Ski holidays are more often than not firmly within the realm of luxury, often combining expensive equipment hire, pricey mountain accommodation and astronomical lift passes.
However, it is possible to have fun in the snow without breaking the bank.
The lowest-cost ski resorts in Europe have been revealed, and almost all of them are located in France.
A new ranking of 265 ski resorts by Holidu, a holiday search engine, has shown the best places to ski from as little as £33 per day.
That’s almost one seventh of what you can pay in the study’s most expensive resort, Zermatt in Switzerland.
Here’s a guide to Europe’s most affordable ski resorts to inspire your winter getaway.
1. Roubion – Les Buisses, France
There are plenty of budget-friendly destinations to book for skiing
Situated just an hour from Nice, Roubion les Buisses is a family-friendly ski resort between the peaks of Le Pommier, at 1,920m, and La Tournerie, at 1,815m.
It has a total of two green runs, four blue, 12 red and two black, covering a wide range of ski abilities.
The Cote d’Azur website says: ‘As you make your way down the slopes, let yourself be enchanted by the larch forests and the spectacular panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks.
‘From the heights of Mont Pommier, the view takes in the surrounding mountains and, on exceptionally clear days, can even stretch as far as Corsica!’
Cost: €40.50 (£33.78)/day
Total slope length: 30km (19 miles)
2. Réallon, France
In second place, scooping up the silver medal, is Réallon, France
Réallon has been rated for its affordability before – and the resort, in the Hautes-Alpes above Lake Serre-Ponçon, is still budget-friendly.
The ambience is quiet and relaxed, and you will be able to find accommodation here from less than €20 (£16.68) per person per night.
Cost: €42.95 (£35.82)/day
Total slope length: 30km (19 miles)
3. Gresse-en-Vercors, France
Gresse en Vercors, France takes the bronze medal
At 1,200m in the Vercors Massif, you’ll find Gresse en Vercors, which comes third on the list.
‘Gresse-en-Vercors is a resort which will astonish you with its unique setting,’ says popular ski platform On The Snow.
‘Alpine skiing slopes ideal for families, beginners and intermediate level. Slide on the slopes of an astonishing panorama.
‘Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing also are in the programme. The village of Gresse-en-Vercors will welcome you for unforgettable time of relaxation in a setting which kept all its authenticity.’
Cost: €49 (£40.85)/day
Total slope length: 20km (12 miles)
4. Le Mourtis, France
Many resorts have wallet-friendly options for families
Le Mourtis, France is a medium-sized resort with around 19 pistes.
Over the last year, the budget-friendly resort has racked up several optimistic reviews, with one saying: ‘Nice little resort for starting winter sports and for children with the area reserved for them or the sledding.’
Another added: ‘Small but efficient resort, good atmosphere, only one ski rental place, always full during peak hours.’
Cost: €51.50 (£42.95)/day
Total slope length: 25km (16 miles)
5. Sierra de Béjar, Spain
Sierra de Béjar is the only Spanish option in the list
Next up on the list is Sierra de Béjar, Spain – and it’s the only top ten resort not found in France.
Instead, this good-value spot is located in the Sistema Central Mountains, and has plenty of high-quality snow throughout winter.
Cross-country skiing is also available here.
Cost: €53 (£44.20)/day
Total slope length: 26.8km
6. Lans-en-Vercors, France
In sixth place is Lans en Vercors, France
At an altitude of between 1,000m and 1,983m, Lans-en-Vercors is just 30 minutes away from Grenoble, known as the ‘Capital of the Alps’.
The resort’s website says: ‘The Alpine and Nordic ski areas in Lans-en-Vercors offer a wide range of possibilities where everyone is free to choose the mountain sport that suits them: Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, sledging.’
Cost: €54.98 (£45.85)/day
Total slope length: 24km (15 miles)
7. Le Collet d’Allevard, France
Le Collet d’Allevard is a family-friendly resort in the Belledonne range of the French Alps, with both winter and summer appeal.
Altitude reaches up to 2,100m, and there is plenty of terrain to keep intermediate and advanced skiers entertained, as well as beginner-appropriate options.
Cost: €55 (£45.87)/day
Total slope length: 35km (22 miles)
8. Chabanon, France
Chabanon takes eighth place in the ranking (stock image)
Up next on the list – also in France – is Chabanon, in Selonnet, which is located 1,612m above sea level.
It is also the location of one of the longest night-skiing slopes in Europe, with 3km (two miles) of floodlit slopes.
Visit for a range of pistes, great for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Cost: €55.20 (£46.03)/day
Total slope length: 40km (25 miles)
9. Aillons-Margériaz, France
Aillons-Margériaz, France takes ninth place (stock image)
Aillons-Margériaz is only 30 minutes from Chambéry and Annecy – and is located in the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO World Geopark.
Expect views of Mont Blanc and the Belledonne range.
It’s best for families, beginners and those seeking a peaceful mountain break.
Cost: €55.40 (£46.20)/day
Total slope length: 24km (15 miles)
10. Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, France
The top 10 resorts are mainly found in France
Finally, Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes in France offers fantastic skiing under £50 a day.
A far cry from the hectic busier resorts, it’s a gorgeous nature-focused mountain village, perfect for a quieter winter getaway.
Cost: €57.50 (£47.95)/day
Total slope length: 24km (15 miles)
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