Winter is here, and many travelers want to enjoy the season while it lasts by appreciating all the benefits of the cold weather. And, of course, one of the best ways to take advantage of this time of the year is skiing! Staying at a cozy cabin with a fireplace and jumping on a snowboard is the perfect vacation for travelers seeking cold adventures, especially for digital snowmads. For those interested in having great skiing and snowboarding experiences in Europe but also want to avoid crowded places, there are great alternatives available.
Here are 5 off-the-beaten-path ski resorts in Europe that travelers with different budgets can enjoy this 2023:
Soldeu, Andorra
This beautiful village and ski resort in the Pyrenees—in tiny Andorra— could be the perfect place for your next ski vacation. It’s been strategically located and has great ski slopes, including the Avet Piste, where World Cup competitions have been held.
Travelers will find great hotels, with prices ranging from $93 to $685 per night, according to recent research on Google Travel, and, as a reference, lift passes for adults start at $50. There are also cool bars and restaurants and a fun nightlife for young travelers.
For those interested in learning more about how this place looks, there are live streamings from different webcams showing weather conditions and people enjoying their time in this fascinating village.
Morillon, France
The most popular ski resorts in the French Alps are usually crowded and can be very expensive, but there’s a small village, Morillon, that offers travelers a great skiing experience away from the masses.
Since this ski resort is close to the super popular Chamonix —only a 50-minute drive— it is usually ignored. Here, travelers will find a quiet experience and a great opportunity for learning. There are great runs for beginners, and it is ideal for families.
There are accommodation options starting at $70 per night, lift pass prices start at $50, and there are restaurants and other villages nearby where travelers can eat delicious crepes and explore other locations.
Champoluc, Italy
In Northern Italy, there’s a great ski resort for beginners and intermediate boarders located in the Monterosa Ski Area, considered “one of the best-kept secrets in Europe,” according to the information shared on SkiLine.
Since Italy is considered one of the underdog countries for skiing in Europe, travelers will consider Champoluc a hidden gem. It offers great tranquility for families and beginners, and those who want to enjoy empty pistes. The Times considered it the fourth-best ski resort in Italy.
According to Google Travel, there are currently 157 hotels and home rentals available in the area, and prices range from $57 to $495 per night, and entry passes start at $40 per day.
Trysil, Norway
Trysil is Norway’s largest ski destination. Travelers aiming for a life-changing vacation could see the northern lights in this country and continue the adventure by taking a few days off to ski in one of the best resorts in Norway.
According to the information shared on the site Ski Scandinavia, this location has a long guaranteed season from December to April and sometimes even into May. Trysil has great slopes for all ages and levels, from children’s areas to advanced snowparks to great tracks for cross-country enthusiasts.
At this destination, travelers can find accommodation, usually starting at $76 per night, and ski pass prices start at around $60 per day for adults. American travelers can take advantage of the non-stop flights connecting New York to Norway that recently resumed operations after 6 years of absence.
Borovets, Bulgaria
This charming town is in the north of Bulgaria, in the Sofia Province, around 70 km away from Sofia. The prices in the ski resort are very attractive for international travelers since daily lift passes start at $38 and it is possible to find accommodations starting at $30 per night.
There are also luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops, and the snow usually covers the slopes until April. There are pistes for beginners, intermediate and advanced snowboarders, and skiers.