Aussie ski passes almost double Europe

AUSTRALIA is on a slippery slope towards becoming one of the most expensive countries in the world to ski, says survey.

Aussies are being charged almost double the price of a European ski pass. Picture: Supplied

AUSTRALIA is on a slippery slope towards becoming one of the most expensive countries in which to ski.

The nation's biggest resorts are now charging almost double the price of premier European destinations for a standard adult lift ticket, an AAP survey has found.

This winter, local skiers and snowboarders are being slugged up to $105 for a day on the NSW ski fields and as much as $99 for the right to carve up the piste in Victoria.

 Top Tips: Ski Guide 2010

But travellers bound for the European Alps later this year are rubbing their hands together.

Lift tickets at the elite Italian resorts of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio are going for less than $60 a day.

Over in France, it's even cheaper at the former winter olympics host town of Chamonix where you can ski world class slopes for a mere $56.

Alternatively, if you're eager to share immaculately groomed runs with world economic leaders, try Davos in Switzerland for just $69, or mix it with the ultra chic at nearby St Moritz for $71 per day.

The sound value in Europe comes as a buoyant dollar contributes to record numbers of Australians leaving local shores compared to tourists arriving.

The dollar remains at "multi-year highs" against the euro and the pound. On Wednesday $1 was buying more than 71 euro cents and 58 pence.

Economists say the strength of the local dollar against the euro and a lack of competition has contributed to high lift ticket prices in Australia.

CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian said there was "no doubt" the stronger Australian dollar was playing a "significant part" in terms of people's ability to purchase overseas goods.

Mr Sebastian told AAP that the tourist deficit - the difference between those going overseas and those coming to Australia - had become the biggest in 34 years of records.

"There are certainly signs that the stronger Aussie is prompting a lot more Australians to take their holidays overseas rather than travel domestically," he said.

Given the strength of the local currency and the rising cost of domestic goods, overseas tourists were not looking at Australia as a favourable tourist destination either, he said.

Mr Sebastian said there also was greater competition in Europe and North America among ski fields.

Meanwhile, powder chasing Australians who want a fix in the southern hemisphere this winter can travel across the Tasman where New Zealand lift tickets cost significantly less.

Once you factor in flight costs and accommodation, however, some of Australia's ski fields can look more appealing.

Top North America resorts such as Vail and Whistler offer a great array of terrain and uncrowded skiing for around the same cost of a day pass as domestic ski resorts, although Australian skiers must get there first.

 Top Tips: Ski Guide 2010