Jasná Nízke Tatry is Slovakia’s biggest ski resort and is sure to impress anyone who visits. With more than 1000m of vertical slopes and 50k of runs and pistes on both sides of Mount Chopok, there are plenty of grounds to explore. Beginners and experts (and quick learners) won’t be disappointed. Best of all, Jasná Nízke Tatry is a hidden gem that can compete with the bigger names of European ski resorts. As one of the cheap places to ski in Europe, you’ll find world-class skiing facilities without the huge crowds or price tags.

Vogel is a truly beautiful ski area in an often-overlooked location. Towering over Lake Bohinj (Lake Bled’s bigger but quieter counterpart), Vogel is in Triglav National Park. Get from the lake to the mountains in minutes via cable car, where skiers can access the largely treeless terrain offering ample opportunity for off-piste exploration. This is one of the best places to ski if you’re looking for dramatic scenery on a budget—Vogel consistently ranks among affordable ski resorts in Europe. Nightlife is low-key, but the capital Ljubljana is a little over an hour away, so a day trip is easily doable.

One of the best cheap places to ski in Europe can be found in Poland. Like the rest of the country, prices are low, but the memories you return home with will be invaluable. Poland is a popular stopping off point for tourists in Eastern Europe, but the mountains to the south of the country are often overlooked. The slopes at Białka Tatrzańska are perfect for beginners looking to test their snow legs, and nearby thermal springs are a rejuvenating recovery option after a long day of snowscape adventure.

Poiana Brasov is Romania’s biggest mountain resort and, by many reviews, the nicest. With more than 24km of ski runs to explore, you’ll be kept busy on the picture-book slopes flanked by snowclad fir trees. Ranked among affordable ski resorts in Europe, this charming destination combines scenery, skiing, and culture without the hefty price tag. The nearby village has plenty of accommodation options and restaurants, with traditional Romanian fare like mulled wine on offer to keep you warm at night.

Although European ski fields offer cheap places to ski, long-haul flights can be expensive. For a budget ski holiday closer to home, consider a shorter flight over the Tasman. The cost of equipment hire and other on-the-ground expenses are higher in New Zealand, but saving hundreds of dollars on flights can go a long way. For cheap snow holidays Australia-adjacent, Mount Hutt is one of the best bets. It’s an excellent place for beginner skiers, with several wide, gentle slopes. Away from the snow, there are thermal pools and hiking trails galore, plus lots of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

After New Zealand, Japan is perhaps the next most popular ski holiday destination for Aussies. Like New Zealand, you save on airfares and travel time while paying a little extra on the ground. Myoko Kogen is one of the cheap ski resorts in Japan, but that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. Made up of four resorts, it’s one of the largest ski fields in Japan and boasts the longest run in the country. For those after affordable ski resorts outside Europe, it’s a top pick. Next door to the resort is Akakura Onsen, the perfect place to revive tired legs and souls after a long day of back-to-back runs.

For Australians, South Korea offers incredible value when it comes to a budget ski holiday. Take your pick of a few resorts with reasonable day rates, including YongPyong Resort. Found in the northeast corner of the country (the coldest part of South Korea), YongPyong offers four zones of skiing (each with multiple runs). These range from 960m to 1458m. Looking for cheap places to ski in Asia that still feel premium? YongPyong ticks all the boxes. Off the slopes, people staying at the resort can enjoy a water park, wellness hall, golf club, and more.