• The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) compares the costs of ski equipment and ski passes in European ski regions.
• The largest price difference in ski equipment ranges from EUR 97.88 in Fiesch/Bettmeralp (Switzerland) to EUR 20.37 in Métabief (France).
• The most expensive day ski passes are found in Andermatt (Switzerland), costing EUR 105.90

Berlin, January 8, 2026 – Ski holidaymakers can save around EUR 78 on ski equipment rental fees, depending on the ski region they choose. This is shown by a recent analysis conducted by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), which examined the lowest available rental fees for ski equipment (skis, boots, helmet) per person over a three-day period in 472 ski regions across eleven countries. In addition, UE compared ski pass prices in more than 40 popular ski resorts across Europe.

Ski equipment rental fees by country

In a country-by-country comparison, Switzerland records the highest average rental fees for ski equipment (skis, boots, helmet) at EUR 68.77. This is followed by Germany with an average of EUR 60.40 and Spain at EUR 60.39. Austria and Georgia follow with fees of EUR 56.97 and EUR 54.12 respectively. At the lower end of the scale are Bulgaria with an average of EUR 28.44, Slovakia with EUR 32.46, and France with EUR 32.53

Most expensive and least expensive ski resorts for rental equipment

At the level of individual ski resorts, Fiesch and Bettmeralp in Switzerland, each with an average of EUR 97.88, as well as Flims at EUR 95.80, rank among the most expensive destinations for ski equipment rental. Wilderswil, Matten near Interlaken, and Grindelwald, each averaging EUR 90.62, are also well above the overall average. Among the ski resorts with the lowest average rental fees are Métabief (EUR 20.37) and Aillons-Margériaz (EUR 22.82) in France. In Slovakia, locations such as Východná and Važec, each at EUR 26.56, and in Bulgaria, including Bansko (EUR 29.77) and Borovets (EUR 27.11), represent comparatively affordable options.

From Andermatt to Winterberg: a cost comparison of ski passes

At the upper end of the price scale is Andermatt in Switzerland, with EUR 105.90 for an adult day pass, followed by Davos Platz and Klosters at EUR 99.48 each, as well as Arosa and Crans-Montana at EUR 95.20. Zermatt (EUR 94.13), Grindelwald, and Saas-Fee (EUR 88.78 each) are also positioned in the high-price segment. More affordable options include Engelberg in Switzerland at EUR 49.21, Winterberg in Germany at EUR 52.00, and French resorts such as Morzine and Les Gets, each charging EUR 54.00 for an adult day pass.

“With a view to the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026, winter sports are gaining even greater international attention. They are not only a key showcase of elite sport, but also an important economic factor for many regions,” says Prof. Gerald Fritz, Professor of International Sports Management at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. “At the same time, we are observing that access to alpine winter sports is increasingly becoming a luxury in some regions due to rising prices – with consequences for grassroots and recreational sport, youth development, and social participation.”

About the study
For the analysis, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences collected the lowest available online rental offers for ski equipment (skis, boots, helmet) per person over a three-day period in 472 ski regions across 11 European countries using the platform Alpy.com. In addition, day pass prices for ski passes in more than 40 popular ski resorts were analysed based on the price information provided by Schneehoehen.de