Your choice of ski destinations is vast, from Japan to Scotland, from New Zealand to Lebanon. (According to Wikipedia, a Lebanese engineering student returning from studying in Switzerland brought back the sport of skiing in the early twentieth century.)

Why choose the Balkans?
What Bulgaria offers is unique. It’s a down-to-earth, fun and great value ski/board destination. Many are sceptical, then return year after year, having fallen in love with the place.

It’s the ideal place to learn to ski, everything is easy and straightforward and you are not competing for slope time with many advanced skiers. There is a warm welcome from the teams in resort, and the après is inexpensive and fun. What’s more, there is accommodation for every pocket, from self-catering apartments to 5* luxury properties. Many hotels have indoor pools and gyms, and many are within walking distance of the resort centres.

Bulgaria is straightforward to get to with flights to Sofia, and speedy and simple transfers onward to a choice of three resorts.

Ski/board tuition is in English, with friendly and small groups and instructors. The mountains are not vast, so those who fear getting lost need not fear.

Choose from Bansko, Borovets or Pamporovo
Bansko is the main resort, and where most skiers and boarders start. It combines breath-taking scenery, excellent ski facilities and warm hospitality. It is a traditional Bulgarian town which adds charm. The base of the lift can be busy in the morning, but it’s worth it.

Borovets can be even cheaper, and is considered the liveliest of the Bulgarian resorts. It combines great skiing/boarding by day with fun après.

Pamporovo has picturesque scenery and less crowded slopes. There’s something for everyone here, with perfect slopes for beginners and intermediates and more challenging steeps.

Slovenia
A beautiful place to ski with stunning landscapes and friendly resorts. It won’t challenge the very advanced, but many fall in love with the warm welcome and the good quality hotels and come back time and time again. Choose to stay in Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj.

Romania
The majestic Southern Carpathian Mountains that cut through Romania have long been popular with international tourists heading for the skillfully prepared slopes.

Romania's most popular and most developed ski resort is Poiana Brasov, which continues to grow in popularity each year due to the continued investment in its infrastructure.

Early bookers will find numerous discounts and reductions. Christmas, New Year and half term book up very quickly. It’s easier to find availability in January and March.