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5 of the best cheap New Year ski holidays in Europe
Oh, New Year’s Eve. There’s no doubt about it: the turn of the year is a fantastic time for ski-mad families and après-ski lovers to hit the slopes. Picture this: a morning of superb skiing and snowboarding, followed by an afternoon enjoying the many pisteside bars and restaurants. As the sun sets, spend the evening revelling in live music, torch-lit descents, and mesmerising firework displays - all wrapped up with a cheeky trip to the local bars and clubs to dance till the early hours. Sign. Us. Up!
While certain resorts claim to boast some of the best après-ski and star-studded events of the New Year, ski trips to these destinations can end up working out pretty pricey. But don’t worry, Heidi has got your back with our list of the best New Year’s Eve ski holiday deals. They’re all guaranteed to save you some much-needed happy hour pennies while still allowing you to have a blast on the slopes.
From celebrations in the incredible Italian Alps to parties in the Pyrenees, get cozy and pop open a bottle of bubbly, because we’re here with the best affordable New Year’s Eve ski resorts worth exploring this year:
1. Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
Italy might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering a budget-friendly New Year’s Eve skiing holiday, but rest assured that when it comes to that all-important midnight countdown, the slopes of Sauze d’Oulx are not only among the liveliest in the Alps but also the most affordable.
With excellent snow, superb skiing, and (arguably) some of the finest alpine eats Europe has to offer, Sauze d’Oulx is a renowned ski hotspot for Italian tourists who flock here year after year to enjoy picturesque tree-lined runs, stunning bluebird days, and a top-notch terrain park. Part of Italy’s Via Lattea or ‘Milky Way’, Sauze d’Oulx boasts an impressive 400km of pistes that are perfect for intermediate groups. The ultra-modern lift system can whisk you up to 2,800m for some seriously snowy slopes, as well as providing access to Sestriere and the French resort of Montgenevre - should you ever fancy a change of scenery.
Well known for its lively bars and vibrant après-ski scene, Sauze d’Oulx is a popular choice for those wishing to welcome the New Year with some serious partying until the early hours. Numerous clubs and watering holes host special events featuring live music and DJs, and the midnight firework displays always impress - generating plenty of “oohs!” and “ahhs!”.
Heidi’s top tips for Sauze d’Oulx ski savings:
- Sauze d’Oulx offers one of Europe’s best-value lift passes, costing €0.56 per kilometre for adults, along with fantastic deals for children under 18 and seniors over 75.
- For the Alps, food and drink prices here are pretty reasonable, with coffee priced at around €1.50 to €2, and a large beer costing approximately €5 (and that’s without factoring in happy hour deals).
- Just a 1-hour-and-15-minute transfer from Turin airport, Sauze d’Oulx is fab if you’ve only got the time or budget for a short New Year’s Eve break or ski weekend.
New Year ski holiday deals in Sauze d’Oulx
2. El Tarter, Andorra
The ideal destination for large groups of friends with varying abilities, El Tarter in Andorra offers some truly exceptional value for money. We’re talking fab skiing, genuine hospitality, and fantastic New Year's celebrations that won't leave you eating beans on toast until March.
El Tarter is an excellent place to build some slope-side confidence. Home to a spacious beginners’ plateau with numerous nursery runs, wide greens, and easy-going blues, large groups can rest assured that they’ll find something for everyone within the vast 215km Grandvalira ski area. With a snow range of 1,710m - 2,640m, conditions are pow-packed, so there are snow worries about patchy slopes. And for the more experienced, there are even a few rolling reds to carve, alongside six off-piste routes and the incredible El Tarter snow park - one of the longest in Europe!
New Year’s Eve has plenty going on, with a torch-lit descent of skiers and snowboarders kicking off the celebrations at around 7pm, followed by a mesmerising lantern parade. The multitude of slopeside bars will be pumping out live music and DJ sets, while also providing plenty of enticing happy hour deals. And remember, the New Year’s tradition here is to eat 12 grapes for the 12 chimes as the clock strikes midnight (preferably under a table if there’s no one dancing on it). Each grape is supposed to grant you a month of good luck for the year ahead and is also rumoured to help you find true love - we’ll keep our fingers crossed!
Heidi’s top tips for El Tarter ski savings:
- Thanks to its tax-free status, Andorra offers exceptional deals not only on food and drink, but also ski wear and gear. We recommend packing light to grab yourself a bargain.
- El Tarter offers a range of quality slopeside accommodations at reasonable prices. This makes it an excellent choice for large groups looking to share an apartment, or those seeking to book a few separate hotel rooms to house the whole crew.
New Year ski holiday deals in El Tarter
3. Zakopane, Poland
For those seeking unbeatable budget-friendly escapes, the Tatra Mountains are a sure bet. Zakopane, a relatively recent addition to the UK skiing scene, has been making waves this year as the top choice for budget-conscious ski enthusiasts. With affordable lift passes, cheap equipment rentals, and competitive accommodation prices, this Polish gem is the ideal destination for beginners and families eager to try skiing at a fraction of the cost compared to other European resorts.
Children and first-time parents can kick off their skiing journey with lessons at Nosal, Szymoszkowa, and Harenda, taking advantage of the dedicated beginner areas and magic carpets. As you gain confidence, you can hire a private minibus or take a local bus to explore Koltelnica and Białka Tatrzańska’s additional 25 slopes, which are well-suited for beginners and intermediates. The beauty of skiing in Zakopane is the sheer amount to do. Balance skiing lessons with snow tubing, ice skating, and sledging, or venture into the Tatra mountains for winter hikes - the choice is yours!
December 31st is known here as "Sylvester," a national holiday all about embracing the outdoors. So it's no wonder Zakopane ranks among the finest places in Poland to experience it! Get out during the day for skiing and hiking, then head back to the resort for a torchlit sleigh ride. Imagine it: a warm blanket on your lap, a mug of warm cocoa in your hand, horses gently pulling you through a snow-capped forest... like something straight out of a fairytale!
As the clock counts down, Zakopane's open-air "New Year's Eve of Dreams Concert" keeps the party going with great music, fantastic DJs, and some of the best tabletop dancing Poland has to offer. Just ensure that once the clock strikes 12, you've got a glass of cherry vodka in hand for the toast - "dzięki!"
Heidi’s top tips for Zakopane ski savings:
- Accommodation in Zakopane is significantly more affordable than in other alpine destinations, making it ideal for groups and families seeking large or extra rooms.
- A favourable currency exchange rate on the Polish złoty helps your pounds stretch even further.
- Drinks are reasonably priced, with beers costing around £2.20 a pint.
- Lift passes, equipment hire, and ski lessons are among the most competitively priced in Europe. A Tatry Super Ski pass is priced at around £30 per day for adults, and equipment hire typically costs between £10 and £20 per day.
New Year ski holiday deals in Zakopane
4. Livigno, Italy
We’re back in Italy and off to another fantastic budget-friendly pick - this time on the snowy slopes of Livigno. A charming alpine paradise renowned for its stunning panoramas, Livigno epitomises picturesque perfection and is ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle for some outstanding snow-spun fun and vibrant après-ski.
Boasting over 115km of perfectly groomed pistes sprawling across two mountains, Livigno has plenty to keep even the most avid skiers and snowboarders entertained. It offers a generous mix of leisurely blues and challenging reds to help keep the New Year cheer flowing at full throttle. A snow range of 1,816m - 2,798m ensures the white stuff flurries overhead, while the resort’s unique tax-free status helps keep prices low, providing you with enough duty-free champagne to toast flutes until dawn. Chin chin!
When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, much like Livigno’s surrounding peaks, this resort goes large. From 6pm, torchlit parades descend the slopes as DJ sets reverberate throughout the mountains. Jugglers and gymnasts take to the streets, and bonfires crackle away, keeping revellers warm and ready for the midnight countdown. Stay at the resort to hit the après bars hosting huge parties until the early hours, or head up to the mountain restaurants via lifts to savour dinner and drinks while watching the fireworks sparkle from above. It’s a truly magical destination.
Heidi’s top tips for Livigno ski savings:
- Livigno’s duty-free status means ski gear, clothing, drinks, and high-tech products are all cheaper. We recommend packing light to grab some serious bargains!
- Accommodation offers genuine Italian charm at refreshingly reasonable rates. This is ideal for families or larger groups seeking larger or extra rooms.
- Great lift pass deals for children (under 15), youths (under 25), and seniors (over 65), Plus, kids under eight ski for free when accompanied by an adult ski pass holder. Result!
New Year ski holiday deals in Livigno
5. Bansko, Bulgaria
Last but not least on the list is the big party resort of Bansko. Renowned for its fantastic value for money, this Bulgarian gem is perfect for families and groups seeking excellent skiing for beginners and intermediates, alongside some fabulous après-ski activities and cultural New Year's Eve traditions.
Bansko, one of Bulgaria's most popular ski resorts, is a true natural wonder. Nestled within UNESCO's Pirin National Park, its wide, varied slopes reach staggering altitudes of up to 2,500m, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas that will leave you tongue-tied. The best snowfall of the season falls in January, leading to truly stellar powder days for any off-pisters eager to send it (just be sure to pack enough layers to fend off the chill!).
When it comes to New Year's Eve, Bansko upholds many traditional Bulgarian customs, including the eating of Banitsa, a type of fortune egg and cheese pastry. These delightful snacks predict the fate of the year to come through the dogwood twig embedded within, whether that be a new job, falling in love, or your next holiday away! Other traditions include local Survakari children tapping you on the back with decorated branches for good luck, as well as the annual NYE Kukeri carnival, where 'babugeri' - people clad in frightening masks and costumes - chase away evil spirits to bring luck in the coming year.
If après-ski is more your style, Bansko is also more than ready to host a party. We recommend visiting the HUB or The Bounce Club for their stellar New Year's Eve and DJ Pump parties, or heading to one of the many traditional pubs and bars for excellent drinks and good cheer. Just ensure wherever you end up, you are back outside when the clock strikes midnight, as the town square firework display over the Pirin mountains is a sight not to be missed.
Heidi’s top tips for Bansko ski savings:
- With excellent accommodation prices at B&Bs and hostels, it’s easy to find a bargain, even during peak times like New Year’s Eve.
- Lift pass prices are significantly lower than at other European resorts, with kids under 7 and seniors over 75 skiing for less than £1, children under 12 skiing for under £25, and adults skiing for just under £50.
- Food and drink are exceptional here, especially for fussy eaters, with a wide range of kid-friendly meals and beers priced around £2 - £3 a pint.
New Year ski holiday deals in Bansko
Want to learn more about the best cheap New Year ski holidays in Europe? Check out our non-skier holiday page! It is filled with all the very best recommendations.
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For help finding a cheap New Year ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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