Sterling boost for UK skiers travelling to Europe

Falling local prices and a rise in sterling means UK skiers will pay less than last season in many European resorts, according to new research.

Prices are down in 15 out of 20 resorts surveyed, Post Office Travel Money said.

Although the value of the pound against the euro has dropped 5.1 per cent in the past six months, it is up 1.5 per cent compared with this time last year.

The overall cost of equipment hire, lift passes, ski schools, meals and drinks is lowest in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. A small beer will set UK holidaymakers back an average of just £1.80 in the resort, with lunch on the slopes typically costing only £6.76.

Bardonecchia in Italy is the second cheapest ski destination in the report, ahead of Bansko in Bulgaria, Morzine in France and Sestriere, Italy.

Popular resorts such as Zermatt in Switzerland, St Anton in Austria and Val d’isere in France are more than 40 per cent more expensive than Kranjska Gora.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “With increasing pressure on the pocket, resort costs will be a key factor in determining where to ski this year.

“Prices are down in most resorts but the best savings to be struck are where the improved exchange rate combines with falling local prices.”