Bankso ski resort in Bulgaria has experienced an early shower of snow.  Snow coverage is currently at 100cm and skiing and boarding is possible on all Bankso’s pistes.

Recent newspaper reports in the Guardian and The Times both suggest that prices to ski resorts have fallen by a fifth and that Bulgaria is still very good value for money.  A 7 night ski holiday in Bulgaria in a 3/4 star hotel with half board will cost you about £250 less than a similar deal in the Italian alps.  A ski pass is also significantly cheaper.  In Bankso a 6 day pass will set you back £90 but in Cormayeur in the Italian Alps you can expect to pay double, at £186.  Add to that the cheaper costs of apres ski and you’re quids in.

For a real credit crunch solution, book your hotel and car hire with Budget Bulgaria and create your own holiday package allowing you to make the choice about when and where you travel.

The ski season is about to start in Bulgaria which has some of the best ski resorts in Europe.  The Balkan mountain range stands proudly through the width of the country offering perfect skiing conditions. Most ski resorts are located in the south west area of Bulgaria and there are three main resorts.

Bankso is Bulgaria’s top ski resort with the best snow and the longest season, running from December until May. Bankso is one of Bulgaria’s newest resorts and is currently experiencing a multi million pound investment which includes new hotels, apartments and resort facilities. The result of this is that you may find yourself next to a construction site so chose your hotel carefully. Accommodation ranges from family run hotels to a five star resort but early booking is advised as the resort is extremely popular.

Situated 160km from Sofia, Bankso is situated at the north eastern foot of the Pirin mountain.  There are two main ski slopes, Chalin Valog (1100-1600m) and Shiligarnika.(1700-2500). Both slopes are about 10km above the town but a gondola lift takes you from the town centre to the start of the runs. Before you ascend the mountain you can check the wind and temperature conditions that are displayed on large monitors in the Gondola station.

Skiers of all abilities are catered for at Bankso. For beginners there are gentle slopes and ski schools but for the  extreme sport enthusiasts there is a Funpark where snowboarders and skiers can build their own jumps and compete against one another. There is also a Slalom and Giant slalom run and a 5km cross country track.

If you have any energy left after skiing then Bankso has a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops.  The town itself has about 120 cultural and historical mounments to explore and visit. One of these is the National Park Pirin which UNESCO as listed as a cultural and natural must see.

In contrast, Borovetz is Bulgaria’s oldest and largest ski resort. It is located 1390m above sea level on the northern slope of Mount Rila.  Sofia is just 72km away and Samokov is only 12km with a bus service running to the town every 30 minutes.  Borovetz has lots of bars, cafes and shops but really comes to life at night with its clubs and discos staying open until the wee small hours. Depending on your budget you can choose either a luxury hotel or a budget motel at this resort. 

Borovetz comes highly recommended for those learning to ski.  The ski school is one of the best in Bulgaria and boasts over 200 intructors who are fluent in many languages. There is tuition for every skill level and a ski kindergarton for very young children. Prices for ski lessons are also comparibly less than other Western European resorts.

There is also a multitude of snow sports available at Borovets which apart from skiing include night- skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps, biathlon and ski-doo. Borovetz has been host to the World Cup Alpine skiing rounds twice and has one of the best Biathlon tracks in the world.

In the heart of the Rhodope mountains you will find the modern resort of Pamporovo.  Due to its location and the meteorological influence of the Aegean sea, this resort is one of the sunniest in Bulgaria and one of the most southern European ski locations. It is 240km from Sofia and 85km from Plovdiv.

There are runs for skiers of all abilities but the gentle mountain slopes mean that it is more suitable for those learning to ski. Advanced skiers may not find enough challenging slopes but there is a giant slalom run and a run called “The Wall”.

The gentle mountain and climate is great for kids and the kindergarten ski school takes children aged between 5 and 8. There are over 100 highly qualified ski instructors who speak at least two languages, making the ski school one of the best in Europe.

Guests can stay in one of nine hotels and eat out at high class restaurants or try a local tavern for a taste of Bulgarian cuisine.  There is a variety of apres ski available from a cosy piano bar to night clubs.

There are some other smaller resorts in Bulgaria which include Chepelare, also located in the central part of Mount Rhodopes and Vitosha which is only 10km from Sofia.

Bulgaria may not be as cheap as it used to be but is still very good value for money compared to other European ski resorts which can charge a small fortune for a simple cold beer and a pizza.