Editor’s Note
This article highlights the rising costs of ski holidays, using the example of a luxury Austrian resort where a single-day lift pass now costs 72 euros. It serves as a reminder of the broader trend of premium pricing in popular winter destinations.
Those who wish to spend a day on skis have to dig deep into their pockets. According to the Ski Price Index, one ski resort stands out in particular.
Munich – “Diamond of the Alps” – the ski area with this proud name is located in the Tyrolean Ötztal and is considered one of the most snow-sure in the Alps. 108 kilometers of slopes are spread across 25 ski lifts, effortlessly transporting every winter sports enthusiast up to an altitude of 3080 meters. In the Austrian ski area of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, skiers, snowboarders, and freeriders get their money’s worth. And with the keyword “costs,” we have already arrived at the topic, because the hefty prices of the ski resort once again show that skiing has become a luxury sport.
According to the holiday home portal Holidu, skiing in Gurgl is the most expensive. A day ski pass in the high season costs 72 euros for an adult, which, however, is not yet the highest value, as the 2024/2025 Ski Price Index reveals. Young people born between 2005 and 2009 pay 58 euros, children born between 2010 and 2016 pay 40.50 euros. A family consisting of two adults and two children would accordingly have to pay 225 euros for a day of snow fun. Added to this are costs for travel, food, possible accommodation, and ski equipment.
Another calculation example shows that Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is indeed the most expensive ski area: On average, a person pays 284 euros per day to schuss down the slopes. The index calculates the ski pass as well as the prices for accommodation. Having the lift system right in front of the hotel has its proud price.
And those who want to can spend even more money on a day ski pass. Because in Zermatt, Switzerland, this costs 95 euros per person. Skiers are consoled by a fabulous 322 kilometers of slopes. By the way: The most expensive ski pass in Germany is on the highest mountain in the republic. On the Zugspitze, 72 euros are charged per day. This is followed by Garmisch-Classic (66 euros), Fellhorn (65.80 euros), and Reit im Winkl (58 euros).
Those who want to ski cheaply in Europe in the 2024/2025 winter season should especially take a look at the neighboring country France. In Réallon, the index calculates an average price of 44.50 euros (ski pass and accommodation) per person.
Good advice is expensive, but cheaper than most ski passes. So, those who still don’t want to give up schussing down the mountain should follow these tips: Early booking discounts and multi-day passes often enable significant savings, as recommended by, among others, Reisereporter. Buying ski passes online is also often cheaper than buying them on-site.
Furthermore, it can help to strap on the boards in the off-season. A ski holiday also becomes budget-friendly through self-catering accommodations and visiting smaller ski areas. Because as a famous philosopher once said:
