Skiing on a Budget – The Destination Dupes of Europe

The Thrill of the Slopes – Without the Price Tag

Skiing has long been associated with luxury travel, exclusive resorts, and premium prices. However, holidaymakers are increasingly looking for ways to enjoy a winter getaway without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable alternatives to Europe’s most famous ski resorts—offering fantastic skiing at a fraction of the cost.

Splashing out on a ski break at the likes of Val d’Isère or Courchevel may be the preference for some, savvy skiers can head to lesser-known but equally impressive resorts such as Sestriere in Italy or Madonna di Campiglio. These ‘destination dupes’ offer comparable terrain, excellent snow reliability, and a vibrant après-ski scene at an affordable price.

This guide explores the best European ski ‘destination dupes’, revealing the biggest cost-saving resorts and the most affordable alternatives. A destination dupe is an alternative destination which is less expensive and less visited than others.

Whether you’re looking for a friendly family ski escape or a way to experience top-class après-ski at a lower cost this ski season, read on for our expert recommendations.

The Savings of Affordable Alternative Ski Destinations

Our research compared the costs of accommodation, flight, transfer, lift pass, and equipment hire of our most popular destinations to their ‘destination dupes’.

The analysis consisted of 12 of our most popular destinations and 23 potential dupes. It revealed an impressive average weekly saving of £518 per person – equating to £71 per day. This represents an average cost difference of 22%, showcasing just how much skiers can save by choosing a more budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.

When looking at the top 10 destination dupes that had the highest weekly savings, the cost saving was just under a third (31%) on average with a saving per day of over £100 compared to the original resort. By considering the selected alternative destinations below, skiers can stretch their budgets significantly further while still enjoying extraordinary skiing, reliable snow conditions, and a vibrant après-ski scene.

The Best Cost-Saving Luxury Ski Destination Dupes in Europe

These five destination dupes are affordable alternatives to some of Europe’s most luxurious resorts:

Val d’Isère: Sestriere

£1,265 saving per week

Sestriere, located in the Italian Alps, offers a fantastic alternative to the ever-popular Val d’Isère in France, with an impressive cost saving of £1,265. Both resorts provide high-altitude skiing, with Sestriere sitting at 2,035m and Val d’Isère at 1,850m, ensuring excellent snow reliability throughout the season.

The ski terrain in Sestriere is well suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, featuring a mix of reds, blues, and challenging black runs used for World Cup races. While Val d’Isère is famous for its extensive Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, Sestriere forms part of the Vialattea (Milky Way) ski area, offering over 400km of pistes, shared with Sauze d’Oulx and other neighbouring resorts.

One of the standout benefits of Sestriere is the value for money. Accommodation, food, and lift passes are all significantly cheaper compared to Val d’Isère, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious skiers. Après-ski is lively but far more affordable, with local Italian hospitality adding to the charm. For those looking to experience outstanding skiing without the premium price tag, Sestriere is an outstanding choice.

Courchevel: Madonna di Campiglio

£1,050 saving per week

For those who love Courchevel’s luxury vibe but not its price tag, Madonna di Campiglio in Italy is an exceptional 38% cheaper alternative. Both resorts boast a sophisticated feel, offering gourmet dining, stylish accommodations, and well-groomed slopes. However, Madonna di Campiglio’s Italian charm and affordability make it an ideal dupe for skiers looking for a touch of elegance without the excessive expense.

Madonna di Campiglio is part of the Skirama Dolomiti ski area, with over 150km of pistes across stunning Dolomite scenery. While Courchevel is famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and ultra-luxury chalets, Madonna di Campiglio offers a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere, with chic wine bars, fashionable boutiques, and excellent Italian cuisine at a fraction of the cost.

Madonna’s well-maintained slopes provide a fantastic mix of intermediate and advanced terrain, ensuring a top-tier skiing experience.

Val d’Isère: Alpe d’Huez

£999 saving per week

Alpe d’Huez, a high-altitude French resort, provides another cheaper alternative to Val d’Isère, saving 41% while still offering extensive skiing terrain and excellent snow conditions. Both resorts provide over 250km of pistes and have reliable snowfall throughout the season, Alpe d’Huez is one of the sunniest French resorts, making it a more enjoyable choice for fair-weather skiers.

Alpe d’Huez is particularly well suited for beginners and intermediate skiers, offering one of the best beginner areas in France with gentle greens and wide blue runs right above the resort. In contrast, Val d’Isère is known for its more challenging slopes, making Alpe d’Huez a better option for those still mastering their technique. The cost savings extend beyond lift passes, as accommodation, dining, and après-ski venues in Alpe d’Huez are considerably more affordable. Whether it’s enjoying the breathtaking views from Pic Blanc or exploring the legendary 16km Sarenne run, Alpe d’Huez delivers top-tier skiing at a reduced cost.

Zermatt: Cervinia

£997 saving per week

Skiing beneath the majestic Matterhorn doesn’t have to come with a Zermatt-sized price tag. Cervinia, located on the Italian side of the mountain, will save you a third of the cost (35%) when compared to Zermatt, while still providing access to the same world-class ski area.

Cervinia’s slopes are renowned for their long runs that cater well to intermediates and beginners, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy relaxed, scenic skiing. Zermatt is known for its high-end luxury and exclusive ski culture, but Cervinia provides a far more laid-back and affordable experience, with cheaper lift passes, accommodation, and dining options. One of the biggest perks of staying in Cervinia is that skiers can still access Zermatt’s slopes via the shared lift system, meaning visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds without paying the premium Swiss prices.

Lech: Gastein

£744 saving per week

The resort of Gastein in Austria is a fantastic alternative to the luxurious resort of Lech, which in turn can save skiers more than £110 per day. Both resorts benefit from fantastic snow coverage and are two of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Austria, utilising modern snowmaking to ensure good conditions throughout the ski season.

Whilst Lech is known for its Michelin-starred dining and VIP clientele (including royalty and celebrities), the resort of Gastein provides a more relaxed but stylish charm, including chic Belle Èpoque buildings, luxury hotels, and famous thermal spas that are perfect for those who enjoy the elegance of a ski resort without the formality of the tag of Lech. The same applies for the après-ski scene, with Gastein offering a more varied approach to the luxuries and sophistication of Lech including relaxed spa evenings to various bars such as the Ginger n’ Gin cocktail bar.

The Best Cost-Saving Family Ski Destination Dupes in Europe

Obergurgl: Zell am See

£774 saving per week

For those looking for an Austrian ski experience at a fraction of the price, Zell am See is a fantastic 39% cheaper alternative to Obergurgl. While Obergurgl is renowned for being Austria’s snowiest resort with its high-altitude slopes, Zell am See is just as appealing, offering access to 138km of pistes, a charming lakeside setting, and a well-connected ski area linked to the nearby Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

Zell am See offers an authentic Austrian atmosphere much like the resort of Obergurgl, with a variety of restaurants, après-ski bars, and off-mountain activities, making it an excellent choice for groups and families. The ski area is diverse, catering to all levels, with wide, scenic runs that provide stunning panoramic views of the lake. Accommodation and lift pass prices in Zell am See are noticeably lower, ensuring visitors can enjoy high-quality skiing without the premium cost.

Avoriaz: Trysil

£761 saving per week

The Norwegian resort of Trysil is a popular alternative to the bustling French resort of Avoriaz, whilst being purpose built for families with child-friendly lifts, designated family ski areas, and a quieter experience overall.

Not to mention that choosing to ski in Trysil over Avoriaz could save around £110 per person per day.

Whilst Avoriaz has eight times the amount of access to pistes with 600km compared to Trysil’s 75km, every ski run in the latter is well-connected and well-planned meaning families won’t get lost or overwhelmed with the complexity of the resort.

Whilst both resorts are incredibly snow-sure in their own respects, Trysil benefits from its northern location and long, cold winters. The Norwegian resort also features several fantastic non-skiing options such as an ice rink and dog sledding, making Trysil a great option for families who want an easy-going yet varied experience.

Les Arcs: Arinsal

£488 saving per week

The resort of Arinsal in Andorra provides a budget-friendly ski experience from just £1,337 per week, making it an attractive alternative option to the more expensive Les Arcs in France. While Les Arcs benefits from being part of the vast Paradiski area, Arinsal offers a smaller yet highly efficient ski network with well-maintained pistes and an excellent ski school, perfect for families and beginners.

One of the biggest advantages of Arinsal is the significantly lower cost of accommodation, lift passes, and dining, thanks to Andorra’s tax-free status.

The resort has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those new to skiing or those looking for a relaxed ski holiday. Despite being more budget-conscious, Arinsal still has access to exciting skiing and a lively après-ski scene.

La Plagne: Samoëns

£288 saving per week

Both of these resorts provide an extensive, well-connected ski area for thrill-seekers and families to explore, however the resort of Samoëns provides a quieter, more relaxed feel, at a reduced price when compared to the ever-popular La Plagne.

Samoëns offers beginner areas and ski schools for novices and young children alike, all whilst offering access to the famous Combe de Gers freeride area and steep terrain in Flaine, which offers top-quality expert skiing routes for those a bit more advanced.

Whilst La Plagne is a purpose-built ski resort and is designed for convenience, Samoëns is a beautiful, historic alpine village featuring traditional chalets and authentic stone buildings – providing a more upmarket feel and making it a more scenic and enticing place to stay, for around £43 per person less per day!

The Best Cost-Saving Après-Ski Destination Dupes in Europe

St. Anton: Kitzbühel

£777 saving per week

For those looking to experience Austria’s legendary ski culture without the steep price tag, Kitzbühel is an excellent alternative to St. Anton from £1,482 per week. St. Anton is famous for its world-class après-ski and challenging runs, but these luxuries come at a premium. Kitzbühel, while still offering a lively après-ski scene and fantastic terrain, provides significantly more affordable accommodation and lift pass prices.

Kitzbühel’s medieval charm, high-quality pistes, and access to 230km of ski runs make it a superb alternative for skiers who want an immersive Austrian ski experience without overspending. The resort also boasts more varied terrain, making it ideal for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. With charming streets, legendary ski heritage, and a more budget-friendly price tag, Kitzbühel is an outstanding alternative to St. Anton.

Val Thorens and Tignes: Cervinia

£357 and £205 saving per week

Although already explored as an alternative for a luxurious ski holiday – the resort of Cervinia provides a fantastic alternative to both of the après-ski hotspots of Val Thorens and Tignes, particularly if you are after snow-sure skiing with scenic, high-altitude runs, and an energetic atmosphere.

As mentioned previously, Cervinia is great for those looking for a luxury ski holiday without the price tag, but the resort also offers great nightlife, with a slightly more relaxed vibe than Val Thorens and Tignes.

The après-ski scene is still lively in Cervinia, social, and fun, much like that of Val Thorens and Tignes, however, focuses more on quality food and great wine. There are popular spots in Cervinia to consider such as Yeti Bar and Chalet Plantorrette that offer great music, drinks, and a warming atmosphere.

St. Anton: Sierra Nevada

£288 saving per week

Whilst comparing St. Anton again, another fantastic alternative to the thriving Austrian resort lies further afield in the hidden gem of Sierra Nevada, the southern-most ski resort in all of Europe towards the south coast of Spain.

Whilst both resorts are snow-sure, Sierra Nevada stands out as a fantastic alternative due to its location, receiving greater amounts of sunshine than St. Anton, making it one of the best places in Europe for warm, blue-sky ski conditions. Food and drink prices are considerably more affordable than Austria, meaning skiers can enjoy top-quality tapas, wine, and beer for much less than the Alps resort.

Après-ski in this Spanish resort offers a vibrant but unique experience, with more of a Fiesta feel than traditional alpine-beer drinking. Spaniards tend to enjoy longer evenings, so you’ll find that the party tends to start a bit later here, particularly at bars such as La Chimenea and T-Bar.

Conclusion

Skiing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By choosing a destination dupe, skiers can enjoy excellent slopes, lively après-ski, and stunning Alpine scenery without the premium price tag. Whether you’re looking for the biggest percentage savings or simply a holiday more friendly on your wallet, resorts like Sestriere, Zell am See, and Arinsal offer fantastic value for money.

If you’re planning your next ski holiday and want to make the most of your budget, consider these affordable alternatives – ensuring you get the best experience without compromising on quality. For the latest ski deals and expert advice, find more information on all of our available packages at Ski Solutions.