The FOREX Ski Index helps you get a full picture of what a week on the ski slopes actually costs. It compares the price level of 37 ski resorts around the world, from the Swedish mountains to the Alps, on to the Balkans and all the way to Japan. The FOREX Ski Index includes costs for lift passes, ski rental, food, drinks and après ski. A practical support for planning your ski trip based on both your wallet and destination.
The FOREX ski index compares the cost of a week's vacation at 37 ski resorts around the world. The index helps you to understand a budget for a ski trip to either Popova Shapka in North Macedonia or to Aspen in the United States.
In this year's edition of the FOREX Ski Index, the most affordable ski resorts continue to be in Central Europe, the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. For example, Bansko in Bulgaria and Zakopane in Poland are established destinations where money lasts longer. But for those who want to try something new, there is much to experience in Gudauri in Georgia and Erciyes in Turkey. Spectacular views and snow-sure slopes are proof that there is affordable and good skiing beyond the mountains and the Alps.
Popova Shapka in North Macedonia and Kopaonik in Serbia are the cheapest ski resorts in the FOREX Ski Index 2026. In third place is Brezovica, Kosovo's largest ski resort. Standards may vary, but there's more than slopes and powder to explore at newly discovered ski destinations. A little further afield in Parnassos in Greece, you can enjoy swish-ing down peaks over 2,000 meters before sinking your teeth into traditional Greek mountain food like Kleftiko and Gemista. Apres ski is mandatory!
Aspen is the ski resort that is absolutely the most expensive according to the FOREX Ski Index. But the standard is world-class when it comes to everything from the lift system to accommodation. The same goes for Whistler in Canada and Jackson Hole in Colorado, USA. For us northerners, the trip across the Atlantic also tends to be expensive, so it's important to plan your travel budget wisely to get the most out of your money.
Among the most expensive destinations in the FOREX Ski Index are several internationally renowned resorts, all located in the Alps: Ischgl in Austria, Cervinia in Italy, Val d’Isère in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. The standard is high, but it comes at a cost. Keep in mind that more people than us Nordics have sports or winter holidays. This occurs in many countries sometime between the end of January and the beginning of March and is often reflected in prices for, for example, lift passes.
*based on average prices W.7-W.10 2026
FOREX Ski Index compares on-site costs in different locations compared to Sälen, which has an index of 100. The compilation shows average costs for, among other things, lift passes, ski equipment rental, food and drinks for two people during the period February to March 2026.
It is worth mentioning that even if a destination has a low index overall, some costs may still be higher compared to a destination with a higher index. An index shows a price trend and compares price levels over a certain period, which means that price changes can affect the index over time.
