Affordable ski resorts are not a myth! There are plenty of small ski resorts in Europe that have cheap accommodation, lift passes, and ski hire needed to enjoy your trip away to the mountains. We have put together a guide that allows you to go on a winter getaway on a budget.
1. Livigno, Italy
Livigno is one of the top affordable ski resorts around, largely down to it being a tax-free region. This means you can get delicious Italian cuisine at a very reduced price. The average drink will cost you £2-£4.50 in most bars too. Located near the Swiss border, the Italian ski resort has 115km of slopes suitable mainly for beginners and intermediate skiers or snowboarders. If you are a more advanced skier, there are two black runs and a variety of off-piste opportunities to explore, so there’s a bit of something for everyone.
Stay At:
Hotel Amerikan in Livigno has an enviable position, just 20m from the lifts. The hotel features an eco-friendly indoor pool, pizzeria, and restaurant.
2. Filzmoos, Austria
Filzmoos is one of the smallest ski resorts in Europe with only 13km of pistes in the area. The ski resort is only a bus ride to larger resorts if you want to venture out further afield. The cosy alpine atmosphere is perfect for families to enjoy a relaxed time away. It’s mainly suited for beginner or intermediate skiers, although there is a black run named after former World Cup skier Michaela Kirchgasser. Like most Austrian resorts, prices aren’t crazy on the mountain or for accommodation, making it an affordable ski resort option for you to enjoy. Filzmoos is also just one hour from Salzburg airport, making it one of the more accessible ski resorts in Europe.
Stay At:
Hotel Hammerhof in Filzmoos is a charming, family-run hotel with a sauna, bar and restaurant.
3. Arinsal, Andorra
Andorra has a great reputation for its affordable ski resorts. Arinsal is no exception. It is great value for money with its 92km of pistes and variety of après to choose from too. The area is virtually tax-free so what you spend on the mountain will be at a reduced price. You can enjoy a fantastic variety of bars and restaurants that cater for different tastes and moods. The skiing is perfect for intermediates and beginners with 47km of blue runs to enjoy. If you’re heading to the mountains with the family, there are plenty of childcare facilities to book too.
4. Sierra Nevada, Spain
The Sierra Nevada is one of Europe’s highest resorts, making it very snow-sure throughout the winter (not your usual thoughts when you think of sunny Spain). It’s an affordable ski resort due to its low price range of accommodation and cheap delicious tapas you can have on the mountain. There are 102km of slopes to explore, with jaw-dropping views of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. The slopes are great if you are an intermediate and beginner due to the wide-open blue and greens around the area.
Stay At:
The luxury hotel El Lodge is a gorgeous gem in the Sierra Nevada resort, located close to the slopes.
5. Niederau-Oberau, Austria
Nidereau-Oberau is a classic small ski resort in Austria and is very much a hidden gem. The ski resort is part of the SkiJuwel ski area and has access to 109km of pistes. If you’re a beginner or intermediate skier this ski area is geared up for you. There are plenty of blue runs to cruise on with breath-taking views. The choice of accommodation and food isn’t expensive either making it a highly affordable ski resort to visit.
Stay At:
Hotel Sonnschein is a fantastic hotel styled in traditional Alpine architecture. The hotel is made up of a range of spacious rooms and apartments as well as an extensive selection of free leisure facilities.
6. Pila, Italy
Pila is a small ski resort compared to most in Europe. It has 70km of pistes but what it lacks in kilometres it makes up in short queue times and beautiful mountain landscapes. Pila is a well-kept secret of Italy based in the Aosta Valley, with slopes catered for all levels of skier or snowboarder. If you are on a budget, there’s a good choice of self-catered apartments or cheap hotels to choose from. On the mountain, prices aren’t steep for lunch or dinner either and you’re always guaranteed a good meal in Italy.
Stay At:
Hotel La Chance in Pila is a beautiful boutique hotel with true Alpine charm and located close to the slopes.
7. Kühtai, Austria
Austria compared to most of Europe has plenty of small ski resorts. Kühtai is another hidden secret on the list, with only 35km of pistes but fantastic scenic views. Its high altitude of 2,020m – 2,660m makes it one the highest ski resorts in the country, which is great for guaranteed snow throughout the season. For a small ski resort, it has plenty of accommodation choices suitable for a variety of budgets. The short transfer time of 40 mins from Innsbruck airport is a big plus too.
8. Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu is another affordable ski resort in Andorra. Based in the Grandvalira ski area there are great connections to neighbouring ski resorts Pas de la Casa, El Tarter and Canillo. Soldeu was the host for the 2019 Alpine World Cup finals which put the ski resort on the international stage. If you buy a full lift pass you can ski 210km of slopes with a variety of terrain. This ski resort is suited to all abilities of skiers, which is ideal for mixed groups.
Stay At:
Park Piolets Mountain Hotel and Spa is a four-star hotel located close to the centre of Soldeu.
9. Les Menuires, France
It might be part of one of the biggest ski areas in Europe, but Les Menuires is a small ski resort. It doesn’t quite have the glam of its neighbouring ski resorts of Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, however, there is still fantastic skiing to enjoy. If you’re on a budget a local pass rather than the whole area pass makes Les Menuires an affordable ski resort. Most of the accommodation options are small self-catered chalets or apartments, which also contribute to a low-cost ski holiday.
Stay At:
The contemporary Hotel Le Kaya is found in a lovely part of Les Menuires at 1850m, with stunning views of the Cime Caron.
10. Alpbach, Austria
Stunning views and a friendly local atmosphere makes Alpbach one of the must-visit small ski resorts in Europe. Located in the SkiJuwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area, the Austrian resort has 109km of pistes to explore and great off-piste opportunities too. The ski area is perfect for intermediates and beginners, with a few ski schools to choose from. Meals on the slopes aren’t expensive either, making Alpbach a great affordable ski resort option.
Speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700 for more information on small and affordable ski resorts in Europe.
