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relatively unknown nordic skis Destinations are emerging as unexpected rivals to traditional budget favorites like Italy And bulgariaNew research has revealed it offers some of Europe’s best value for money.
Resorts such as Beatostollen, Geilo and Pieha have secured places in Post Office Travel Money’s annual top 10 ranking of the most affordable European ski trips for UK holidaymakers.
The study assessed costs including ski passes, equipment rentals, on-slope refreshments and tuition for a family of four per week at 30 winter sports venues.
However, the weak pound means British skiers are facing a reduction in spending power compared to last year at almost all surveyed resorts, with Andorra’s Soldeu being the only exception.
Prices at the analyzed destinations have increased by an average of 10 percent.
Italy’s Passo Tonale was ranked best-value family resort for the second year in a row, largely because it offers a free lift pass when a child up to eight skis with a paying adult.
The total cost of a luggage basket there (£1,797) was less than half that of Saalbach, Austria (£4,060), the most expensive location analysed.
Bardonecchia, Italy, was ranked second, followed by Banco, Bulgaria, at third and Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, at fourth.
Norway’s Beatostolen and Geelo were in fifth and sixth place respectively, while Finland’s Pyha was in seventh place.
Nordic resorts’ presence in the top 10 was attributed to their competitive pricing for ski passes, equipment rentals and tuition.
No resorts in popular ski countries like France, Austria or Switzerland were among the 10 best-value places for family skiers.
Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Families may have to dig deeper into their pockets in the coming ski season, but there are still plenty of great value finds to be had if they choose carefully.
“The free lift pass for young children at Paso Tonale makes it an unbeatable choice for parents with children under nine.
“Parents with limited budgets need to be aware of the widely varying prices for ski school if their children require tuition.
“Piaha, which is new to the Ski Resort Report this year, offers excellent value at half the price families can pay in more expensive French resorts.
“We recommend checking prices before booking.”
This analysis was prepared in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays.