Italy’s Ski Resorts Remain the Top Travel Choice, But Are Rising Costs Stealing the Spotlight?

Published on December 15, 2025

Bardonecchia, a charming ski resort in Italy, has once again retained its position as the best value for British skiers looking to enjoy their winter sports holiday in Europe. For three consecutive years, the resort has been named the most cost-effective destination for those who wish to experience quality skiing without excessive expenses. Despite the overall rise in ski resort prices across Europe, Bardonecchia continues to offer excellent value. The total weekly cost, including essential services such as lift passes, equipment hire, tuition, meals, and drinks, stands at £601 per person. This represents a 10.5% increase from the previous year, where the price was approximately £544. However, even with the rise in costs, Bardonecchia remains a highly affordable option for skiers looking for great value.

The Challenge of Nordic Resorts to Traditional Ski Markets

While Bardonecchia holds its place at the top, the Nordic resorts are starting to make a significant impact in the ski market. Geilo in Norway is a prime example, climbing to third place among the most affordable ski destinations. These Nordic resorts are challenging the traditional ski destinations in the Alps, offering competitive prices and high-quality experiences. Resorts like Geilo are gaining popularity as they offer cost-effective skiing options without compromising on the overall experience.

The rise of Nordic destinations highlights a shift in the ski market, with more skiers turning to these resorts for a budget-friendly experience. This trend is also evident in other Nordic countries, such as Finland and Norway, where resorts are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability and high-standard skiing experiences. Skiers now have a wider range of options to choose from, with Nordic resorts offering competitive pricing alongside traditional favorites in Austria, Switzerland, and France.

Changing Ski Resort Pricing and the Push for Value

Recent trends in ski resort pricing suggest that more and more ski enthusiasts are searching for affordable alternatives. While traditional resorts continue to see price increases, Bardonecchia, Borovets in Bulgaria, and Geilo have managed to keep their prices relatively competitive. These resorts offer an attractive alternative for those who still want to experience high-quality skiing without spending a fortune.

For example, Bansko in Bulgaria has seen a 23.3% rise in its prices, making the cost per person for a similar ski package rise to £706. This price hike has pushed it down the rankings, as more skiers turn to other, more affordable options. On the other hand, Wengen in Switzerland has become the most expensive resort, with costs reaching £1,372 per person for the same range of services. This significant price gap between affordable resorts and luxury resorts is becoming more evident, giving travelers a broader spectrum of options depending on their budget.

Ski Holidays for Families: Italy Leads, But Nordic Resorts Gain Ground

For families planning a ski holiday without breaking the bank, Italy remains the leader in value. Passo Tonale continues to be the best value family resort, offering an affordable ski experience for families with young children. A family of four (two adults and two children) can expect to pay £1,797 for in-resort expenses. While this represents a 14.4% increase from last year, the resort’s free lift pass offer for children under nine years old significantly reduces the overall cost of the trip, making it a highly attractive option for families.

However, Nordic resorts are starting to make a mark in the family ski market. Pyha in Finland, Geilo, and Beitostølen in Norway have all earned spots in the top ten best-value family ski resorts. Pyha, for example, offers a competitive family package at £2,404 for a family of four, which is far cheaper than some of the more expensive French resorts.

The Impact of Rising Prices: Ski School Fees and Additional Costs

A major factor contributing to the increasing overall cost of ski holidays, particularly for families, is the rise in ski school fees. For instance, Kranjska Gora in Slovenia has experienced a 23.5% increase in overall prices, driven by a 67% rise in ski school fees, which now total £666 for a week of tuition for a family of four. Although the resort still offers reasonable value compared to some other destinations, the sharp rise in tuition costs has pushed it down the rankings.

In contrast, Soldeu in Andorra is the only resort to report a 3.7% decrease in prices this year. The decrease is primarily due to the reduction in ski school fees, making Soldeu a more attractive option for families who want to reduce their overall ski holiday expenses without sacrificing quality.

Insights for Skiers and Families: Best Value Resorts

For adult skiers, Bardonecchia in Italy, Borovets in Bulgaria, and Geilo in Norway remain the top choices for best-value resorts. These resorts consistently provide excellent value for skiers looking to enjoy their winter sports experience without overspending. Other Italian resorts, such as Sauze, Sestriere, and Cervinia, also continue to perform well in terms of affordability, ensuring that there are several options for those looking to ski without breaking the bank.

For families, Passo Tonale in Italy continues to lead as the best-value family resort. Thanks to its free lift passes for children, it remains the most affordable choice for families. Bardonecchia and Bansko also offer good value, while Geilo and Pyha are becoming increasingly popular for their family-friendly services at competitive prices.

Budget Tips for Skiers and Families

For those on a budget, there are still plenty of affordable options available. Families looking to save should consider Passo Tonale, where younger children can ski for free, or Soldeu, where ski school fees are more affordable. Both resorts offer excellent value without compromising the quality of the skiing experience.

The increasing popularity of Nordic resorts provides new opportunities for those looking for more affordable ski destinations. Resorts like Pyha in Finland and Geilo in Norway offer lower prices compared to traditional ski destinations in France and Switzerland, making them attractive options for travelers who want to experience a high-quality ski holiday without spending excessively.

The Changing Landscape of Ski Holidays: Affordable Options Gain Popularity

While Bardonecchia in Italy continues to be the top choice for budget-conscious skiers and families, the growing popularity of Nordic resorts signals a shift in the ski market. As ski prices continue to rise across many established resorts, more travelers are turning to lesser-known destinations that offer high-quality skiing without the high price tag. The increasing availability of Nordic resorts, such as Geilo, Pyha, and Beitostølen, provides a new era of affordable, high-quality ski experiences.

The rise of Nordic destinations is reshaping the ski landscape, as these resorts offer a more cost-effective alternative to the more expensive destinations in the Alps. For families and skiers on a budget, the availability of these resorts means that it is possible to find a world-class ski experience without the financial burden. These emerging ski destinations are catering to a growing demand for affordable, high-quality options in the ski industry.

The Future of Ski Holidays

The ski holiday landscape in Europe is evolving. While Italian resorts like Bardonecchia and Passo Tonale remain highly valued for their affordability, the rise of Nordic resorts is providing more diverse and affordable alternatives. These lesser-known destinations offer great value for travelers who want to enjoy their ski holidays without breaking the bank.

As ski prices continue to rise at traditional resorts, Nordic destinations like Geilo, Pyha, and Beitostølen are becoming increasingly popular as affordable alternatives. These resorts are making it possible for budget-conscious skiers and families to enjoy a quality skiing experience at a much lower cost compared to their more expensive counterparts in France, Switzerland, and Austria. The shift in the market towards more affordable, high-quality resorts is a positive development for skiers and families alike, offering them more options for a memorable winter sports holiday.

As the ski industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these emerging Nordic destinations influence the broader ski tourism market and how travelers respond to this shift. With more choices and greater accessibility to budget-friendly options, the future of skiing looks promising for those seeking affordable, high-quality holidays.