While ski holidays can come with a hefty price tag, let’s be honest, they don’t have to. There are plenty of places you can carve up the snow on your board or skis, for much cheaper prices that you might expect. Of course it does help to know where to find the cheapest ski resorts in Europe for your winter sports adventure…
While we do love the big resort vibe, and you can’t really beat staring across the unending terrain knowing that you’ve got a serious day of exploration ahead.
But… We’ve also had some EPIC sessions at smaller ski resorts. And while smaller might mean less area to explore, we don’t think that means less enjoyable. In fact, the opposite.
In this post we’ll find out which are the best budget ski resorts across Europe for all types, from beginners and families to hardcore mile munchers and snow park fans.
Quick note: Yes there are some affiliate links in this post, which simply means we earn a small commission if you do buy via them, at no extra cost to you!
Artouste, France
Highest point: 2000m
Skiable Terrain: 29 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €24
5-Day Ski Pass price: €95
If you’re looking for a relatively unspoilt ski area then Artouste is a great value option. In the Pyrenees Atlantiques department in the south of France, Artouste is very much a hidden gem that is frequented mostly by locals from France and nearby Spain. The terrain is mostly suited to intermediates, and does also feature a snow park. The compact and accessible nature of Artouste also makes it’s a nice choice for a family friendly French ski resort – and let’s be honest, that incredibly cheap price makes it very tempting.
Artouste is also famous for the highest train ride in Europe, at almost 2000 metres. This is very much a tourist train, mainly running in the summer.
The closest airport is the small Lourdes-Tarbes-Pyrenees airport ,which is around 1 hour 40 by car. Alternatively, connect from the larger Toulouse International Airport, or, at a push, Biarritz and Bordeaux. As there is no direct public transport or transfer service, the best bet is to hire a car at whichever airport you choose to fly into.
Le Semnoz, France
Highest point: 1704 m
Skiable Terrain: 19 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €16
5-Day Ski Pass price: €70/€185 season pass
Definitely one of the cheapest ski areas in the French Alps, if not in Europe, Le Semnoz offers a compact and fun ski area just a short drive from Geneva Airport. In fact, in under 1 hour after leaving the airport you could be strapping on your ski boots.
It’s obviously not the biggest ski area, and you’ll cover most of it in a morning. And although it is the Alps, this is foothills territory rather than the high altitude resort with challenging runs that you might be thinking of in the Alps. This is better suited to a casual ski trip or even a family trip somewhere that isn’t too intimidating for the young ones.
But… The price is hard to argue with. And if you want to stay in nearby Annecy or even Geneva, La Semnoz is accessible via a short local bus ride.
Jasna, Slovakia
Highest point: 2020 m
Skiable Terrain: 49 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €43
5-Day Ski Pass price: €150
Nestled in the heart of the Low Tatras Mountain Range, Jasna is the largest ski resort in Slovakia. Its affordability, combined with excellent ski conditions and diverse terrain, makes it a superb choice for snowboarders and skiers of all proficiencies. Factor in the breathtaking view of the snow-clad Tatras, you’ve got yourself a perfect ski break destination.
The closest international airport is the Poprad-Tatry Airport which is around one hour transfer. You can also connect via Krakow airport in Poland, or Bratislava which are both around 3 hours drive.
If you’re looking for a lively après ski resort, this probably isn’t it. But as for one of the most affordable ski resorts in Europe with great and (relatively) snow sure coverage, Jasna is hard to top.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Highest point: 2600m
Skiable Terrain: 70 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: 96 BGN (approx €49)
5-Day Ski Pass price: 465 GBN (approx €240)
Bansko, Bulgaria’s most popular ski resort, boasts an appealing mix of modern facilities and charming old-world ambience. With its varied ski runs catering to all abilities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town, and cozy mountain taverns, Bansko is often seen as one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe, and a great value destination in general.
Bulgaria is also often a popular place to learn skiing or snowboarding due to the lower prices of lessons. While people do tend to love or hate Bansko, there is no question that as one of the most affordable lift passes in Europe, it is very appealing. And it’s not just the cheap lift passes, but the food, lively apres ski and choice of things to do off the mountain too… Don’t write it off until you’ve tried it.
That said, prices have gone up significantly in recent years. BUT – the Bansko lift operators have invested in the ski resort, with good snow making facilities and modern lifts.
Sofia Airport is roughly two hours away, with regular connections and transfers to the ski resort, making it very accessible.
Read our full Bansko ski resort review.
Pays St Bernard, Switzerland
Highest point: 2267 m (Liddes/Vicheres)
Skiable Terrain: 50 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: CHF29
5-Day Ski Pass price: CHF 140 or CHF167* (annual pass)
The Pays St Bernard is an absolute steal, with a choice of three resorts spread out across two valleys in Switzerland’s Valais canton. The largest ski resort in Pays St Bernars, La Fouly, is a great playground with a mixture of terrain for beginner and advanced skiers. You can also check out Champex Lac and Liddes/Vicheres as part of the super cheap ski pass.
And yes, that is CHF167 for an ANNUAL pass, meaning you can come back multiple times throughout the year. Get in early enough and Pays St Bernard pass even lets you ride in Verbier for the beginning of the season!
The area is very rural, and while there are local buses, you might need either a car, or a hotel that offers a shuttle/transfer service to make the most of your stay here.
We visited in late 2022 and can vouch for the top quality terrain and low prices. Read our La Fouly review and if you want somewhere to stay, check out Ski Hostel who include transfers to the ski resorts as part of their packages.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Highest point: 3000 m
Skiable Terrain: 140 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €27*(with dynamic lift pass)
5-Day Ski Pass price: €119
Could this be the best value ski resort on this list? We think it’s a very strong maybe, yes, depending on your timing – as the cheap lift pass depends on the dynamic ticketing that is in use in Swiss ski resorts.
Nestled halfway between the more famous resorts of Verbier and Zermatt, Crans Montana offers some incredible ski terrain, stunning views and an absurdly good value lift pass. Add in the fact that you’ve got a high point of 3000 metres, lots of freeriding and off-piste opportunities, plus some half decent apres ski and you’ve got a strong contender for best value ski resort in Europe.
While Switzerland isn’t the cheapest place, we found Crans Montana to be remarkably good value.
Check out our full Crans Montana review for more details.
Poiana Brasov, Romania
Highest point: 1783 m
Skiable Terrain: 24.5 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €40
5-Day Ski Pass price: €165
Skiing in Poiana Brasov feels like stepping into a fairy-tale world, with its thick snow-covered forests and the medieval charm of nearby Brasov city. Although it isn’t huge, it is very cheap and Poiana Brasov is one of the two best ski resorts in Romania (the other being Sinaia which seems to be a bit of a mess and not worth visiting).
Despite its pocket-friendly rates, this resort offers modern lift facilities and varied skiable terrain. The closest airport is the the brand new Brasov airport, which is just a half hour drive from the ski resort.
However, for better connections, Bucharest’s Henri Coanda airport is around 3 hours away by car.
Borovets, Bulgaria
Highest point: 2550 m
Skiable Terrain: 58 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: 90 BGN (approx €46)
5-Day Ski Pass price: 405 BGN (approx €207)
Our second Bulgarian ski resort on the list, Borovets is arguably the better option. Offering a mix of excellent ski conditions, lively après-ski scene, and affordable prices. Borovets, the oldest Bulgarian winter resort, scores high on the ski holiday checklist despite being a smaller resort than the more famous Bansko. With a variety of ski runs, from gentle beginners to challenging black runs, Borovets is a good budget resort for all level of skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to this, Borovets offers ski in ski out options too, and doesn’t have the horrible gondola rush like Bansko. It’s also one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe with a good sized ski area, which might swing it for many..
Conveniently, Sofia Airport is just over an hour and a half transfer and is well connected to the resort.
Find cheap deals to Bulgaria with LoveHolidays.
Vogel, Slovenia
Highest point: 1800 m
Skiable Terrain: 22 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €44
5-Day Ski Pass price: €181
The natural alpine beauty of Vogel Ski Resort draws people in, but its cheap ski packages and good conditions win them over. With rugged mountains as a backdrop, skiing here is a picturesque experience, truly a hidden gem in Europe. When I visited, I found that the terrain in Vogel was perfect for beginners and the ski lifts were modern and uncrowded.
In addition, this is one of the cheapest ski resort to learn, with a good ski school here too. While the ski area isn’t huge, the stunning views and goregous location above Lake Bohinj definitely add to it’s charm. Check out my Vogel resort review.
Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport is within reasonable driving distance, at about an hour and a half away. You can also use your Ski Slovenia pass to explore other ski resorts in the country including Krvavec.
Zakopane/Super Tatry, Poland
Highest point: 1990 m (Kasprowy Wierch)
Skiable Terrain: 60+ km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €36
5-Day Ski Pass price: €170
Nestled in the Polish Tatras, Zakopane is known for its combination of intriguing local culture, impressive mountainous terrain, and lively après-ski. Zakopane itself is the hub for a network of smaller ski resorts, the best of which is Kasprowy Wierch, which is also the only mountain run in the resort. Here you’ll find 18 kms of mountain pistes best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
The town also offers some smaller resorts such as Gubalowka, Harenda and Szymoszkowa, which vary between 2 km and 5 kms of skiable terrain. Check out our Zakopane review.
However, we actually think the nearby town of Bialka Tatrazanska is the better option here. While it is low altitude, there is a nice learner area and 15 kms of pistes to explore. Plus it’s cheeeeap!
With Krakow Airport only about 2 hours away, it’s a budget-friendly, easily accessible ski destination.
Check out Poland deals including Bialka Tatrazanska and Zakopane with Europe-Mountains.com.
Jahorina, Bosnia
Highest point: 2000 m
Skiable Terrain: 54 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €44
5-Day Ski Pass price: €159
Previously the host of the Sarajaveo winter Olympics, Jahorina is actually located in a distant arm of the Alps – the Dinaric Alps as they’re called here. Despite the fact that this isn’t the highest mountain terrain, with the peak topping out under 2000 metres, Jahorina is actually surprisingly snow sure. And while the daily lift pass is pretty cheap, its the off-mountain costs that make Jahorina one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe.
You can bag a nice apartment or hotel close to the slopes for well under €100 a night in peak season (try and find that in France or Austria). And yes there is apres ski, again, costing a lot less than other places in Europe. If you’re looking for something a bit different from your next ski holiday, Jahorina might be the pick of the bunch when it comes to low cost ski breaks.
Pamporovo, Bulgaria
Highest point: 1925 m
Skiable Terrain: 36 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €38
5-Day Ski Pass price: €190
Renowned for its sunny weather and extensive beginners’ terrain, Pamporovo is the perfect ski resort for families and newcomers to skiing. While it’s location close to Greece makes it a good spot for bluebird days, the snow can be erratic. But if you are looking for cheap ski holidays for beginners, or a family friendly resort then this is is a good option.
Conveniently, Plovdiv Airport is only an hour and a half away, reducing travel time for an enjoyable skiing vacation. If you do choose Pamporovo, try to avoid flying into Sofia as it is a long tranfer (over three hours).
Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic
Highest point: 1235 m
Skiable Terrain: 25 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €45
5-Day Ski Pass Price: €195
Known as the “Pearl of the Krkonoše Mountains,” Spindleruv Mlyn offers a unique blend of vibrant town life, picturesque landscapes, and a variety of ski runs that cater to skiers of all skills. Although not huge, the terrain is perfect for families and the excellent value and cheap hotels make this particularly appealing.
Prague airport is a two-hour drive away, making it relatively accessible.
Browse ski deals to Czech Republic with Snowtrex.
Krvavec, Slovenia
Highest point: 1971 m
Skiable Terrain: 30 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €45
5-Day Ski Pass price: €210
A mere 30-minute drive from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, Krvavec Ski Resort is undoubtedly one of the most accessible ski destinations in Europe. In fact this mountain resort is just over 15 minutes driving time from Ljubljana airport, making it the closest ski resort to an international airport in Europe.
The ski area here is ideally suited to intermediates, and advanced skiers. However there is a good option for a ski school here too, not to mention a snow park for the snowboard squad.
Additionally, picturesque landscapes and budget-friendly prices make Krvavec an excellent option for a spontaneous ski getaway. I actually visited the resort a few years back, so check my Krvavec review for more details.
It’s worth noting that there is just one hotel on the pistes, but I stayed in Ljubljana and commuted to the slopes. You could also stay in nearby Bled or Kranj which also fall under the Triglav national park and are within commuter distance of the station.
Foppolo-Carona, Italy
Highest point: 2500m
Skiable Terrain: 50 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €40
5-Day Ski Pass price: €N/A
There are some gems in the Italian Alps, and Foppolo might be one of those worth making a trip for. The budget ski pass gives you access to some fantastic high Alpine terrain, all served by proper lifts – with mostly families and in-the-know Italians and Germans. Yes, this is very much rural Italy, so you’re not going to find much in the way of crazy apres ski. But, if you’re looking for a snow sure winter wonderland with plenty to explore – and an incredibly affordable lift pass, this might be it.
Foppolo and Carona are part of the Brembo superski area, including San Simone, which is linked by ski bus.
Cerkno, Slovenia
Country: Slovenia
Skiable Terrain: 18 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €45
5-Day Ski Pass price: €225
Cerkno Ski Resort is suitable for those seeking a quieter, more intimate ski experience at a reasonable price. Primarily catering to beginners and intermediates, it’s an ideal spot for families.
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is about an hour and a half away, making it relatively accessible.
Prato Nevoso/Mondole Ski, Italy
Highest point: 2090 m
Skiable Terrain: 100 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €36
3-Day Ski Pass price: €108
Yes, you read that right. 100kms of skiable terrain in the Italian Alps for under €40 – which qualifies as probably one of the best value ski passes on this list. OK, honestly, in high season that price jumps to €48 so maybe a little more expensive. But considering the terrain on offer here we think this is still a great option for a relatively cheap ski pass.
The village itself is also lively enough, with shops and restaurants on offer.
Les Saisies, France
Highest point: 2070m
Skiable Terrain: 198 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €47.50
5-Day Ski Pass price: €197.50
Is this one of the best value ski resorts in the French Alps… Or even in Europe? We do think this is a strong contender for one of the biggest areas with reliable snow, high altitude slopes and a great variety of varied terrain for a bargain price.
Just over 1 hour 30 from Geneva Airport, Les Saisies is part of the larger Espace Diamant with the resort sitting between 1000 metres and 2069 metres. While it’s not one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, there are slopes suitable for beginners and with plenty of variety. Both Portes du Soleil and La Clusaz are neighbouring resorts, which highlights the quality of the ski area here.
On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc from here!
If you’re looking for one of the best affordable ski resorts in the French Alps, we think you’ll be very happy in Les Saisies.
Find some great deals on Les Saisies ski breaks with Snowtrex.
Cerna Hora-Pec, Czech Republic
Highest point: 1260 m
Skiable Terrain: 44 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €39.90
5-Day Ski Pass price: €188
The biggest ski resort in Czech republic, the dual resort of Cerna Hora-Pec caters to skiers and snowboarders of varying proficiency, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. Budget-friendly ski packages and the charming Krkonoše Mountains make it a popular choice.
Although not the highest mountains in Europe, they do offer plenty of snow in the winter montgs and make for a fun spot for adventurous intermediates and beginners.
Prague Airport is approximately 2 hours away.
Find deals at Cerna Hora-Pec with Europe Mountains.
Boi Taull, Spain
Highest point: 2751 m
Skiable Terrain: 45 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €45
5-Day Ski Pass price: €195
Boi Taull is a great high altitude ski region in the Catalan Pyrenees close to the border with France. While it’s not a huge ski area, it offers some fantastic challenging terrain, perfect for more advanced skiers and boarders.
Most of the pistes are either intermediate red or black runs, so this isn’t going to be the best spot to bring the kids.
But if you want some fun snow sure terrain, Boi Taull is a fun option.
The closest airport at Lourdes is around 2 hr 45 mins, with Toulouse an option at just over 3 hours.
Find some great deals at Spanish resorts including Boi Taull with Estiber.
Les Angles, France
Highest point: 2376 m
Skiable Terrain: 40 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €45
5-Day Ski Pass price: €215
A charming Pyrenees ski resort, Les Angles combines the appeal of traditional village life with modern skiing facilities. It offers a diverse range of ski runs, suitable for all skier levels, although their beginner terrain is excellent.
Perpignan Airport is just an hour and a half away, adding convenience and accessibility to this destination. You can also fly into Carcassone (just over 2 hours drive) or Girona airport (around 3 hours).
For the best deals on Pyrenees ski breaks, take a look at Estiber.
Vallnord-Pal Arinsal, Andorra
Highest point: 2537m
Skiable Terrain: 63 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €47
5-Day Ski Pass price: €225
Andorra is a great spot for a ski holiday, and Vallnord-Pal Arinsal is a great choice for a versatile and affordable ski resort. The Pal-Arinsal ski area is still referred to as Vallnord, but is no longer linked to the Arcalis ski area which is still included in the pass. Instead you’ll need to take the ski bus if you want to check our Arcalis.
Although not as expansive as nearby Grandvalira, there is definitely plenty for everyone to explore here.
In fact, Vallnord-Pal Arinsal offers a variety of slopes, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Getting here is easy too, with both Barcelona and Toulouse Airports equidistant, both roughly a 3-hour drive away.
Engleberg-Titlis, Switzerland
Highest point: 3020 m
Skiable Terrain: 80 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €54
5-Day Ski Pass price: €258
Fun fact: Switzerland might offer some of the best value ski and snowboard terrain in Europe. If you pick the right place… And the Titlis ski area ticks lots of boxes. For starters, you’ve got 80 kms of prime Swiss Alpine terrain. This is also a powder and freeriding hot spot with high altitude above 3000 metres making it pretty snow sure throughout the season.
But while that daily ski pass price might look relatively high for a cheap European ski resort, the value is in the multi-day pass. Swiss ski resorts offer dynamic lift pricing, which basically means they offer an amazing discounts on multi day lift passes. With Engleberg-Titlis this effectively brings the cost down to around CHF34/€36 per day.
Yes, that’s right: Switzerland is actually a great value place to ski and snowboard. Don’t believe me? Check my guide to the best cheap ski resorts in Switzerland.
Formigal-Panticosa, Spain
Highest point: 2265 m
Skiable Terrain: 180 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €51
5-Day Ski Pass price: €250
Formigal-Panticosa is one of the largest ski resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees, a close second to the excellent and prestigious Baqueria-Beret. However, while Formigal is slightly smaller than Baqueria-Beret, it offers a comparatively affordable lift pass and excellent ski terrain.
With a vast skiable terrain, multiple altitude levels, and a lively town filled with great dining options, this resort is ideal for groups with mixed skill levels.
The closest international airport, Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées, is around 2 hours away, although you can also transfer from Biarritz and Bilbao, which are much longer at around 3 and a half hours. You’ll need a hire car to get here too.
Our favourite site for booking cheap ski deals in the Pyrenees is Estiber.
Les Houches, France
Highest point: 1900m
Skiable Terrain: 55 km
Daily Ski Pass Price: €54
5-Day Ski Pass price: €245
An affordable alternative to pricey Chamonix, right next door, Les Houches is situated in the Mont-Blanc valley. It has diverse terrain for skiers of all levels, and the stunning Mont-Blanc backdrop cameos in your ski adventure. The closest international airport, Geneva Airport, is just over an hour away making this a very accessible ski destination.
In fact Les Houches is part of the same area as Chamonix, one of the most famous ski resorts in Europe. But for a bargain price, you can enjoy relatively snow sure skiing and snowboarding with the whole family.
Read the full review of Les Houches.
Finding Bargain Ski Holidays in Europe
Skiing in Europe can actually be a very affordable pursuit, with a little know how. There are plenty of great websites out there to help you plan your winter holiday, many of which offer ski packages with lift passes included.
Some of our favourites are:
Snowtrex: Offering great prices on some of the best affordable ski resorts in Europe, plus top tier ones too. Keep an eye on these guys for some of the best deals with great accommodation options which also have lift pass included.
Estiber: This Spanish company offer lift passes included in their deals too, and offer some of the best prices for Pyrenees ski resorts as well as deals on the Alps too. Definitely worth checking out.
Europe-Mountains.com: Some very attractive prices can be found on this site, but you’ll need to shop around for deals which includes access to the lift passes.
SkiWorld: We think these guys offer excellent deals on all included resort packages. They are usually more focused on the well known Austrian, Swiss and French resorts, but do also offer deals on less premium locations too.
Another way of planning cheap ski holidays is to put the package together yourself.
- Find cheap hotel deals on Booking.com or Trivago.
- Buy your ski pass in advance from your chosen ski resort.
- Find the best options on cheap transfers.
Wherever you go this winter, we hope you have an amazing time!
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