Best-Value Family Ski Destinations for Winter 2023/2024
Planning a family ski holiday? If you’re seeking affordable ski resorts, Bulgaria and Italy have been recognized among the most budget-friendly destinations to hit the slopes with your family this winter.
Top Family Ski Resorts
The annual Post Office Travel Money report, in partnership with tour operator Crystal Ski Holidays, identified the best value resorts in Europe for a family ski holiday this winter. Bansko, Bulgaria’s leading ski resort, surfaced as the most economical choice, with an average weeklong trip for a family of four costing around £1530 (€1747). Interestingly, this is nearly £100 less than Bardonecchia in Italy, which secured the second spot at £1621 (€1852).
Italian resorts dominated this survey, making Italy the most cost-effective destination overall. Sestriere (third), Passo Tonale (fourth), Claviere (fifth), and La Thuile (tenth) are also among the listed resorts. Moreover, Italy is not only cheaper than its Alpine competitors in France, Switzerland, and Austria, but it also maintains a more laid-back atmosphere, generally focusing on fun rather than competitive skiing. However, it’s important to note that snow cover may not always be as reliable as in other parts of the Alps.
“While Bansko offers unbeatable value overall for families on a tight budget, the resorts in the Italian Alps provide an excellent option for an economical ski holiday. Generally speaking, we found that Italian ski resorts were more affordable than those in Austria, France, or Switzerland,” stated Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money.
It is noteworthy that some ski essentials, such as lift pass prices, are lower in Italian resorts compared to Bansko. For instance, a week-long family ski lift pass tends to cost less in Bardonecchia, Sestriere, and Claviere, while ski and boot rentals are typically cheaper in Passo Tonale. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider what your family needs to prioritize while budgeting for your ski trip.
The study evaluated 25 European ski resorts that are regarded as family-friendly. It compared the costs of six days of ski and boot rentals, lift passes, ski school fees, and daily expenses for meals and beverages for two adults and two children, all converted into sterling. Importantly, it excluded accommodation and flight costs.
The findings indicated that prices have decreased in six out of 16 ski resorts that were also analyzed in the previous year. Particularly noteworthy are Ruka, Finland, which saw a 4.3% drop in costs, and Morzine, France, where prices slid down by 4%. Kranjska Gora, one of Slovenia’s top ski resorts, reported an 11.8% decrease compared to last season, with a week of ski-related expenses for a family of four costing £1829 (€2088).
Other notable resorts on the list include Ellmau, Austria (seventh); Rauris, Austria (eighth); and Arinsal, Andorra (ninth). Conversely, the most expensive ski resorts were Kitzbühel, Austria (£2817/€3217) and the upscale, car-free resort of Saas Fee in Switzerland (£2902/€3314), with prices approaching twice those in Bansko.
