The snow is falling and so are the prices! The latest price survey compares 22 destinations to reveal the cheapest European ski resorts for your springtime sports adventures.
The seventh annual Ski Resort Report Barometer from the Post Office compared the prices of a six day ski pass, ski and boot hire for six days, ski school and various beverages.
Overall the Eastern European resorts come out on top, with Bansko in Bulgaria riding high as the cheapest ski resort. Lying at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the winter resort is around 160km from the capital, Sofia. As well as ski and snowboard facilities, Bansko is also geared up for apres ski, with intriguing local history and architecture by day and traditional ‘mehana’ (bars and restaurants) by night.
Up in second place is Kranjska Gora in Slovenia whose diverse alpine slopes attract visitors from around the world. The town of Kranjska Gora itself dates back to the late 14th century, with winter sports gaining in popularity after World War I when the new railroad brought ski jumping and ski flying enthusiasts to the area. The first cable cars were added in the 1950s and today the ski slopes Kranjska Gora, Planica, Gozd-Martuljek, Mojstrana and Ratece all offer something a little different.
Top 22 Cheapest European Ski Resorts
1. Bansko, Bulgaria
2. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
3. Livigno, Italy
4. Ellmau, Austria
5. Morzine, France
6. Sestriere, Italy
7. Ruka, Finland
8. Soldeu, Andorra
9. Cervinia, Italy
10. Mayrhofen, Austria
11. Selva, Italy
12. Schladming, Austria
13. Serre Chevalier, France
14. Les Deux Alpes, France
15. Kaprun, Austria
16. La Thuile, Italy
17. Saas Fee, Switzerland
18. Val d’Isere, France
19. Zermatt, Switzerland
20. Courchevel, France
21. St Anton, Austria
22. Wengen, Switzerland
The great news is that the traditional hotspots of Italy, France and Austria also make it onto the list, although the slight downward shift in the sterling will affect British travellers. Those looking for a real bargain should head to Zermatt in Switzerland which has seen price reductions of around 13% since last winter. Bigger savings can be had by travelling over to North America where comparable prices at the Mont Tremblant resort have dropped by around 20% since last winter, representing excellent value.
France remains the most popular ski destination with nearly 35% of the market share; Austria (28%) and Italy (15%) are just behind.
Thanks to the Post Office for the details, which can be found here http://www.postoffice.co.uk/
