Ski ‘destination dupes’ – Avoid the price tag without compromising the experience
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Despite rising costs and tighter household budgets, Brits are still eager to hit the slopes this ski season. The good news? You don’t have to compromise on quality to save money.
While popular destinations like Val d’Isère, Courchevel and St. Anton remain firm favourites, there are plenty of hidden gems that offer the same thrilling skiing and après-ski at a fraction of the price and often with fewer crowds.
New research by ski tour operator, Ski Solutions, reveals that by swapping a premium ski destination for a more affordable ‘destination dupe,’ this season skiers can save up to over £1,200 per person per week, all without sacrificing quality.
The ski experts compared their top selling ski destinations with lesser-known resorts with similar characteristics and calculated the savings per person on factors including the cost of flights, hotel, airport transfers, ski hire and ski pass prices.
The analysis revealed an average weekly saving of £717 per resort, or £103 per day, the equivalent of an average cost difference of 31% across the top 10 biggest saving ski ‘destination dupes’.
From world class terrain, a vibrant après-ski scene, or family-friendly facilities, these alternative resorts provide everything skiers look for, without the hefty price tag.
Top 10 biggest saving ski ‘Destination Dupes’
- Val d’Isère, France > Sestriere, Italy – £1265 weekly saving
- Courchevel, France > Madonna di Campiglio, Italy – £1050 weekly saving
- Zermatt, Switzerland > Cervinia, Italy – £997 weekly saving
- St Anton, Austria > Kitzbühel, Austria – £777 weekly saving
- Obergurgl, Austria > Zell am See, Austria – £774 weekly saving
- Lech, Austria > Gastein, Austria – £774 weekly saving
- Avoriaz, France > Trysil, Norway – £761 weekly saving
- Les Arcs, France > Arinsal, Andorra – £488 weekly saving
- La Plagne, France > Samoëns, France – £299 weekly saving
- St Anton, Austria > Sierra Nevada, Spain – £288 weekly saving
Val d’Isère, France > Sestriere, Italy (52% saving)
Saving per week: up to £1265 | Saving per day: up to £181
In Italy, Sestriere is proving to be a fantastic alternative to the ever-popular Val d’Isère in France. Both resorts are renowned for their high-altitude, snow-sure conditions, making them reliable choices for a full winter season.
They also offer challenging pistes for advanced skiers, as well as off-piste terrain.
With lively après-ski spots such as Pinky Bar and Il Kovo offering great atmospheres at lower prices, skiers can expect to save up to 52% opting for Sestriere.
Courchevel, France > Madonna di Campiglio, Italy (38% saving)
Saving per week: up to £1050 | Saving per day: up to £150
For those chasing a luxury ski holiday without the price tag, Madonna di Campiglio in Italy is a brilliant alternative.
Both resorts offer stunning alpine scenery, premium ski conditions and a high-end atmosphere, but the cost difference is significant.
Madonna di Campiglio offers elegant wine bars, trendy lounges and lively yet sophisticated entertainment at a much lower cost, while boasting excellent snow reliability thanks to its position in the Dolomites.
While a week in Courchevel can exceed £2,783, a similar experience in Madonna di Campiglio can cost £1,733 (38% less and an average saving of £1,050 per week), making it the ultimate luxury for less destination.
Zermatt, Switzerland > Cervinia, Italy (35% saving)
Saving per week: up to £997 | Saving per day: up to £142
Another compelling luxury alternative is found in Italy, where Cervinia offers a great dupe for Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is one of Europe’s most iconic ski resorts, known for its pristine slopes and high-end amenities.
A week in Zermatt can set you back to around £2,888 per person. Cervinia, on the other hand, offers a remarkably similar skiing experience, from extensive pistes and challenging runs to a vibrant après-ski scene, but at a much more affordable price of roughly £1,891 per person per week, offering a saving of nearly 35%.
St. Anton, Austria > Kitzbühel, Austria (35% saving)
Saving per week: up to £777 | Saving per day: up to £111
Kitzbühel is another hidden gem in Austria that serves as a cost-effective alternative to the more famous St. Anton.
Both resorts boast lively après-ski, a mix of terrain for all abilities, and an authentic Austrian alpine atmosphere.
However, Kitzbühel’s medieval charm and slightly more refined après-ski scene make it a unique and equally appealing option.
With accommodation in Kitzbühel costing approximately 35% less than St. Anton, it’s a smarter choice for those looking for top-tier skiing without top-tier prices.
Obergurgl, Austria > Zell am See, Austria (39% saving)
Saving per week: up to £774 | Saving per day: up to £110
For those considering an Austrian escape, Zell am See is an excellent cost-saving alternative to Obergurgl.
Both resorts are highly regarded for their snow reliability, with long seasons stretching well into spring.
Zell am See is a superb non-skiing dupe. Activities including ice skating, tobogganing and an indoor water park, all contributing to a more budget-friendly and family-oriented ski holiday.
Obergurgl is often seen as a premium destination for accommodation and dining, yet Zell am See delivers a near identical experience for less.
Choosing Zell am See over Obergurgl can cut holiday costs by an average saving of £774 per person per week, with a cost saving on average of 39%.
Lech, Austria > Gastein, Austria (33% saving)
Saving per week: up to £774 | Saving per day: up to £110
The resort of Gastein in Austria is a stylish yet affordable alternative to the luxury resort of Lech, combining excellent skiing with a more relaxed and varied après-ski scene.
Both resorts are highly snow-sure, with modern snowmaking ensuring great conditions throughout the season.
While Lech is known for its exclusive clientele and Michelin-starred dining, Gastein provides a chic alpine charm with elegant Belle Èpoque architecture, luxury hotels and famous thermal spas, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
With savings of over £110 per person per day, Gastein delivers high-end experiences without the high-end price tag.
Avoriaz, France > Trysil, Norway (32% saving)
Saving per week: up to £761
Saving per day: up to £109
Trysil is a great alternative to Avoriaz, especially for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed ski experience. Purpose built with child-friendly lifts and designated family areas, Trysil offers wide, well-connected slopes that make navigation easy, perfect for beginners and young skiers.
While Avoriaz benefits from access to 600km of pistes in the vast Portes du Soleil, Trysil’s 75km of runs are efficiently planned, reducing the risk of getting lost or overwhelmed.
The Norwegian resort also experiences more stable weather conditions, providing reliable skiing throughout the season, all at a 32% lower cost, saving around £110 per person per day.
Les Arcs, France > Arinsal, Andorra (27% saving)
Saving per week: up to £488 | Saving per day: up to £70
A fantastic alternative to Les Arcs in France is Arinsal in Andorra, which caters especially well for families, beginner and intermediate skiers.
Both resorts offer well-designed beginner slopes, excellent ski schools and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
However, Arinsal lies in Andorra’s tax-free status, which makes everything from accommodation to food and drink significantly cheaper.
For a family, a week’s stay in Arinsal could cost up to 27% less than in Les Arcs, thanks to the lower lift pass prices and reduced costs on après-ski activities.
La Plagne, France > Samoëns, France (15% saving)
Saving per week: up to £299 | Saving per day: up to £43
Samoëns offers a charming and more affordable alternative to La Plagne, with access to the expansive Grand Massif ski area while maintaining a quieter, more authentic alpine feel.
Both resorts cater to beginners and intermediates, but Samoëns’ relaxed atmosphere, excellent ski schools and fewer crowds make it an ideal setting for families.
While La Plagne’s purpose-built ski resort is designed for convenience, Samoëns is a traditional alpine village with beautiful chalets and historic stone buildings, offering a more scenic and upscale experience.
With savings of around £43 per person per day, Samoëns delivers fantastic skiing without the high prices.
St Anton, Austria > Sierra Nevada, Spain (13% saving)
Saving per week: up to £288 | Saving per day: up to £41
Sierra Nevada is a brilliant alternative to St. Anton, offering excellent high-altitude skiing, a lively après-ski scene and unbeatable sunshine, all at a fraction of the cost.
While St. Anton is famous for its steep terrain and après-ski, Sierra Nevada provides pistes perfect for intermediates, a more laid-back nightlife with a Spanish twist.
Food and drink are also significantly cheaper, meaning you can enjoy tapas, wine and local beers without breaking the bank.
With savings of £111 per person per day, Sierra Nevada delivers a unique skiing experience with a vibrant atmosphere.
Ian McIlrath, Managing Director of Ski Solutions said: “In today’s economic climate, it’s more important than ever for holidaymakers to get the best value without compromising on their experience.
“Our research shows that these alternative destinations deliver everything a skier could desire, from pristine slopes and vibrant après-ski to family-friendly activities, all at affordable prices. It’s all about ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable winter break.
“Skiing doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right destinations, skiers can enjoy excellent slopes, exciting après-ski and stunning alpine scenery without the high prices.
“Whether it’s a luxury getaway, a family-friendly resort or a lively après-ski scene, these affordable ski resort alternatives offer the best value for money in 2025.”
For the full breakdown of the best destination dupes for skiing in Europe, visit: https://www.skisolutions.com/blog/best-destination-dupes-in-europe
