Affordable Skiing in the Alps: Your Budget-Friendly Guide

March 21, 2025 pierce

Ski enthusiasts, it’s time to make the most of the snow while it lasts—grab your gear, bundle up, and hit the slopes for an adventure you won’t forget! But let’s be honest—skiing can often come with a hefty price tag. Between lift passes, equipment rentals, and après-ski fun, the expenses can pile up quickly.

Fortunately, a recent ski report by Post Office Travel Money has uncovered the cheapest ski resorts for the 2025 season and we’re here to break it all down for you – plus, share some top money-saving tips to make your trip even better.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or hitting the slopes for the first time, this guide will help you plan an incredible trip without breaking the bank. So, sit back, rest those ski legs, and let’s explore the world of affordable ski holidays!

Top Budget-Friendly Resorts

Whether you’re traveling with family, flying solo, or looking for a romantic getaway, we’ve rounded up the top 10 affordable ski resorts in Europe to suit every type of skier:

1. Best Value Family Resort: Ellmau, Austria

Ellmau is a dream ski destination perfect for families, offering affordable lift passes, gentle slopes for beginners, and a welcoming atmosphere. With a six-day adult lift pass costing just £323 and free passes for kids under 10, it’s a budget-friendly choice. The resort also boasts excellent ski schools and plenty of off-slope activities to keep everyone entertained.

Why It’s Great for Families: Affordable lessons, child-friendly slopes, and a relaxed vibe.

Getting There: Fly into Salzburg or Munich Airport, and book a transfer with Alps2Alps for a stress-free journey to Ellmau resort.

2. Best Value Resort for Quiet Slopes: Le Corbier, France

Le Corbier is a hidden gem in the French Alps, offering uncrowded slopes and stunning views. A six-day lift pass costs around £252, making it a great choice for skiers who want to avoid the crowds. The resort is part of the larger ski area: Les Sybelles, giving you access to over 300km of slopes.

Why It’s Great for Quiet Slopes: Peaceful atmosphere, uncrowded runs, and great value.

Getting There: Fly into Geneva or Lyon Airport, Geneva to Le Corbier transfers are under 2.5 hours.

3. Best Value Resort for Intermediates: Livigno, Italy

Known as “Little Tibet,” Livigno offers excellent value for beginner and intermediate skiers. A six-day lift pass costs around £242, and the resort boasts a wide range of red and blue runs. Plus, its tax-free status means you can enjoy shopping and dining at lower prices.

Why It’s Great for Intermediates: Varied terrain, stunning scenery, and tax-free shopping.

Getting There: Milan Malpensa and Bergamo airports are the closest options. Alps2Alps provides reliable Milan to Livigno transfers from €63 / £53, ensuring a smooth start to your holiday.

4. Best Value Resort for Glacier Skiing: Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes is a paradise for skiers who want guaranteed snow. With its high-altitude glacier skiing, the resort offers excellent conditions throughout the season. A six-day lift pass costs around £262, and the resort is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere.

Why It’s Great for Glacier Skiing: Reliable snow, varied terrain, and a fun vibe.

Getting There: Fly into Grenoble or Lyon Airport, and book a transfer with Alps2Alps for a hassle-free journey. Book a Grenoble to Les Deux Alpes transfer for as little as € 43 / £36.

5. Best Value Resort for Après-Ski Lovers: Mayrhofen, Austria

Mayrhofen is famous for its lively après-ski scene, with bars and clubs that keep the party going long after the slopes close. A six-day lift pass costs around £314, and the resort offers a mix of great skiing and unbeatable nightlife.

Why It’s Great for Après-Ski Lovers: Legendary nightlife, affordable drinks, and a fun atmosphere.

Getting There: Innsbruck Airport is the closest option. Alps2Alps offers quick and comfortable Innsbruck to Mayrhofen transfers from €23 / £19, so you can start your holiday in style without breaking the bank.

6. Best Value Resort for Beginners: Bardonecchia, Italy

Bardonecchia is a fantastic choice for beginners, offering gentle slopes and affordable ski lessons. A six-day lift pass costs around £159, making it the cheapest option in the region. The resort’s friendly atmosphere and compact size make it ideal for first-time skiers.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Budget-friendly lessons, easy slopes, and of course, delicious Italian cuisine.

Getting There: Fly into Turin Airport, and let Alps2Alps take you straight to Bardonecchia resort in comfort.

7. Best Value Resort for Scenery: Saas Fee, Switzerland

Saas Fee is a picturesque resort surrounded by 13 towering peaks. A six-day lift pass costs around £364, and the resort offers a mix of stunning scenery and well-groomed slopes. It’s perfect for skiers who want to combine great skiing with breathtaking views.

Why It’s Great for Scenery: Picture-perfect views, peaceful atmosphere, and reliable snow.

Getting There: Geneva or Zurich airports are the most convenient options. Alps2Alps provides seamless transfers to Saas Fee, with shared or private rides available.

8. Best Value Resort for Families: La Plagne, France

La Plagne is a fantastic choice for families, offering a wide range of slopes and plenty of off-slope activities. A six-day lift pass costs around £275, and the resort is part of the massive Paradiski area, giving you access to over 425km of slopes.

Why It’s Great for Families: Family-friendly slopes, affordable lessons, and plenty of activities.

Getting There: Fly into Geneva or Lyon Airport, and secure a transfer with Alps2Alps for a smooth ride to the resort. Book a Geneva to La Plagne transfer from €47 / £39.

9. Best Value Resort for Advanced Skiers: Sestriere, Italy

Sestriere is a great choice for advanced skiers, offering challenging slopes and a lively atmosphere. A six-day lift pass costs around £213, and the resort is part of the Via Lattea ski area, giving you access to over 400km of slopes.

Why It’s Great for Advanced Skiers: Challenging runs, varied terrain, and great value.

Getting There: Fly into Turin Airport, and book a Turin to Sestriere transfer from €41 / £34 to take you straight to the resort in comfort.

10. Best Value Resort for a Romantic Getaway: Morzine, France

Morzine is a charming resort with a traditional alpine feel, making it perfect for a romantic escape. A six-day lift pass costs around £222, and the resort offers a mix of great skiing and cosy chalets.

Why It’s Great for a Romantic Getaway: Charming atmosphere, gourmet dining, and intimate slopes.

Getting There: Geneva Airport is the closest option. Alps2Alps provides luxurious Geneva to Morzine transfers, making your journey as special as your destination.

Saving on Ski Essentials

Now that you know where to go, let’s talk about how to save on the essentials. Here are some top tips:

1. Lift Passes

Lift passes are one of the biggest expenses on a ski holiday, but there are ways to save. Look for resorts that offer discounts for early bookings or multi-day passes. Some resorts also offer family packages, which can significantly reduce costs if you’re traveling with kids.

Pro Tip: If you add a ski pass to your transfer you can save money and avoid the queues on arrival.

2. Equipment Hire

If you don’t own your own gear, ski hire can add up quickly. To save money, consider booking your skis, boots, and poles online in advance. Many resorts offer discounts for pre-booking, and you’ll avoid the last-minute rush at the rental shop.

Pro Tip: If you add ski rental to your transfer you can save money and take the hassle out of travelling with equipment.

3. Ski School

Ski lessons are a must for beginners, but they can be pricey. To save money, look for group lessons instead of private ones. Many resorts also offer free or discounted lessons for children, so be sure to check out the family-friendly options.

4. Après-Ski

No ski holiday is complete without a bit of après-ski fun, but those drinks and snacks can quickly add up. To save money, opt for happy hour deals or head to local bars instead of the resort’s main hotspots. And don’t forget to try the local specialties – they’re often cheaper (and tastier) than the international options.

Far away shot of lots of people skiing on a slope

Transport Tips: Getting to the Alps on a Budget

Once you’ve chosen your resort and booked your essentials, it’s time to think about how you’re going to get there. This is where Alps2Alps comes in! As a leading transfer service in the Alps, Alps2Alps offers affordable and convenient transfers to resorts across the region.

Here’s why Alps2Alps perfectly to compliments budget friendly skiing:

Competitive Prices: Alps2Alps offers some of the most competitive rates in the industry, with discounts for off-peak travel and group bookings.
Shared Transfers: If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, shared transfers are a great way to save money. You’ll share the ride with other skiers heading to the same resort, splitting the cost and making new friends along the way.
Free Child Seats: Traveling with kids? Alps2Alps provides free child seats, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs.
Flexible Booking: Plans change, and Alps2Alps gets that. With flexible booking options, you can adjust your transfer without any hassle.

Making the Most of Your Ski Holiday

Skiing in the Alps doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. With a bit of planning and some insider tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable ski holiday without breaking the bank. Here are a few final tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Travel Off-Peak: Prices for accommodation, lift passes, and transfers are often lower during off-peak periods. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowds and have the slopes almost to yourself.
Pack Smart: Don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and hand warmers. Buying these items at the resort can be expensive, so it’s best to come prepared.
Explore Beyond the Slopes: The Alps are about more than just skiing. Take some time to explore the local culture, try traditional dishes, and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Skiing in the Alps is a dream come true for many, and with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be a financial nightmare. By choosing budget-friendly resorts, cheap accommodation, saving on ski essentials, and booking affordable transfers with Alps2Alps, you can enjoy an incredible ski trip without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Alpine adventure today, and get ready to hit the slopes in style – all while keeping your wallet happy. Happy skiing!

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Kathryn, Copywriter

Kathryn is a skilled copywriter with extensive experience creating compelling content for skiing and travel enthusiasts. Known for her creativity and deep connection to the Alpine lifestyle, Kathryn is driven by a love for storytelling and a dedication to sharing the magic of mountain adventures.