Bulgarian resorts – Bansko and Borovets – were again found to offer the best in-destination value to holidaymakers, according to the annual Ski Resort Report, compiled by the Post Office in partnership with leading operator Crystal Ski.
The report looked at the prices of equipment hire, lift passes and ski schools, plus lunch and drinks, for one week’s skiing across 32 resorts for adults and 28 family-orientated destinations in seven European countries, including France, which has now reopened to UK skiers.
Resorts in Italy represented the best value in the eurozone for both adult skiers and families, led by Bardonecchia. While Swiss destinations were found to be the most expensive in Europe, with the Post Office noting that costs can “vary by hundreds of pounds” between resorts.
Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, added: “This makes it vitally important for skiers looking for a bargain break to do their homework before booking a ski holiday.
“Bulgaria and Italy are again looking great value but both Andorra and Finland are good alternatives to more expensive resorts in France, Austria and Switzerland.”
Borovets was found to be the cheapest for adult skiers at £434.51pp, with Zermatt in Switzerland being the most expensive at a whopping £1,158.61pp – a difference of more than £700.
Families planning trips during February half-term or at Easter will find that prices have dropped in 19 of 28 ski resorts, which have been rated as the most suitable for skiers with children.
Another Bulgarian resort Bansko was cheapest for families with an overall price of £1,358 for a family of four, including two children under 12. This was a 12% drop on last year’s prices and an 8.5% fall compared with 2019.
Three Italian resorts – Bardonecchia, Sestriere and Passo Tonale – also featured in the top five cheapest destinations for families, with Andorra’s Arinsal also making it in fifth place.
At the other end of the scale, Switzerland again provided the most expensive resorts, with Saas Fee (£3,120 per family) and Grindelwald (£3,199) having the highest prices overall for families.
The ski market was given a huge boost when France removed its ban on UK holidaymakers visiting the country earlier this month.
Morzine was the best value French resort for families in 11th place with an overall cost of £2,134. While prices for families in the big-name French resorts of Tignes and Alpe d’Huez have risen significantly by 8.1% and 11.1% respectively in the past year.
Crystal said it had seen demand return to pre-Covid levels for this winter, with many families keen to get back to the slopes after missing out during the pandemic.
Chris Logan, managing director of Crystal Ski Holidays, added: “Skiers and snowboarders have embraced the opportunity to take to the snow once again and families can look forward to taking their half term or Easter ski holiday with confidence.
“The results of this report show improved value for skiers across Europe. There are still good late deals available, so now’s the time to book. While it’s still important for people to understand entry requirements for the destination they are visiting, the season’s looking bright and the mountains are calling.”
