Bulgaria offers a value for money option with modern hotels and lively nightlife. The compact resorts will benefit early intermediates most and there are scenic tree lined runs here. Improved flight schedules to Sofia make this work as a budget short break option rather than a full week.
Bansko
Resort size: 70km (Blue 35%, Red 60%, Black 5%)
Lifts: 15; Vertical: 990m-2,600m; Transfer from Sofia 2h30
Bansko Piste Map: http://www.banskoski.com/
Bansko was only developed into a resort in season 2004/5 so it has modern facilities combined with a traditional old town. Skiers and Boarders of all abilities are catered for by the compact area. Apres-ski is centred around local bars and good value means it can be lively.
Our favourite deal in Bansko
4 Star Hotel Strazhite
Guide Price from £310pp
Nearest Lift: Bansko Gondola
Borovets
Resort size: 58km (Blue 26%, Red 39%, Black 18%)
Lifts: 12; Vertical: 1,300m-2,560m; Transfer from Sofia 1h30
Borovets Piste Map: http://www.borovets-bg.com/
Borovets contrastingly was Bulgaria’s first ski resort and is set amidst the forest-clad Rila Mountains. The compact area has something for all levels whilst the resort centre is lively and full of bars, cafes and clubs which make apres-ski a real attraction and the first lifts very quiet.
Our favourite deal in Borovets
4 Star Hotel Samokov
Guide Price from £308pp
Nearest Lift: Yastrebetz Gondola