Bansko ski resort in Bulgaria emerges as best value for UK families, according to new research into prices for winter 2009/10 by Post Office
Travel Services, in conjunction with Where to Ski and Snowboard. Meanwhile, Ellmau in Austria is the lowest priced eurozone ski resort surveyed for the family market.
The new Family Ski Resort Report investigated the costs of lift passes, equipment hire and ski school together with meal and drinks prices in eight ski resorts across Europe and North America for a family of four. Resorts were selected for having good arrangements for children and first-timer skiers as well as extensive and rewarding slopes for the more experienced.
Key findings were:
- UK skiers can save as much as 59 per cent by choosing a resort in Europe rather than Winter Park in the USA - the most expensive resort surveyed.
- Families considering a skiing holiday in North America can save around 12 per cent by opting for Fernie in Canada instead of USA's Winter Park.
- The resorts in the USA, Canada and Italy were most expensive for total ski costs, but the cost of living in the same resorts was lower than in France, Switzerland and Andorra.
Prices can vary f rom resort to resort within the same country, so it is important for UK holidaymakers to assess each on individual merit and consider cost of living as well as lift passes, equipment hire and lessons.
Foreign currency for all the destinations covered in the Family Ski Resort Report is available at the Post Office with 0 per cent commission. Skiers can purchase euros over the counter at 8,700 Post Office Bureaux. US dollars are available on demand at
2,600 branches, while currencies for other key ski destinations, including the Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Bulgarian lev are available at 1,800 branches.
More than 70 different currencies are available to pre-order for next-day collection at all 12,000 branches or can be ordered online at postoffice.co.uk.
For more information on ski resorts visit: www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com