For many Europeans, a week on the slopes is a cherished winter ritual. But the cost of a ski holiday can vary enormously depending on where you point your skis. A new ranking of 265 resorts across the continent shows that savvy skiers can still find excellent value, especially in France, while those seeking the glitz of the Alps should be prepared to pay a premium.
The study, conducted by holiday rental search engine Holidu, analysed prices for the 2026-2027 season. It looked at median accommodation costs per person per night, based on internal booking data, and combined these with the price of a one-day adult lift pass. The daily cost per person was calculated for both high season (21–27 December 2026) and low season (22–28 March 2027), and the final ranking reflects the average across both periods.
The results are striking: nine of the ten most affordable resorts are in France, while Switzerland, Austria and Italy dominate the upper end of the price table. This reflects a broader trend in European tourism, where smaller, family-run resorts in the French Alps and Massif Central offer a more budget-friendly alternative to the famous names.
France leads the way on value
Topping the list is Roubion les Buisses, a resort in the Alpes-Maritimes, just an hour from Nice. A day here costs an average of €40.50, including lift pass and accommodation. The resort offers 30 kilometres of slopes, with a mix of red runs, beginner-friendly green and blue pistes, and two black runs for advanced skiers. Lift passes are a flat €20 in both seasons, while accommodation ranges from €15 to €26 per person per night.
In second place is Réallon, in the Hautes-Alpes above Lake Serre-Ponçon. This quiet, relaxed resort costs €42.95 per day. It has the cheapest accommodation in the top three, with beds available for under €20 per night, and some as low as €13 in low season. A one-day lift pass costs €29.90 in high season, dropping to €24 in low season.
Third is Gresse en Vercors, 45 minutes from Grenoble and set in the Vercors Regional Nature Park. A day here averages €49.00. The resort is popular with families, beginners and cross-country skiers, thanks to around 50 kilometres of Nordic trails. It has 20 kilometres of downhill slopes, and lift passes cost €27 in high season and €23 in low season. Accommodation ranges from €17 to €31 per person per night.
Other French resorts in the top ten include Lans en Vercors, Le Collet d’Allevard, Chabanon, Aillons-Margériaz and Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes. The only non-French entry is Sierra de Béjar in Spain, which comes in fifth at €53.00 per day.
The price of luxury
At the other end of the scale, Zermatt in Switzerland is the most expensive resort in Europe, costing an average of €303.86 per day. This car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn offers access to one of the highest ski areas in the Alps, with 200 kilometres of slopes and almost guaranteed snow. It has risen three places since last year, overtaking Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in Austria.
Other pricey destinations include Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy (€290.50), Gitschberg Jochtal in Italy (€271.50), and St. Moritz in Switzerland (€263.99). Austria’s Ski Arlberg, one of the largest ski areas in the world, costs €256.00 per day, while Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is €262.50.
The study highlights a clear divide between the budget-friendly resorts of the French Alps and the premium destinations of Switzerland, Austria and Italy. For those willing to trade a little glamour for savings, the French options offer a compelling alternative.
As winter approaches, and with energy costs and inflation still a concern for many households, the appeal of affordable ski holidays is likely to grow. For more ideas on winter breaks, see our guide to Europe's best outdoor ice rinks.
While the study focuses on the 2026-2027 season, the findings are a useful reference for anyone planning a ski trip in the coming years. Whether you prefer the quiet slopes of Réallon or the glamour of Zermatt, there is a resort to suit every budget.
