Which European skiing destinations are the best value for money?

The Alps or the Giant Mountains? What does a winter holiday during the skiing season mean for your finances? A euro does not have the same value everywhere. Depending on the winter sports destination you go to, you may get more or less for your money. But how expensive is it in the individual countries?

Worth it: Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic

If you’re on the lookout for a value-for-money skiing holiday, it’s worth considering Poland, Slovakia or the Czech Republic. The purchasing power of the euro is considerably higher in those countries than it is in Germany. In Poland, for example, the comparative purchasing power is around 50 percent higher than in Germany (€1.49). Skiing holidays in Slovakia will also have a perceptibly positive effect on your holiday finances (€1.28). In the Czech Republic, you can still get 20 percent more goods and service for your money.

Similar price levels: Austria, France, Italy

In other winter sports destinations such as Austria, France and Italy, pricing levels are similar to those in Germany. Switzerland is a traditionally expensive yet popular skiing destination. Prices here are considerably higher than in Germany. One euro has the equivalent value of 61 cents. So, in other words, you’ll pay around 40 percent more on your winter holiday than you would in Germany.

How to calculate purchasing power

In order to calculate purchasing power, the different pricing levels in each country are compared and (outside the eurozone) adjusted using the relevant exchange rate. There are differences depending on the economic strength and pricing level of the relevant destination, even among eurozone countries, although there are no exchange rates to consider. You’ll find a comparison of countries put together by the OECD here.

Winter holiday – what one euro is worth abroad:

Quelle: OECD, Stand Januar 2025.