Bargain hunting skiers should head to Italy to save money on the slopes

UK skiers seeking a bargain resort this winter should head to Italy, according to a new report.

Italian destinations dominate a ranking of the best value European resorts for adult and family ski trips by Post Office Travel Money.

Bardonecchia retained top spot in the annual cost comparison of 36 resorts for adult skiers, while Passo Tonale claimed first place out of 30 family resorts.

The spending power of UK skiers has been boosted by sterling being at its highest rate against the euro in two-and-a-half years.

The research took into account costs such as ski passes, equipment hire and tuition, as well as lunches and drinks on the slopes.

A basket of goods cost £544 in Bardonecchia, and £1,346 in Switzerland’s Zermatt, the most expensive resort for adult skiers.

The former’s low prices include £159 for a six-day ski pass and £10.20 for six large cups of coffee.

Five of the other 10 cheapest resorts were Italian – Livigno (£637), Sauze (£664), Sestriere (£709), La Thuile (£723) and Cervinia (£739).

Passo Tonale’s top ranking for families was largely because of low pricing for ski school and offering free children’s equipment hire when combined with renting adult equipment.

Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora climbed to second place on the back of a sharp fall in ski school costs compared with last winter.

No resorts in the popular ski nations of France, Austria or Switzerland are among the 10 best value locations for adult or family skiers.

Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Although sterling is currently stronger against currencies for most European ski resorts compared with last year, our latest comparison of prices in leading destinations shows that the cost of lift passes, equipment hire and ski school continues to vary by hundreds of pounds.

“This makes it vitally important for skiers looking for a bargain break to do their homework before booking a ski holiday.

“Italy is again looking great value, but Bulgaria offers a good alternative to more expensive ski resorts in Switzerland, France and Austria.”

The analysis was produced in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays.