Skiers should head to eastern Europe for 'great value' resorts

UK skiers should head to eastern Europe this winter to find “great value” resorts, according to a new study.

Bansko in Bulgaria is the cheapest out of 20 resorts on the continent surveyed by Post Office Travel Money.

Ski staples including equipment hire, lift passes, tuition, food and drink were found to come to a total of just £271 in Bansko.

Local price rises and the weakening of the pound mean Slovenian resort Kranjska Gora, the second cheapest resort, is almost 20% more expensive than last season at £338.

The lowest price destination in a traditional country for ski holidays is Sestriere in Italy at £355.

Local prices in Italian resorts have either fallen or stayed on a par with 12 months ago to make them lower than Austria and France for UK holidaymakers.

The Swiss resort of Zermatt was found to be the most expensive European location for skiing, with staples costing £875.

North American ski resorts surveyed by the report – produced in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays – ranged from Banff, Canada at £702 to Breckenridge, USA at £1,134.

Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Ski resort costs are likely to play an important part in destination choice this year as the weaker pound puts pressure on the holiday purse.

“That’s why it is so important to do your homework before booking and factor in all the costs of a ski holiday to the package price.

“Despite the price rises we found this year, there are still some great value resorts to choose from in eastern Europe – while Italy is looking good as well and will appeal to skiers who prefer to head to the slopes in one of the long-established favourites.”

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