Italy topples Bulgaria to offer Europe’s lowest ski-resort prices

Bulgaria has lost its position as Europe’s cheapest ski destination for UK tourists, according to a new report.

Bardonecchia in Italy has overtaken the Bulgarian resorts of Borovets and Bansko to claim top spot in the annual value-for-money analysis of ski holidays by Post Office Travel Money and Crystal Ski Holidays.

Researchers assessed the cost of ski passes, equipment hire and tuition, plus lunch and drinks on the slopes, in 36 European locations.

Prices in Bardonecchia are up just 1.4% from last year.

That compares with second-ranked Borovets (up 8.2%), while Bansko fell to sixth place after an 18.1% rise driven by increased ski school costs.

Prices have fallen in nine of the 31 resorts that were also surveyed last year, with the largest drops in France’s Les Arcs and Switzerland’s Wengen, which are both 5.5% cheaper.

The most expensive resort was Zermatt, Switzerland, where prices are more than double those in Bardonecchia.

Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Many parents taking their children skiing will want them to attend ski school and the cost of this can add considerably to a ski holiday.

“Before choosing a ski resort it will therefore make sense to check our barometer to compare tuition costs.

“Prices have rocketed in Bansko, adding significantly to the family budget, while resorts like Jahorina (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Passo Tonale (Italy) and Geilo (Norway) are much cheaper.”

Crystal Ski Holidays managing director Chris Logan said: “With the rising cost of living, offering value for money when it comes to ski holidays is more important than ever before.

“We’re continuing to see strong demand in destinations that offer great value to bargain-conscious Brits, with Italy remaining a firm favourite for our customers.”