European Ski Trips On A Budget

While skiing is never going to be the cheapest trip you could take, there are ways to indulge your passion for powder without going bankrupt.

Around Europe, a new generation of ski resorts are offering cut price packages to skiers old and young. As a general rule of thumb, avoid the so-called “Big Five” of Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Germany, where you can end up paying a hefty premium over less well-known destinations.

If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, look instead to Eastern Europe, where the reputation of resorts has been steadily improving. To find the best deals look out for ski areas which host international competitions, ensuring lifts and facilities will be of a decent standard.

Facilities in Bulgaria have been on the up, and the resort of Borovets is the best in the country. It’s worth checking out package deals in Krkonose in the Czech Republic, where apres-ski fun is notoriously cheap.

Work is currently underway to modernize the Polish resort of Zakopane, making it an attractive destination for bargain hunters. If you want to stay in Western Europe, search for packages in the tax-haven of Andorra which is nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain.

Wherever you decide to go skiing, perhaps the biggest tip for saving money is to book your trip outside of peak times such as school holidays. There are plenty of good deals out there if you can be flexible on timing.