If you haven’t booked your winter vacation yet, you are probably among the last. Europe’s top ski resorts are expected to reach full capacity, and Israelis are flocking to the slopes like never before. Bulgaria, Austria, France, or Andorra—each offers a different experience; the only question is what type of skier you are.
This year, around 120,000 Israelis are expected to fly to snowy slopes, a 40% increase compared to last year according to tourism companies, while leading European ski resorts face crowds like never before. For example, Madonna di Campiglio in northern Italy, one of the luxurious resorts in the heart of the Dolomites, announced it will limit daily tickets to only 15,000 on peak days and implement a “smart ski-pass” that distributes skiers across the slopes to prevent congestion and long lines. In the Ski Arlberg area in Austria, a similar policy is already being implemented, aiming to balance massive demand with a high-quality and safe skiing experience.
“The Israeli market is rediscovering ski vacations, with a 40% surge in demand this coming season,” says Ido Veg, CEO of Issta Sport Group. “In the past, it was a fairly uniform vacation, but today it is much more diverse, with Hebrew-speaking lessons, parties, and cultural events, alongside nightlife and après-ski. This makes it attractive both for families and for younger audiences.”
This coming winter, tens of thousands of Israelis will fly for ski vacations, but not everyone knows that the right choice is not only a matter of price or proximity to the slopes. Two main factors influence the experience: Timing of the trip and the character of the destination.
Timing is important not only to ensure excellent snow conditions but also to avoid the heavy crowds of peak periods. Some resorts are best booked for January or February vacations, while others offer stable and pleasant skiing in March and April, when the slopes are less crowded.
Equally important is the character of the resort itself. One of the decisive criteria shaping the vacation experience lies in the question of what came first—the ski resort or the town? This history continues to influence things today. Austrian ski towns, for example, existed for hundreds of years before skiers arrived, and are picturesque villages full of family restaurants and authentic atmosphere. In France, however, many resorts were built specifically for skiers, modern planned ski towns that offer maximum convenience and advanced infrastructure, sometimes at the expense of a sense of connection to the destination.
So what awaits Israelis in the upcoming ski season? At Issta Ski, the most popular destinations are presented with the potential advantages and drawbacks of each resort, recommended travel times, and benefits that can make the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable experience.
Borovets: Closest and Most Affordable
Borovets in Bulgaria is the preferred destination for families and beginners. Just a two-hour flight and another hour and fifteen minutes by car from Sofia, you reach a compact ski town where most hotels are adjacent to the slopes. Hebrew-speaking instructors for children are also available, along with packages at especially attractive prices. The main advantage is accessibility and cost, alongside a friendly and flexible skiing experience. On the other hand, those looking for dozens of slopes of varying difficulty levels or vibrant nightlife will find less than what larger resorts in Western Europe offer.
When to go? January and early February are considered the ideal time for a ski vacation in Borovets. Snow conditions are stable, skiing conditions are excellent, and resorts are less crowded. Towards late February and early March, school winter vacations across Europe begin, and resorts enter the busiest peak season.
Andorra: Best Value for Money
Nestled between Spain and France, the principality of Andorra offers a vast ski area of 210 km, with advanced lift systems and meticulous maintenance. Andorra suits almost all levels of skiers, but it also offers much more than skiing: The capital, La Vella, combines duty-free shopping, a new casino, and thermal baths. A combined model was created here: Commercial towns that existed beforehand, around which one of Europe’s largest ski areas was developed. The advantage is a combination of skiing and urban leisure, but during peak periods the place is very crowded, and the high altitude brings weather conditions that are not always stable.
When to go? January and early February are the recommended time. Snow conditions are excellent, and resorts are less crowded compared to late February, which is considered peak demand.
Mayrhofen: Austria at Its Best
Mayrhofen is a historic Austrian town that became a sought-after ski destination. Unlike French resorts, this is a town that developed hundreds of years before ski culture arrived, and it is filled with picturesque streets, a local church, family restaurants, and a neighborhood atmosphere. Snow conditions are good, and Austrian après-ski is especially lively, with bars filling up as early as the afternoon. The main advantage is authenticity, but there are also limitations: Not all hotels are adjacent to ski resorts, and sometimes ski buses are required. Prices are higher than in Bulgaria, but the experience is richer and more diverse.
When to go? January is perfect for those seeking good snow without crowds. February is less recommended, as Austrian and German winter vacations make the resorts particularly busy. In March and early April, snow is still excellent, the weather is milder, and crowds decrease, creating another ideal time window.
Tignes: Modern French Ski Experience
Tignes is one of the largest ski resorts in France and a classic example of a “town built around skiing.” In the 1960s, a modern and organized complex of hotels adjacent to the slopes was built, with advanced infrastructure and vast skiing areas. Everything is designed for the skier: Maximum convenience, proximity to the slopes, and a young, lively atmosphere. The advantage is a vacation focused purely on skiing. The drawback is that the town feels pre-planned, and high-altitude weather conditions can be challenging.
When to go? Late January and early February are the best times, before peak end-of-February crowds. March and even April offer excellent skiing experiences thanks to the high altitude.
Costs and When to Book
A weekend package in Borovets, Bulgaria, in March costs from €864 per person, including direct flights, direct transfers to the ski resort, free Hebrew-speaking lessons at the resort, 3 nights in a hotel (double room) with saunas, swimming pool, and gym for free use, ski pass, and ski equipment.
A full-week package in Andorra in early February costs from €1,336 per person, including direct flights, ski pass, direct transfers to the ski resort, 6 nights in a hotel (double room), breakfast and dinner included, and hotel saunas, swimming pool, and gym for free use.
A full-week package in Mayrhofen, Austria, in January costs from €1,599 per person, including direct flights, direct transfers to the ski resort, 7 nights in a hotel (double room), breakfast included, saunas, Jacuzzi, pools, and gym for free use, ski pass, and ski equipment.