Here you will find the cheapest ski resorts of the winter holiday

FOREX Ski Index compares the cost of a week's ski holiday at 36 ski resorts around the world, including ski passes and rental equipment. The cheapest ski resort of the year is Popova Shapka in North Macedonia, where a ski week costs about 60 percent less than a week in Sweden Sälen. Other affordable options in Central Europe include Gudauri in Georgia and Erciyes in Turkey.

As in several of FOREX's previous Ski Indexes, Central Europe and the Balkans stand out as gems for ski travelers who want maximum skiing for their money. For example, Bansko in Bulgaria and Zakopane in Poland, both with an index of 49, have become popular destinations for affordable ski trips, and new for this year are Gudauri in Georgia, Parnassos in Greece and Erciyes in Turkey . With their spectacular views and affordable ski packages, they show that great skiing should not only be associated with the Alps or the mountains. 

Apollo is a tour operator that has responded to an increasing demand for alternative ski resorts. They offer destinations such as powder-rich Gudauri, Erciyes where the village is located at 2,200 meters above sea level and skiing at up to 3,400 meters above sea level, as well as the World Cup resort Bansko in their range of ski trips.

  • Many ski travelers are looking for new, untested destinations that combine snow-sure skiing with affordability. Apollo's destinations such as Gudauri, Erciyes and Bansko not only offer high-quality ski systems and snow-sure slopes with great skiing, but also lift passes and living expenses that are upwards of 70% cheaper than in the Alps and Scandinavia. Getting a unique skiing experience without compromising on quality or budget has never been more relevant," says Daniel Giray, Sports Director at Apollo Sports.

Swedes' desire to travel continues to increase and the travel industry sees continued high demand. But the Swedish krona remains weak, making ski resorts in central and eastern Europe attractive options for Swedish travellers.

  • FOREX's latest Ski Index lists many affordable destinations where a ski week costs significantly less than in the Swedish mountains. Popova Shapka in North Macedonia, Kopaonik in Serbia, with 49 lifts and 69 groomed slopes, the World Cup resort Bansko in Bulgaria and Zakopane in Poland, both of which continue to be popular with price-conscious skiers. For those who want to combine Italian food with fantastic skiing, Champoluc or Alagna in Italy are great choices, with an index of 79 and 80 respectively," says Tom Friberg, Head of Communications at FOREX

For an exclusive ski holiday, there is a wide range of luxury destinations in both North America and Europe, offering state-of-the-art lift systems, exclusive restaurants and accommodation of the highest standard, with price levels accordingly. But even the more affordable ski resorts can see a significant price increase during the winter holiday weeks. When Sweden is not only on winter break, demand increases, which in turn drives up prices, especially for hotels. This is especially noticeable during the period 10 February to 9 March 2025, when several destinations reach their highest price levels during the season.

See the complete Ski Index here.

 

About FOREX Ski Index
The compilation shows average costs for hotels, food, lift passes and rental of ski equipment for two people during the period 10 February to 9 March 2025. The information on hotel prices comes from Booking.com and Trivago.

For more information

Tom Friberg
Head of Communications FOREX
+ 46 70-20 13 000
tom.friberg@forex.se

About FOREX
Since its inception in 1965, FOREX has been the Nordic market leader in travel currency and also offers travel insurance and credit cards