Skiers on a budget can enjoy the thrill of the slopes without the hefty price tag thanks to ‘destination dupes’ that cost less than half of the most popular European resorts. While luxury resorts like Val d’Isère, St. Anton and Courchevel remain favourites among ski lovers, research reveals hidden gems are offering the same experience at a fraction of the price.Swapping premium ski destinations for more affordable ‘destination dupes’ means daring Brits can get more bang for their buck and save up to a whopping £1,200 per person per week – without sacrificing quality.
Experts at ski tour operator Ski Solutions compared their top-selling destinations with lesser-known resorts with similar characteristics and calculated the savings per person. This is based on factors including the cost of flights, hotel, airport transfers, ski hire and ski pass prices.
These alternative resorts provide everything skiers look for, with an eye-popping average weekly saving of £717 per resort or £103 per day.
TOP 10 PREMIUM DESTINATIONS VS DUPE DESTINATIONS
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Val d’Isère, France – from £2,440 per person per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Sestriere, Italy – from £1,175 per person per week
SAVING: £1,265 (52%)
Sestriere in Italy proves to be a great alternative to Val d’Isère in France. Both resorts are known for their high-altitude and snow-sure conditions, making them reliable choices. They also offer challenging pistes for advanced skiers, as well as off-piste terrain.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Courchevel, France – from £2,783 per person per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Madonna di Campiglio, Italy – from £1,733 per person per week
SAVING: £1,050 (38%)
Both resorts offer premium ski conditions, stunning alpine scenery and a high-end atmosphere, but the cost difference is significant. Madonna di Campiglio offers elegant wine bars and lounges at a much lower cost, while boasting excellent snow reliability thanks to its position in the Dolomites.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Zermatt, Switzerland – from £2,888 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Cervinia, Italy – from £1,891 per person, per week
SAVING: £997 (35%)
Another great luxury alternative is found in Italy, where Cervinia offers a great dupe for Zermatt, Switzerland.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: St. Anton, Austria – from £2,259 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Kitzbühel, Austria – from £1,482 per person per week
SAVING: £777 (35%)
Kitzbühel is another hidden gem in Austria that serves as a cost-effective alternative to the more famous St. Anton.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Obergurgl, Austria – from £1,973 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Zell am See, Austria – from £1,119 per person, per week
SAVING: £774 (39%)
For those considering an Austrian escape, Zell am See is an excellent cost-saving alternative to Obergurgl. Both resorts are highly regarded for their snow reliability, with long seasons stretching well into spring.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Lech, Austria – from £2,358 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Gastein, Austria – from £1,583 per person, per week
SAVING: £774 (33%)
The resort of Gastein in Austria is a stylish-yet-affordable alternative to the luxury resort of Lech, combining excellent skiing with a more relaxed and varied après-ski scene.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Avoriaz, France – from £2,354 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Trysil, Norway – from £1,593 per person, per week
SAVING: £761 (32%)
Trysil is a great alternative to Avoriaz, especially for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed ski experience.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: Les Arcs, France Arinsal, Andorra – from £2,354 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Arinsal, Andorra – from £2,354 per person, per week
SAVING: £488 (27%)
A fantastic alternative to Les Arcs in France is Arinsal in Andorra, which caters especially well for families, beginner and intermediate skiers. Arinsal lies in Andorra’s tax-free status, which makes everything from accommodation to food and drink significantly cheaper.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: La Plagne, France – from £1,975 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Samoëns, France – from £1,676 per person, per week
SAVING: £299 (15%)
Samoëns offers a charming and more affordable alternative to La Plagne, with access to the expansive Grand Massif ski area while maintaining a quieter, more authentic alpine feel.
PREMIUM DESTINATION: St Anton, Austria – from £2,259 per person, per week
DUPE DESTINATION: Sierra Nevada, Spain – from £1,971 per person, per week
SAVING: £288 (13%)
Managing Director of Ski Solutions, Ian McIlrath, said: “In today’s economic climate, it’s more important than ever for holidaymakers to get the best value without compromising their experience. Our research shows these alternative destinations deliver everything skiers could desire, from pristine slopes and vibrant après-ski to family-friendly activities – at affordable prices.
“It’s all about ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable break.Skiing doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right destinations skiers can enjoy excellent slopes, exciting après-ski and stunning alpine scenery without the high prices.
“Whether it’s a luxury getaway, a family-friendly resort or a lively après-ski scene, these ski resort alternatives offer the best value for money in 2025.”
TOP 10 BIGGEST ‘DESTINATION DUPE’ SKI RESORTS OFFERING BIGGEST SAVINGS
1. Swap Val d’Isère, France for Sestriere, Italy – £1,265 weekly saving
2. Swap Courchevel, France for Madonna di Campiglio, Italy – £1,050 weekly saving
3. Swap Zermatt, Switzerland for Cervinia, Italy – £997 weekly saving
4. Swap St Anton, Austria for Kitzbühel, Austria – £777 weekly saving
5. Swap Obergurgl, Austria for Zell am See, Austria – £774 weekly saving
6. Swap Lech, Austria for Gastein, Austria – £774 weekly saving
7. Swap Avoriaz, France for Trysil, Norway – £761 weekly saving
8. Swap Les Arcs, France for Arinsal, Andorra – £488 weekly saving
9. Swap La Plagne, France for Samoëns, France – £299 weekly saving
10.Swap St Anton, Austria for Sierra Nevada, Spain – £288 weekly saving