Where to Ski And Snowboard - Ski resorts cut prices for 2015

Ski resorts cut prices for 2015

12th January 2015, by Abi Butcher

Prices have dropped in the ski resort of Courchevel by 16 per cent

Prices in ski resorts across Europe have plunged by up to 23 per cent, according to a survey by Post Office Travel Money.

The survey, which was compiled using prices from 27 resorts in Europe and North America provided by Crystal Ski, showed that ski holiday spending has fallen in 19 out of 21 resorts.

Soldeu in Andorra tops the poll, with a 23 per cent fall in the cost of ski equipment, lift passes, ski school, meals and drinks over six days — to £331 for a week. It now takes fifth place in the Post Office’s “best value top 10”.

Prices have also fallen in Ellmau, Austria by 15 per cent (£311), in Sestriere, Italy by 13 per cent (£354) and, amazingly, down 16 per cent in the Three Valleys resort of Courchevel in France, where ski equipment, lift passes, ski school, meals and drinks cost £503 this season.

The cheapest ski resort according to the Post Office’s survey is Bansko in Bulgaria — the second-cheapest in Where to Ski and Snowboard’s own resort prices survey. Bansko’s six-day spending total is £261, around four per cent less than a year ago, with Kranjska Gora in Slovenia closing the gap to £300, down eight per cent year-on-year.

Prices in two European resorts have risen substantially — Zermatt and Saas-Fee in Switzerland, where spending spending is up 16 and 10 per cent respectively. Skiers and snowboarders can expect to spent £570 in Saas-Fee and £686 in Zermatt, suggesting it will once again top our own price survey this season.

Although the sterling is currently strong — more than six per cent more year-on-year against the Euro – Post Office Travel Money says top resorts have been cutting prices to tempt skiers out to the slopes.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “Growing competition for business means there are great bargains to be struck in many of the most popular European resorts this season. What’s more, the continuing strength of sterling against the euro and other European currencies provides the added bonus of more pounds in their pockets for UK skiers.”

For advice on cutting costs in ski resorts, read our feature.