A Bulgarian mountain resort famed for its £1 beers and daily ski costs under £50 has been crowned Europe's most affordable ski destination in a new comprehensive index.
Bansko Claims the Top Spot for Value
Bansko in Bulgaria secured first place in easyJet's Cheap Ski Index, which compared average prices for essential holiday components. The resort, nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and just two hours from Sofia, offers remarkable value. Researchers found skiers can hire equipment for around £15, find accommodation for roughly £45 per night, and enjoy a beer for just £1.23.
The total daily cost, excluding flights and beer, came to just £142. With lift passes and ski hire at £63 and hotel and transport at £79, it represents a significant saving compared to traditional Alpine favourites.
European Gems Offering Alpine Thrills for Less
The index, published on 20th January 2026, highlights a range of lesser-known resorts where the pound stretches much further. In second place was Poland's Białka Tatrzańska, a resort praised for its down-to-earth atmosphere and suitability for beginners and families, with total daily costs of £143.
Fellow Bulgarian resort Borovets took third place. As Bulgaria's oldest ski area, it offers 58 kilometres of slopes across three zones in the Rila Mountains and is a favourite for intermediate skiers.
The list proves affordable skiing isn't confined to Eastern Europe. Italy's Bardonecchia, with its high-Alpine ambiance and Olympic heritage from the 2006 Games, claimed fourth place with daily costs under £50. Andorra's Pal-Arinsal and Italy's lively Sauze d'Oulx also featured, offering a mix of tapas culture and vibrant Italian après-ski.
Major Alpine Names Can Still Offer Value
For those seeking a more classic Alpine experience without a luxury price tag, the index included French resorts Les Deux Alpes and Morzine. While pricier than their Balkan counterparts, with daily costs of £243 and £271 respectively, they remain competitively priced compared to neighbouring ski areas in the Alps.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, commented on the findings. "As people start to look at booking a break on the slopes, we hope that our new index spotlights just some of the resorts where equipment hire, hotels and hospitality can be found for fantastic value," he said.
He added, "With a flurry of snow set to dust Europe in the coming weeks, last minute ski getaways are sure to be top of mind for many. Direct flights from 13 airports across the UK make all ten destinations easily accessible."
The full top ten list from the easyJet Cheap Ski Index is:
- Bansko, Bulgaria – £142 (Beer: £1.23)
- Białka Tatrzańska, Poland – £143 (Beer: £2.20)
- Borovets, Bulgaria – £148 (Beer: £1.54)
- Bardonecchia, Italy – £158 (Beer: £3.87)
- Pal-Arinsal, Andorra – £164 (Beer: £2.58)
- Sauze d'Oulx, Italy – £168 (Beer: £3.87)
- Sestriere, Italy – £174 (Beer: £3.87)
- La Molina, Spain – £189 (Beer: £3.01)
- Les Deux Alpes, France – £243 (Beer: £5.16)
- Morzine, France – £271 (Beer: £5.16)
The index demonstrates that for British skiers seeking value, flexibility, and authentic mountain experiences, looking beyond the most famous names can lead to significant savings and memorable trips.
