Travel News: Eastern Europe Provides Best-Value Ski Holidays this Winter

by Shabana Adam | 31 October 2012

Are you going skiing this winter?

Whilst the home of the Winter Olympics 2014 is ranked as the most expensive, research reveals the popular Swiss resorts of Verbier and St Moritz could also leave skiers with empty pockets this year. With accommodation costing up to three times that of the cheaper ski destinations, these resorts rank 2^nd and 3^rd most expensive respectively.

Skyscanner researched 21 ski resorts across Europe and compared the cost of seven night's accommodation, return flights, six day's lift pass, ski and boot hire.

It’s important to consider all costs of a ski holiday, both in the resort as well as flights and transfers as costs can vary significantly across Europe

Heading east will cost skiers less than half the price of ski breaks in Russia and Switzerland, leaving Brits more money to enjoy some of the best après ski in Europe. For those looking for great value ski holidays this year, Slovenia’s Krvavec resort; voted the number one ski resort in Slovenia, is ranked as the cheapest ski destination for British ski enthusiasts.

Bulgaria’s oldest resort; Borovets is also a great choice for the bargain hunter this ski season, ranked the 2^nd cheapest resort in Europe. This dynamic ski destination is a popular resort for skiers seeking wide-open pistes and a vibrant nightlife.

Serbia’s Kopaonik, ranked as the 3^rd cheapest resort in Europe. With many new lifts serving beautiful, forest lined runs, coupled with the traditional, thatched huts serving warming snacks and drinks; Kopaonik is proving more and more popular.

Closer to home, Glenshee in Scotland won't blow the budget, ranking as 4^th cheapest ski destination.

Flights have a significant effect on the overall cost of a ski holiday: Sochi ranked as 4^th cheapest ski destination when the cost of flights was excluded. However, as in-resort costs are lower than many of the most popular ski destinations across Europe, this Olympic venue could be a perfect choice for those looking to ski for longer than one week.

Airport transfers to many of Europe’s ski resorts can also have a significant impact on the overall cost of the holiday with many costing more than the flights. The research suggests that car hire can often be easier on the wallet, with prices available from £75.00 a week.

Victoria Bailie at Skyscanner said: “It’s important to consider all costs of a ski holiday, both in the resort as well as flights and transfers as costs can vary significantly across Europe. Skyscanner's top tip for a good value ski holiday this winter is to head east."

Top Five Cheapest Ski Resorts:

1. Slovenia – Krvavec

2. Bulgaria – Borovets

3. Serbia – Kopaonik

4. Scotland – Glenshee

5. Slovakia – Jasna

Top Five Most Expensive Ski Resorts:

1. Russia – Sochi

2. Switzerland – Verbier

3. Switzerland – St Moritz

4. Sweden - Are

5. Norway – Trysil