How Much Does It Cost to Ski in Europe - Best Budget & Luxury Options
Not sure how much a ski trip can cost you? You’re at the right place.
Europe is full of top-notch ski resorts that will let you end the year on a great note – with fantastic slopes, unique food, and a ton of apres experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.
But this comes at a cost – depending on the resort, you can spend a small fortune or make the most of a smaller budget. Both options come with their benefits and downsides.
Today we’ll answer the question of
“How much does it cost to ski in Europe?”
and help you choose a ski holiday depending on your budget.
High-End vs. Affordable Ski Destinations in Europe
It’s no secret that some resorts are more expensive than others. But is the cost justified? Let’s see what the different price brackets offer.
Affordable Ski Destinations
If you want to keep the cost of your skiing holiday to a more affordable level, Europe is ripe with options. Lower budget holidays here don’t always come at the cost of quality.
With excellent skiing, a better preserved local culture, and cozier accommodations, it’s surprising how wholesome a trip can be at a fraction of the cost.
Especially for those who want to travel a lot and take in a variety of ski resorts, affordable skiing destinations provide great value for money, without compromising the experience.
Examples of budget destinations include Bansko, Zakopane and Tatranská Lomnica.
High-End Ski Destinations
The prestigious ski resorts are usually homes to luxurious accommodations, world-class facilities, and exceptional service. They often attract high-profile celebrities, royals and people of affluence.
This is because the actual skiing isn’t always the heart of the ski holidays – it’s a lifestyle experience with an abundance of designer shopping, gourmet food and glamour.
Examples of high-end ski destinations are St. Mortiz, Courchevel and Zermatt.
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does it Cost to Ski in Europe?
So… how much does it actually cost to ski in Europe? Let’s break down each expense you can expect to pay for a week’s stay.
Travel Expenses
So… how much does it actually cost to ski in Europe? Let’s break down each expense you can expect to pay for a week’s stay.
Travel Expenses
Budget: €150
High-end: €350 (incl. transfers)
While there are high-ticket first class spots, most will opt for budget flights. It’s recommended to book in advance or alternatively, you can use cheaper transportation methods such as taking a bus, train or driving yourself.
If you’re bringing your own ski equipment, it may be beneficial to book a premium flight that includes free luggage.
Finally, the destination matters. Traveling to luxury resorts may be significantly more expensive, especially during peak season. Also, private transfers can be quite costly, as opposed to group shuttle services.
Accommodation (1 week)
Budget: €240
High-end: €3,000+
Accommodation prices usually bump up the average ski holiday price the most, but it can vary dramatically. There are plenty of economical options such as hostels, rental apartments and cheap hotels, especially if you book in advance.
On the other hand, luxury hotels and private chalets can offer world-class amenities, gourmet dining and even a concierge. A single night at a private chalet can cost over €1,500 per night.
There’s a middle-ground which can cover everybody’s needs. For example, the Snomads traditional eco-chalets in Zakopane, Poland and Bansko, Bulgaria are excellent high-quality lodging options with a personalized concierge service, ski rental and much more at a fraction of the price of luxury hotels.
Ski Passes (6 days)
Budget: €250
High-end: €380
Ski pass pricing may vary depending on the time of year, where peak season is usually the most expensive. Therefore, December through March is usually when the prices are cheaper.
If you’re warming up or you’re a new skier, you can use the conveyor belts or a singular gondola to save up significantly. In general, different lift passes vary depending on how much ground you’re looking to cover.
Family passes are usually a great deal which we highly recommend taking advantage of. Still, it’s important to consider that pricing is higher for larger and more luxurious resorts.
Ski Equipment Rental
Budget: €80
High-end: €300
Equipment rental can be expensive, but there are ways to save money by being strategic about it. It’s key to know exactly what equipment you need in advance because you can cut the pricing by half if you rent skis early.
However, we recommend getting fitted for ski boots on-site, as choosing the wrong size and model will lead to great discomfort.
If possible, borrow or rent ski equipment from your accommodation providers, because you’ll usually land a pretty sweet deal.
Ski Lessons and Guides (Over 3 Days)
Budget: €120
High-end: €500+ (personal coaching)
Private lessons are always more expensive than group lessons, but can help you progress faster. For parents, sending children to a half-day morning practice can free up time for independent skiing while your kids are in safe hands.
Instructors may charge more for lessons in specialized areas such as freeriding, off-piste skiing or moguls.
Early bird discounts and group packages can significantly reduce your trip cost. Also, lodging providers usually have deals with local ski schools and can hook you up with a discount. For example, Snomads works with the most well-recognized ski schools that employ English-speaking professionals.
Food (1 week)
Budget: €100 (a meal per evening plus drinks)
High-end: €500+ (gourmet dining and fine drinks)
Food and drink is an essential part of any ski trip but expenses can vary wildly. For instance, a beer in a French resort may cost three times more than a beer in Eastern European resorts.
Some luxury resorts offer gourmet dining experiences designed to be among the highlights of your stay. However, more quaint resorts like Zakopane or Bansko are significantly cheaper, yet overflow with traditional cuisine that will fill your belly and soul.
Plus, self-catering or free meals may be included in your accommodation deal.
Other Costs (1 week)
Budget: €150
High-end: €1,000+ (the world is your spending oyster)
Beyond core expenses, you should be prepared for additional costs. These include:
- Transportation within the resort;
- Snacks and water;
- Entertainment, activities, night life;
- Insurance;
- Shopping;
- Tipping;
- Apres and night life;
- Extra services and access to amenities.
There’s really no limit to the ways you can spend your money depending on your goals and needs. Still, value-oriented skiers will find that you don’t need that much spending money to have a fantastic skiing trip.
Likewise, you can spend a small fortune on a night life experience, or opt for cheaper and more accessible options. For inspiration, here’s a list of interesting things to do in Zakopane, Poland.
Total Breakdown
So… how much does it cost to ski in Europe? This table includes everything you might have to pay for including accommodation, lift pass, food, ski rental and other expenses. Keep in mind that these figures may vary significantly, depending on what you need.
Affordable Ski Holidays in Europe
These award winning eco-chalets in Bulgaria and Poland offer a holistic experience – from the transfer, to planning, catering options, transportation services, equipment rental and much more.
An authentic European winter experience, at an affordable price.