Europe’s most affordable and luxurious ski resorts ranked by real daily costs
The excitement of the ski season is building, and for snow lovers across Europe, the new year is a great time to book a ski holiday. Whether you’re hunting for crisp alpine adventures or slope-side serenity, making the most of your ski holiday means knowing where your money goes the furthest. That’s why European-based holiday rental company Holidu has conducted an in-depth price per day analysis of all ski resorts in Europe with more than 20 kilometers of ski slopes.
The aim is simple – to give skiers and snowboarders a clear picture of actual holiday costs for the 2025/26 season. The study examines both daily ski pass prices and accommodation costs per person to show the complete picture of what a ski trip really costs per day.
The findings reveal that price differences across resorts are significant, and that many affordable alternatives are closer than many may think. The most affordable resort, Artouste in France, is only £38 per day and a 2 hour flight from London. So whatever your budget, there’s a resort for you – from affordable hidden gems to premium, high-end resorts offering the ultimate alpine luxury. For the complete rankings click here
Top 3 budget-friendly ski destinations
(Average price per person per day for ski pass + accommodation)
1. Artouste – Laruns, France | €43.5 per day (£38)
Set in the heart of the French Pyrenees, Artouste in Laruns is a charming, budget-friendly ski area that offers a quieter and much cheaper experience compared to the bustling slopes of the French Alps. Although tourists may flock to the more well-known resorts in the Alps for their skiing adventures, Artouste offers a typically less-commercialised experience with ample opportunity to soak in its pristine natural surroundings free of the tourist crowds. Skiers can enjoy stunning views of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau on 27 km of ski slopes that feature a healthy mix of green and blue runs complemented by intermediate-level red pistes. A daily ski pass only costs €24 in both high and low season, while accommodation ranges between €23 and €16 per person per night depending on season. Visitors can reach Artouste via Lourdes airport, which is only a 2 hour flight away from London!
⛷️Total Ski Area: 27 km
2. Lans en Vercors, France | €44.20 per day (£39)
Located in the picturesque Vercors Regional Natural Park, Lans en Vercors offers a truly diverse range of ski slopes for both beginner and advanced skiers – all for a much more affordable price than many other ski resorts in France. Lans en Vercors not only has 24 km of family-friendly Alpine (downhill) skiing, but also an extensive 68km cross country Nordic ski area, which is perfect for those looking for something more challenging. The resort is also home to the Vertige des Cimes, a spectacular footbridge/skywalk overlooking the Vercors Regional Natural Park. This viewpoint is a true highlight as it offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Northern Alps and the city of Grenoble far below. A daily ski pass here costs €24 in high season/€20.4 in low season, while accommodation ranges between €28 and €16 per person per night depending on season.
⛷️Total Ski Area: 24 km
3. Réallon, France | €45.00 per day (£40)
Tucked away in the southern Alps of the Hautes-Alpes department, Réallon is a hidden gem offering spectacular views over Lake Serre-Ponçon. The resort is renowned for offering unbeatable value for young families, a reputation earned because its entire design prioritises safety and peace of mind. Its slopes are mainly composed of gentle blue and green runs (approximately 80% of the total 30 km of slopes), and all lifts terminate at the same point, eliminating the risk of getting lost. An added selling point is its surprisingly good weather – Réallon benefits from good sun exposure as part of the Southern Alps, perfect for capturing amazing family photographs and for those who don’t enjoy cloudy or grey weather. A daily ski pass costs €29 in high and low season, while accommodation ranges between €18 and €14 per person per night depending on season.
⛷️Total Ski Area: 30 km
Who rounds off the top 10 cheapest?
4. Autrans – La Sure, France | €45.50 | Total Ski Area: 20 km
5. Roubion les Buisses, France | €47.00 | Total Ski Area: 30 km
6. Hautacam – Argelès-Gazost, France | €48.00 | Total Ski Area: 26 km
7. Gresse en Vercors, France | €48.50 | Total Ski Area: 20 km
8. Crévoux, France | €49.50 | Total Ski Area: 21.5 km
9. Le Collet d’Allevard, France | €51.25 | Total Ski Area: 35 km
10. Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, France | €51.50 | Total Ski Area: 24 km
Top 3 most expensive ski destinations
(Average per person per day; ski pass + accommodation)
1. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria | €287.00 per day (£253)
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of the Alps’ highest and most snow-sure destinations, located in the Ötztal Valley at altitudes reaching up to 3,080 metres. Known for its pristine conditions, guaranteed snow, high-end hotels, and crowd-free slopes, this premium resort delivers a sophisticated experience for discerning skiers and has typically longer seasons than many other European resorts. It offers 108 km of immaculately groomed slopes, with a solid variety across all skill levels connected by modern, efficient lifts. Daily ski passes cost €73.5 during peak season and accommodation prices are €234. During off-season, prices drop to €193 for accommodation.
⛷️Total Ski Area: 108 km
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | €279.50 per day (£246)
A jewel in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo combines glamour with world-class skiing under UNESCO-protected peaks. The resort is particularly well-known for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics and has since been chosen again to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan due to its beauty and grandeur. This Italian icon has long been a top destination for style-conscious skiers and international visitors thanks to its stunning scenery, luxury accommodation and fine dining. Cortina d’Ampezzo offers 120 km of piste ranging from beginner slopes to challenging advanced runs, ensuring a complete alpine experience. Daily ski passes cost €77 during peak season and accommodation prices are €311. During off-season, prices drop to €101 for accommodation.
⛷️Total Ski Area: 120 km
3. Obertauern, Austria | €276.50 (£244)
Located in the Radstädter Tauern mountains, Obertauern is known for its reliable snow record and lively après-ski scene. Altitudes range from 1,630 to 2,313 metres, guaranteeing excellent snow throughout the season with minimal lift queues. The 100 km of piste offer an enjoyable mix for all skill levels, surrounded by dramatic alpine views. Daily ski passes cost €69.5 during peak season and accommodation prices are €244. During off-season, prices drop to €170 for accommodation.
⛷️Total Ski Area: 100 km
Who rounds off the top 10 most expensive?
4. Zermatt, Switzerland | €273.00 | Total Ski Area: 322 km
5. Gitschberg Jochtal, Italy | €238.00 | Total Ski Area: 51.7 km
6. Ischgl, Austria | €228.50 | Total Ski Area: 239 km
7. St. Moritz – Corviglia, Switzerland | €222.00 | Total Ski Area: 163 km
8. Madonna di Campiglio, Italy | €221.00 | Total Ski Area: 60 km
9. Kitzbühel/Kirchberg/Kitzski, Austria | €214.75 | Total Ski Area: 185 km
10. Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher), Austria | €214.00 | Total Ski Area: 60 km
