Are you looking for the most affordable ski resorts in Europe? Buckle up for a rollercoaster of stunning views, lively cultures, and slopes that’ll make your heart race!
We get it. The price tag on a ski trip can be a bit of a buzzkill. That’s why we have listed the cheapest and best ski resorts in Europe so you can go easy on your wallet. They also offer top-notch experiences for everyone – whether you’re a family searching for a memorable escape or cheap ski getaways.
So, let’s ditch the worries about breaking the bank and get ready to shred some slopes without compromising on the fun.
Livigno, Italy
Livigno is one of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts known for its fantastic skiing setup. It’s a charming mountain village with all the modern stuff you need for a great ski trip—awesome snow parks and slopes for everyone. Plus, the friendly vibe and delicious Italian food make it a perfect spot for ski lovers. Located in the Italian Alps, Livigno has well-kept, sunny slopes just right for skiing. They’ve got slopes for all levels, mostly blue and red, so you’ll have plenty of room and won’t feel crowded.
- Cost of ski pass for one day: $34.65 (junior) to $69.30 (adults)
- How to get there: Fly to nearby airports like Milan Malpensa, Innsbruck Airport, or Orio al Serio International (Bergamo). If you’re flying into Milan LINATE airport, you can quickly transfer to Livigno by car.
- Where to stay: Find hotels near the Livigno Ski Area
Mottarone, Italy
Mottarone, nestled in the Western Alps of Piedmont, Italy, is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Europe. Its breathtaking scenery, including views of lakes and peaks, sets it apart. Easily reachable by car, it’s perfect for a quick day trip or an extended stay. The mountain boasts various ski lifts and slopes, such as Selva Spessa 1, Selva Spessa 2, and Rossa, ensuring a unique skiing experience.
- Cost of ski pass for a half day: $16.50 (junior and senior) to $19.80 (adults)
- How to get there: Fly to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the nearest airport to Monte Mottarone. Then, you can reach it by car from Lake Orta and Armeno (provincial road 41) or the opposite direction, Stresa and Gignese.
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Mottaarone Ski Area
Serre Chevalier, France
Serre Chevalier is one of the best places to ski in Europe because of its vast slope and favorable weather conditions. Situated in Southeastern France near the Italian border in the Hautes-Alpes department, it boasts an extensive vertical range and a variety of lifts, terrains, and back-country options suitable for all skill levels. The resort stands out for its regular and dependable snowfall, excellent snow quality in the alpine areas, and 80 km (50 mi) of slopes covered by snow cannons to enhance the natural snowfall.
- Cost of ski pass: $43.45 (3 hours) to $49.50 (1 day)
- How to get there: Fly into Nice (NCE – Cote d’Azur) with a private car transfer from Cote d’Azur to Serre Chevalier
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Serre Chevalier Ski Area
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one the best Europe ski resorts in the Austrian Alps. Families love it for its cozy vibe and huge ski area. It comprises three villages: Serfaus, Fiss, and Ladis, all sitting on a sunny plateau above the Upper Inn Valley. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a slope for you here. The ski runs are in top-notch condition and promise a great ride. Plus, with 80% of the slopes having snowmaking, you can count on excellent skiing all season long.
- Cost of ski pass during the low season at 2 pm: $26.66 (child) to $40.81 (adult)
- How to get there: Fly to Innsbruck Airport (INN), then take a train to Munich that stops at stations including Ostbahnhof, Muenchen Ost, Kufstein, Landeck-Zams, or Landeck-Zams Bahnhof
- Where to stay: Find hotels near the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski area
Javornik, Slovenia
Javornik, nestled in Slovenia’s Goriška region, is one of the cheap ski resorts in Europe. With 3 kilometers of easy slopes, 2.5 kilometers of intermediate ones, and 1.5 kilometers of challenging runs, there’s something for every skier here. Plus, its proximity to major cities like Idrija, Ljubljana, and Kranj makes it super easy to visit for a quick day trip or a more extended getaway. Over the years, the resort has been continuously upgraded to keep the skiing tradition alive in Črni Vrh. You can usually hit the slopes from 09:00 to 16:00 from mid-December to mid-March, with stunning views stretching from Trieste Bay to the Julian and Kamnik Alps.
- Cost of ski pass during the peak season: $9.67 (child) to $12.90 (adult)
- How to get there: Fly to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), then take a taxi or rent a car to reach the town
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Javornik Ski Area
Borovets, Bulgaria
Borovets, nestled in Bulgaria’s Sofia Province, is a beloved ski spot with a rich history dating back to 1896. It’s now the largest ski resort in the country. The ski area comprises three interconnected centers—Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets, and Markudjik—linked by modern lifts, including a gondola. Surrounded by Rila Mountain’s forests, Borovets offers scenic slopes with a charming alpine feel, complete with pine trees.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Borovets has you covered with 24 km of easy slopes, 29 km of intermediate ones, and 5 km of challenging runs. While it offers the best ski trips in Europe, remember that off-piste options may be limited, and the ski area is smaller than some in France or Switzerland. During busy times, the gondola to Yastrebets might be slow, with longer wait times.
- Cost of ski pass for 1 day: $31.35 (child) to $51.30 (adult)
- How to get there: Fly to Sofia International Airport, then take the bus from Yug Station to Samokov Station
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Borovets Ski Area
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko, situated in Bulgaria’s Blagoevgrad Province, is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe with modern amenities. The 8-person gondola covers 6 kilometers, whisking you swiftly to the slopes on the northeast side. Renowned for its value, Bansko provides affordable lodging, dining, drinks, and ski lessons compared to other European resorts. It is nestled at the base of the majestic Pirin Mountains, boasting breathtaking scenery and top-notch skiing facilities. However, gondola rides can get crowded, especially during peak times, which might cause some inconvenience for visitors.
- Cost of ski pass for 1 day: $0.57 (kids and retirees) to $54.72 (adults)
- How to get there: Fly to Sofia Airport (SOF), then take the Traventuria bus
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Bansko Ski Area
Flachau, Austria
Flachau, nestled in the Austrian state of Salzburg, offers the best ski trips in Europe. It is a part of the Ski amadé network, Austria’s largest ski network. The ski area offers access from three points and boasts modern ‘Jet’ chairlifts. It’s part of the Snow Space Salzburg ski area, which includes Flachau, Wagrain, and St. Johann-Alpendorf, all seamlessly connected for maximum skiing enjoyment.
One standout feature is the 12 Peaks Trophy, a thrilling ski circuit for avid winter sports lovers. Conquer all 12 peaks during your ski holiday and earn a special surprise. Access is a breeze with three motorway exits—Flachau, Flachauwinkel, and Pongau—allowing skiers to go from the A10 motorway to the ski lifts in just a few minutes.
- Cost of ski pass for 1 day: $2.88
- How to get there: Fly to Salzburg Airport (SZG), then take a bus, train, or taxi to Flachau
- Where to stay: Find hotels near Flachau Ski Area
Takeaway
Nothing beats Europe in your quest for the perfect winter getaway, where the thrill of freestyle skiing meets the allure of tax-free indulgence. From Bulgaria’s majestic peaks to Slovakia’s charming slopes, budget ski resorts are waiting for you. This guide covers all the details you need for cheap ski vacations in Europe. Get ready to carve up the slopes and feel the rush of the mountain air!
