• With holidays one of the first things to be affected in these credit-crunching times, many will assume that the annual ski break may have to be foregone. However, we beg to differ if you stay in one of the many ski hostels. Check out our list of destinations that offer budget accommodation coupled with fantastic skiing potential, relaxing stays and a wide range of winter activities.
  
  

  Vernon, Canada

  Vernon is one of Canada's most picturesque ski cities. Brightly coloured store fronts, boarded sidewalks and sparkling night lights provide a unique ambiance. With average daily temperatures of -3C, it is cold enough to keep the snow light and fluffy yet perfect for skiing, riding, cross-country skiing and an assortment of other activities.
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  Carrbridge, Scotland

  Not many people would think of the UK as a ski destination but Carrbridge in Scotland is just that. When the snow is good in Scotland, Scottish skiing is right up there with some of the best in Europe. Cairngorm and Aviemore offers skiers and boarders some of the best and most challenging runs in Scotland and there is also plenty of off-piste skiing which is popular with snow boarders. The tops of the mountains are relatively flat so if cross-country is your choice there are plenty of routes for you to follow. If you need a break from the slopes, the Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure centre offers you the chance to experience a few adrenaline filled hours of handling a team of dedicated sled dogs.
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  High Tatras Ski Hostels, Slovakia

  High Tatras in Slovakia is one of Europe's undiscovered ski destinations where budget skiers can revel in some of the best skiing conditions complete with the cheapest beer! While the High Tatras Mountains are one of the smallest mountain ranges in the world, they do not lack the excitement and exhilaration that bigger ski resorts bring. The best known slopes are around Strbske Pleso and Tatranska Lomnika. The former offers some of the best cross-country skiing in the world as well as night skiing, whereas the latter remains more low-key but offers some of the more difficult runs in the region. While there, a cable car ride up to the summit of Lomnicky Stit is not to be missed with views of a spectacular glacial lake and a dramatic view of all the Tatras.
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  Lillehammer, Norway

  Host to the 1994 winter Olympics and just two hours from Oslo's airport, Lillehammer offers ski lovers a wide range of unique opportunities including off-piste skiing and hundreds of miles of Olympic cross country trails through forested or mountain terrain. For the less extreme skier, there are numerous less advanced runs to suit every level of ability. The bustling town of Lillehammer also offers an abundance of alternatives for those not wishing to take to the slopes including adrenaline filled bob sledding and bob rafting. Four-man bob sledding is the ultimate experience - riding on a genuine Olympic style bob sled that reaches speeds of 120km/hr.
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  Bad Gastein, Austria

  Bad Gastein is one of Austria's skiing gems. With 200 kilometres of slopes and optimum ski conditions, this is a resort that deserves to be visited! Winter sports enthusiasts, families with children, casual winter hikers and athletic ice climbers can all find their slice of paradise here. The 17 hot springs that feed the spas of Gastein offer the perfect place to relax after a days skiing. These therapeutic waters can enhance your health, fitness and general well-being!
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  Sapporo, Japan

  One of the world's most famous Asian ski resorts, Sapporo was the host of the 1972 winter Olympics. Some of the popular skiing areas here include Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Moiwayama, Sapporo Kokusai, Mokomanai, Rusutsu Resort and more. From beginners to experts, all levels of skill are catered for here with a huge variety of runs to choose from. Sapporo is also the home of the popular Snow Festival, one of the largest events of its kind in Japan. Taking place each February, this festival attracts around 2 million visitors from around the world each year.
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  Chamonix, France

  Based in the heart of the Alps and with the stunning Mont Blanc for a backdrop, Chamonix is one of the most famous resorts in the world and rightly considered one of the best spots for a skiing holiday. It offers a multitude of fantastic ski runs based in three main areas and three smaller areas, ideal for children and families alike. A number of world class events take place throughout the ski season in Chamonix adding yet another dimension to this exciting resort.
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  Interlaken, Switzerland

  One of the most traditional resorts in Europe, Interlaken is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, between the lakes of Thun and Brienz and at the foot of the famous trio of peaks, the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau. The Junfrau region provides 113 miles of downhill trails served by 45 cable cars and lifts. For the extreme-adventurer there is heli-skiing, heli-boarding, ice hiking and many other adrenaline-pumping activities.
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  Lake Tahoe, USA

  Known as the 'Best in the West', Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the US and boasts numerous world-class ski resorts. It's located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the border between California and Nevada. Here you'll be able to check out the long ski runs, as well as try sledding, tubing, ice skating and much more. Lots of the most popular peaks in the area are part of the Sugar Bowl, close to Donner Summit. Skiers with various different levels of experience from beginners to experts will all find something here, with plenty of bars and restaurants to relax in following a day on the slopes.
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  Grunau im Almtal, Austria

  Particularly popular with more advanced skiers, the Grunau im Almtal ski resort is home to 40 kilometres of downhill skiing with 19 individual pistes served by 14 ski lifts. Families are well-catered for here, with plenty of activities available at the resort and the nearby village. There's a strong emphasis on outdoor activities here, and it's a great spot to check out if you're looking to experience the 'real' Austria.
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  Rossland, Canada

  Another host to the Winter Olympics, Rossland is home to the Red Mountain resort. Made up of two mountains, Red and Granite, this stunning resort offers skiers of all abilities more than 1200 acres of skiable terrain. From gradual slopes on the magic runs to extreme skiing on the north side of Granite Mountain, Red offers something for skiers of all levels. It is not just skiing that makes Rossland one of the hottest ski resorts for 2009. With plenty of shops, restaurants and spas, as well as scenic trips up the mountains, there is no shortage of activities to keep even the most discerning guest entertained.
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  Sochi, Russia

  Due to host the 2014 winter Olympics, Sochi is situated between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. Often compared to the famous French ski resort of Courchevel, Sochi boasts a number of top-notch ski resorts. Krasnaya Polyana is probably the main resort in the area, with plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Not only does this area provide well-maintained pistes, it also boasts numerous après-ski activities including bars, restaurants and much more.
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9 Comments

1. paulaSaturday, September 26th, 2009, 12:52pm

   Hi If you had any information in respect to ski hollidays for a single traveler looking to ski and take lessons as a beginner in Europe, i would be very gratefull. kind regards Paula

2. caseySunday, September 27th, 2009, 8:27pm

   No love for Bosnia?

3. pr1meMonday, September 28th, 2009, 8:52pm

   "Often compared to the famous French ski resort of Courchevel, Sochi boasts a number of top-notch ski resorts". I r loled. Comparing Courchevel and Sochi u must be rly crazy... Only similar thing - Sochi is really expensive.

4. JustinTuesday, September 29th, 2009, 2:05am

   Dissapointed that you didn't mention Utah! Snowbird/Alta - world class

5. SanjaTuesday, September 29th, 2009, 7:52am

   yeah, why no love for Bosnia? :/

6. KRZYSZTOF BINASTuesday, September 29th, 2009, 9:19am

   -Im from Poland..,-we have quite good very interesting-ski resort Zakopane,and 50 km,behind-slovakian ski resorts,so.-just go!!..,-i was also,in three valleys in VALTHORENS-last year, at France ,also i can recommend it.-CHRIS

7. StaciaTuesday, September 29th, 2009, 1:42pm

   pr1me - totally agree on that one! The only thing in coomon is the price. The slopes are ok, but there's only ONE run down in Krasnaya Polyana and 4 skilifts going one on top of the other, all very old, slow and in very bad condition. They've built a new one for the olimpics but it's not in use, apparently till 2014 :) A day ski-pass is more expansive than one in the Alps.

8. Lia StanFriday, October 16th, 2009, 12:52pm

   We have two good ski resorts in the North of Romania one being Borsa the other and rather newer is at Cavnic which is medium difficulty. If you use the Cobwobs Hostel in Sighet Marmatiei both these resortds are available and they also offer transport to the Ukrainian ski resort of Blyzniuky which is a very nice well developed destination with a range of difficulty in terms of runs.

9. PlaThursday, October 29th, 2009, 3:12am

   Hi Paula,i dont know if you count switzerland as part of Europe,i only went to ski in Zermatt and took 3 days beginning lesson.This is the website of the cheap hotels,www.tannenhof.zermatt.info(single room is from 45-55swiss franc)tel.027 9673188 and www.alpina-zermatt.ch tel.027 9671050 and www.skischulezermatt.ch this is the biggest ski and snowboard school in Zermatt tel.027 9662466,start the lesson every monday and 3 days lesson cost CHF 220,5 days cost CHF 310.The day pass to use the lift cost around CHF 50 a day or pay each time when you go up but i dont know how much so this is all the information that i have in my hand

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