Dreaming of skiing in Europe? It may be more attainable than you think! As an American is it cheaper to fly to Europe for a ski holiday? In this blog, we break down and compare the cost of a ski trip to popular ski resorts in Europe and the U.S. to see which option is more affordable.  

Europe vs. U.S. Ski Trip Cost Breakdown:

Flights & Transport

Although international flights are generally more expensive than domestic flights within the U.S., the number of routes between the U.S. and Europe is increasing. More budget operators, such as Norse Atlantic Airways and JetBlue, are now servicing these routes, making it possible to fly to Europe for less. With many direct routes to airports in close proximity to the Alps, flying from the East Coast to Europe often can be easier than flying domestically to some U.S. ski resorts on the West Coast. If you are thinking about a ski trip to Europe, make sure to plan ahead as it is advised to book flights early for the best deals. 

Cost Comparison (January 2025):

Skiing Accommodation

The price of ski accommodation can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the time of year that you are travelling. Booking early or during off-peak periods can lead to substantial savings on accommodation. Europe tends to offer a wider variety of accommodation options than many U.S. ski resorts, with plenty of less-expensive options to choose from. A standard room in a reputable European ski resort can cost around $190pp per night. The cost of accommodation in U.S. ski resorts is not too dissimilar, but there are typically fewer budget options and the upscale accommodation can be a lot more expensive in popular U.S. resorts. 

Cost Comparison (3* hotel in January 2025):

Lift Pass

When comparing prices between U.S. and European ski trips, a stand-out factor is the difference in lift pass prices. Ski lift passes in the U.S. are much more expensive than in Europe, with most European ski resorts offering cheaper rates than even some of the most budget-friendly resorts in the U.S. According to booking site HomeToGo, the average daily U.S. ski lift ticket cost $198 last season. U.S. lift passes can exceed $300 a day, whereas, a lift pass in a European ski resort generally costs less than $100 a day. Multi-resort passes, such as Ikon or Epic passes, are available in the U.S. which can save you money if you plan to ski on multiple occasions. In Europe, opting for multi-day or weekly passes usually offers better value, with prices varying significantly across European resorts, typically ranging from $243-$537. Read our guide to European lift pass prices for up-to-date pricing. 

Cost Comparison (6-day lift pass):

Ski Lessons

While U.S. ski lessons are privatised and only available through the resort itself, Europe benefits from having independent instructors and ski schools. This brings down ski lesson costs due to higher competition. Private ski lessons in Europe typically cost between $70-$128 an hour (depending on location and instructor), totalling at $211+ for a half day of lessons. Whereas, in the U.S., private ski lessons can cost between $80-$150 per hour, totalling at upwards of $600 for a half day of lessons. Group lessons are a cheaper option in both locations, but considerably so in Europe, typically costing around $250 for five days of lessons. Check out our blog on how much European ski lessons cost for a full breakdown of ski lesson types and prices.

Cost Comparison (private half-day lesson):

Ski & Boot Hire

In the U.S. you can expect to pay between $25-$100 per day for ski equipment rental, depending on the resort and if you opt for beginner or advanced equipment. Whereas, in Europe, ski and boot hire can cost from just $100 for a week. Generally, when booking ski hire in Europe, you can save up to 50% by booking in advance online. You can easily book your ski equipment at the same time as your lessons on Maison Sport through our ski rental partner SkiSet – the European leader in ski and snowboard equipment rental. Just click the ‘add equipment’ option at checkout. 

Cost Comparison (6-day ski hire):

Food & Drink

The cost of food and drink can add a lot to the expenses of your ski trip. Despite being relatively expensive in both Europe and the U.S., food and drink is typically less expensive in major European ski resorts compared with popular U.S. resorts. Dining at resort restaurants in Europe can set you back $38-$76pp for a nice meal, while this may set you back between $50-$100pp in the U.S. It is difficult to accurately compare food and drink prices, as it depends on where you go and whether your accommodation is self-catered or not. There is also a big après ski culture in Europe which may add a fair amount to your expenses, depending on how carried away you get!  

Cost Comparison (1 beer):

Conclusion

From our cost comparisons, it is evident that a one-week ski trip in Europe including flights can be considerably cheaper than a ski trip of the same length in the U.S. All factors considered, it is possible to save upwards of $1,000 skiing in Europe over America, with the lower cost of a ski trip to Europe largely being down to the significantly cheaper lift passes, ski lessons and equipment hire. 

A week-long ski holiday in Europe for a seasoned skier could cost upward of $2,500 per person, whereas in the U.S a week-long ski trip can cost upward of $3,500 per person. For a full breakdown of how much a ski trip can cost in Europe, check out our complete guide to how much a European ski holiday costs in 2024. 

Ultimately, the cost of your ski trip will depend on the time of year you are travelling and your chosen ski resort. Prices can vary greatly according to the location and popularity of the resort. While big-name European resorts like Courchevel and Zermatt can be expensive, there are plenty of cheaper and less crowded ski resorts to discover in Europe, so make sure to do your research to find the best resort for your budget. Read our guide to planning the perfect ski trip for a full breakdown of factors to consider when planning your ski trip to Europe. 

So, Why is it Cheaper to Ski in Europe Over the U.S.?

In the U.S., most ski resorts are privately owned by large corporations. According to the Financial Times, giant ski operators Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company own nearly 50% of the North American ski market. In Europe, however, the majority of ski resorts are state-owned. This decentralisation leads to lower prices as there is greater competition. There are also around 8x more ski resorts in Europe than in the U.S., which further increases competition and lowers prices. With such a high demand for a small number of resorts, many of which are owned by a handful of large companies, the cost of skiing in the U.S. is increasing at a seemingly unsustainable rate.