Half of British skiers are looking for a cheaper winter holiday. Here are six budget resorts

Skiing can be an expensive hobby. Here are six resorts that won't break the bank. Above - a mountain view in Jasná, Slovakia
Skiing can be an expensive hobby. Here are six resorts that won't break the bank. Above - a mountain view in Jasná, Slovakia Copyright Jasna Facebook
By Charlotte Elton
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53 per cent of frequent package holiday skiers are looking for better value ski resorts, new research suggests.

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Almost 5 in 10 British package holiday skiers will alter their trip this year, new research suggests, as the cost of living crisis squeezes travel budgets.

According to new research by Club Med - an all-inclusive holiday provider - 45 per cent of frequent skiers are considering changing their winter sports plans.

The poll of 2000 Brits comes as high energy prices and soaring inflation squeezes travel budgets.

The season will still be busy, predicted Nicolas Bresch, Club Med UK & Nordics Managing director - but people are wary of spending too much.

"Based on our sales and booking trends to date, we are confident this is going to be a record-breaking season," he said.

"However, while this winter provides the opportunity for many to return to the slopes without the disruptions of seasons past, we are very aware that the cost of living crisis means budgets are being squeezed."

While some ski enthusiasts are ditching their holidays, 53 per cent of those polled said they were considering cheaper destinations.

Snow sports certainly aren’t a cheap hobby. Lift passes, equipment rentals, transport, lessons - the costs of a holiday on the slopes can quickly add up. And that’s before you’ve even made it to the après ski bar.

Ski breaks are likely to be even more expensive this year, as energy-intensive resorts push up prices to deal with soaring electricity and gas prices.

But it is possible to go skiing without breaking the bank. According to the Club Med research, 53 per cent of respondents are looking for cheaper destinations. So for six of the best value resorts in Europe, read on.

Which are the best value ski resorts in Europe?

6. Visit Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort: Borovets

Borovets - the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria - is situated at an altitude of 1,300m in the Rila Mountains. Most of the slopes are wide and open, so it’s best suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. The resort is renowned for its buzzing après ski with many popular pubs and bars to choose from after a long day on the mountain.

Average cost for a ski pass: 75 BGN (€37) for a day pass, 370 BGN (€182) for six days (2021-2022 prices; prices for this season haven’t been released).

Piste: 58km

Apres ski: a beer is 5BGN (€2.50)

Closest city: Sofia (49km away)

5. For the best off-piste skiing: Vogel, Slovenia

Vogel overlooks beautiful Lake Bohinj, in the Triglav national park, Slovenia It has just 16 km of ski routes - but the treeless terrain means there is plenty of off-piste to explore. Will elevations up to 1800m, it is one of the country’s highest resorts and good snow is usually guaranteed through to April.

Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €35 (£30) with a a six-day pass coming to €153 (£129).

Piste: 16km

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Apres ski: A beer is €2.50

Nearest city: Ljubljana (85km)

4. Ski the Pyrenees: Grandvalira, Andorra

Sandwiched between Spain and France, Andorra is a tiny country - just half the size of Berlin. Nonetheless, it boasts three ski resorts. With 210km of piste, Grandvalira is the largest, offering terrain for skiers of all abilities. The country has one of the lowest alcohol taxes in Western Europe, so your post-ski beverage shouldn't dent your savings too much. 

Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €58  with a a six-day pass coming to €310.

Piste: 210km

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Apres ski: A beer is €2.00

Nearest city: You cannot fly directly into Andorra. The country is located 190 kilometres from Toulouse airport and 210 kilometres from Barcelona-El Prat airport.

3. Ski like an athlete: Jahorina, Bosnia

Jahorina Olympic Centre
A mountain view in Jahorina, BosniaJahorina Olympic Centre

If you want to ski like an athlete, head to Jahorina in Bosnia. The resort hosted the Women's alpine competitions in the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984. It closed during the 1990s as the region was consumed by conflict, but has been steadily improving the end of the war. Last season alone, three new lifts were built.

Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €36, a week pass costs €166

Piste: 47km

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Apres ski: A beer is €2.50

Nearest city: Sarajevo (53km)

2. Take to the slopes in Transylvania: Poiana Brasov, Romania

Poiana Brasov - Romania's most popular ski resort - translates as “sunny glade.” Deep in the heart of Transylvannia’s Carpathian mountains, it is surrounded by thick conifer forests and soaring peaks. If you get tired of skiing, check out Bran castle nearby - the gothic stronghold that inspired Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula.’

Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €30, a week pass costs €130

Piste: 24.5 km

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Apres ski: A beer is €1.60 - €2.50

Nearest major city: Bucharest (136km)

1. For adrenaline seekers on a budget: Jasná, Slovakia

Jasná Ski Resort / Facebook
A skier in Jasná, SlovakiaJasná Ski Resort / Facebook

Slovakia’s largest resort, Jasna boasts 50km of pisted runs. But the real appeal is itsoff-piste routes that track through trees either side of Chopok mountain. From open bowls to steep colours, there’s something for every adrenaline seeker. It’s slightly more expensive than the other resorts in this list, but is favoured by the pros. The resort has even hosted qualifiers for Red Bull freeride competitions.

Average cost for a ski pass: A daily ski pass costs €49 (€59 in peak season), a six day pass costs € 265 (€319 in peak season)

Piste: 50 km

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Apres ski: A beer is €1.60 - €2.00

Nearest city: Poprad (68km)

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