GO EAST TO GET BEST SKI DEALS
Winter sports enthusiasts who feel they are being priced out of traditional European resorts are casting eyes elsewhere and finding some real bargains
AUSSIE skiers and snowboarders eyeing a trip to the European Alps this winter may do better to hit the slopes of Eastern Europe instead, where resorts offer “great value”, according to a new study.
Bansko in Bulgaria is the cheapest out of the 20 resorts on the continent surveyed by the UK’s Post Office Travel Money. Ski staples including equipment hire, lift passes, tuition, food and drink were found to come to a total of just $444 in Bansko.
Slovenian resort Kranjska Gora is the second cheapest resort at $554.
The lowest price destination in a traditional country for ski holidays was Sestriere in Italy at $582.
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 holidaymakers. The Swiss resort of Zermatt was found to be the most expensive European location for skiing, with staples costing $1434.
North American ski resorts surveyed by the report – produced in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays – ranged from Banff, Canada at $1151 to Breckenridge, US at $1859.
“It’s important to do your homework before booking and factor in all the costs of a ski holiday,” said Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money. “There are still some great value resorts to choose from in eastern Europe, while Italy is looking good and will appeal to skiers who prefer to head to the slopes in one of the long-established favourites.”