Five of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe

If you’re savvy with your booking, cheap ski holidays are certainly possible! You can make great savings just by choosing the right ski resort. We’ve picked five of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe where epic skiing won’t break your bank account.

Cheapest ski resorts in Europe

There are other things to consider too, like not travelling during school holidays if you can help it. Also, check that supposedly cheap budget airlines aren’t charging expensive add-ons. If you’re a beginner consider smaller resorts as they often equal smaller prices. And get in touch with your chosen ski resort’s tourist office for recommendations of value-for-money accommodation. Read our five of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe . . .

Cheapest ski resorts in France

Cauterets, France: Spa town with a long, snowy season

Best for: Beginners & intermediates

Skiing in Cauterets

Relatively unknown to Brits, Cauterets is well-deserving of its place in our ‘cheapest ski resorts in Europe’ list. The resort has one of the best snow records and longest seasons in the Pyrenees.  Plus it offers prices at a snip of neighbouring resorts in the French Alps.

The pistes, located in the Lys area, are accessed via a 12-minute ride on the Telecabine du Lyse cable car. The skiing is best suited to beginners and intermediates and takes place in a high, open and treeless bowl. The cross-country skiing in the Pont d’Espagne area is particularly good and only 7km from the main base.

Cauterets is a lovely spa town so a tip would be to combine a couple of days’ skiing with a relaxing spa treatment. The Thermes Cesar, located in an historic Victorian building in the centre of town, offers a range of treatments to suit most budgets.

Apres-ski is chilled out and tends to be followed by some local French fare served at any one of the excellent restaurants. For lunch on the mountain try either Le Pont d’Espagne or Reine Hortense Hostelerie. As for where to stay, self-catering is a good value option here. There are plenty of well-stocked supermarkets and shops at which to pick up all the necessities.

Cheapest ski resorts in Austria

Mayrhofen, Austria: Lively Tyrolean village with terrific freeriding

Best for: Everyone! Particularly freeriders & revellers

Skiing in Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen might seem like a surprising choice as one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe, given that it should be on every skier/rider’s wish list. But in fact this freeriding mecca offers great deals at certain times of year.

The local area covers 133km of pistes and the Ziller Valley offers even more (620km). The year-round Hintertux is just a half-hour bus ride away. Highlights include the Vans Penken Park and oodles of untouched powder. Zell am Ziller and Kaltenbach are quieter spots with heaps of shreddable powder.

The Tyrolean village has accommodation to suit all budgets, from seriously luxurious to quality guesthouses and apartments. Value-for-money options include centrally-located Gasthof Edelweiss and the charming Hotel Siegelerhof. Keep an eye on the holiday deals page at mayrhofen.at

Mayrhofen is famed for its lively après-ski scene but there are a plethora of bars to suit all tastes.

Ellmau, Austria: Relaxed, pretty village ideal for families

Best for: Families with young children

Skiing in Ellmau

Quaint Ellmau forms part of the extensive SkiWelt area (284km). The linked villages of Soll, Hopfgarten, and Brixen, also offer relatively low prices.

Those who enjoy cruising will get the most out of the terrain on offer. But advanced skiers will find their technical ability challenged too on the black runs atop Solls Hohe Salve (1830m). There are some fantastic nursery slopes on either side of the village making it a perfect place for families, as well as easy areas up the mountain at Astberg and Brandstad.

Although Ellmau is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe, its downside is the low altitude, but the resort has an efficient snowmaking system.

Ellmau’s après is laid back and will most likely disappoint drunken revellers. Instead its relaxed vibe and is perfect for families with young children.

Cheap skiing in Italy

Sestriere, Italy: High-altitude skiing on the Franco-Italian border

Best for: Intermediates

Skiing in Sestriere

Sestriere (2,035m) forms part of the vast Milky Way circuit (400km) so a good skier will get a lot of bang for their buck. This makes it well-deserving of its place on our ‘Cheapest ski resorts in Europe’ list. The resort has hosted FIS Ski World Cup races and was one of the main venues for the Torino Winter Olympics.

Thanks to its high-altitude, north-west facing slopes the resort is more snow-sure than its neighbours and has more challenging runs. The runs down into Sansicario are great for intermediate to advanced skiers and the Olympic Black is highly recommended.

Sestiere attracts an international set and as such nightlife is generally buzzing. You’ll find the Brits at the Hutel du Col bar at the base of the main piste. Otherwise head to Pinkies Pizzeria for a few drinks and Tabata for dancing at the weekend.

Any downside to Sestriere? Well, it’s a purpose-built resort and it looks like one too. Self-catering is a good move in Sestriere with nearly all of the major tour operators offering deals. If you can afford to spend a bit more The Miramonti and Savoy Edelweiss, both three-star, are in good locations.

Cheap skiing in Slovenia

Vogel, Slovenia: Pretty tree-lined chutes above Lake Bohinj

Best for: Beginners & intermediates

Skiing in Vogel

We couldn’t talk about the cheapest ski resorts in Europe without mentioning skiing in Eastern Europe. If you’re with a group of beginners then it really is worth doing your homework because you could save hundreds of pounds.

One of the best, in terms of scenery and budget, is Slovenia. This tiny country, just half the size of Switzerland, has earned the nickname ‘Europe in Miniature’ such is the diversity of its stunning landscape. Vogel, one of the better-known ski resorts, is located in Triglav National Park above the tranquil Lake Bohinj. Peer into Slovenia’s largest natural lake and you’ll see glaciers and mountain peaks reflected in its aqua-blue waters.

Vodel is situated within two bowls, and is best suited to beginners and intermediates. You’ll find a decent black run complete with steep drops and tree-lined chutes down from the top of Sija (1,800m). But confident skiers will conquer the majority of the terrain with ease.

There are a number of inns, chalets, and a hotel on the mountain to choose from, most of them cheap, cozy and with awesome views. The downside of this serene environment is the lack of infrastructure and a lack of convenience; lifts are outdated and restaurant choices are limited. Nightlife is not happening either. However a friendly family-owned restaurant worth a visit is the Gostilna Gombac, its venison is renowned and the gnocchi to die for.