Powder days are calling, and with the 2025/26 winter season not so far off, many skiers are making their plans. The European Ski Price Index from Holidu acts as an annual guide to the cost of skiing in Europe. This index analyzes over 300 ski resorts with 20+ kilometers of slopes, combining the cost of day passes and accommodation per person to reveal the actual expense of a ski trip. In short, France may be your best bet if you’re looking for good value. But if you want a luxurious experience, Austria is where it’s at.
Cracking the Code: How Ski Price Index Tallies the Tab
Ski Price Index uses a transparent formula. They take the median nightly rates for vacation rentals (from their database) and add the official day pass prices from the resorts. If the 2025/26 rates aren’t available, they use last year’s pre-holiday rates as estimates. The index focuses on two periods: the busy week of December 21-28, 2025, and the quieter week of March 22-29, 2026. The result? An average daily spend per person (covering accommodation and the pass), using slope length to break any ties.
This is a practical calculation, considering not just lift tickets, but also the après-ski experience. The key findings? France stands out as the most affordable option, while Austria, Italy, and Switzerland are at the higher end of the price range.
France’s Affordable Skiing: The 10 Cheapest Ski Resorts
If you’re on a budget, look no further than France! The ten most affordable ski resorts in Europe are all in France, showing that you don’t need to spend big for a great skiing experience. These lesser-known resorts in the Pyrenees and Vercors offer diverse runs at a lower price, perfect for families or beginners.
|
Rank |
Resort |
Avg. Daily Cost (€/person) |
Slopes (km) |
|
1 |
Artouste-Laruns |
43.5 |
27 |
|
2 |
Lans en Vercors |
44.2 |
23 |
|
3 |
Réallon |
45 |
30 |
|
4 |
Autrans – La Sure |
45.5 |
20 |
|
5 |
Roubion les Buisses |
47 |
30 |
|
6 |
Hautacam – Argelès-Gazost |
48 |
26 |
|
7 |
Gresse en Vercors |
48.5 |
20 |
|
8 |
Crévoux |
49.5 |
21.5 |
|
9 |
Le Collet d’Allevard |
51.25 |
35 |
|
10 |
Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes |
51.5 |
24 |
Artouste-Laruns is the cheapest at €43.50 a day, featuring €24 passes all year, and accommodation as low as €16 per night. With 27 km of slopes, it’s ideal for those on a budget. Lans en Vercors (€44.20) offers passes for €20-24 and accommodation for €16-28, while Réallon’s 30 km of slopes cost €45, with accommodation from €14-18. These spots may not be fancy, but they offer a quieter, more affordable ski trip with reliable snow.
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Summit of Splendor: The 10 Priciest Ski Resorts in Europe
On the other end of the spectrum, the most luxurious resorts are in the Alps. Austria has five of the top ten most expensive resorts, Italy has three, and Switzerland has two. Here, you’ll find top-notch experiences and expansive slopes, but at a premium price. These are the ski resorts for those looking for a stylish ski trip, possibly including helicopter rides and gourmet meals.
|
Rank |
Resort |
Location |
Avg. Daily Cost (€/person) |
Slopes (km) |
|
1 |
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl |
Austria |
287 |
108 |
|
2 |
Cortina d’Ampezzo |
Italy |
279.5 |
120 |
|
3 |
Obertauern |
Austria |
276.5 |
100 |
|
4 |
Zermatt |
Switzerland |
273 |
322 |
|
5 |
Gitschberg Jochtal |
Italy |
238 |
51.7 |
|
6 |
Ischgl |
Austria |
228.5 |
239 |
|
7 |
St. Moritz – Corviglia |
Switzerland |
222 |
163 |
|
8 |
Madonna di Campiglio |
Italy |
221 |
60 |
|
9 |
Kitzbühel/Kirchberg/Kitzski |
Austria |
214.75 |
185 |
|
10 |
Hintertux Glacier |
Austria |
214 |
60 |
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is the most expensive at €287 daily, with €73.50 high-season passes and €193-234/night accommodation on 108 km of slopes. Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy (€279.50) offers 120 km of slopes, passes from €77-101, and accommodation from €101-311, taking advantage of its beautiful Dolomite setting. Obertauern (€276.50) is next, with 100 km of terrain and lift passes at €69.50, combined with accommodation options between €170-244. Zermatt, with the Matterhorn (€273), has 322 km of slopes, but comes with a price tag to match its stunning scenery.
What It All Means for the Ski Trip
There’s a significant difference: the French resorts average less than €50 a day, while the high-end resorts go over €200. However, it’s not only about costs. More affordable resorts like Artouste focus on a welcoming atmosphere and accessible experiences, while pricier resorts such as Zermatt offer year-round skiing and excellent facilities.
For budget travelers, the European Ski Price Index suggests exploring the French Alps and looking for deals to find those €16 nights. Those seeking luxury can consider multi-resort passes or travel during the quieter times of the season. Also worth noting: warmer winters might increase prices as resorts rely more on artificial snow.
Ultimately, the best ski trip isn’t necessarily the most expensive one – it’s the one that best suits your preferences and budget. Time to hit the slopes! Get those ski boots ready, and make sure your skis are waxed. The mountains await – answer the call without breaking the bank!