Ski like a local: Europe's hidden ski destinations

The cool breeze, the pristine snow, and the breathtaking views – a ski vacation is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in the European winter. But what happens when prices at the famous ski resorts soar? We’ve found three perfect destinations that offer all the magic of an Alpine ski holiday, at prices that allow you to enjoy without going bankrupt.

Montgenèvre: A French Gem with an Italian Soul

It seems as if time has stopped in Montgenèvre, a charming ski town located on the France-Italy border. Traditional wooden houses that are hundreds of years old blend with the snowy Alpine landscape, with the impressive Mont Blanc mountain rising in the background. This is not just another ski resort – it is a place where the Alpine tradition meets the exquisite French cuisine and the Italian Dolce Vita.

The Trails

The Montgenèvre domain offers 400 kilometers of diverse ski trails, known as the 'Milk Way,' including on the Italian side, suitable for all levels – from beginners to professionals. The long, easy green trail, Vallée Blanche, is perfect for beginners, while the black trail, La Verte, presents a real challenge for experienced skiers.

You can find packages for Montgenèvre with accommodation in MMV clubs, which are family-friendly thanks to their children’s clubs offering a variety of activities.

Package prices: Starting at €1,256 per person in a 4-person room, including flights with El Al to Milan, luggage, ski equipment transport, transfers, 7-night accommodation at MMV, 6-day ski pass, daily spa access (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi), and entrance to the kids' club.

Folgaria: The Dolomites at Their Best

Nestled between the impressive Dolomite Mountains, Folgaria is an authentic Italian town that still retains its original charm. Here, you won’t find the hustle and bustle of the luxurious Cortina d'Ampezzo, but rather a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Folgaria is part of the vast ski domain of Val di Fassa, which offers access to 210 kilometers of stunning trails. What makes it unique is the combination of excellent skiing conditions with ancient Ladin culture – a distinctive language and community preserved in the valleys of the Dolomites.

Here you will find the local Rifugi (mountain huts). At Rifugio Fodom, you can taste traditional dishes like Canederli (spinach dumplings) and Salcè (local sausages) at surprisingly affordable prices.

Italy – Short and Sweet

If you only want a taste of Italian skiing, in the past you could only fly for a week to classic European ski destinations. Folgaria offers us the option to fly for just three nights.

Package prices: Starting at €895 per person in a 4-person room, including flights with El Al to Venice, luggage, ski equipment transport, transfers, hotel, and a 2-day ski pass. Even for a week, the packages are not expensive, starting at €1,092 per person in a 4-person room, so the price won’t determine if you go for 3 nights or a week – your schedule and desire to ski as much as possible will.

Cervinia: Under the Matterhorn's Shadow

Cervinia is the Italian answer to the luxurious Swiss resort of Zermatt. Both share the same breathtaking view of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, but Cervinia offers the experience at much more reasonable prices.

The joint domain with Zermatt offers 350 kilometers of trails, including the option to ski on a glacier at 3,883 meters – making it one of the highest resorts in Europe. This means an especially long ski season, from October to May.

Via Carrel, the town's main street, is lined with family-friendly restaurants. At Lo Copa Pan, you’ll find the best pizza in town, while at La Bricole, you can enjoy excellent homemade pasta at fair prices.

Although Cervinia is relatively more expensive than the other resorts mentioned in the article, the comparison should be made with the Swiss ski resorts that share the same mountain.

Package prices: Starting at €1,815 per person in a 4-person room. The packages include flights with El Al, luggage, ski equipment transport, transfers, 7-night hotel accommodation, 6-day ski pass, and 150 km of ski trails!

Nightlife and Shopping

In all three destinations, you'll find bars and clubs at reasonable prices:

In Montgenèvre, Bar Roma offers a daily happy hour with free Italian aperitivo.

In Folgaria, Apres Ski Bar hosts live performances by local bands.

In Cervinia, Dragon Bar is the perfect place to end a day of skiing with a local beer.

Ran Paryante, Head of the Ski Department at Ofir Tours: "These three destinations prove that you can enjoy a high-quality ski vacation without spending a fortune or compromising on the quality of the ski resort. The holidays this year were designed with the current situation in mind, with convenient El Al flights to good destinations and excellent ski resorts."