France, Serbia and Bulgaria’s Aleko resort lead the pack in a recent study into the best ski resorts in Europe
A number of factors make a good skiing destination. The snow, obviously. But other elements such as the price for a day ski pass, average star rating, number of ski lifts, highest elevation, slope lengths, the median price of hotels and the number of hotels within 10 kilometres of the slopes all contribute to a skiing holiday experience. A recent study by ski insurance company SportsCover Direct took into account all of these metrics to determine the best ski resorts in Europe – and those that made the cut are probably not what you would think. Each metric in the study held a different weight, with star ratings and prices of nearby hotels holding the greatest value, and each ski destination received a rating out of 80.
Here are the top ten European ski resorts, according to the study.
Aleko Resort in Vitosha, Bulgaria
Coming in first is the Aleko resort in Vitosha, Bulgaria, which received a score of 74.2 out of 80. What makes this resort a winner is its ease of access due to the proximity of 197 hotels. Furthermore, the ski resort offers an elevation difference of 740m and an average of €26 for an adult day lift pass. Aleko Resort is located less than 45 minutes’ drive from Sofia, making the ski resort an excellent destination for those looking to combine a snow adventure with cultural exploration.
Straja Resort in Hunedoara County, Romania
The Straja resort in Hunedoara County, Romania pinched the second place spot with a score of 72 out of 80. Straja resort achieved this accolade through its average of €26 for an adult day lift pass combined with an elevation difference of 738m. Additionally, 69% of holiday goers rated the slopes as intermediate in difficulty.
Ravna Planina in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Close behind the second place ski destination is Ravna Planina in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a score of 71.8 out of 80. This is a popular destination for new skiers, with slopes described as ‘easy’ for 86% of vacationers. Skiers at Ravna Planina can rejoice in knowing that their destination is one of the more affordable options with the adult day lift pass costing €15.
Tornik – Zlatibor in Serbia
Ranked fourth is Tornik – Zlatibor, located in Serbia, with a rating of 71.5 out of 80. Tornik – Zlatibor earned this spot thanks to the average price of €952 for a week’s stay in one of the 45 nearby hotels. The resort’s elevation difference sits at a mere 380m. Previously, 23% of holiday makers have rated the slopes as easy while 60% rate them as intermediate.
Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 in Montenegro
Montenegro’s Kolašin 1450 and the adjoining Kolašin 1600 have ranked fifth in SportsCover Direct’s study. The destination achieved a 70.1 out of 80. Key features of Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 include seven ski lifes, the affordable median price of hotels (€647) and a decently priced day pass at €25.
Bankso Resort in Bulgaria
The Bankso Resort in Bulgaria was awarded the sixth best skiing getaway location with a score of 69.8 out of 80. The resort has one of the highest rankings from visitors with an average star rating of 4.2 out of 5. Of those who have skied Bankso Resort’s slopes, 59% rate them as easy.
Malo Igman in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Malo Igman secured the title of seventh best ski destination with its rating of 68.9 out of 80. The affordable price of daily ski lift at €21 for adults makes this an excellent destination for more experienced skiers. Half of those who have previously skied Malo Igman rank the resort’s slopes as intermediate.
Céüze 2000 Resort in Gap, France
Heading west, the Céüze 2000 resort in Gap, France takes the eight best spot in SportsCover Direct’s European ski destinations. Céüze 2000 attained a rating of 68.1 out of 80. Affordable prices such as the daily lift pass of €19 and the average weekly price of one of 86 nearby hotels at €655 make Céüze 2000 an excellent ski destination for those on a budget. Céüze 2000 also rates highly for its family-friendly design.
Mavrovo – Zare Lazareski Resort in North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s Mavrovo – Zare Lazareski Resort gained a score of 67.7 out of 80. The elevation range of the resort is 623m and 42% of visitors rank the slopes as intermediate in difficulty.
Alpe du Grand-Serre Resort in La Morte, France
Lastly, Alpe du Grand-Serre resort located in La Morte, France rounds out SportsCover Direct’s list of top ten ski destinations in Europe. The resort secured a score of 67.7 out of 80 with its slopes that are considered more beginner-friendly. 65% of visitors to Alpe du Grand-Serre rated the slopes as easy.