Skiing on a budget

Forget the credit crunch and having to sacrifice your winter ski break because of the ongoing financial storm which looms large over the world; look to one of the many fantastic destinations that offer superb skiing on a budget that won't break the bank.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Over the past few years, more and more people have turned their backs on traditional European holiday destinations and headed east, where their money will go further without compromising the enjoyment factor. This applies to ski resorts also. Bansko in Bulgaria is arguably Eastern Europe’s number one skiing destination, where you will find a state-of-the-art resort, spectacular scenery, reasonably priced accommodation and giveaway prices on food and drink.

First and foremost, the skiing in Bansko is fantastic, with terrain on hand that will suit every skier from novice right through to professional standard. In recent years the resort has been on the receiving end of a multi-million Euro facelift, which has transformed it into a well-equipped, modern infrastructure, meaning the ski lifts, gondolas and facilities are world-class. Now the country is part of the EU, the Bulgarian authorities have announced that further developments are to take place, with new pistes and another gondola planned.

Bansko is also blessed with an excellent snow record, with the ski season typically lasting from mid-December until early May. But what of the surroundings you find yourself in? Can Bansko match the ‘mega-resorts’ of the Alps? In short, the answer is ‘yes’. Anybody that has accessed the Doppelmayer eight-seater gondola can vouch for the incredible views of the beautiful Pirin mountain range that surround as you are taken up to the main ski area. Bansko village itself is also a delight. Despite countless amounts of money pumped into developing the resort, it has still retained its charm, with many of the buildings blending in with the character of the quaint stone and wooden houses. Combine all this with the fact that four-star accommodation starts at a staggering €36 per night and beer costs the equivalent of 80p a pint; Bansko is evidently a wise choice for the ski enthusiast keeping an eye on their finances.

Car hire in Bulgaria

Soldeu, Andorra

The tax-free ‘haven’ of Andorra has long provided a cheaper alternative for ski enthusiasts who want to enjoy fine skiing without having their pockets punished for the privilege. Soldeu-El-Tarter is arguably Andorra’s most popular resort. The sun is always shining, the snow can be relied upon and the pistes are great for all levels of experience.

Affordable and comfortable accommodation can be found in abundance at Soldeu as well as some high-quality hotels. In total there are around three hundred beds across 75 apartment style living quarters and 16 quality hotels to choose from, including luxury alternatives that demonstrate remarkable value for money. Almost all of the accommodation options are located close to the slopes for easy access to where the action is.

As mentioned, Soldeu enjoys a reliable snow forecast and also has a number of snow-canons, should there be need to use them. Around 45,000 skiers per hour can be transported around the resort via the two gondolas and 13 chairlifts to their desired part of the resort which will suit their skill level.

Beginners will love the resort, thanks to the abundance of easy to ski pistes. The same can be said for intermediate skiers, whereas more seasoned enthusiasts remain attracted to Soldeu thanks to the 82kms of off-piste skiing which can challenge even the most hardened pros.

The ski season in Andorra tends to last from December through to April with accommodation and flight prices to Barcelona (the nearest airport) varying accordingly. Arguably the best time of year to travel is just after New Year, when prices are at their lowest and the resort is a little more relaxed in terms of tourist numbers compared with peak times.

Car hire in France
Car hire in Spain