Winter is officially here - the slopes are calling our names and we can almost smell the mulled wine brewing in big, black cauldrons ready for warming up tired skiers as they descend from Europe's snowy mountains.
As magical as ski season is, finding a resort that delivers great slopes without a painful price tag can feel like an uphill battle at times.
With countless destinations scattered across Europe, choosing the right one becomes even trickier when you’re travelling as a group with mixed abilities and budgets.
Having enjoyed my fair share of ski trips, I know just how important it is to pick a resort that keeps everyone happy - whether you're a beginner who wants gentle pistes, a seasoned skier seeking more challenging runs, or holiday-makers just trying to avoid blowing your entire budget on lift passes alone.
That's why I asked the experts to compile a guide to choosing the best resort in Europe that will show you a good time and great value for money.
Where is the best and cheapest place to ski?
© palarinsalandorra / InstagramWhen it comes to pinpointing the best and cheapest place to ski, the search can feel endless. Europe is overflowing with resorts that cater to every style, skill level, and budget.
However, because ski holidays are so personal, what counts as the best can vary dramatically from one group to the next, but when you compare affordability with great skiing, reliable snow, and an enjoyable all-round experience, the experts feel a clear contender exists.
According to Snomad - a ski-resort comparison and review platform for skiers and snowboarders - there is one standout destination that promises to keep both your legs and your wallet happy.
Their team explained to HELLO! why they listed Pal Arinsal in Andorra as their top choice when it comes to the best and cheapest place to ski.
"Andorra is known for cheap holidays, but that doesn't mean the quality is lacking," Sam Jackson from Snomad said.
He continued: "Pal Arinsal scores a 4.81/5.00 in our value for money category, whilst still offering a good range of skiing for beginners, intermediates and advanced.
"The accommodation options are good and you'll find you get more space when compared to France or Austria. The food and drink are of great quality whilst maintaining a cheap price!
"Overall, it's a modern resort without the modern price tag and a great option for anyone on a budget!"
What is the cheapest month to go skiing?
© https://www.weski.com/For UK-based holidaymakers looking to keep costs down while enjoying the slopes and the snow, January is usually the cheapest month in the calendar to go skiing.
Europe’s ski season typically runs from late November to early April, with some high-altitude resorts staying open into May, but prices vary drastically throughout the season.
After the busy, notoriously pricey Christmas and New Year period, costs for flights, accommodation, and lift passes decline significantly.
Another reason to ski in January, from personal experience, snow conditions are often at their best, and you’ll avoid the crowds and inflated prices before the February half-term crowd descends on the resorts.
Sam outlined the danger of only choosing a month based on price and warned against disregarding details about snowfall and how it will impact your overall experience.
He noted: "If all you are fussed about is the price, the cheapest months tend to be December or late March, provided you're not going on school holidays.
"Booking in either of these months holds some inherent risks which are exacerbated if you're an advanced or expert skier, as the pistes will be open but off-piste and powder skiing options will likely be poor or carry more significant avalanche risk.
"The important thing with early/late season bookings is remembering that cheap doesn't equal value. Ski holidays by nature are expensive, and no trip will feel pricey if you have good snow."
What is the most beginner-friendly ski resort?
© la_plagne / InstagramThere's nothing worse than arriving at a resort and seeing only black slope signposts everywhere you look as a beginner.
When I went on my first ski trip, I was extremely grateful to be in an area packed full of green and blue slope options to find my legs and gain more confidence.
According to the experts, La Plagne, in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, will probably top everyone's list for beginners.
Sam shared: "It scored 4.75/5.00 through our community ratings. The mountain layout helps beginners build confidence and improve, with many of our community members commenting about the abundance of blue runs in the resort.
"Wide and cruisy slopes make it very easy to find the space to progress at your own speed. There's a good range of off-slope activities and amenities that make it easy to relax and unwind when your legs are aching."
Where is best to go as a family?
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesWhen it comes to family skiing, Morillon in France came out on top for its friendliness and abundance of ski schools.
"It scores a 4.93/5.00 rating for its family friendliness from our community," Sam said. "Morillon has fantastic ski schools and a great amount of easier terrain, which makes it perfect for learning or children."
He continued: "It's part of the Grand Massif Ski Area, so you have access to 265km of fantastic skiing.
"The slopes are also pretty quiet for a French resort, which makes the entire experience more relaxing. Overall, it scores well for a reason: people become repeat customers after visiting once."
