World's 'cheapest ski resort' has ski passes under £20 and almost no crowds

17 January 2024 , 06:30

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There's one hidden gem that's home to the world's cheapest ski resort (Image: Getty Images)

Brits looking for cheap ski holidays this winter may want to ditch popular hotspots such as France, Italy and Switzerland in favour of an unexpected rival; Greece.

While Greece holidays are usually associated with sandy beaches and hot and sunny weather, the popular spot is actually also home to the world's cheapest ski resort according to a study by travel online site Omio.

Vasilitsa may not be a world-famous resort, but it boasts over 22km of slopes and seven lifts, with altitudes between 1,642m and 2,110m. Located in Western Macedonia, it caters predominantly to beginners and intermediate skiers but there are also some tougher slopes and off-piste opportunities across the resort.

There are 22km of trails to enjoy at Vasilitsa (Getty Images)

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The fact that Vasilitsa isn't a traditional ski hotspot is a major factor in why it's so budget-friendly; even the Omio team admitted that it was a "fairly unlikely place" to have on a ski radar. However, with adult ski passes from £14.70 and child tickets from £6.05, it's not one to be sniffed at. (In fact, it's a cheaper ski day compared to resorts in the UK!).

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In fact, it could be a great option for families who are trying their first ski holiday and don't want to break the bank, not to mention as it doesn't have huge crowds you're unlikely to be facing long queues for the lifts, meaning even more time to ski.

It's not the only destination worth having on your radar if you're looking for hidden ski gems in Europe. Montenegro is another underrated spot for hitting the slopes. In the summer months it may be a hit with hikers, come winter it transforms into a winter wonderland and boasts some gorgeous mountains with impressive snowfall.

Greece may not be a typical ski hotspot but it's worth having it on your radar (Getty Images)

The most popular is Kolašin, where you'll find 45km of ski trails, and on average 120 days of snow cover across its two main ski centres. There are plenty of local ski schools as well as family-friendly lifts and trails, but those after a challenge can find plenty of tricker slopes on offer too.

Meanwhile parents looking for family-friendly resorts in particular may want to check out Obergurgl in Austria.

Skyscanner's Laura Lindsay recommended the Austrian resort for Brits taking their children skiing for the first time, describing it as a "fantastic resort for beginners". She added: "The village is around 2,000 metres above sea level, so it generally has plenty of snow, and there are lots of long blue slopes for kids to get started on. There are 24 ski lifts on this resort. Also, if you want to leave the kids in safe hands while you go skiing, Esprit Ski offers excellent childcare services. One-day lift passes are from €59.50 for adults and from €33 for children."

You can find out more about the study on omio.com.

Julie Delahaye