Top 8 Cheapest Ski Resorts in Europe
Budget ski resorts are a real thing. There are several little ski resorts in Europe that offer reasonably priced lodging, lift passes, and ski rentals so that ... read more...you can enjoy your trip to the mountains. We have created a guide that enables you to take a winter vacation on a tight budget.
-
Jasna offers some of the most affordable skiing in all of Europe, as well as some of the best terrain. You will undoubtedly have enough space on the more than 40km of slopes to work up an appetite for the regional potato pancakes packed with sheep's cheese. Despite the extremely low prices, the region boasts some seriously travel-inspiring hotels, like Hotel Galeria Thermal Beeová. Even though it costs approximately as much as the typical hostel in Barcelona, it almost has the feel of a high-end resort thanks to its ultra-modern design and enormous glassy hot spa that is surrounded by a forest. Jasna is sure to check all the boxes if you're searching for serious value and apparently endless alternatives for mountain exploration (there are 23 lifts and cable cars).
Visitors to the Slovakian ski resort of Jasna won't run out of powder with its 41 slopes. They also have a variety of pistes with varying degrees of difficulty, so whether you're up for a challenge or just want to relax and take it easy, there's something for everyone.
The resort also provides night skiing for those who prefer to ski while the stars are out, and there is even a ski school for those who need a little additional practice before hitting the slopes on their own.
Country: Slovakia
Best for: seriously cheap staysAverage cost of a drink: Expect to pay around €1.40 (£1.20) for a local beer or €3 (£2.60) for an imported one.
Average cost for a ski pass: €59 (£51) for a day, €319 (£278) for 6 days.Website: https://www.jasna.sk/
-
Since the late 19th century, winter recreation has been popular in Borovets. Its 36 miles (58 km) of primarily blue and red runs wind beneath Bulgaria's tallest mountain, Mt Musala, which rises to a height of 8398 feet (2560m).
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’s particularly popular with party animals and the younger crowd.
The majority of the upper mountain's pistes are wide open and somewhat gradual, making them perfect for beginning and intermediate skiers. The higher half of the mountain is mostly above the treeline. It's especially well-liked by partygoers and the younger demographic because of the excellent skiing instruction and the fun après-ski.
Away from the cheap ski resort, have a relaxing soak in the nearby thermal springs, or go to Tsarska Bistritsa and stroll around a traditional Bulgarian village.Country: Bulgaria
Best for the party crowd
Average cost of a drink: 5-6 BGN (£2.20-£3).
Average cost for a ski pass: 75 BGN (£33) for a day pass, 370 BGN (£165) for six days.Website: https://www.borovets-bg.com/en
-
Low-key Vogel Ski Resort is located under Slovenia's legendary Mt Triglav, which early Slavs thought was the home of a triple-headed god. It is not one of Europe's largest ski areas, and its 13 miles (22 km) of blue and red slopes are not always guaranteed to be covered in snow, but Vogel is still a good deal with breathtaking views of the Julian Alps.
Vogel, which is a part of the Triglav national park, has a view of Lake Bohinj. Skiers may access the primarily treeless terrain that provides plenty of opportunities for off-piste exploration thanks to the contemporary cable car, which quickly transports passengers from the lakeshore to the mountains. Although there isn't much going on at night, a day excursion to the capital Ljubljana, which is only about an hour away, is quite doable.
If your guest has registered for the bus service across the Bohinj valley, your transportation charges after arrival will be zero. Nearby scenic areas Lake Bohinj (40 minutes) and ethereal Lake Bled (one hour) are both free and even more lovely when covered in snow.
Country: Slovenia
Best for beautiful views
Average cost of a drink: €2 (£1.75) for a beer, and €5 (£4.40) for a bottle of wine if you purchase it in the supermarket.
Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €35 (£30), a six-day pass costs €153 (£133).Website: http://www.vogel.si/winter
-
Some residents from France and Spain stay in the southwest of the Alps, whereas the majority of Europe flies to the Alps' center. In contrast to the Alps, the Pyrenees mountain range provides a more relaxed atmosphere with equally breathtaking views. The European Cup Finals of the 2018 Ski World Cup will be held in this Andorran snow town, which has 200km of beautiful slopes, making it the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees. A zip line, an alpine coaster, and a freeride area are also available for snow bunnies who wish to take a day off from the slopes.
Andorra is a fantastic compromise if you want to ski but not excessively. Despite being the biggest ski resort in the Pyrenees, Grandvalira offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding.
Try ziplining or riding the alpine coaster when your thighs need a rest from the slopes. And when it's time to leave, it's simple to include a city break in one of the nearby nations. You may travel to Toulouse, France, or Barcelona, Spain, in three hours.Country: Andorra
Best for: a snow-meets-city staycationAverage cost of a drink: €3 (£2.60) for an imported beer and €1.70 (£1.50) for a coffee.
Average cost for a ski pass: A day pass costs €56 (£87) and a six-day pass costs €302 (£260).Website: https://www.grandvalira.com/en/
-
Poiana-Brasov in Romania, another area that is essentially a miniature of the Alps, offers world-class skiing in a more intimate setting with fewer visitors. And certainly, it is still among the least expensive ski areas in Europe. Poiana-Brasov has nearly doubled in size since 2010, and now hosts occasions like alpine skiing festivals and figure skating contests.
No of your level of experience, the resort covers all the bases with two beginner pistes, two intermediate pistes, and three advanced pistes for just €117 for six days. A lift pass for just one day costs €31.
The greatest area to use your skis is on the picturesque slopes that are surrounded by pine trees. There are lots of ski runs to explore, totaling more than 24km. In the surrounding village, there are many places to stay and eat, and you can stay warm at night with mulled wine and typical Romanian food. You are only 14 kilometers from Brasov, a medieval city, and 23 km from Dracula's Castle if you're seeking day adventures away from the slopes.
Country: Romania
Best for: storybook scenery
Average cost of a drink: 8.50 lei (£1.50) for a beer or 5 lei (£0.90) for a bottle of soft drink.
Average cost for a ski pass: 150 lei (£26.50) for a day, 620 lei (£110) for six.Website: https://www.poianabrasov.com/weather-snow
-
Without a doubt, Les Menuires is the most affordable way to experience Les Trois Vallées. It and Courchevel and Méribel share a ski region, although it offers less expensive lodging and a less glamorous atmosphere. The resort region is perfect for groups of friends who want to rent a traditional chalet, party on the slopes during the day, then retreat to their cocoon for handmade fondue and vin chaud during the evening.
This is the largest properly interconnected ski region in the world, with 370 miles of groomed and waymarked pistes with plenty of off-piste in between. Although it's best suited for intermediates, it actually has everything, from superb nursery slopes to powder lines that are rated by experts. It should be tried by everyone at least once.
It has never been fashionable despite being located below some of the best (and quietest) mid-level runs in the entire Three Valleys, partly because of the austere 1960s architecture at its core. So, if you don't mind the concrete-carbuncle vibe and stay in the convenient Sowell apartments with ski-in/ski-out access, you can actually get all of your holiday necessities for less money than at many less prestigious ski locations. The cost of ski school will undoubtedly increase. Families do, however, benefit from a wide variety of kid-friendly amenities, such as kids' clubs, two indoor public pools, a sizable soft play area, and a rail-mounted luge. Late-season skiers have easy access to nearby Val Thorens' high-altitude slopes as well.
Country: France
Best for: groups and down-to-earth charmAverage cost of a drink: Similar to UK prices, but make your way back down the mountain for Happy Hour in Les Houches’ bars (between 5-7pm). It’s not anarchic après-ski, but it’s still good fun.
Average cost for a ski pass: €47 (£41) for a day and €235 (£205) for 6 days.Website: https://lesmenuires.com/en/
-
Livigno is one of the most reasonably priced ski resorts in the world, thanks in large part to its tax-free status. This implies that you can order wonderful Italian food for a very low cost. In most bars, the standard drink will run you between £2 and £4.50. The 115km of slopes at the Italian ski resort, which is close to the Swiss border, are mostly appropriate for novice and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There is a little something for everyone, with two black routes for more experienced skiers and a number of off-piste options to explore.
One of Livigno's main draws is its fantastic terrain park, which offers rails and kickers for regular mortals as well as pro-sized jumps (imagine house-sized). The cost of food and beverages on the slopes and around is quite inexpensive, making it a favorite among the younger skiers who attend the party.
A lift pass from Livigno also entitles you to a free half-day in nearby St Moritz, which would otherwise cost you money. Since Livigno might be challenging to access from Italian airports like Milano, you should fly into Innsbruck instead.Country: Italy
Best for: alpine Italian fareAverage cost of a drink: €3-5 (£2.50-£4.50) for a beer, depending on which bar you frequent.
Average cost for a ski pass: A 6 day ski pass costs €259 (£225), and a day pass costs €52 (£45).Website: https://www.livigno.eu/en/
-
Söll is a little village in Tirol that is frequently overshadowed by Kitzbuhel. As a result, it is still somewhat peaceful and inexpensive, making it ideal for families and novice skiers.
Beginner and intermediate skiers searching for a quieter, more intimate, and genuine European ski experience will love the Söll ski resort in Austria's forgiving slopes. One of the top ski resorts in Europe due to its charm.
Don't be scared to shop around because SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental's neighboring villages are all priced similarly. Because of the lower altitude's smaller crowds—which allow slower skiers to take their time and enjoy the slopes at an inexpensive price—the region is especially well-liked by tourists from Britain and Ireland.
Söll, Elmau, and Westendorf are all great places to find a little chalet or ski hotel, neighboured by local restaurants and bakeries. Tirol’s other strength is its delectable baked goods. There are four different bakeries in Söll, so you’ll have to try kiachl (traditional fried dough) when you’re off the slopes, too.Country: Austria
Best for a family-friendly getawayAverage cost of a drink: €4 (£3.50) for a beer or glass of wine.
Average cost for a ski pass: €51.50 (£45) for a day, €245 (£214) for six.Website: https://www.skiwelt.at/en/skiwelt-soell.html