We cannot deny it: winter sports are expensive. A week of skiing often costs as much as a few weeks of summer holidays. Especially if you go skiing with the whole family, it is quite an expense. Accommodation, ski passes, ski lessons, and ski rental are often a shock when you add it all up. You will always pay the highest prices if you depend on the school holidays. Fortunately, there are also winter sports destinations that are very affordable. In this blog, we have listed a number of cheap winter sports destinations for you where you can have a great holiday, even on a smaller budget.
The Czech Republic has long been known as an inexpensive winter sports country. And to be fair, the pistes are not as long and high up as in the Alpine countries, but you can ski just fine. The days of old, slow lifts are long gone, and in terms of snow security, you will be fine here almost all season. The resort of Špindlerův Mlýn (Spindler's Mill) is the most popular in the Czech Republic, and for a good reason. Here you will find beautiful runs, a cosy village, excellent accommodation and all that for old-fashioned friendly prices.
France has several budget villages where you click your skis at the front door and are in the middle of the ski resort in no time. Valfréjus is a destination close to the well-known Val Thorens but at a completely different price level. Here, you can choose inexpensive studios right on the slopes or more luxurious and newer flats and hotels. The ski area is not super large (about 50 km of slopes), but the average skier will have a great time. La Norma also offers about the same amount of pistes and low prices. This French car-free village is also popular with families with children. If you want a larger ski area, you can choose the budget destinations La Joue du Loup and Superdévoluy.
Would you rather go to Austria? Here, you can also find plenty of destinations where you do not pay top price for your accommodation, ski pass and lessons. In Austria, the villages with smaller ski areas are often cheaper than the prominent and well-known areas. Some examples of relatively inexpensive ski areas in Austria are Brandnertal, Diedamskopf and Wildkogel-Arena. The smaller areas are generally well-suited for families with children and are often less crowded. If you want a big area but pay a below-average price, consider Wildschönau. Around the corner from SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, but a lot cheaper on all fronts. Holidays in the regions of Carinthia and Styria are also generally more affordable.
Many winter sports enthusiasts think Italy is far away, but it is not so bad. Several ski resorts are closer than many places in France. Via the Brenner Autobahn, Meransen, Pinzolo, and Fai della Paganella are easy to reach. Once you arrive, you can enjoy prices that are generally lower than in other Alpine countries. Isolated Livigno is even duty-free. Here you can enjoy not only great winter sports but also excellent shopping.
Do you prefer to stay a little closer to home? Then Germany is an obvious choice. A short winter break in Sauerland is a good solution if you are on a budget. Winterberg and Willingen may not offer the high Alps, but they provide a genuine winter sports feeling. The ski resorts in the Black Forest, such as Feldberg, are slightly further away but also affordable. In southern Germany are the ski resorts of Großer Arber and Ostallgäu, where you can enjoy a great winter sports holiday even on a limited budget.
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
