How to Ski European Pistes for Less

LUXURY FOR LESS The European Alps are home to hundreds of resorts, many with a budget-friendly price tag. Skiing in Europe can cost a pretty penny, especially if you stay at marquee resorts. Happily, the Alps are home to hundreds of ski-centric accommodations, many with budget-friendly price tags. Here, experts offer up lesser known but equally charming destinations in Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria, with lodging suggestions and approximate nightly rates.

Many are family-run hotels, offering “half-board” pricing that includes both breakfast and dinner. And remember, traveling midweek and during off-peak times is always the way to nab the most affordable lodging. Switzerland In Zermatt, at the foot of the spectacular Matterhorn Mountain, you’ll find an idyllic village, fine-dining options and some of the longest runs in the Alps. You’ll also find sky-high prices.

A rental chalet or a five-star hotel, like Cervo Zermatt, could easily run you $1,212 a night. For a less pricey way to access Zermatt, Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer of ski. com, suggests staying on the Italian side of the Matterhorn in the Breuil-Cervinia ski area. “Since Cervinia is lift-linked to Zermatt, skiers can simply travel to the top of the Plateau Rosa via the Plan Maison gondola and then transfer to the Plateau Rosa cable car and ski down to Zermatt on the same ski pass,” he said.

Chris Epskamp, European director of the ski-focused website Powderhounds, agrees that Cervinia is a cost-effective way to ski Zermatt. He added that some of Europe’s best off-piste, free-ride ski terrain is also in this region. In town, you’ll find hotels like Hotel Edelweiss ($222) and the just-renovated Hotel Europa ($238). A few miles away, Les Neiges D’Antan ($199) is a stylish destination tucked into the pastoral forest of Valtournenche.

Italy The land of World Cup descents and alpine eateries, Cortina d’Ampezzo is considered by many to be the jewel in the Dolomites’ crown. But you don’t need to stay in this tony enclave to tap into splendid alpine culture. Pete Kovacevic, international director for the tour operator Alpine Adventures, favors Trentino’s Val di Fassa region, specifically the town of Canazei.