The fact is that skiing is expensive sport. A week of skiing at a premier ski destination like Aspen or Davos can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. However, there are great ski options around the world that will cost you a fraction of this and provide you with a memorable experience that is well worth the investment.
So if you’re looking for the best skiing experience without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s our list of some of the cheapest ski resorts in the world that offer some of the most amazing slopes for skiers of all levels.
The Cheapest Ski Resorts In The World
#1. Bansko Ski Resort, Bulgaria
First on our list is Bansko Ski Resort in Bulgaria. Situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko offers a unique blend of Bulgarian culture and world-class skiing that is sure to impress even the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders.
At Bansko, the skiing terrain is vast, with over 70km of trails that range from beginner to advanced levels. The resort’s longest run, the Tomba, is a killer 16km trail that will take you from the summit of Todorka all the way down to the base of the resort.
When it comes to the mountain’s snow conditions, Bansko is well known for its excellent snow quality and long ski season, which lasts from mid-December to mid-April. The resort’s modern snowmaking facilities ensure that the slopes are always in top condition, even during the warmer winter months. With over 160 snow cannons spread across the mountain, you can be sure that you’ll have snow coverage no matter what time of year you visit.
Bansko Ski Resort is also known for its charming and picturesque town, which offers a unique blend of traditional Bulgarian architecture and modern amenities. The town is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. The town’s cobbled streets and quaint houses make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to old-world Europe, with a dash of modern convenience thrown in.
For those looking for a bit of Bulgarian culture, Bansko has a rich history that is worth exploring. The town is home to a variety of museums, galleries, and historical sites that offer a glimpse into Bulgaria’s past. The Bansko Museum Complex, for example, is home to a variety of exhibits that showcase the town’s history and culture, while the Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful example of Bulgarian Orthodox architecture.
In terms of accommodations, Bansko has a variety of options to suit all budgets and tastes. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and apartments, there’s something for everyone. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena is a great option, with its stunning views of the mountains and world-class amenities. On the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available, including the Hotel Pirin, which offers comfortable accommodations at a great price.
#2. Jasna Ski Resort, Slovakia
Welcome to Jasna Ski Resort, Slovakia’s premiere ski destination! Nestled in the heart of the Low Tatras mountain range, Jasna offers a world-class skiing experience with some of the best terrain in Europe.
At Jasna, skiers have access to over 50 kilometers of groomed slopes spread across two peaks, Chopok North and Chopok South. The resort boasts an impressive 30 ski lifts, providing easy access to the slopes and ensuring that there is little to no waiting time in line. The runs cater to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs.
The resort’s longer runs, such as the 6.5-kilometer Jasná 1A and 5.5-kilometer Jasná 1B runs, offer plenty of steep descents for intermediate skiers.
Expert skiers will be pleased with the resort’s range of challenging black runs, including the infamous “Demon” run, which is the steepest groomed slope in Slovakia. The resort’s off-piste skiing opportunities also provide plenty of opportunity for advanced skiers.
One of the things that sets Jasna apart from other ski resorts is its unique location. The resort is situated in the middle of a national park, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can take in the stunning scenery while skiing, providing an unforgettable skiing experience.
Slovakia has continued to grow as a popular ski destination. Hence, we recommend you get here sooner than later before you miss this golden window of time in which the ski hill is empty and the lift lines are nonexistent.
#3. Kopaonik Ski Resort, Serbia
Welcome to Kopaonik Ski Resort, Serbia’s best-kept secret in the skiing world! Located in the central part of Serbia, Kopaonik offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Dinaric Alps and a solid skiing experience. With its high-altitude location, the resort boasts reliable snow and some of the longest ski seasons in Europe, making it a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
At Kopaonik, the slopes cater to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The resort has a total of 25 ski lifts, providing easy access to over 60 kilometers of ski runs. Whether you’re a first-time skier or an experienced powder hound, Kopaonik’s diverse terrain has something for everyone.
Many of the slopes are wide and open, allowing for plenty of carving and cruising down the mountain. The resort also offers up some aggressive trails with steep drops, tight turns, and plenty of moguls. Advanced skiers can also take advantage of the resort’s off-piste skiing opportunities, which offer a chance to explore the mountain’s natural and rugged terrain.
When it comes to accommodations, Kopaonik has a variety of options available to suit any budget. The resort has several hotels and apartments located at the base of the mountain, as well as a range of private chalets and villas. Visitors can also take advantage of the resort’s excellent dining options, which offer a range of traditional Serbian cuisine as well as international options.
Compared to other European ski resorts, Kopaonik offers excellent value for money, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Despite its many strengths, Kopaonik Ski Resort remains relatively unknown in the skiing world. However, that may be changing as more and more skiers discover the resort’s many charms. With its unbeatable combination of breathtaking scenery, reliable snow, and top-notch skiing, Kopaonik is sure to become a favorite among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
#4. Poiana Brasov Ski Resort, Romania
Poiana Brasov Ski Resort, located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, is a hidden gem of the ski world. This resort offers skiers and snowboarders an incredible experience that they will not soon forget. With breathtaking mountain views, nicly groomed slopes, and a cozy atmosphere, Poiana Brasov is a destination that should be on every skier’s bucket list.
The resort is situated at an altitude of 1,030 meters above sea level and offers a total of 23.9 km of ski runs. The terrain is suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and there are a total of 11 ski lifts to help you explore the mountain.
One of the standout features of Poiana Brasov Ski Resort is its incredible mountain views. The resort is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with forests and mountains surrounding it. On a clear day, you can see for miles and take in the incredible scenery.
The resort is known for its variety of runs, with a mix of wide open slopes, steep pitches, and off-piste areas. The runs are well-marked and maintained, ensuring that you can ski safely and confidently. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, try out the resort’s off-piste areas, which offer up solid terrain.
One of the best things about Poiana Brasov Ski Resort is its cozy atmosphere. The resort has a warm and welcoming feel, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe. The resort is not as well-known as some of the larger ski resorts in Europe, which means that you won’t have to deal with crowds or long lines.
In terms of accessibility, Poiana Brasov Ski Resort is easy to reach from Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The resort is located just 160 km from Bucharest and can be reached by car, bus, or train. The journey takes around 2.5 hours by car or bus, and just under 3 hours by train. Once you arrive at the resort, everything is within easy reach, and you won’t have to worry about transportation during your stay.
#5. El Colorado Ski Resort, Chile
Next, we have El Colorado Ski Resort one of Chile’s premier ski destinations. Located just outside Santiago, the resort offers some of the best skiing in South America. With its high-altitude location and stunning scenery, El Colorado is a great option for skiers and snowboarders from around the world who are heading south for some “summer” skiing.
The resort has ample ski lifts, providing easy access to over 1,000 hectares of skiable terrain. Whether you’re a first-time skier or an experienced powder hound, El Colorado’s diverse terrain has something for everyone.
The resort has a mixed bag of terrain educators to all ability levels. One fun fact about the resort is that it’s home to the “Condor” run, which is the longest black run in South America. El Colorado has some good off-piste skiing opportunities too, which means you can score some side country powder when the weather cooperates.
One of the most appealing aspects of El Colorado is its relatively low cost compared to other major ski resorts in the area. A week of skiing at El Coloradois a fraction of the cost of a week at neighboring Portillo.
So if your headed to South American for an endless winter make sure you check out El Colorado for some relatively cheap ski days.
#6. Okunakayama Kogen, Japan
And finally, we have one of our personal favorites. Okunakayama Kogen is a ski resort located in located in the heart of Japan’s Tohoku region. The resort is quite remote and can be a bit difficult to reach. However, this also means that the crowds are usually quite small, which is great if you’re looking for a quieter skiing experience.
The real selling point to this ski area is the fact that it gets a ton of snow, and though it has limited terrain, there are some good tree sections with a decent slope. With over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain and an abundance of untouched powder it’s a powder pigs paradise.
The resort’s cozy lodges offer the perfect spot to rest and refuel after a day on the slopes. And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to try the resort’s onsen (hot spring), which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the best things about Okunakayama Kogen is that it’s still relatively unknown, meaning you won’t have to fight crowds to get fresh tracks. But don’t wait too long to book your trip. As more and more skiers and snowboarders discover this hidden gem, Okunakayama Kogen is sure to become a sought-after destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Best part of all is that a lift ticket is just $28 USD.
