The cost of a ski trip is more frightening than the cliff face.

Ski resorts are already impacted by Europe's upcoming energy crisis. As energy costs go up, expect prices to go up, along with trimming services like slowing down chair lifts to conserve energy.

A lift pass in a major European resort can cost as much as 300. It's enough to make you shiver when you see the prices for burgers and beer. This year could be the end of the cheap European ski trip.

There are ski areas in Europe where a six-day lift pass costs less than 275.

Budget travelers will find the top ski resorts in Europe.

A busy nursery slope at Borovets Ski resort, Bulgaria
Borovets' cheap price tag attracts a party crowd © Roy Conchie / Alamy Stock Photo

Borovets, Bulgaria: best for the party crowd

Since the 19th century, the playground has been a winter playground. Hemmed by evergreens, its 36 miles of mostly blue and red runs run beneath Mt Musala, the tallest peak in Bulgaria.

For better or worse,Borovets can be a favorite among snow-bound groups of people who go to bars and basement clubs before heading to the mountains. Don't drink rakia if you follow them towards cheap beers.

It's hard to fault a week's stay in a double room for 300.

The high-season lift pass is around 350 lev.

Transfer services start at 30 and there is no extra charge for ski carriage on the way toBorovets. A shuttle would be even cheaper.

A hiker's guide to Bulgaria rocks.

Empty ski lift chairs against a pink and purple sky
Vogel isn't as big as some of Europe's renowned resorts, but its price tag is considerably smaller too © Levente Fesus / 500px

Vogel, Slovenia: best for beautiful views

The Mt Triglav is believed to be the home of a triple-headed deity. It is not one of Europe's biggest resorts, nor is it snow-sure, but it is a bargain, with amazing views of theJulian Alps.

If your guesthouse has signed up for the bus scheme, transport is free after arrival. Lake Bled is one hour away and Lake Bohinj is forty minutes away.

Nightly rates in Ukanc, downhill of the ski lifts, are 75 per double, which is less expensive than in Ribev Laz.

The high-season lift pass costs 199 per six days.

If you want to save money, you can take a train ride to Bohinjska Bistrica.

Being on a budget.

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View from the bottom of the slopes towards the old town, Sauze d'Oulx, Milky Way ski area, Italy
Enjoy the cozy charm of Sauze d'Oulx village © Ian Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo

Sauze d'Oulx, Italy: best for intermediate skiers

The Via Lattea ski area is located across the France-Italy border. From Sauze d'Oulx you can reach the Italian side. In a resort of this size, there is always somewhere to see off the crowds and this is one of them.

Despite being a well oiled machine of the winter sports industry, the core of Sauze d'Oulx village has kept its charm: cobblestoned and lined with trattorie pouring out Piedmont wine to accompany polenta with rabbit, deep- fried vegetables and other northern Italian fare.

Self-catering apartments are the cheapest, with a week-long stay close to Clotes chair lift costing less than 600.

The high-season lift pass costs 208 per six days.

Private transfers from the airport to Sauze d'Oulx cost around 40 If you want to go to Oulx station, you have to take a bus and a train.

The best hikes in Italy are in the mountains.

Skiers and snowboarders taking a rest in chairs near an apres ski bar on the slopes of Jasna
There are high-altitude pistes with low prices at Jasná © Jasná Niyazz / Alamy Stock Photo

Jasná Nízke Tatry, Slovakia: best for night skiing

The largest ski resort in Slovakia has high peaks. Jasn is a spider's web of astride Mt Chopok, with around 20 lifts, snow-making and a freeride zone. Jasn's is at the center of Slovak highland culture and has a lot of folklore about folk heroes. It works well for the budget skier's table, with enough change from a 10 note for a couple of Zlat Ba. Vlkolnec is a fairy-tale 14th-century hamlet that roosts on a hillside.

The cost of double rooms in Jasn starts at 100 per night.

The high-season lift pass price is not live yet, but previous years averaged 136 for six days.

Budget flights will get you to Jasn within an hour. Private transfer costs from 30 to 500 per person. You can get a taxi, train and bus combo for less than 10 dollars.

Exploring Slovakia's Hightatras is out on a high.

The distinctive stone Sant Climent de Taull church, one of nine in the Boi valley
Visit Vall de Boí for a wonderfully cultural après-ski activity © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

Boí Taüll, Spain: best for après-ski culture

Bo Tall towers at 6000 feet. A resort that is crowd-free, family friendly and north-facing is crucial for long- lasting snow.

There are mostly red and black trails at this ski area. Catalan warmers like spiced snails and trinxat protect them from the cold, while a chocolate-oozing crepe from Ca laPepa makes for a delicious low-cost desert. The Vall de Bo is home to nine Unesco-listed Romanesque churches and visitors can spend lazy afternoons admiring the frescoes.

You can get an apartment for less than 450 a week.

The high-season lift pass costs 228 per six days.

The easiest way to get to Bo Tall is by road. You can change buses to get to Tall.

There are 5 amazing road trips in Spain.

Terma Bania's outdoor thermal pool steaming while surrounded by snow at dusk
A rejuvenating soak in Terma Bania's outdoor thermal pool is the perfect way to ease post-ski aches © Terma Bania

Białka Tatrzańska, Poland: best ski resort for beginners

The biggest winter sports resort in Poland is called Biaka Tatrzaska and it has beginner ski terrain. The Kotelnica, Bania and Kaniwka ski areas are perfect for skiers who are still finding their feet. The same lift pass allows access to neighboring resorts. Terma Bania is a great place to take a hot bath in the warm outdoors.

Private rooms are usually 40 and include a monster breakfast. Pierogi and urek can be found for less than 4 and shots of ubrwka can be had for free.

The high-season lift pass costs 128 for six days.

Private transfers from Krakw Airport are cheaper than public buses from Krakw Gwny train station.

There is a diving pool in Poland.

The top of a ski run at Sudelfeld–Bayrischzell ski resort, looking down over the snow-covered mountain range
Thanks in part to snow cannons, Sudelfeld–Bayrischzell's slopes stay frothy and white throughout the season © Lumi Images/Pupeter-Secen

Sudelfeld–Bayrischzell, Germany: best for experienced skiiers

Sudelfeld–Bayrischzell is modest compared to larger resorts in Austria. The snow canons give skiers access to a swath of exciting red runs and a freeride area that is ideal for experienced riders.

A week's stay in a snug guesthouse will cost you 500 per week, which is a significant savings on the big-name cross-border resorts. Bed and breakfast comes in at an incredible 25 a night at Jugendherberge, which is a dormitory style accommodations.

The high-season lift pass costs 260 per six days.

You can take a regular train from Mnchen to Bayrischzell.

You can take a road trip to the best parts of Germany.

A group of people in silhouette stand at a viewpoint above a lake in a snow-covered mountainous landscape
There are over 78 miles of trails to explore in Val Cenis © antb / Shutterstock

Val Cenis, France: best for long blue runs 

The French Alps can be yours for less than Val d'Isre. There are 78 miles of trails in the Val Cenis area. Beginners can go far, with blue runs stretching from village level to the top of the resort, plus there are lots of red and black runs. You are from the Italian border, meaning authentic pizza at moderate prices.

hostel rates for a balcony view of the Alps are more expensive than apartments that sleep four to six people.

For six days, the high-season lift pass is 90

If you want to get to Val Cenis, you can take a flight from one of the airports. Modane is a 45 minute bus ride from the valley.

Saving money on ski trips can be difficult.

The article was published in December of last year.