Words: India Gladstone
Going skiing is undoubtedly a luxury; it’s a something that lots dream of but that few can afford. The flights, the ski passes, the ski hire, the lunches, the dinners, the aprés-ski and the chalet can all make skiing one of the most expensive sports there is – but not if you go to the right place. It’s time to think outside the box, gentlemen. Skiing doesn’t need to break the bank and we’ve rounded up the best value for money ski resorts to prove just that.
Morzine, France
Morzine is often referred to as one of the best – and best value for money – ski resorts in Europe. The beautiful slopes, unrivalled pistes and homely location in an immense, tree-lined valley make the village the ideal place for experienced and new skiers alike. If you’re looking for somewhere to take your family, this is the perfect place for you; it’s got everything that Courchevel, Meribel and Verbier have – without the astronomical prices.
Visit Morzine here.
Brides-les-Bains, France
If you want to ski in the beauty of the mighty Les 3 Valleés, but don’t want to pay crazy prices then get yourself to Brides-les-Bains this season. You’ll be able to be in amongst the beauty of the high-altitude resorts but you just won’t have the pay the same prices. Brides-les-Bains is a beautiful spa town at the bottom of the lift system that falls just beneath Meribel, so you’ll still be close to some of the best aprés-ski in Europe – you just won’t have to break the bank.
Visit Brides-les-Bains here.
Madesimo, Italy
The trouble with some of the more popular, well-known and expensive ski resorts is that they are often so busy that – unless you’re with a guide – you spend half of your day queuing for a lift that’s then going to take you to a seriously overcrowded piste. Not at Madesimo, though – this is one of the most under-the-radar resorts there is but one that will allow you to ski some of the best and most beautiful pistes that you ever will experience.
Visit Madesimo here.
Canazei, Italy
The Italian Dolomites are one of the most picturesque destinations in the world and a place that very few English people ski in. The pistes that Canazei offers are wide, comfortable and offer some of the best skiing – amongst the best scenery – in the whole of Europe.
Visit Canazei here.
Ellmau, Austria
If night after night of aprés-ski has taken its toll on you over the years, and if you’re ready for something a little sleepier and more peaceful, Ellmau is the place for you. Ellmau is a traditional village which forms part of the extensive SkiWelt area, Austria’s biggest linked area of slopes, so you’ll still be skiing on some of the best pistes in Europe – you just won’t have to pay the price.
Visit Ellmau here.
Learn how to dress like a gentleman on the slopes here.
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