Comparing the Cost of Ski Trips in Austria Vs. Vail vs. France
The ski season is just around the corner, offering panoramas of expansive snow-covered landscapes – a winter wonderland awaits! Today I’m comparing three acclaimed ski destinations: the fairytale valleys of Austria to the pristine slopes of Vail, USA and Ski resorts of France
Cost of skiing in Austria
Austria boasts numerous world-class ski resorts ranging from quaint family-friendly spots to expansive luxury resorts. Considered one of the best value-for-money ski destinations, Austria presents an irresistible allure to powdery pioneers.
Transportation
Round-trip flights from New York to Vienna, Austria, typically run from $500-$900 depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
Accommodation
Alpine lodges offer authentic Austrian charm without breaking the bank, around $70-$200 per night..
Here are some examples of hotels in Austria.
Hotel Tirol, Alps Lodge, Das Marent, Hotel Komperdell
Lift Passes
Lift ticket prices vary across resorts but expect to pay approximately $50-$60 per day.
Food & Drinks
Loyal to its reputation for affordability, dining in Austria won’t empty your wallet. Around $10-$20 per meal should suffice.
The cost of food in Austrian ski resorts can be quite reasonable compared to other European ski destinations. For a general idea, you might expect to pay:
– Lunch: A main dish at a mountain restaurant could cost between $10 – $20.
– Dinner: A meal at a decent restaurant in the resort might come to around $15 – $30 per person, not including drinks.
Breakfast is normally included with your hotel stay and Dinner can be included as well. Check your hotel to see if this is included.
Groceries: If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, budget around $50 – $60 per day for groceries.
Cost of skiing in Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado, is synonymous with luxury skiing. Its sprawling back bowls and immaculately groomed front-side runs draw winter enthusiasts worldwide.
Transportation
If you’re flying domestic from NYC to Denver, costs hover around $250-$500 round trip. Keep in mind the additional cost to reach Vail, either by rental car or shuttle service.
Shuttle Winter Fares: $99 – $129 per person. Or $80 – $104 for Epic Pass holders
Uber can cost up to $500
Accommodation
True to its high-end reputation, staying in Vail is costly. Hotels run from $400-$3000 per night.
Here are some options in Vail:
Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Lodge at Vail, Grand Hyatt Vail
Lift Passes
A day pass in Vail can range from $129 Epic 1-day pass or 1-day window price-$299, significantly more than Austrian resorts.
Epic 5 day pass $485
Food & Drinks
Dining at Vail lives up to its luxurious streak. Expect meals to range from $30-$100 per person.
Chicken tenders and fries will cost you $40
The French Charm – Ski Trip to France:
In France, nothing beats the allure of the Alps, a top-notch destination for your snowy pursuits.
Transportation
Round-trip flights from New York to Lyon, France typically range between $500-$900, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Accommodation
With a multitude of ski-in/ski-out resorts, expect to spend between $200-$600 per night.
Some options of Val Thorens ski resort hotels:
Hotel Le Sherpa, Fahrenheit Seven, Hotel Koh-I Nor
Ski Expenses
France offers a wide range of ski passes. For a top resort like Val Thorens, 5-days ski pass will cost around $270-$300.
Food & Drinks
With its reputation for gastronomy, dining might cost between $20-$50 per meal, unless you opt for budget-friendly eateries or self-catering accommodation.
comparison of Ski Expenses
Compared to French resorts, Austrian ski passes are more wallet-friendly. At a resort like Schladming-Dachstein, a 5-days ski pass could cost around $250-$280.
Making Your Choice:
This cost comparison suggests a skiing trip to Austria could be the most affordable option, with budget-friendly skiing passes and dining. With flight, food and accomodations the cost rounds out to $3000
France’s extensive skiing terrain and famed resorts provide a quintessential skiing experience that some may argue is worth the extra pennies.
Vail rounds out to be the most expensive with cost upwards of $9000 with flight, transportation, food and accomodations.
Remember, the best choice caters to more than just costs alone – your personal preferences, skiing ability, and the overall experience you desire matter too!
Generally, Austria offers a more budget-friendly skiing experience than France’s often-preferred resorts. You could expect to save about 20% on ski passes, meals, and beverages when on the Austrian slopes. Many Austrian ski enthusiasts cite the breathtaking landscapes as the ultimate deciding factor favoring Austria.
It appears I’ll be planning my ski vacation to Austria. Goodbye local scenes and hello to Europe for the perfect skiing getaway.
Austria is teeming with world-class ski resorts. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
1. St Anton am Arlberg: Known as the cradle of alpine skiing, this resort has a vast skiing area and vibrant après-ski scene.
2. Lech-Zürs am Arlberg: Highly popular among the royal and famous, it offers superb skiing conditions and high-end accommodation.
3. Ischgl: Known for its extensive skiing terrain, modern lift system and star-studded concerts.
4. Mayrhofen: A favourite for its wide range of winter activities including Austria’s steepest piste, the Harakiri.
5. Saalbach Hinterglemm: It boasts one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria, ideal for intermediate skiers.
6. Kitzbühel: This medieval town is home to the legendary Streif, considered one of the most challenging downhill courses.
7. Bad Gastein: Apart from great slopes, you can unwind in its thermal healing caves and spas.
8. Soelden: Home to a glacier, Soelden offers skiing opportunities throughout the year.
9. Zell am See-Kaprun: Enjoy the beautiful lake views and the glacier skiing.
10. Hochgurgl-Obergurgl: Known as the ‘diamond of the Alps’, offers immaculate slopes and luxury accommodation.
