This is how far the money goes on a ski holiday
The Alps are the Swedes' favorite destination for skiing – but they are expensive to holiday in. The best value for money is in the Italian Alps. This is shown by the FOREX Ski Index, the annual index that compares costs at popular ski resorts.
From cheapest to most expensive ski resorts
"In Italian Champoluc and Alagna, you get a genuine Alpine feeling at prices that are about 15 percent lower than in Sälen, whereas Val Gardena and Cervinia are significantly more expensive. With an index of 155 and 205 , they cost about 55 % and twice as much, respectively", says Niklas Lydahl, COO at FOREX.
In Austria , too, there are considerable differences between the resorts: in Bad Gastein (107), with prices close to those in Sälen, the travel budget lasts longer than in Zell am See (130). St. Anton (180) or Ischgl (200) where the costs are between 30 and 100 percent higher.
In the south in the snow-sure Sierra Nevada (118), prices are almost 20% higher than in Sälen. But there is the opportunity to combine snow with sun as it is only an hour's drive to the Spanish Costa del Sol.
Japan offers a combination of tradition and the future – and skiing, and in the Hokkaido region (105) the cost is about the same as in Sälen.
"Japan may be a high-tech society, but six out of ten payments are still made in cash, so don't forget to keep yen in your pocket, they are needed to buy a warming ocha on the slopes." says Niklas Lydahl.
North American resorts such as Jackson Hole (220) and Whistler (240) offer world-class skiing. Aspen (245) represents absolute luxury, but at a price: ski passes, ski rental and restaurants cost about two and a half times as much as in Sälen.
"Remember that in the United States, the total price is often higher than what is stated on the menu or price tag. Sales tax of around 10 percent is added at the checkout, and in restaurants about 20 percent is expected in tips. So it's easy to buy dollars in smaller denominations even before departure," says Niklas Lydahl.
To maximize your travel budget , the right means of payment can make a difference. With FOREX Credit Card , there is more money for experiences, not fees, as no currency surcharge is added to purchases. In addition, no cash withdrawal fee is charged outside the EU/EEA.