When I was young, and I would tell people my family were going skiing in Italy, and they would wrinkle their noses with snobbery. Italian skiing has a bad reputation in Europe. But I’m not sure where this attitude came from. Perhaps it’s because the region has been wrongfully labeled with the reputation of inconsistent snow conditions and poor runs. Overshadowed by the French Alps for too long, Italy’s upmarket snow resorts have been largely ignored, and that’s a huge mistake. Because not only do the runs in The Dolomites challenge those in France or Austria, but these destinations are a lot cheaper, especially if you’re doing a family ski or snowboard vacation. Last week, the British Post Office published a cost comparison report of European resorts and shared that Italy dominates, with six of its resorts in the top 10 places for skiing on the continent.
Say Ciao to Overpriced Ski Vacations: Italy's Ski Resorts Offer the Best Value in Europe
The Post Office’s annual report analyzes costs across 36 resorts, considering factors like lift passes, equipment rental, ski school, and on-slope dining. Using a “shopping basket” approach to calculate the average expenditure for a week-long adult ski trip, the organization took local prices from Crystal Ski Holidays to provide a standardized comparison across European destinations.
Bardonecchia, Italy. Photo: MikeDotta/Shutterstock
The results are undeniable: Italy reigns supreme. Six Italian resorts grace the top 10 for adult skiers, with Bardonecchia, situated in the Piedmont region near the French border, reclaiming the top spot for the second consecutive year. This picturesque village ticks all the boxes with affordability and accessibility to exceptional runs and an overall ski vacation experience. The village sits at an altitude of 1,312 meters, offering access to an impressive over 60 miles of pisted terrain, with the highest chair lift reaching 2,800 meters. It’s a family favorite, too. The center of Bardonecchia is pedestrianized, and there’s an ice rink, cinema, and sports center. The resort also offers discounted lift passes for kids, and there are so many options for ski schools offering both group and private lessons.
But Bardonecchia is just the tip of the Italian iceberg. Livigno, Sauze, Sestriere, La Thuile, and Cervinia all make the top 10, consistently outperforming their more established Alpine counterparts in terms of cost-effectiveness. These resorts also excel when it comes to family vacations. Passo Tonale tops the family chart, and Bardonecchia, La Thuile, Sestriere, and Cervinia rank highly. This is primarily attributed to a common practice among Italian resorts offering complimentary children’s ski equipment rental when purchased alongside adult gear.
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French and Austrian resorts, plagued by rising costs, have fallen out of the top 10 in both the adult and family categories. Switzerland, renowned for its luxurious resorts, remains the most expensive destination, with Zermatt topping the list of priciest resorts.
Borovets, Bulgaria. Photo: stoyanh/Shutterstock
The report also highlights the emergence of Bulgaria as a strong contender in the value ski market. Borovets (the oldest Bulgarian ski resort) and Bansko, renowned for their excellent skiing and après-ski scene, also rank among the most affordable options. Bansko, in particular, experienced a slight decrease in costs this year, further solidifying its position as a budget-friendly alternative.
Norway’s inclusion in the top 10 is another surprising entry, considering how expensive it is for most to visit Scandinavia. Just a short drive from Oslo, Norefjell is a jaw-dropping resort known for its stunning scenery, groomed pistes, modern lifts, and well-organized snowmaking system. The Post Office reports a modest price drop this year, making it a more attractive option for skiers seeking a Scandinavian snow vacation.
These are the top 10 resorts offering the most favorable value for skiers this season. The analysis considered the combined cost of a six-day lift pass, ski and boot rental, five to six half-days of ski school, and typical on-slope expenses (drinks and lunch) for a single skier.
1. Bardonecchia, Italy — $687.35
2. Borovets, Bulgaria — $711.77
3. Bansko, Bulgaria — $724.24
4. Livigno, Italy — $805.71
5. Sauze, Italy — $838.99
6. Sestriere, Italy — $896.73
7. La Thuile, Italy — $913.28
8. Baqueira Beret, Spain — $932.72
9. Norefjell, Norway — $934.61
10. Cervinia, Italy — $934.68 