Steep prices and steep slopes in the us vs europe
Art by Kayman Mangan
Skiing has grown enormously in popularity throughout the years, but so have its expenses. As skiing is one of the biggest winter sports, only a small group of individuals can call it a common hobby as the price of a single ski trip can cost thousands of dollars. As so many travel around the world to experience the thrill of winter sports, the US and Europe remain the two biggest hot spots; but the question comes down to which trip is worth your money.
The beautiful landscapes of Park City, Telluride and Aspen make them some of the most popular places to ski in the US. That beauty however comes with a price, a price that some people might not be willing to pay. Staying at a ski resort can cost around $300, many visitors spend 2-3 nights upping that price to about $900. The average cost for a day lift pass for an adult is $100 and to rent a basic ski equipment package is around $50. At notable resorts including Park City those prices can increase even more, the average price for a day lift ticket being $240. On top of that, a round trip airplane ticket can cost anywhere from $200-500, putting a basic two-night ski trip for a single person can cost over $1000.
Damien Hashim (’27) a regular skier shares his experiences as someone who has skied in both Europe and the US,
“There are beautiful mountains in the US but it is way too expensive, especially with renting gear. The biggest difference of skiing in Europe is the price, it is way cheaper in Europe compared to the US in my experience. We were going skiing in Switzerland and they said one day was 70 bucks and I said that's cheap compared to what the prices are in the United States,” Hashim said.
The chance to ski in Europe is the trip of a lifetime, the hundreds of ski resorts in the European Alps including Zermatt, Switzerland and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Plane tickets are a part of the expense when traveling to Europe, costing up to $1000 for a round trip. While that price exceeds the cost compared to a US ticket, what saves a big portion of money is around $60 for an adult day pass.
“While the plane ticket does take a big chunk of money to go to Europe it depends on how long it is and if it's worth it to you, I would rather ski in Europe and recommend that over the United States because of the landscape and it's more beautiful in my opinion,” Hashim said.
As the ski season comes in full swing over the next few months it can be seen the different pros and cons while traveling to either Europe or staying in the country to ski. Both regions cater to a variety of skill levels making both options a dream for winter sport enthusiasts. Wherever is chosen is guaranteed to have a thrilling experience with breathtaking views.