Where’s the best value skiing this winter?
With the recent plummeting of the pound, it’s harder than ever to find the best winter sports holiday deals. Luckily, Post Office Travel Money has crunched the numbers in their annual Ski Resort Report put together with Crystal Ski Holidays to help us all discover the best places to stretch our budgets.
Bagging a bargain
The Post Office report checked out the cost of everything from ski passes and boot hire to a cup of coffee on the slopes or an après-ski glass of wine in 26 resorts across Europe and North America – and the difference is startling. A lunch on the slopes that would set you back less than £4 in Slovenia could cost more than £15 in Switzerland. A six-day pass can cost anywhere from £114 in Bulgaria to more than £600 in parts of the US.
So where are the bargain destinations this year? You can read the full report here but we’ve picked out the highlights.
Go east
Eastern Europe has long been a smart choice for cost-conscious skiers. And Bansko tops the list again. The Bulgarian town is the cheapest of 20 European resorts surveyed for the seventh year running. Set in the Pirin Mountains, the established destination has all the facilities you’re looking for, whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder. And with hundreds of affordable bars and restaurants in town, maybe you can take that ski holiday this season after all.
Next comes Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, where you’ll still see your pound go a long way however prices are up by 20 per cent since the last winter season.
Go for gold
The resort in third place shows you can still go for a big name resort even when you’re looking for a great deal. A decade ago, Sestriere was home to the 2006 Winter Olympics so the slopes and facilities are second to none. In fact, Italy has become a great place to hunt for bargains this winter. Out of Europe’s Big Four ski destinations (Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy) it’s now the cheapest by far as local prices have either fallen or stayed the same as last year, meaning you’re less likely to notice the impact of the weaker pound.
Go large
Crossing continents to hit the slopes has become more and more popular as long-haul flight prices are cheaper. But if you’ve got used to flying to the resorts of North America, you need to think carefully about your resort to find the best deals. According to the survey, Banff in Canada will offer you the best transatlantic ‘bang for your buck’.
Of course, your choice of ski holiday is always a personal thing. So where you end up this winter will depend whether you’re looking to find the best snow, or the best sandwich. There are still bargains to be had, but you’ll have to search them out. Check the full report for yourself on the Post Office website.
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The post Get More Winter For Your Wonga – The Ski Report Is Here appeared first on Ski-buzz.