A ski vacation abroad sounds like a splurge. But at these 6 destinations, it could cost less than skiing in the U.S.

A ski vacation abroad might sound like an expensive proposition, especially when you factor in the cost of international flights. But for Americans who already have to board a plane to reach the mountains, skiing overseas can be surprisingly affordable — and sometimes even cheaper than if you were to stay stateside.

According to Ski Area Management, lift-ticket and season-pass revenue per skier visit at American ski areas increased 60% between the 2015–16 and 2024–25 seasons. Travelers willing to go abroad might find better deals at certain international destinations.

Of course, many of the world’s most famous ski resorts come with steep prices. But the 2026 FOREX Ski Index points travelers toward destinations like the Balkans. The index found that a week of accommodation, meals, ski passes and equipment rental in Kopaonik, Serbia and Bansko, Bulgaria, could cost approximately 80% less than in Aspen, Colorado. Even Niseko, one of Japan’s more expensive ski destinations, was approximately 30% cheaper than Aspen in the same comparison.

The economics are especially compelling for longer trips, when several days of savings on lodging, dining and skiing can help offset the cost of getting there. 

The destinations below offer Americans the chance to experience new cultures, cuisines and mountain landscapes for potentially the same price — or even less — than a ski vacation in the United States.

Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Deep in the mountains of Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is a traditional hot-spring village where narrow streets, centuries-old bathhouses and exceptional snowfall have made skiing part of local life for generations.

The resort hosted biathlon competitions during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and offers approximately 31 miles of ski runs, including the Yamabiko area’s five courses and the long Skyline course. Its combination of deep powder, tree skiing and groomed terrain attracts everyone from beginners to experienced skiers.

For the upcoming season, an adult lift ticket costs approximately $49 per day. Accommodations are relatively affordable too: a traditional Japanese inn like Chitose-kan offers double rooms starting around $75 per person per night. Ski, boot and pole rentals at the resort cost approximately $37 per day. Travelers can reach Nozawa Onsen from Tokyo in two and a half hours by bullet train and bus, and the village is walkable, eliminating the need for a rental car.

While Japan’s skiing prowess and snow quality are worth the trip alone, the cultural appeal is another compelling reason to visit. Visitors can soak in the village’s 13 public hot-spring bathhouses and wander through narrow streets lined with traditional wooden inns and restaurants.

Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Less than an hour from Sarajevo, Jahorina was one of the venues for the 1984 Winter Olympics, hosting the women’s alpine skiing competitions. The mountain has since become one of the Balkans’ best-known ski destinations, with approximately 34 miles of trails, modern lifts, night skiing and a mix of wooded slopes and open mountain terrain.

For the upcoming season, a five-day adult lift pass costs approximately $243, or about $49 per day. Four-person apartments start at less than $100 per night, while five-day ski and boot rentals cost less than $100 per person. Sarajevo is about 45 minutes away, with private transfers starting at less than $50 per vehicle. For travelers sharing accommodations and transportation, the savings can be substantial. 

The city of Sarajevo is a major reason to consider Jahorina. Visitors can explore the city’s Ottoman-era bazaar, visit traditional coffeehouses and discover the Sarajevo Roses — mortar-shell scars filled with red resin that commemorate victims of the city’s siege from 1992 to 1996. Restaurants serving Bosnian specialties add a foodie dimension to the visit.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bulgaria might not be the first country Americans associate with skiing, but Bansko has become one of Eastern Europe’s most established winter destinations. The resort sits beneath the rugged peaks of the Pirin Mountains, approximately two and a half hours south of Sofia, with ski runs climbing to around 8,500 feet. Its roughly 47 miles of pistes include the challenging Tomba racecourse, named after Italian skiing legend Alberto Tomba, along with extensive beginner and intermediate terrain.

During the 2025-26 winter season, a six-day adult lift pass cost approximately $382, and accommodations are also inexpensive: some local hotels advertised double rooms for around $67 per night, including breakfast and transportation to the ski lifts. Six-day ski, boot and pole rentals cost approximately $90 per person. Shared shuttle transfers from Sofia Airport to Bansko cost around $35 per person each way.

Bansko’s historic old town adds considerable travel appeal, with cobblestone streets, traditional stone-and-timber houses and Bulgarian taverns serving grilled meats, hearty stews and local wines. Nearby hot springs offer a way to refresh after a day on the slopes.

Kopaonik, Serbia

Serbia’s largest ski resort occupies the slopes of Kopaonik, a mountain range in the country’s south-central region known for its broad, rounded summits and forests. The ski area sits within Kopaonik National Park and offers approximately 34 miles of alpine runs. Unlike the steep, dramatic peaks associated with the Alps, Kopaonik features a mixture of open upper slopes and wooded terrain, with night skiing available on selected runs.

Last season, a six-day adult lift pass cost approximately $260, while a one-day ticket was roughly $59. For the upcoming winter, apartments are advertised starting around $100 per night. Last season, six-day ski, boot and pole rentals at SnowFit cost approximately $78. From Belgrade, Kopaonik is about a four-hour drive, but round-trip direct buses are available for less than $50.

The resort is known for its lively après-ski scene. Plus, visitors with additional time can explore Belgrade’s historic fortress, riverside neighborhoods and nightlife before or after the journey into the mountains.

Poiana Brasov, Romania

Set in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, Poiana Brasov is a ski resort surrounded by forests just outside the medieval city of Brasov. The ski area occupies the slopes of Postavaru Mountain, offering approximately 15 miles of runs, including long descents through the trees and steeper terrain on its upper slopes. Although considerably smaller than many major American resorts, it’s attractive to travelers who want to combine skiing with sightseeing in Transylvania.

During the 2025-26 season, a five-day adult lift pass cost $185, or about $37 per day. Double rooms at some guesthouses in Poiana Brasov cost around $95 per night during January and February. This season, ski, boot and pole rentals cost approximately $29 per day. Visitors staying in the nearby city of Brasov can reach the slopes in about 20 minutes via public bus, with tickets costing just over $1 each way.

Off the mountain, travelers can explore Brasov’s medieval streets, Gothic Black Church and central square. Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, is another popular excursion.

Szczyrk, Poland

In southern Poland’s Beskid Slaski Mountains, near the Czech and Slovak borders, Szczyrk has developed into a major ski destination. Rather than one enormous mountain, the area features a variety of neighboring ski operations, including Szczyrk Mountain Resort, the Skrzyczne Ski Area and Beskid Sport Arena. Together, they offer more than 25 miles of slopes, with runs descending through the forest from Skrzyczne, the highest peak in the Silesian Beskids at approximately 4,100 feet. 

During the 2025-26 season, adult lift tickets at Szczyrk cost approximately $44 to $55 per day, while six-day passes ranged from $236 to $296. Accommodations are also relatively inexpensive: double rooms at some local guesthouses started around $65 per night during the 2025-26 season. From Krakow, travelers can reach Szczyrk by train and/or bus, with one-way fares starting around $17.

Szczyrk offers an introduction to the mountain traditions of southern Poland. Visitors can explore nearby mountain villages or extend their trip with a longer visit to Krakow.