Where to go skiing in Europe on a backpackers budget

Go out of season for the best budget deals

Going on a European skiing or snowboarding holiday doesn’t have to be expensive – pick your destination wisely and you can hit the slopes without breaking the bank. Skiing in smaller resorts in central Europe is much greater value for travellers than the James Bond experience in France or Italy.

Skiing or snowboarding shouldn't have to be a Michelin style package, and low-cost holidays on a shoestring are always possible with HostelsClub. Here's our pick of five of the best budget destinations for a ski holiday - we've chosen them for their facilities, accessibility, hostels, and for budget lift passes as well.

1. Füssen, Germany

Füssen is a pretty Bavarian town in Germany and the nearby Tegelberg mountain has a ski resort, a panoramic cable car and an alpine slide. Perfect for low-cost travellers, the mountain range has four T-bar lifts and modern snowmaking equipment with quality floodlighting. One-day ski passes from €25.00-28.50.

Where to stay?

Bavaria City Hostel is a beautifully renovated hostel situated in Füssen’s old town. The German beauty spot is ideal for sightseeing and sport activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking. Rooms available from €20 per night.

2. Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Czech Republic

Rokytnice nad Jizerou is a budget ski resort in the western zone of the ‘Giant Mountains’ in the Czech Republic. With 14 kilometres of user friendly trails, the mountain range is a snowy paradise and the fourth largest ski resort in Czech Republic. Ski passes are available from €19.00-25.00 per person, making it cheaper than most European ski resorts.

Where to stay?

Hotel Krakonoš offers warm and friendly lodgings to all travellers and is situated in Rokytnice nad Jizerou's town centre. Rooms available from €23 per night.

3. Trento, Italy

Situated in the heart of the Dolomites in northern Italy, Trento is the gateway to the skiing region. Panarotta 2002 – Valsugana is one most of the most inexpensive resorts in Italy. For skiing and snowboarding, there are 18km of slopes available for travellers on a budget. Lift passes are available from €24-28 per person.

Where to stay?

Giovane Europa is located in a modern renovated building, close to the railway and bus station. Staying here you’ll be in walking distance of the city centre and cable car to the Dolomites. Rooms available from €18 per night.

4. Interlaken, Switzerland

Home to some of the world’s most famous peaks: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Interlaken enjoys huge crowds all-year-round. Capturing the old-fashioned romance of the Alps, you can ski here on a budget with some advanced planning. Lift passes are available from €19-34 per person.

Where to stay?

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders looking for convenience and comfort in central Interlaken. Rooms available from €28 per night.

Header image by bass_nroll (Flickr/Creative Commons)