The Traveller's Magazine
Ski season is in full swing and if you’re yearning to hit the slopes but your bank account’s looking a little low, don’t fret. You may not make it to the French Alps this season but there’s great skiing to be had that won’t break your bank. Bulgaria is your ticket.
Bulgaria is quickly becoming the budget ski destination and is a lively place where you can bet your pounds will go further than in the Euro-zone. Cheap beer and zero pomp on the slopes, Bulgaria has great slopes for both beginner and intermediate skiers and you won’t feel guilty ordering another round at the resort bar.
Where to go? Bansko is the country’s most popular resort, located in Pirin National Park. Modern and fast lifts offer skiers more than 70km worth of pistes. Borovets is also a good choice, with 58km of intermediate slopes. It’s not a great choice if you’re a beginner. Pamporovo has 37km of pistes and is perfect for beginners.
How to keep costs down
Tip 1: If you want to keep your trip as cheap as possible, avoid the school holidays like the plague. February half-term is NOT the week to plan your ski trip. Go in March instead.
Tip 2: Fly low cost. Wizz Air flies to Sofia and Varna from London Luton and easyJet touches down in Sofia from London Gatwick. From there, pick up a car hire which can be extremely cheap for a long weekend if you slip costs and petrol between three or four friends.
For a getaway in mid-March you’re looking at Wizz Air flights to Sofia for £92 for travel Friday, March 21st with a return flight on Monday, March 24th, 2014. That gives you two travel days and two days on the slopes.
Of course if money is no object, you could always hit up the most expensive ski resort in Europe, the ever-chic Courcheval. And if you have more time, North Korea’s newly opened luxury ski resort, Masik Pass, has plenty of powder and not too many skiers yet.
Have you been up on the slopes this year yet? Where did you go? Have you ever been skiing in Bulgaria?
