10/12/2025

How Much Does a Ski Trip Cost?

Travel

TL;DR

  • Most 2025 ski trips cost £800–£1200 in Europe, or $2500–$6000+ in the US.
  • A budget skiing holiday can be done under £700 but luxury resorts charge significantly more.
  • Costs vary by destination, travel time, and extras like gear hire or ski lessons.
  • Lift passes, accommodation and flights make up the bulk of the cost.
  • Winter sports insurance is essential but often overlooked and could save you thousands if things go wrong.

How much does a ski holiday cost in 2025?

Skiing remains one of the most popular and pricey winter sports in 2025. Whether you’re hitting the Alps or the Rockies, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into financially. Ski holidays can be tailored to a range of budgets, but the real question is: what are the actual numbers this year?

Most mid-range trips in Europe fall between £800–£1800, while high-end North American holidays can exceed $6000. In this article, we break down the real costs behind skiing holidays from flights and lift passes to hidden extras like insurance.

What are the main costs of a ski trip?

The biggest expenses in any ski trip are almost always flights, accommodation, lift passes, and gear hire. Depending on the destination and time of year, each of these can swing your total spend significantly. That’s why understanding the breakdown before you book can save you hundreds.

Below, we explore these line items one by one, using live 2025 data, real resort examples, and tools to help you price your trip properly.

Flights & Travel

Getting to the resort is your first major cost. In Europe, low-cost airlines keep this manageable, but prices surge during holidays. In North America, flights can be a serious chunk of your budget especially with baggage and ski gear fees.

Accommodation

Where you stay is often your biggest cost, especially in peak weeks. Prices vary by resort, comfort level, and proximity to the slopes. Booking early and avoiding February half-term can save a fortune.

Use Booking.com or Airbnb to compare. Below is an estimate table of Accommodation Expense for a Ski Trip.

Accommodation Expense Table For A Ski Trip

Lift passes and equipment rental

Lift passes are essential for access to the slopes, and their cost often surprises first-time skiers. Equipment rental, like skis, boots, and boards, adds another layer, but booking early can cut prices.

Together, these make up around 20–30% of your total trip cost, depending on destination.

Newsletter Signup

pad-h-20-1099

Lift Passes (6-Day Adult)

Prices vary by region and terrain size. Larger resorts like Les 3 Vallées or Whistler cost more but offer extensive access and better infrastructure.

Ski & Snowboard Hire

Unless you own gear, you’ll need to rent. This includes skis or snowboard, boots, poles, and ideally a helmet. Booking in advance online can save up to 20%.

  • SkiSet, Intersport Rent: top rental options

  • Skis/boots/poles: €120–€160 (Europe), $130–$180 (USA)

  • Helmets: €20–€30 / $20–$35

Real-world examples: ski trip costs

The total cost of a skiing holiday depends heavily on the destination and comfort level. Below are three common types of trips budget, mid-range and premium, so you can benchmark your plans.

Each example includes live data from resort sites and booking platforms.

Budget: Bansko, Bulgaria

Great for beginners and cost-conscious skiers, Bansko offers everything from lessons to après-ski at a fraction of Alpine prices.

  • Flights: £120
  • Hotel: £300
  • Lift pass: £150
  • Rentals: £90
  • Total: ~£660–£700

Mid-Range: Morzine, France

Popular with families and intermediates, Morzine balances quality skiing with accessible pricing.

  • Flights: £150
  • Lodging: £700
  • Lift pass: €390
  • Rentals: €130
  • Total: ~£1250–£1400

Premium: Aspen, Colorado

Known for luxury and deep snow, Aspen is one of the most expensive and exclusive resorts in the world.

  • Flights: £600
  • Hotel: $2500+
  • Lift pass: $650
  • Rentals: $180
  • Total: ~$4000–$7000+

Hidden extras that increase your bill

Many skiers focus on flights and passes but forget other major expenses like meals, lessons and après-ski. These extras can increase your total by 20–30% if you’re not careful.

Here’s what to budget for beyond the basics.

Food & Drink

Eating on the mountain is expensive. You’ll save significantly by going self-catered or packing lunches.

  • Mountain meals: £15–£30
  • Groceries: £70–£100/week
  • Dining out: £30–£60 per meal
  • Check food prices on TripAdvisor or LaListe

Lessons & Tuition

Beginners should factor in ski school, and even seasoned skiers often benefit from refresher classes especially off-piste.

Après-Ski, Spa, Activities

Drinks, spa visits, sledging, or snowmobile rides can be memorable — but pricey. Build them into your budget early.

  • Folie Douce, MooserWirt: €5–€15 per drink
  • Spa day: £60–£150
  • Excursions: £50–£200+

Ski Sports Insurance

Many assume their regular travel policy covers skiing, but it usually doesn’t. If you need mountain rescue or have a medical emergency, uninsured costs can hit £10,000+.

Image of a man skiing

We break it down fully in → Skiing Insurance Cover Explained

Or explore direct cover options → Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Ski holidays in 2025 are more expensive than ever but also more customisable. You can spend £600 or £6000. What matters is knowing the real costs ahead of time.

But no matter where you go, one thing is non-negotiable: winter sports insurance. That’s why Norton offers tailored protection just for winter trips with medical, cancellation and gear cover built in. Either you are someone with a medical condition or a senior, we’ve got your covered.

Get a winter sports insurance quote 

Our experienced personal client managers arrange ski insurance that UK travellers rely on for safe, worry-free trips.
Contact us today for a bespoke quote to suit your ski trip plans. 

 

Newsletter Signup