Skyscanner has listed cheap ski resorts in Europe that offer plenty of powder in limited budget
The words ‘ski trip’ can make any bank balance break out in a cold sweat. But having an amazing time on the slopes does not have to mean champagne in Gstaad in Switzerland. Scotland-based travel tech firm Skyscanner has listed cheap ski resorts in Europe that offer plenty of powder in limited budget.
Les Houches, France
In Les Houches, there are marked ski runs that range from 950m to 1,900m with epic views of the Mont Blanc Valley, so it is perfect for leisure skiers
Considering it costs around EUR 300 for a week’s ski pass in Chamonix during peak season, it will be a tidy saving for visitors to skii a little way down the valley. In Les Houches, there are marked ski runs that range from 950m to 1,900m with epic views of the Mont Blanc Valley, so it is perfect for leisure skiers. Visitors looking for a black run and some open-air clubbing, Chamonix’s ski fields are only 8 km away.
Average cost of a drink: To save money, skiiers can head back down the mountain for Happy Hour in Les Houches’ bars between 5-7 pm. It is not anarchic après-ski, but it is still good fun.
Average cost for a ski pass: EUR 45 for a half-day and EUR 239.90 for six days.
How to get there: Fly to Geneva Airport and drive one hour to Les Houches.
Where to stay: Find hotels in Les Houches.
Vogel, Slovenia
Overlooking Lake Bohinj, Vogel is part of the Triglav National Park
An ideal spot for couples or families, this Slovenian spot is a truly beautiful and peaceful ski area. Overlooking Lake Bohinj, Vogel is part of the Triglav National Park. The modern cable car hauls people up from lakeside to the mountains in minutes, allowing skiers access to the largely treeless terrain which offers ample opportunity for off-piste exploration. Night life is low key, but with the capital Ljubljana a little over an hour away, a day trip is perfectly possible.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 2 for a beer, and EUR 5 for a bottle of wine if you purchase it in the supermarket.
Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs EUR 42 and a six-day pass costs EUR 197.
How to get there: Fly to Ljubljana, then drive down to Bohinj. Private transfers are also available.
Livigno, Italy
One of the Livigno’s big attractions is its excellent terrain park which has pro-sized jumps as well as rails and kickers for mere mortals
Duty-free zone Livigno offers excellent slopes for intermediate skiers. But advanced skiers and snowboarders will be kept busy too with the numerous off piste ways. One of the Livigno’s big attractions is its excellent terrain park which has pro-sized jumps as well as rails and kickers for mere mortals. The price of food and drink in and around the slopes is all very reasonable, meaning it is popular with the younger ski crowd who come to party.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 3-5 for a beer.
Average cost for a ski pass: A mid-season, six-day ski pass costs EUR 270, and a day pass costs EUR 54.
How to get there: Fly to Milan Bergamo, and drive or catch the easy bus transfer up to Livigno.
Söll, Austria
This resort is part of Ski Welt, Austria’s largest network of linked ski slopes
Söll is a small village in Tirol, often overshadowed by Kitzbuhel, which means it is still relatively quiet and affordable, so practically perfect for families and new skiers. This resort is part of Ski Welt, Austria’s largest network of linked ski slopes. Söll, Elmau and Westendorf are all great places to find a little chalet or ski-hotel, near local restaurants and bakeries. Tirol’s other strength is its delectable baked goods. There are four different bakeries in Söll, where trying the kiachl or traditional fried dough is a must.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 4 for a beer or glass of wine.
Average cost for a ski pass: From EUR 62 for a day, EUR 323 for six.
How to get there: Fly to Salzburg then catch a transfer or drive to the resort.
Grandvalira, Andorra
Although Grandvalira is the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, there is much more to it than just skiing and snowboarding
While most of Europe flies to the centre of the Alps, some locals from France and Spain stay within the southwest. The Pyrenees mountain range has a totally different vibe to the Alps, with lower-key but no-less-stunning vistas. Andorra offers a great balance. Although Grandvalira is the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, there is much more to it than just skiing and snowboarding, with ziplining and alpine rollercoaster.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 3 for an imported beer and EUR 1.70 for a coffee.
Average cost for a ski pass: A day pass costs EUR 64 and a six-day pass costs EUR 360.
How to get there: The drive from Girona airport takes three hours, just explore all car hire options beforehand. There is also a bus option, which involves a change that takes around seven hours.
Borovets, Bulgaria
The ski instruction here is top notch and the après-ski is lively, so it is particularly popular with party animals and the younger crowd
Along with its cousins, Bansko and Pamporovo, the ski resort of Borovets is ideal for a bargain hunter. A lively, cheap and cheerful town, Borovets is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria. Nestled at around 1,300m in the Rila Mountains, it is made up of three separate zones. The upper half of the mountain is largely above the treeline and offers plenty of wide-open pistes, most of which are fairly gentle, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
The ski instruction here is top notch and the après-ski is lively, so it is particularly popular with party animals and the younger crowd. Away from the cheap ski resort, visitors can have a relaxing soak in the nearby thermal springs or go to Tsarska Bistritsa and stroll around a traditional Bulgarian village.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 3.
Average cost for a ski pass: EUR 98 for two days, EUR 230 for five.
How to get there: Fly to Sofia, then either drive of about 90 minutes or catch the minibus to Borovets.
Poiana-Brasov, Romania
If you are looking for day trips away from the slope, you are only 14 km from the medieval city of Brasov and 23 km from Dracula’s Castle
Poiana Brasov is Romania’s biggest mountain resort and certainly one of the nicest. The fairytale slopes, flanked by pine trees, are the perfect place to take your skis. With more than 24 km of ski runs, there is plenty to explore.
The nearby village has plenty of accommodation options and restaurants, with traditional Romanian fare and mulled wine. If you are looking for day trips away from the slope, you are only 14 km from the medieval city of Brasov and 23 km from Dracula’s Castle.
Average cost of a drink: EUR 2 for a beer.
Average cost for a ski pass: EUR 35 for a day, EUR 135 for six.
How to get there: Fly to Sibiu, then it is a two-hour drive to Poiana Brasov. Visitors can also get a bus or train.
