Austria’s Ischgl resort is the most expensive ski destination in Europe, according to TravelMag.com’s latest survey. In coming up with the results, our research team compared all important ski resorts in Europe based on their lodging cost during the 2014 winter high season.
.Skiing in Ischgl. (Photo: JohannesGruber via Flickr)
Specifically, we checked what ski tourists will have to spend, on average, for the most affordable double room during the February and March 2014 timeframe. Because the expenses for a ski pass and food vary only slightly from station to station, accommodation price is certainly the main cost factor when it comes to a European ski vacation.
At an average rate of 346 Euros for the least expensive double room, the Ischgl resort, located in the Paznaun Valley of the Austrian state of Tyrol, leads the pack among Europe’s most expensive ski destinations. Taking the runners-up spots on the survey are the prestigious Val d’Isère resort in the French Alps and St. Anton, also located in Tyrol. Average rates of 326 Euros and 323 Euros landed these ski resorts in the number two and three slots respectively. The table below reveals the full rankings.
It must be highlighted, however, that the prices shown by the survey are average values. On the weekends, mainly from mid-February through mid-March, guests will have to pay significantly more for a room. Some destinations, in fact, have more than doubled their prices over the established average rates. On the other hand, on weekdays, ski travelers may find rooms that are up to 50% off the average rates.
The following table shows the 20 most expensive ski resorts in Europe. The rates indicated reflect the price for the most affordable double room, on average, during February and March 2014. Only such hotels situated well inside the respective resorts and rated at least 3 stars have been considered for the survey. All rates have been established via the comparison website Kayak from January 20 to January 27, 2014.
1. Ischgl (Austria) 346 Euros
2. Val-d’Isère (France) 326 euros
3. St. Anton (Austria) 323 euoros
4. Tignes (France) 286 euros
5. Val Thorens (France) 256 euros
6. Zürs (Austria) 249 euros
7. Verbier (Switzerland) 236 euros
8. Sölden (Austria) 234 euros
9. Kitzbühel (Austria) 232 euros
10. Les Gets (France) 226 euros
11. Lech am Arlberg (Austria) 221 euros
12. Méribel (France) 217 Euros
13. Morzine (France) 216 Euros
14. Courchevel (France) 215 Euros
15. Les Menuires (France) 179 Euros
16. Selva Gardena (Italy) 172 Euros
17. Villars (Switzerland) 161 Euros
18. San Cassiano (Italy) 160 Euros
19. Mayrhofen (Austria) 158 Euros
20. Flims (Switzerland) 153 Euros