Bulgaria has ceased to be the cheapest ski destination in Europe for the first time in several years. According to a study conducted by British tour operators Post Office Travel Money and Crystal Ski Holidays, the resort of Bardonecchia in Italy, which claims the title of the most affordable ski resort in Europe, has displaced the Bulgarian Borovets from the first place – and this has happened for the first time since 2019.
The comprehensive study looked at such parameters as the costs of ski passes, equipment rental, lessons, lunches, and drinks on the slopes in 36 European cities. As a result, it was found that the Italian resort of Bardonecchia was the place with the best value for money, with a minimal price increase of 1.4% compared to the previous year. The previous leader for several years, the Bulgarian resort of Borovets, took second place, showing an increase in prices by 8.2%. At the same time, the most popular Bulgarian resort of Bansko, which was the cheapest in 2018, “left” even the top five cheapest and took sixth place. Moreover, prices there increased by 18.1%, mainly due to an increase in expenses for the ski school.
Crystal Ski Holidays has also quoted resort prices. The Italian resort will cost a tourist about 445 euros. While for the rest in Borivka – 460 euros. The difference is not significant, but it is still “available”. The resort of Bansko has raised prices above 532 euros.
The study also showed that out of 31 resorts considered in it, prices fell at nine. The French resort of Les Arcs and the Swiss resort of Wengen fell the most – by 5.5%. The researchers also stated that 12% of surveyed tourists are planning a winter skiing vacation from December to April.