Most are familiar with the old choices of France and Austria but with purse strings ever tighter, Bulgaria can be a fantastic option for those on a budget. There are many small resorts but the most popular remain Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Non-skiers are well catered for with off-slope options: spa treatments, indoor swimming pools, beauty centres and more. Bansko is suitable for families as there are children’s facilities so that they are kept amused.
This year, whilst snow is of course the pre-requisite, many holiday makers are having to trade down and are looking for budget and value-for-money winter hols. Whether you decide to go on a package or opt for do it yourself, there is a host of holiday choices on offer. As Mark Thomas, from Jam Advice, recently said “All inclusive has become very popular because there are no hidden extras to fork out”. Although, it also has to be said that you can make savings if you book flights and self catering accommodation for yourself.
Bansko
Considered to be Bulgaria’s main top ski resort, the town has received massive investment, offering modern ski facilities. With the best snow and longest season, it is located about 155 km south of the capital, Sofia, in the Pirin Mountains. There are more than 70 km of ski runs, plenty of ski schools and extreme winter sports on offer. This is a real combination of a modern winter resort and a living town at a fraction of the price of France or Switzerland.
Whilst during the previous years, the mad property growth has seen properties appear all around the old town, Bansko still retains much authentic charm of “old traditional spirit of Bulgaria” and the centre is a listed World Heritage Site. Even the new builds blend in being covered in natural materials of the area. This is also a popular resort with the Sofians, who get out of the city at the weekend, although most Sofians seems to prefer Pamporovo, probably because of its proximity to the capital.
In the main, the most popular times of year – Christmas, New Year, Half Term, etc – will see queues at the gondola and lifts. On weekdays the lifts accommodate traffic easily. Apres ski centres around the local taverns (mehanas) which serve traditional Bulgarian food and drinks, usually coming with local live entertainment.
Beginners will find much to delight here and if you are a first-timer the ULEN ski school has some of the country’s best instructors. For intermediates there is a good network of blue and red runs, so an excellent choice if you want to improve your skills. The chair lifts acccess the runds and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to sit and recuperate or simply unwind. If you are an advanced skier, then the off piste skiing will appeal. Fans of the extreme will find the Bansko snow towers an attraction.