, followed closely by Ellmau (Austria) at £356.74 and Livigno (Italy).

While Eastern European resorts offer some of the cheapest resorts, skiers can also find bargains in traditional skiing locations: “While skiing is cheapest in Bulgaria and Slovenia, our research shows that there is good value to be found in long-established favourites, Austria and Italy, providing you choose your resort carefully,” said Mr Brown.

“Skiers heading to Europe have the added bonus of more currency for their pounds this year due to the strengthening of sterling.”