Best value ski resorts revealed

UK holidaymakers going on ski trips this winter face higher prices across Europe compared to last year, according to new analysis.

Post Office Travel Money said prices for ski school, equipment, lift passes, meals and drinks have increased due to a weaker pound and higher resort charges.

It advised cost-conscious skiers to choose a cheaper destination.

Bulgaria’s Borovets tops the table of best value resorts for adult skiers.

Ski school for five or six half-days in Borovets costs £95.99 – compared to £519 in Switzerland’s Zermatt, the most expensive resort for adults.

Several Italian resorts, including Bardonecchia, Sauze and Sestriere, also offer good value, the analysis found.

Post Office Travel Money said prices have risen by up to 7% in more than a third of the 32 resorts analysed.

The research was conducted in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays, which said bookings are above pre-pandemic levels.

Travel trade association Abta estimated that up to 1.7 million people in the UK have booked or plan to book a winter sports break for the coming months.

For many it will be the first time in three years they have the opportunity to hit the slopes after the coronavirus pandemic severely restricted travel.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Ski resort costs are likely to play an important part in destination choice this year as the weaker pound puts pressure on the holiday purse.

“That’s why it is so important to do your homework before booking and factor in all the costs of a ski holiday to the package price.

“Despite the price rises we found this year, there are still great value resorts to choose from in Bulgaria and Italy.

“Britons who want to visit traditional favourites Austria and France will find competitively priced skiing in several of the most popular resorts.”