Discover hidden ski destinations in Europe with surprisingly affordable prices.

Europe’s wealth of ski resorts attracts visitors from around the world, with many returning year after year to the slopes in famed mountain ranges such as the Alps and the Dolomites.

Although the French, Italian, Swiss, and Austrian mountains are top choices for skiing vacations, there is a growing trend of people looking for cheaper options or more lively party scenes in other locations.

There is a particular country that offers the perfect combination of ski resorts for beginners and families, reasonable prices, and a wide range of options for vacationing.

Bulgaria’s resorts may not be as plentiful as those of France, but where our over-the-Channel neighbour comes with a sometimes soaring price tag for its skiing holidays, Bulgaria has built its reputation on offering a good time for less, whether you’re on the pistes, at apres or simply in your hotel. From the more renowned to the lesser-known, we’ve rounded up the eastern European nation’s best resorts.

Bansko, situated in the southern part of the country and nestled at the base of the Pirin Mountains, is a charming mountain town featuring narrow streets and traditional stone buildings with terracotta roofs. This unique architectural style blends Bulgarian influences with a mountain aesthetic, rather than the typical Alpine style.

The ski resort in Bulgaria has gained recognition as the best, thanks to the installation of a gondola system in the 2000s. This has allowed for the development of a network of 14 lifts and approximately 75km of ski slopes.

The cost of staying in Bulgaria remains reasonable, and the resort has made strides to improve its reputation of being budget-friendly. This includes upgrading the quality of accommodations, food options, and overall infrastructure for skiing.

The ski resort offers challenging runs such as Tomba for World Cup enthusiasts, as well as off-piste options for more advanced skiers. Beginners can also enjoy gentle slopes, and those seeking non-skiing activities will appreciate the bustling town and lively apres ski scene.

Enjoy a relaxing stay at the Wellness Hotel Bulgaria, thanks to Heidi’s hospitality. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Bansko, just a short six-minute walk from the slopes. Take advantage of the pool, spa, and sauna amenities during your stay.

Borovets is the nearest major ski destination to the capital city of Sofia, situated less than 90 minutes away by car from the airport. It is nestled in the Rila mountains, the highest mountain range in the country, and at the base of the nearly 3,000m peak of Mount Musala.

Borovets has a total of 60km of ski trails, making it slightly smaller than its main rival Bansko. However, Borovets typically has a longer operating season, lasting until May. Additionally, the slopes reach heights of up to 2,500m and there is the option to ski at night under the floodlights.

In Bulgaria, it is typical for the ski slopes to primarily cater to those who are beginners or at an intermediate level. The slopes offer approximately 24km and 29km for these skill levels, but there is also some off-piste available at higher elevations. Additionally, there are some challenging red slopes near Yastrebetz.

Borovets, a charming town center, offers a variety of accommodations ranging from extensive all-inclusive resorts to cozy bars and unique drinking spots. With affordable prices and lively apres options, it’s a perfect destination for visitors. Additionally, winter activities like walking and a 10km cross-country ski route are also highly favored in this area.

Crystal Ski offers seven nights at the Musala Hotel, located right on the slopes and providing ski-in/ski-out access. This brand new hotel sits among the pine woods just 300m away from the town centre, and features a swimming pool, sauna and spacious rooms with functional interiors.

Pamporovo, located in a specially designed resort within a beautiful Norwegian spruce forest near Plovdiv, is a highly sought-after vacation spot known for its excellent facilities for beginners. Many visitors choose to come here to improve their skiing abilities or to learn how to ski. This area, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000m, collaborates with the nearby Mechi Chal-Chepelare (more information on this below).

Pamporovo has seen improvements in its ski lift infrastructure and snowmaking abilities thanks to recent investments. More than half of the runs are ideal for beginners, while only about 5 kilometers of runs in Pamporovo are suitable for advanced skiers. However, experienced skiers can still find challenging terrain to explore through off-piste routes and runs near Snejanka peak.

Fortunately, Pamporovo has maintained its charm as a traditional Bulgarian resort. It offers budget-friendly lodging and dining choices and a lively apres scene thanks to inexpensive drinks.

Heidi offers accommodation options at Hotel Prespa, conveniently located in the heart of town and just a short bus ride away from the ski slopes. The rooms have a simple and traditional style, but provide comfort and good value in a less popular destination. This is a fantastic choice for those looking to explore a lesser-known area.

From £424pp including seven nights’ accommodation, return flights from London Stansted, one piece of checked luggage per person and airport transfers. Departing 5 February 2024.

Apart from the top three mentioned, the resorts in Bulgaria gradually decrease in size. However, their unique charm, reasonable prices and close proximity to bigger resorts make them worth considering, especially if you can visit multiple resorts during one trip.

Vitosha, located near the capital and approximately one hour away from Borovets, is a popular destination for skiing. It offers around 20km of slopes, accessible by seven lifts. Of these slopes, 12km are designated as beginner level with blue runs. However, there are only 2km of black runs, so this may not be the best choice for experienced skiers looking for a challenge. Prices for things such as ski passes and drinks are adjusted to be more affordable, making Vitosha a great option for a side trip during your ski trip in Bulgaria.

Unfortunately, due to its small size and close proximity to the capital, there are limited flight and hotel options for UK travelers going to Vitosha. However, it is a popular destination for day trips and there are nearby hotels available. One of these options is the Moreni Hotel, situated in Aleko and only a short distance from central Sofia. It is situated on the eastern side of Mount Vitosha and offers convenient access to ski lifts. Additionally, the hotel boasts modern and stylish rooms, as well as a fantastic bar, spa, and sauna facilities.

Reworded:

Experience the perks of staying in Pamporovo with the convenience of being only a 15-minute drive from the Chepelare slopes. Stay at a cozy hotel with charming alpine decor and generously sized, well-appointed rooms.

Source: independent.co.uk