| Bulgaria may not have the ski pedigree enjoyed by | | | | Bankso for the winter sports fan is that, as well as |
| traditional Alpine destinations such as France, | | | | having some of the best snow of all Bulgaria’s |
| Switzerland, Austria and Italy; but this Eastern | | | | ski resorts, its slopes are yet to get clogged with |
| European country is fast becoming a favourite with | | | | skiers and snowboarders who crowd in on the more |
| British skiers and snowboarders looking for a change | | | | traditional ski resorts of Western Europe; and the |
| from the stereotypical ski resorts. | | | | slopes themselves provide plenty of variation with |
| So what's so great about skiing in Bulgaria, a country | | | | tree runs, open bowls, and every chance of fresh |
| that was never previously known for its slopes? Well, | | | | powder. |
| perhaps the biggest advantage of Bulgaria over ski | | | | Borovets, although a smaller ski resort in Bulgaria |
| resorts in Western Europe is the price. Bulgaria offers | | | | offers 18 lifts, 17 runs and a skiing area of 2693 |
| a ski or snowboarding trip that is much cheaper than | | | | acres. It's the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria with a |
| France, Austria or Switzerland. Indeed, it's quite | | | | history that dates back to 1896, and is situated on |
| possible to find deals including flights, accommodation | | | | the eastern part of the Rila mountain range. The ski |
| and transfers for under £250 - a bargain which | | | | resort has twice hosted the world cup competitions |
| contradicts the image of winter sports being a | | | | in alpine skiing, and has one of the best biathlon |
| prohibitively expensive sport. | | | | tracks in Europe. Offering night skiing, cross country |
| But Bulgaria's excellent value does not mean it is a | | | | skiing, ski jumps and snowmobiling, there's no |
| low quality destination. Bulgarian ski resorts have | | | | shortage of winter activities in Borovets. |
| undergone massive modification and expansion over | | | | Pamporovo is the third of Bulgaria's best known ski |
| the last decade and Bansko - Bulgaria's premier ski | | | | resorts and boasts being Bulgaria's most sunny ski |
| resort - has one of the most high tech lift systems in | | | | resort, offering about 120 sunny days during the ski |
| Europe; enough to rival systems in traditional | | | | period. The mountain has gentle slopes and rounded |
| favourites such as St Moritz. This isn't surprising | | | | summits which make it a favourite for beginners and |
| seeing as 130m Euros have been sunk into Bansko, | | | | family groups. |
| which has also funded a new village development at | | | | With numerous options for cheap flights to Bulgaria, |
| the foot of the mountain, including luxury hotels and | | | | and plenty of tour operators offering great value |
| apartments. | | | | package dealss, Bulgaria continues to grow its slice of |
| As an emerging ski destination, another advantage of | | | | the British winter sport market. |