Eastern Europe offers cheapest ski holidays
(13 October 2009)British skiers should head for Eastern Europe for the best deals on the slopes this winter, but have been warned that even prices in traditionally cheap ski resorts have jumped, according to a new Post Office survey.
Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia are top-value destinations for week-long ski holidays, taking into account basic costs such as equipment hire, lift passes, meals and drinks. Romania's Poiana Brasov is the best-value resort at £195.76.
Borovets in Bulgaria (£250.87) emerged second in terms of value for money, with High Tatras in Slovakia in third place (£264.97).
In contrast, Norway's Geilo resort saw the biggest price rise, with travellers facing an increase of 26%.
But some popular resorts offered lower prices than last year, with Courchevel in France down 11% at £298.87 and Vail, in Colorado, USA, also down 11% at £372.83.
Post Office head of travel services Sarah Munro said: "It is worth comparing the prices of ski equipment hire and lift passes in different resorts as these can make a big difference to the overall cost of a ski holiday."
Resorts' costs for weekly ski passes, equipment hire, food and drinks:
1. Poiana Brasov, Romania: £195.76
2. Borovets, Bulgaria: £250.87
3. High Tatras, Slovakia: £264.97
4. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: £277.97
5. La Thuile, Italy: £290.13
6. Courchevel, France: £298.97
7. Yllas, Finland: £304.54
8. Soldeu, Andorra: £304.65
9. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany: £321.49
10. Geilo, Norway: £328.58
11. Obergurgl, Austria: £343.62
12. Vail, USA: £372.83
13. Verbier, Switzerland: £422.21
14. Banff, Canada: £429.06
* Check out our ski guides for more information on the world's top ski resorts' facilities, slopes and après-ski.
* Read our Bitesized guide: Alternative ski resorts for original ski holiday ideas this winter.
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