What does a week-long ski vacation cost?

In Ski Resorts August 21, 20256 min read

A week-long ski vacation costs on average between €800 and €2,500 per person, depending on your choices for accommodation, ski resort, season, and activities. The largest cost items are accommodation (€300-€1,200), ski passes (€250-€400), transportation (€100-€500), and food (€200-€600). By planning smartly and using comparison tools, you can save significantly without compromising the quality of your winter sports experience.

What Determines the Total Cost of a Ski Vacation?

The total cost of your ski vacation is determined by six main factors, each of which can consume a significant portion of your budget. Accommodation often forms the largest expense, followed by ski passes and transportation.

Accommodation varies enormously in price. A budget apartment in a smaller ski resort costs around €300-€500 per week, while a luxury chalet in a top resort like Courchevel or St. Moritz can easily cost €1,200-€2,000 per week. Location plays a crucial role here – accommodations directly on the slopes are always more expensive than those within walking distance.

Transportation depends on your departure point and destination. From the Netherlands, you can expect €100-€200 for fuel to German ski resorts, €200-€400 to Austria or Switzerland, and €400-€500 for flight tickets to more distant destinations. Car rental on location costs approximately €200-€300 per week.

Food and drinks on the slopes are notoriously expensive. A lunch on the mountain easily costs €15-€25 per person, so for a week you’re looking at €200-€400 for meals. Shopping for groceries and cooking yourself saves considerably on costs.

How Much Does a Ski Pass Cost for a Week of Skiing?

A weekly ski pass costs between €250 and €400 per person, depending on the ski resort, season, and size of the ski domain. Large, well-known ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps are the most expensive.

During high season (Christmas holidays, February spring break), you pay top price. Popular destinations like Val d’Isère, Verbier, or St. Anton charge €350-€400 for a weekly pass. Austrian ski resorts like Sölden or Innsbruck are slightly more reasonably priced at €280-€350 per week.

German ski resorts offer the best price-quality ratio. Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Berchtesgaden cost around €250-€300 per week. Smaller, local ski resorts are even cheaper but offer fewer kilometers of slopes.

Discounts are possible with early booking (up to 20% discount), group reservations from 10 people, or by buying ski passes online instead of on location. Many ski resorts also offer combination deals with accommodation and ski lessons.

What Are the Costs for Ski Lessons During Your Vacation?

Ski lessons cost between €40-€80 per person per day for group lessons, while private lessons cost €60-€120 per hour. Multi-day courses often offer the best price-quality ratio for your ski development.

Group lessons are ideal for beginners and cost on average €200-€300 for a weekly course of 5 days. You share the instructor with 6-8 other students of the same level. This is not only cost-effective but also enjoyable and educational due to the group dynamics.

Private lessons are perfect for rapid progress or specific techniques. A private instructor costs €300-€600 per day, depending on experience and season. Many skiers choose a combination: group lessons supplemented with some private lessons for extra attention.

We help you find the perfect ski school from our network of more than 250 ski schools and instructors throughout the Alps. Our comparison platform shows immediate availability, prices, and reviews, so you find the best match for your level and budget. From absolute beginners to powder-hunting experts – there’s always a suitable option.

How Can You Save on Your Ski Vacation Without Compromising Quality?

By planning smartly and comparing, you can save up to 40% on your ski vacation costs. Timing, flexibility, and the right tools make the difference between an expensive and affordable winter sports experience.

Book your accommodation early or grab last-minute deals. January (after New Year) and March offer the best price-quality ratio with good snow conditions and lower prices. Avoid school holidays and choose Saturday-to-Saturday stays for better deals.

Rent your ski equipment on location instead of buying. A complete set (skis, boots, helmets) costs €25-€35 per day, but weekly rental is often €120-€150. Online reservations save time and money compared to renting on location.

Use comparison platforms for ski lessons to find the best instructors. We compare prices and quality of hundreds of ski schools, so you’re guaranteed to get the best deal. Group lessons are more cost-effective than private lessons, but a mix of both gives optimal results.

Eat strategically: breakfast and dinner at your accommodation, lunch on the mountain. Buy snacks and drinks in the valley instead of on the slopes where prices are 200-300% higher.

What Is a Realistic Budget for a Complete Ski Vacation?

A realistic budget for a week of skiing ranges between €800-€2,500 per person, depending on your comfort level and choices. Budget-conscious winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy for €800-€1,200, while luxury lovers spend €1,800-€2,500.

For a budget ski vacation, choose smaller Austrian or German ski resorts, self-catering accommodation, and group lessons. Mid-range budgets offer more comfort and choice in larger ski resorts. Luxury budgets open the door to premium resorts, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and private instructors.

Start planning 6-8 months in advance for the best deals. Set priorities: do you mainly want to ski a lot, or is comfort more important? This choice determines where your budget goes. Don’t forget to reserve 10-15% extra for unexpected expenses and souvenirs.

Whether you’re a powder-spotting beginner or an experienced piste-hunter, a well-planned ski vacation doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With the right preparation and smart choices, you’ll enjoy unforgettable days in the snow within any budget.