The most affordable destinations for a ski holiday in Europe. The resort located 400 km from Bucharest

A study earlier this year showed that, overall, the cost of skiing in Europe has risen 34.8% above the rate of inflation since 2015 to date. For this reason, more and more skiers are reluctant to spend money on a mountain vacation this season. However, there are much more affordable destinations in Europe that many have not even heard of.

In Italy, the price of ski passes for destinations in the Dolomites and Apennines is set to increase by 40% compared to 2021. This increase has been denounced by a national consumer association as “completely unjustified”, writes Euronews.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria frequently ranks first in the rankings of the cheapest ski holidays in Europe, especially thanks to the advantageous ski pass rates. Here, adult skiers have to pay a fee of around €52 per day, with discounts for early bird tickets in November and December or reloadable access cards.

The Rila Mountains offer 58 km of slopes, less than in other European resorts, but the snow remains constant throughout the season.

The season pass costs €1,020 for adults, but over 75s can ski all season for just €54.

Equipment hire is also reasonable: skis, poles and boots cost around €20 per day for adults. Also, Bansko, located in the Pirin National Park, allows tourists to spend about a third of what they would pay in some Swiss resorts.

Until the end of November, the season ticket costs €869 for adults or €51 for over 75s. Prices for the rest of the season and for day passes have not yet been announced, but last year a daily ski pass cost around €56.

Accommodation near both resorts is also convenient: private rentals start from €30 per night and four-star hotels from €50.

Both resorts offer shared bus transfers from Sofia Airport, which keeps costs low.

Georgia

Although the Caucasus Mountains are warming like everywhere else, the Georgian slopes are at high altitudes, between 2,000 and 3,000 meters, which reduces the need for artificial snow.

According to Petr Majer, instructor at Vagabond Adventures Ski School in Gudauri, Georgia offers “an air of adventure that you cannot feel in the refined resorts and fairytale villages of the Alps”.

Although the infrastructure is more modest compared to other European destinations, the authentic atmosphere compensates.

Gudauri is the largest ski resort in Georgia with many facilities and English speaking ski schools such as Vagabond Adventures. It can be reached in two hours from Tbilisi International Airport.

The ski pass costs around €25 per day and the season pass – which offers unlimited access to all ski resorts in Georgia – around €200. Full equipment rental is around €22 per day.

After an adrenaline-filled day on the slopes, tourists can treat themselves to hearty and inexpensive Georgian dishes such as khinkali (knots) and khachapuri – fluffy bread with melted cheese and butter.

Andorra

Andorra is not a new ski destination, but its Pyrenees slopes have kept their prices moderate. Travel websites recommend families the resort of Pal-Arinsal, in the Vallnord region, which offers 63 km of accessible slopes for around €52 per day.

In the Pal area, beginners and intermediates find numerous slopes and a ski school, and in the Arinsal area, advanced skiers can ski at altitudes of over 2,500 meters on red and black slopes.

The Nord Pass season ticket costs €750 and offers unlimited access to Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís – a total of 90 km of pistes.

For €970, skiers can purchase the Andorra Pass, which also includes the Grandvalira area – the largest resort in the Pyrenees, with 140 slopes for all levels, totaling 215 km and reaching an altitude of 2,600 m.

There are also snow parks, off-piste trails and mountain circuits. A one-day ski pass costs around €61 for adults.

Grandvalira has won the title of Best Ski Resort in Andorra several times at the World Ski Awards, in 2023, 2022, 2020 and 2015.