Planning a winter sports trip and budgeting in advance? You’ll need to consider transportation costs, accommodation, optional equipment rental, activities, and of course, the lift pass. But how much does a ski pass actually cost? And what factors can make the daily price vary from one to three times?
Sport 2000 provides all the essential information on lift pass pricing so you can plan your trip with peace of mind and discover the best ways to ski for less.
Each resort sets its own lift pass prices (ski lifts, chairlifts, gondolas, etc.), so exact pricing varies. Here’s a general range:
For example, based on 2023/2024 rates: a 6-day “Tous Massifs” pass costs €191.50 at Les Rousses, €310 at Alpe d’Huez, €375 at Les 3 Vallées, and €396 at Tignes-Val d’Isère. Special rates exist for seniors, families, and young children.
Additional daily fees may apply for ski insurance (on-piste rescue, reimbursement in case of accident, or if weather conditions prevent piste opening).
Why do prices vary so much from one resort to another? Here’s what influences lift pass costs and tips to find cheaper rates for children, adults, or seniors.
Prices depend on the resort’s reputation, the size of the ski area, facilities, and infrastructure such as new lifts or gondola links. More extensive ski domains with additional amenities generally cost more. For example, a 7-day pass for Les 3 Vallées (600 km of slopes) costs €375, while a pass for Val Thorens-Orelle, Méribel, or Les Menuires/Saint-Martin-de-Belleville ranges from €256 to €320. Beginner passes, covering smaller areas with fewer lifts, are often cheaper.
When you buy your pass—online in advance or last-minute at the ticket office—plus the season (high or low) and day of the week, all impact price. Early or late-season skiing is generally cheaper (November to pre-Christmas, or spring skiing from late March/early April). Some resorts also offer free skiing for children in low season, like Saint-François-Longchamp.
Advance booking offers (“Early Booking”) can reduce costs: €10 off a 6-day pass at La Clusaz when booked a week ahead, or 15% off 6-day+ passes at Espace Diamant when booked 6 weeks ahead.
Day-of-week discounts may apply too. Skiing on Saturdays can be cheaper, with online reservations offering reductions: 20% at Les 3 Vallées, 30% at La Norma, 40% at Grand Domaine (Alpe d’Huez), and 50% at Sybelles.
The longer your pass, the lower the daily cost. For instance, a senior pass at Espace Diamant is €42.80 for 1 day, €156.90 for 4 days (€39.22/day), and €275.70 for 8 days (€34.46/day). Some resorts also offer “Liberté passes”, where you pay an annual card fee, then only for the days you ski or the number of lift rides, including options for non-consecutive ski days.