November 28, 2025, 4:50 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
More than 800 euros for three days on the ski slopes–what sounds like a luxury vacation is now a reality for many families in the Alps. And that’s just the cost of the ski passes. A recent analysis by ADAC shows the significant price differences in ski resorts–and where families can still hit the slopes relatively cheaply.
Ski passes are becoming increasingly expensive: As BILD reports, citing an ADAC study, winter sports enthusiasts have to pay about five percent more on average this season compared to last year. The price increase is particularly noticeable for adults. In nearly half of the 30 ski resorts examined, a day ticket now costs more than 70 euros. According to ADAC, children usually pay less than 40 euros.
At the top of the price scale is Zermatt in Switzerland: With 106 euros, Zermatt leads in the cost of a day ticket for adults. The Black Forest is significantly cheaper–skiers in the Feldberg area pay only 42 euros. The size of the ski areas also varies greatly: While the Matterhorn offers around 360 kilometers of slopes, the Black Forest has only about one-twelfth of that.
Significant Differences Also in Prices for Children’s Ski Passes
The prices for children’s tickets fluctuate even more. According to ADAC, Balderschwang offers the cheapest option for young skiers: A day ski pass there costs 21.50 euros. In contrast, the Italian ski areas Kronplatz and Seiser Alm, as well as the French La Plagne-Les Arcs, are much more expensive, with children’s tickets costing 56 euros each.
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Three Days of Skiing Cost Families Up to 800 Euros
The study focuses on a model family with two children aged 10 and 14. ADAC calculated the costs for one-day and three-day ski passes–with sometimes drastic results. The higher the ski resort in the Alps, the more expensive it becomes for families.
In almost all Alpine regions outside Germany, four day ski passes cost the family more than 200 euros. For three days, the cost ranges from 600 euros to more than 800 euros. The most expensive regions are Zermatt and Flims Laax. However, Kronplatz, Seiser Alm, Ischgl, Arlberg, Davos Klosters, and La Plagne also rank high, with prices exceeding 750 euros.
Price Breakers: Allgäu and Bavarian Forest
The cheapest option in the ADAC comparison is Balderschwang in Allgäu. A day there costs the model family 118 euros, and three days cost 354 euros. According to ADAC, the Arber in the Bavarian Forest, as well as the ski areas Feldberg, Lenggries-Brauneck, and Spitzingsee-Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps, are also affordable. The Szrenica Ski Arena in the Polish Giant Mountains also offers competitive rates.
Money-Saving Tips for Ski Pass Buyers
Families can significantly reduce their ski pass expenses with a few simple measures:
▶︎ Book early, save more: Many ski resorts use dynamic pricing models. “Those who book early usually get a better deal.” This is especially true during high demand or good weather. ADAC also recommends looking at combination passes: “According to ADAC, the combination pass often fares better than a ticket for just one area.”
▶︎ Take advantage of the off-season: Those not tied to school holidays can save. “According to Stiftung Warentest, you can save by avoiding holiday periods.” Especially in January, at the end of the season, or in March before the Easter holidays, many ski resorts offer not only cheaper ski passes but also more affordable accommodations.