Value for money is a top priority for most when going on a snow holidayย However they don’t have to mean paying excessive amounts at well-known ski resorts and waiting in the crazy lift lines. Nor does it mean that you have to compromise on the terrain or overall experience offered. All it requires is that you are willing to adventure to the lesser known resorts to find those true hidden gems.
1. Livigno, Italy
Livigno is nicknamed Little Tibet and is a tax-free haven situated in aย remote valley in Italy, close to the Swiss Alps. This resort provides great terrain for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The snowfall is quite consistent and the season here lasts from November to May. Thanks to a special tax status that dates back to Napoleonic times it can offer some of the cheapest prices in Europe.
2. Alpbach, Austria
Quite possibly the most beautiful village in Austria this resort has won many awards. It is a hot spot for British tourists who often return back to this beautiful village every year. This Tyrolean village has a great atmosphere, reliable snow and is a great location for beginners to learn the basics. It offers some of the best ski resort prices in Austria.
3. Serre Chevalier, France
One of the largest ski resorts in France and Europe Serre Chevalier covers 410 acres and sits at altitudes between 1200 and 2800 metres. The size of this resort means it has great terrain on offer for beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders.ย This resort is a great alternative to the A-list French resorts as it has a more laid-back atmosphere, great snowfall and great prices.
4. Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Pas de la Casa, Andorra has a reputation for wild partying and is a must visit for the true party goer. Local tour operators offerย the famous Monday night pub crawl which is organised by their reps. Andorra’s duty-free status allows it to provide great prices for its guests, you can rely on it to be sunny with some of the best snowfall and varied terrain.
5. Aussois, France
Aussoisย is an unknown resort that is tucked away in theย Maurienne Valley. This resort is ideal for a family holiday and offers the great atmosphere of rural France. It has more reasonable prices than some of the well-known resorts in the neighbouring Tarentaise Valley. It offers terrain for all ability levels however it is most suited towards beginners and intermediateย skiers and snowboarders.
The following resorts didn’t quite make the cut for the top five in Europe however they are great value for money resorts that you should definitely check out!
6. Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland
7. Sรถll, Austria
8. Jasna, Slovakia
9. Bareges/La Mongie, France
10. Bansko, Bulgaria
You may need to sacrifice on some luxuries like fast lifts and shorter transit times to access these resorts but in the long run, it will be well worth it. The resorts discussed in this article are not the cheapest ones out there however they offer the best value for money and quality experiences.
Great to see Jasna on the list, it’s truly a gem! I did a write up of my trip there last year https://snowbistro.com/ski-slovakia/jasna/