Bulgaria knocked off top spot for cheapest ski destination for UK tourists
There's also a new resort topping the list for the best family ski getaway.
It may not have the glamour of St Moritz, Verbier or Courchevel, but Bansko and Borovets in Bulgaria have long been hailed the go-to ski destinations for those on a budget.
A quick scan online uncovers a week in a three star hotel, including flights and transfers, can cost from about £300 in the Balkan state.
But when it comes to all the extras needed for a skiing holiday, it falls short of Italy's Bardonecchia this year.
The Post Office Travel Money 2025/26 Ski Resort Report compared the cost of six days of ski passes, equipment hire, and tuition, plus lunches and drinks across 36 European resorts.
Bardonecchia in Italy remains the premier destination for adults at £601.02, while Borovets in Bulgaria follows as the second-cheapest option at £668.06. Le Corbier retains its title as the most affordable French resort in the study at £784.40, demonstrating that budget-conscious skiers can still find value within the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine.
Italy provides the best overall value among the 'big four' European ski nations — Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland. The country dominates the top 10 rankings with six resorts represented, as Sauze (£731.80), Sestriere (£742.56), Cervinia (£817.33), Kronplatz (£834.81), and La Thuile (£836.19) all offer competitive pricing for the 2025/26 season.
While Andorra’s Arinsal (£728.50) and Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora (£685.90) remain popular low-cost choices, the 2026 report highlights the growing appeal of Norway, where Geilo has climbed to third place with a week’s total cost of £704.27.
Cheapest ski resorts for adults
| Position | Resort | Cost | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bardonecchia | £601.02 | Italy |
| 2 | Borovets | £668.06 | Bulgaria |
| 3 | Geilo | £704.27 | Norway |
| 4 | Bansko | £706.34 | Bulgaria |
| 5 | Sauze | £731.80 | Italy |
| 6 | Sestriere | £742.56 | Italy |
| 7 | Le Corbier | £784.40 | France |
| 8 | Cervinia | £817.33 | Italy |
| 9 | Kronplatz | £834.81 | Italy |
| 10 | La Thuile | £836.19 | Italy |
^The cost of a week's adult ski pass, ski and boot hire, lessons, drinks and lunch at 36 European resorts.
Following several years of fluctuating currency rates, the 2025/26 report reveals that the cost of 'on-the-ground' holiday essentials has risen in nearly all surveyed resorts. While a handful of destinations like Geilo in Norway remained almost flat with a marginal 0.1% increase for adults, other popular value hubs saw double-digit price hikes compared to 2025.
Post Office Travel Money, in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays, compiled this research by calculating the cost of lift passes, equipment hire, and tuition, alongside meals and drinks—excluding the initial cost of flights and accommodation.
Laura Plunkett, Head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “As a result of sterling’s fall in value against European currencies in recent weeks, costs in ski resorts are likely to play a big part in destination choice this year – especially as our research again found that prices vary dramatically across Europe.
“The weaker pound makes it vitally important for skiers to do their homework before booking and factor in the higher cost of ski passes, equipment and ski school in resorts to the package price. The great value available in Italy and Bulgaria make their resorts a good choice for cost-conscious skiers. However, Norway’s Geilo and Le Corbier in the French Alps are lesser-known resorts that also offer excellent value for bargain hunters.”
Cheapest ski resorts for families
Passo Tonale in Italy is the most affordable ski destination for families for the 2025/26 season. A family of four — comprising two adults and two children aged six and eight — will pay £1,796.78 for their six-day ski passes, equipment hire, tuition, and meals.
Italy remains a powerhouse for value, with Bardonecchia (£1,984.02) taking the second spot.
Norway has also solidified its position as a major contender for 2026; both Beitostølen (£2,178.84) and Geilo (£2,293.01) feature in the top 10 cheapest family resorts, alongside Kranjska Gora in Slovenia (£2,116.95).
| Position | Resort | Cost | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passo Tonale | £1,796.78 | Italy |
| 2 | Bardonecchia | £1,984.02 | Italy |
| 3 | Bansko | £2,093.22 | Bulgaria |
| 4 | Kranjska Gora | £2,116.95 | Slovenia |
| 5 | Beitostolen | £2,178.84 | Norway |
| 6 | Geilo | £2,293.01 | Norway |
| 7 | Pyha | £2,404.35 | Finland |
| 8 | Arinsal | £2,440.66 | Andorra |
| 9 | Sestriere | £2,500.03 | Italy |
| 10 | La Thuile | £2,576.14 | Italy |
^Calculations based on a week’s ski pass, ski equipment, tuition, meals and drinks for two adults and two children aged six and eight at 32 ski resorts.
How to save money on a ski trip
Heavy snowfall in the Alps has sparked a surge in demand for European ski holidays, the Post Office said.
A poll of 2,001 adults found 12 percent are planning a ski trip between December and April 2024.
Of those questioned, 43 percent said they would either stick to the same budget as their last trip, or try and cut costs.
A few ways families plan to save money on their ski holiday include:
- Switch to self catering
- Eat out in cheaper restaurants
- Reduce number of ski days
- Stay in a cheaper ski resort.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you leave. To see our list of cheap travel insurance providers, click here.
Read more: