Cheapest ski resorts in Europe
Lift passes are the one cost you can compare cleanly between resorts, and the spread across Europe is wide. Eastern Europe and Scandinavia undercut the Alps heavily, while smaller Austrian and Italian areas often deliver most of the terrain at two thirds of the marquee French price.
Ranked by adult day lift pass price, cheapest first.
- 1
JahorinaBosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina~€30 day pass, 52 kmAn Olympic heritage resort near Sarajevo, featuring modern lifts, long night runs, and relaxed, tree-lined skiing.~€30 day pass, 52 km - 2
GudauriGeorgia, Georgia~€32 day pass, 75 kmEnjoy sunny, south facing slopes, at Georgia's largest and highest ski resort where kids up to 6 ski for free~€32 day pass, 75 km - 3
Bialka TatrzanskaKotelnica Białczańska, Poland~€38 day pass, 15 kmPoland's top ski resort, perfect for families and beginners, with gentle slopes and rejuvenating thermal pools.~€38 day pass, 15 km - 4
KotelnicaPoland, Poland~€38 day pass, 5 kmThe largest ski resort in Poland's Podhale region - Kotelnica combines 20km of well-groomed skiing and Poland's largest snow park with thermal pools at the base of the slopes and views across the High Tatras.~€38 day pass, 5 km - 5
SzczyrkPoland, Poland~€38 day pass, 20 kmThe largest ski resort in Poland with wide Trails and plenty of night laps.~€38 day pass, 20 km - 6
ZakopanePoland, Poland~€38 day pass, 14 kmPoland's winter capital at the foot of the Tatra mountains~€38 day pass, 14 km - 7
ChamrousseIsère, France~€40 day pass, 90 kmGrenoble's local mountain. Big city day trip appeal and a serious World Cup racing pedigree.~€40 day pass, 90 km - 8
PamporovoRhodopes, Bulgaria~€40 day pass, 29 kmBulgaria's sunniest ski resort with gentle slopes, great value stays, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.~€40 day pass, 29 km - 9
Sainte-Foy TarentaiseTarentaise, France~€40 day pass, 45 kmSmall, quiet off piste secret in the Tarentaise with genuine ski touring access.~€40 day pass, 45 km - 10
The LechtCairngorms, Scotland~€40 day pass, 20 kmSmall, high moor learner hill on the A939 with a strong snow park scene.~€40 day pass, 20 km - 11
BorovetsRila, Bulgaria~€42 day pass, 58 kmBorovets has a lively atmosphere with affordable accommodations and great food options. The majority of the terrain is well suited to beginners and intermediates, with 58 km of runs suitable for all abilities.~€42 day pass, 58 km - 12
Puy Saint VincentÉcrins, France~€42 day pass, 75 kmCompact south facing family resort on the edge of the Écrins national park.~€42 day pass, 75 km - 13
WillingenSauerland, Germany~€42 day pass, 18 kmCentral Germany's biggest resort. Small area, big weekend crowds from the Ruhr.~€42 day pass, 18 km - 14
WinterbergSauerland, Germany~€42 day pass, 27 kmThe Sauerland's Ski Karussell links nine areas around Winterberg for family day trips.~€42 day pass, 27 km - 15
VogelJulian Alps, Slovenia~€42 day pass, 22 kmA scenic resort above Lake Bohinj in Slovenia's Triglav National Park. Stunning views, uncrowded slopes, and exceptional value in one of Europe's most beautiful settings.~€42 day pass, 22 km - 16
Sella NeveaFriuli, Italy~€42 day pass, 30 kmJulian Alps snow pocket linked over the border to Slovenia's Bovec, cult status for off piste.~€42 day pass, 30 km - 17
Glencoe MountainHighlands, Scotland~€42 day pass, 20 kmScotland's oldest ski area on Meall a'Bhuiridh, famed for the fearsome Flypaper black run.~€42 day pass, 20 km - 18
Maribor PohorjeSlovenia, Slovenia~€42 day pass, 42 kmSlovenia's largest ski resort with Europe's longest night skiing trails.~€42 day pass, 42 km - 19
Tatranska LomnicaSlovakia, Slovakia~€42 day pass, 12 kmWhere family adventures meet alpine thrills under the shadow of Mt Lomnický štít~€42 day pass, 12 km - 20
Kranjska GoraJulian Alps, Slovenia~€43 day pass, 20 kmPostcard perfect village with a family-friendly vibe and relaxed skiing amidst stunning alpine scenery~€43 day pass, 20 km
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the cheapest country for a ski holiday in Europe?
- Bulgaria is consistently the cheapest, with Bansko and Borovets offering passes, lessons and food well below Alpine prices. Slovakia, Slovenia and Andorra are the next tier, then Italy and Austria within the Alps.
- How can I cut the cost of an Alpine week?
- Travel in January outside the school holidays, buy the lift pass online in advance, stay in a valley village and drive up, and pre book equipment hire. Those four changes typically save a fifth of the total trip cost.