Skiing On A Budget - Top 10 Resorts For A Low Cost Ski Holiday
If you want to get your snow fix but the eye-watering prices of high-profile ski resorts put you off, there's no need to worry. Heading to the mountains for a ski or snowboard holiday is a costly undertaking, but if you're prepared to choose a more modest destination, you can have an incredible ski holiday at a fraction of the price.
Some ski resorts have less expensive lift passes, accommodation, food, and drink. There are also some great destinations that are cheap and easy to get to. With this in mind, we have put together a list of our top 10 resorts for a low-cost ski holiday.
1. Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko is a picturesque ski resort in Bulgaria, surrounded by gorgeous pine forests and lofty peaks. It is rated as one of the top budget ski resorts in the world thanks to its excellent slopes and off-piste terrain. It also has one of the best après scenes, so you can finish your day on the mountain with a party atmosphere. Look out for the Happy End music festival, featuring EDM and live performances, for a fantastic addition to your ski holiday.
2. Borovets, Bulgaria
Borovets is located in the Bulgarian Rila mountain range. It is an excellent destination for fair-weather skiers and snowboarders, as it is well-known for its milder temperatures, even in January. There may be better places for die-hard skiers and snowboarders, but Borovets is a good option for beginners looking for somewhere to get to grips with their planks without breaking the bank.
3. Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu in Andorra offers a varied experience for skiers and snowboarders. It is quite a small area, but tourist-friendly with incredibly low prices. One of the great things about the snow in Andorra is that it can be good when the Alps are struggling with thin snow cover. However, if the snow isn't great, you can always enjoy the fantastic party scene and tax-free shopping, making it an ideal value skiing destination.
4. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Southern Spain may not be the obvious choice for a ski holiday, but the Sierra Nevada ski resort is pretty big and has a modern ski lift system. Much of the terrain is above 2,100 m, giving it a surprising level of snow coverage, even though much of it is south-facing. Most slopes are suitable for beginners and intermediates, and there are over 15 ski schools to help you get up to scratch.
5. Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
Sauze d'Oulx is part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski resort that straddles the Italian-French border. It offers fantastic tree-lined runs and is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The ski area is also large enough to make finding quiet slopes effortless. It is located in the Piedmont region, so you stand a good chance of getting excellent snow conditions.
The village itself is charming, thanks to its traditional style buildings. Coupled with fantastic food and wine, you can't go wrong with a visit to Sauze d'Oulx for a low-cost ski holiday.
6. Les Menuires, France
If you want to visit the largest interconnected ski area in the world without breaking the bank, Les Menuires is your best option. Les Menuires is located in the 3 Vallees, giving you easy access to Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. It is an excellent destination for groups keen on staying in a traditional chalet, skiing all day, and heading to wonderful après parties.
The significant advantage of staying in Les Menuires is that you can enjoy a fantastic ski area without paying the high prices of the higher-profile resorts.
7. Livigno, Italy
Livigno is a fantastic ski resort on the Italian-Swiss border that doesn't cost the earth to visit. You can enjoy the perfect balance between partying and relaxing after skiing or snowboarding on consistently good snow during a trip here. You also get the benefit of sampling authentic and value-for-money Italian cuisine.
When you buy a lift pass for Livigno, you get half a day of skiing in St Moritz for free. Therefore, you can experience one of the chicest resorts on the same trip.
8. Flachau, Austria
Flachau is part of the Austrian Amadé ski area, one of the world's largest. Even though it is a great destination for a low-cost ski holiday, you can enjoy uncrowded pistes and excellent snow conditions. Flachau's slopes are so quiet because nearby Kitzbühel and St Anton tend to attract more foreign visitors. Therefore, you get to enjoy wide-open runs snaking through lovely pine forests.
After a day of blasting around the slopes, you can celebrate with cheap beer and crispy rösti to complete your authentic Austrian skiing experience.
9. Serre Chevalier, France
Serre Chevalier is one of those resorts that has something to offer everyone. You can experience high alpine terrain, lovely tree runs, and great pistes to cruise. It is also fantastic for families, as it has one of the best kid's programs you'll ever encounter.
The ski area is massive, measuring 4000 hectares, and it tops out at 2,800m, making it very snow-sure. This is more than enough to work up a thirst for the low-key après scene.
10. Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen is a wonderful Austrian ski resort that can be accessed by an effortless train ride from Innsbruck. You get access to some incredible on and off-piste terrain via a modern and efficient lift system. The ski area is made up of interconnected resorts up and down the valley, including Finkenberg. You may consider choosing Finkenberg instead of Mayrhofen to reduce your costs further but still have access to this superb ski area.
Austrian ski resorts are well-known for their fantastic après and nightlife scenes, and Mayrhofen is no exception. This means you get the complete package of lots of fun on the slopes, followed by a vibrant party scene.
There you have it. You don't need to head to the glitziest resorts for a fantastic ski holiday. There will always be a compromise, but you are sure to find pretty much everything you need by choosing one of our top 10 resorts for a low-cost ski holiday.
