Europe has some of the most budget friendly ski resorts in the world allowing you to hit the slopes and keep within your budget for items such as resort stays, lift passes and ski and snowboard rental as well as the all important apres ski.

We have explored Europe’s best kept secrets in terms of winter sport holidays and have narrowed down the cheapest ski resorts for you to visit.

The cheapest ski resorts in Europe

Borovets, Bulgaria

Borovets in Bulgaria is a small ski town that makes you feel like you have been transported back in time to a really traditional Bulgaria. The resort is based around the Rila mountains and is surrounded by alpine landscapes and beautiful lakes. The ski zone in town sits at Rila National Park’s craggy Musala Ridge and several different slopes and ski paths are on offer depending of your level of skill and the difficulty of the ski path you want to undertake.

Several lifts are on offer including pull lifts and also chair lifts to take you to the peaks of the Rila Mountains for awesome views over Borovets and surrounding areas and amazing ski trails.

Night skiing is also widely offered in Borovets and the lifts operate from 6:00-10:00pm every evening when the slopes are lit up and ready for the skiers and snowboarders to hit.

Several other winter sports are also on offer such as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and also hiking.

The town is lively and offers bars and pubs with many apres ski options. Bars are offered throughout the slopes and path ways as well making sure there is always a place for you to stop and take a break.

Lift pass cost: 30 euros per day

Ski rental cost: 13 euros per day

Les Houches, France

Source: Ski Zoom

Les Houches in France is ski resort close to Chamonix one of the main ski hot spots in Europe. The resort is located in the French Alps and the  back drop of Mont Blanc is absolutely breathtaking.

Most of the slopes and trails are perfect for intermediate skiers with less beginner and expert slopes. There are over 22 slopes in total making this small ski resort action packed for both skiers and snowboarders.

The resort also features an ice rink and winter sports enthusiasts can also undertake snowshoeing through the French Alps.

The resorts snow making ensures the conditions are kept very well throughout the winter months.

Lift pass cost: 45 euros

Ski rental cost: 29 euros

Vogel, Slovenia

Source: Think Slovenia

Vogel in Slovenia is a ski resort nestled in the Triglav National Park. The national park is known for it’s natural beauty and the ski slopes lie above the Bohinj Lake.

The ski resort in Vogel Slovenia offers 9 lifts ranging from chair lifts to cable ways. The lifts offer you the opportunity to sample some of the resorts 19 ski slopes. Slopes are very versatile and offer something for every stage of ability and the less demanding ones are excellent for beginner skiers.

The resort also offers a snow park making this the perfect place for beginners to practice and to teach children in the simulated snow areas and beginner slopes.

Many winter experiences are also on offer such as cross country skiing, sledging, ski jumping and paragliding.

Lift pass cost: 25 euro

Ski rental cost: 24 euros

Livigno, Italy

Source: Ski Livigno

Livigno in Italy is in the Italian Alps very close to the Swiss Boarder. The resort is in the Stelvio National Park and has the vibe of rustic small villages.

The resort has 28 beginner ski runs allowing this resort to be perfect for newer skiers or families travelling together. It also has a snow centre for visitors to learn and practice. With over 115km worth of slopes there will be slopes for everyone to enjoy from beginner to advanced.

There are 32 lifts in total varying from chair lifts to pull lifts enabling you to fully explore the Italian Alps and the ski resorts.

The busy pedestrianised city centre allows for lots of opportunities for apres ski and you will also enjoy the lively entertainment that goes along with this.

Winter activities such as ice climbing and horse riding will ensure there is something for everyone to do. The busy city centre also allows for some shopping at a lower price as you hunt for bargains in the small family owned shops.

Ski lift cost: 50 euros

Ski hire cost: 21 euro

Soll, Austria

Source: Co-operative Ski

Soll in Austria is a very small town in the Ski Welt in the area of Tyrol. The ski resort is very well known for it’s night skiing and is one of the best destinations in Europe to hit the slopes under the moonlight.

There are over 280km of slopes that range from beginner, intermediate and advances and is a good place to learn on the beginner slopes before taking on one of the more intermediate slopes to challenge yourself. Advanced skiers looking for a challenge will also not be disappointed. Within the Ski Welt there are over 85 lifts in total making this a ski resort to suit all.

Soll is a small village with lively atmosphere for the all important apres ski. The restaurant and bar options are plenty whilst those looking for some retail therapy may be disappointed as the small town does not offer many shopping options.

Lift pass cost: 53 euros

Ski rental cost: 23 euros

Andermatt, Switzerland

Source: Andermatt

Andermatt in Switzerland is located in the Swiss Alps. The Gemsstock Mountain is the vocal point for the ski resort and is home to some excellent intermediate and advanced ski slopes and trails.

The ski arena in Andermatt is one of the largest in Europe and is the perfect place to explore the slopes and the lifts on offer. Fresh snow is extremely common allowing for excellent ski conditions across the ski resort.

Cross country skiing and winter hiking is very popular around the Gemsstock Mountain and is popular with both tourists and locals looking for some winter fun.

The village is a traditional Swiss Village treating you to beautiful chalets, restaurants and bars with all of the trimmings for some excellent apres ski. The village runs along the river with the central bridge connecting the village. You will feel like you have stepped back into Swiss history with the cobbled streets and historic buildings.

Ski lift cost: 84 euros

Ski rental cost: 31 euro

Poiana-Brasov, Romania

Source: PoianaBrasov.com

Poiana-Brasov in Romania is a ski resort in the Postavaru Mountains and is surrounded by an alpine forest that eludes beauty.

The resort has 25.5km ski paths with 9 runs in total moving from beginners to expert. There is a very well respected ski school here and the smaller resort allows beginners to learn without pressure.

Those looking to escape the skiing and snowboarding hype can take a skate on the ice rink and a dip in the warm outdoor pools.

Bars and discos are on offer for those looking for some apres ski as well as traditional Romanian evenings with traditional food and entertainment.

Ski lift cost: 26 euros

Ski hire cost: 8 euros

Zakopane, Poland

Source: Zakopane.pl

Zakopane in Poland is based at the foot of the Tatra Mountains that it shares with its neighbour Slovakia. Zakopane is very close to the boarder in the south of Poland.

Both tourists and Polish residents flock to Zakopane to ski and many are excited by the ski jump festivities in January each year.

There are green, blue and red marked slopes depending on your skills and you can hit the slopes with both skis and snowboards depending on your preference. The slopes are home to both bugger chair lifts and also pull lifts for those less experiences and wanting to explore the green slopes. taking the chair lift to the top of the Tatra Mountains will give you excellent views of both South Poland and Slovakia.

Zakopane is a very small traditional town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains and you can see traditional Polish bars and restaurants as well as many shops and retail therapy options.

Ski lift cost: 21 euros

Ski hire cost: 8 euros

Jahorina, Bosnia

Source: Feel Bosnia

Jahorina in Bosnia is in the Dinaric Alps of South Sarajevo and is a beautiful winter wonderland during the ski season that typically ranges from December to early April.

There are 25km slopes with 8 lifts that consist of both pull and chair lifts for everyone wishing to undertake the trails and slopes.

There are several beginner and easy slopes as well as those which are more advances particularly the Olympic women’s down hill that was used in a past Olympics and still to this day used for training.

Ski lift cost: 23 euro

Ski hire cost: 10 euro

Flachau, Austria

Source: Snow online

Located in Salzburg Austria in Ski Amade the largest skiing area in Austria. The Ski Amade area has over 270 lifts with a whopping 760km of slopes and trails to be explored.

There are both fresh slopes and snow parks for you to explore and the parks are the perfect place to learn the ropes. Snowboarding is very popular here and it is also the home of cross country skiing where the sport originated.

The resort is lively and the may visitors come together int he evening to apres ski enjoying food, drink and entertainment to see in the next day of skiing.

This is a ski resort where it is impossible to do it all.

Ski lift cost: 56 euro

Ski hire cost: 15 euros

Bansko, Bulgaria

Source: Balkan Holidays

Bansko in Bulgaria is in South West Bulagria at the bottom of the Pirin Mountains. The Mountains are located in the Pirin National Park and the alpine forest through the park is absolutely beautiful with snow topped trees and glacial lakes that stand out out from their beauty.

This is Bulgaria largest ski resort and has excellent slopes and trails for both beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

The beautiful traditional town in a UNESCO world heritage site and you will be in awe of the traditional buildings. The town also have a very lively and vibrant apres ski vibe with tons of exciting bars and nightclubs that will have skiers  partying into the early hours.

Ski lift cost: 35 euro

Ski hire cost: 10 euros

Jasna, Slovakia

Source: Travel Slovakia

Jasna in Slovakia is also home to the Tatra Mountains and the ski areas are at the foot of the mountains. The alpine forest that form part of the town and the Tatra Mountains are pure natural beauty and form a winter wonderland in the winter months.

The snow area does offer 28 lifts with over 42km of slopes and trails for you to explore on both skis and snowboards. This area is not ideal for beginners and most of the slopes start at intermediate and range up to black expert slopes.

The town is small and offers a very low amount of bars and restaurants and other activities such as bowling, cinema’s and retail therapy.

Ski lift cost: 38 euros

Ski hire cost: 25 euro

Les Menuires, France

Source: Alpine answers

Les Menuires in France is ski resort that has been modernised, however still keeps it traditional French charms in the beautiful wooden chalets. The ski resort is located in the French three valleys and has the option to be a budget trip or more luxurious trip.

With some south facing ski runs you will be basked in sunlight in the months of February and March allowing you the opportunity to catch the sun whilst skiing. This is a great place for beginners to learn how to ski or to spend time getting used to the beginner and easy runs before taking on the intermediate slopes.

You an purchase premium ski lift passes for the whole 3 valleys and connect with the lifts and ski trains to fully take in the whole area.

Several options for apres ski are on offer with excellent alpine restaurants at high altitude are available for you to take in the almighty views.

Ski lift cost: 52 euro

Ski hire cost: 13 euros

Janské Lázne, Czech Republic

Source: Accommodation Czech Republic

Over 500 meters above ski level is the Czech town of Janske Lazne. The town has an old fashioned vibe and is filled with locals during the winter ski season month.

The town is home to the first ever cable car that lifts you up to the top of the ski slopes. The town is also home to the longest ski run at 1.5 miles long. The ski resort is home to 14 lifts and 9 ski runs that are perfect for both skiing and snowboarding. There are huge cross country skiing options here for those looking for a slower pace.

There are options for beginner skiers as well as those more advances as you take on the extra long ski runs.

Ski lift cost: 35 euros

Ski hire cost: 15 euro

Soldeu, Andorra

Source: Crystal Ski

Soldeu in Andorra is based on the hillside of the valley that connects both France and Andorra.

This ski resort is on the larger side and offers excellent opportunities for beginners to test the beginner and easy slopes before those more advanced take on the expert slopes. There are over 200km of slopes making this a large place to take on your ski or snowboarding fun. There are over 123 runs in the form of slopes and also trails for you to really take in the beautiful scenery.

The local town has a traditional with with stone cobbled streets and wooden chalet features, however it is becoming more modernised with the the times. There is a big apres ski vibe with plenty of restaurants and bars on offer.

Ice skating, zip lining and dog sledding with many more other opportunities are on offer for those looking to take a break from skiing or snowboarding.

Ski lift cost: 51 euro

Ski hire cost: 14 euro

Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland

Source: Alpes Guides

Val d’Anniviers in Switzerland is located in the Swiss Alps and consists of four separate ski areas and lift pass will grant you access to all of them. You will be in awe of the mountain scenery topped with fresh snow throughout the winter months.

There are over 215km of perfect slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy collectively. Routes are there for slopes and also runs through the forest and trees.

The village itself is quiet and cosy and is ideal for those of you looking to spend the days on the slopes and chill of an evening.

There are plenty of natural landscapes and glacier caves for you to explore the beautiful naturally formed scenery as well as undertake cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Ski lift cost: 62 euro

Ski hire cost: 28 euro

Sauze d’Oulx, Italy

Source: Crystal Ski

Sauze d’Oulx in Italy is the mountain range of Italy and just 2 hours from the busy city of Turin. The ski resort itself at the base of the Monte Genevris and you can see the mountains snow covered beauty.

The lower slopes offer tree lines routes where you can marvel at the natural beauty whilst the higher open air slopes offer wider more intermediate slopes. There is 400km of slopes with a resort height of over 1500 meters.

There is a very lively apres ski vibe here with winter sports enthusiast partying until the early hours. Lots of restaurant and bar options serving traditional Italian foods, aperol spritz and local beers.

Ski lift cost: 38 euros

Ski hire cost: 17 euros

Białka Tatrzańska, Poland

Source: Białka-Tatrzańska Ski Resort

Białka Tatrzańska in Poland is also at the foot of the Tatra Mountains and very close to the Slovakian border.

This is a smaller ski resort with over 18km of slopes. This is an excellent place for beginners with over 80% of the slopes for beginners. There are ski schools here for you to practice and learn the ropes.

Several other winter sports are available such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking.

Ski lift cost: 26 euros

Ski hire cost: 10 euros

Sudelfeld–Bayrischzell, Germany

Source: On the snow

Sudelfeld Bayrischzell in Germany hoses one of Germany’s largest ski resorts. There are 19 drag lifts with 3 chairs for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.

The resort has over 31km of slopes and also ski routes through the mountain forest for you to enjoy. 14 lifts transport you up to the top of the slopes to enjoy the mix of beginner to advanced slopes on offer. Intermediate is the main draw with over 70% of slopes intermediate.

The town can be lively and the German beer on offer makes for excellent apres ski opportunities. Restaurants serve traditional meals such as schnitzel and bratwurst.

Ski lift cost: 41 euros

Ski hire cost: 20 euros

Vemdalen, Sweden

Source: Crystal Ski

Vemdalen in Sweden has been developed into a ski resort and connects 3 of the main ski resorts in Sweden.

The ski resort offers newly built lifts for an exciting ski experience with over 35 lifts and 58 slopes to be explored from beginner to intermediate. Most of the runs are beginner and easy making this a great place to learn and pick up skills. The runs go through the idyllic alpine forest and you can marvel at the snow topped tree’s.

Various other winter sports can be undertaken such as husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Ski lift cost: 30 euros

Ski hire cost: 13 euros

 

With so many great budget options in Europe to ski and snowboard and take on a whole host of winter activities you will be spoilt for choice.

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