A holiday to the Alps can be a tremendously rewarding use of your time. But it can also be an expensive one. If you’re looking for a trip that combines natural beauty, authentic culture, and an affordable price tag, then you’ll want to pick the right destination.
Fortunately, there are a number of small villages that fit the bill nicely when it comes to cheap ski holidays. Let’s look at some of the best of them.
Bardonecchia, Italy
This little Italian village lies close to the border with France. It hosted many of the snowboarding events during the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, and much of that legacy can still be found here. You’ll find it around an hour from Turin itself.
Les Orres, France
This French village is divided into three distinct levels, each named after its altitude, in metres above sea level. There are Les Orres 1550 (Pramouton), Les Orres 1650 (historic centre), and Les Orres 1800 (Bois Méan). Lift passes here are reasonably affordable, and it has a lower profile that might appeal to budget-conscious travellers.
Alpbach, Austria
Perhaps the most iconic village in Austria, Alpbach is defined in the public consciousness by the displays of red and pink geraniums, which line the balconies of the wooden chalets at certain times of year. Strict building regulations have led to the area retaining a certain fairytale charm that’s difficult to beat – but you can still enjoy an affordable break, if you come here at the right time of year.
Vogel, Slovenia
Run through a list of popular skiing nations, and Slovenia is unlikely to feature. But that’s what makes it so appealing, pricewise. This particular part of the country overlooks the amazing glacier-formed Lake Bohinj, and as such you won’t be compromising on spectacle when you travel here.
While you’re staying in the vicinity of the lake, you won’t be short of activities to try. There are a number of hiking loops that encircle the lake itself, and, during summer, you might go for a swim, too. There’s also a cable car that links the village of Ukanc with the summit of Mount Vogel, from where you can enjoy panoramic views – and fantastic skiing during winter.
Aprica, Italy
Finally, let’s return to Italy. Aprica is a resort that tends to appeal to new skiers, thanks to a number of gentle, beginner-friendly slopes, and lots of great ski schools and other facilities. It’s cheap to stay here, too, which makes it a great match for those looking to make their money go that little bit further.
There are around fifty kilometres of ski slope to discover, climbing to just over two thousand metres. As such, it’s enough to keep you occupied over the course of an entire holiday.
