Skiing in Europe. There's nothing quite like it, and yet no trip quite as expensive either. Traditionally a holiday built for the upper class, skiing is one of those activities that only works if you have the money to do it. While this may not be an activity for the faint hearted or those looking for a slower pace, what if I told you there's an affordable version just a few hours flight from the UK.

T H E T R I P

After well over a decade I made a small leap of faith and take up skiing once more, an activity I'd once loved but left behind in my teenage years. On a cold, dark January morning a few old friends and myself found ourselves on short flight to Sofia from Gatwick, all of us giddy with anticipation of adventure ready to take on Borovets and all it had to offer.

After an initial refresher session with a wonderful instructor we were all confident enough to get out there and explore our new playground for the week. 5 magical days on the mountain were enjoyed thoroughly from beers in the basking sun with stunning views at the top of Rila mountainsto cruising the reds through the snow covered pine forests to living it up in vibrant apres of the resor.. Skiing in Bulgaria was an unforgettable and magical experience, so here's every thing you need to know to guarantee yourself the same adventure.

B U L G A R I A

Bulgaria, an ever growing popular destination in Eastern Europe, is famous for being one of the oldest states on the continent as well as one of the most affordable countries to visit. Its diverse landscape boasts mountains, beaches, mineral springs, and many UNESCO World Heritage sites, promising something for every manner of traveller. The Balkan Peninsular in particular offers a stunning insight into a lesser travelled and massively underrated area of Europe. Here you can enjoy picturesque mountain resorts such as Bankso or Borovets, ski down the Rila mountains in the winter months. It's no surprise that Bulgaria is growing in popularity with UK tourists, whether you're on the hunt for a winter getaway, a weekend city break or are planning for an affordable summer holiday, the Southern Balkans offer a "refreshing" insight into the lesser-visited European region.

S K I I N G I N B U L G A R I A

Bulgaria is a great place to learn to ski, with excellent ski schools and loads of easier beginner and intermediate slopes. It is also a great getaway for the keen skier too, looking for a more affordable ski trip. It’s excellent value so your money will go a lot further here. Put that with cheap drinks and buzzing bars, the vibrant après scene is another fabulous aspect, making skiing in Bulgaria a popular choice for younger groups.

Bulgarian resorts are open from December to March. With some high-altitude skiing and good snowmaking coverage but watch out for the possibility of less snow than other ski destinations as the Eastern European ski scene tends to be a little more unpredictable.

B O R O V E T S , B A N K S O & P A M P O R O V O

So where do you go?

There are three main ski resorts in Bulgaria, plus some less-developed resorts. Just a short hour or so from Sofia is Borovets, Bulgaria’s oldest and possibly most popular resort. It’s set on the side of the Rila Mountains surrounded by snow covered pine forests. Borovets has 58km of slopes, particularly good for intermediate skiers. Baronets is a resort not a town so smaller in size.

An hour further away is the more vibrant town of Bansko, with a beautiful and historic old town, fabulous nightlife just off the main gondola. Bansko is located higher up, within Pirin National Park, 160km from Sofia, and is the biggest and most up-to-date ski resort in Bulgaria. Bansko, with its 75km of pistes, offers a mix of predominately blue and red runs.

In the East lies the smaller family friendly resort of Pamporovo, roughly an hour and a half from Plovdiv. The pistes are limited with merely 36km at beginner level runs, this is a much quieter resort ideal for first timers and families.

B O R O V E T S & T H E R I L A M O U N T A I N

Set among snow-covered pine forests, Borovets is a charming little ski resort tucked along the Balkan Peninsular. Just a short hop from the capital, Borovets has some of Bulgaria’s best terrain for more experienced skiers as well as plenty of easier runs for less experienced beginners. It sits within the stunning Rila mountains, the tallest mountains in Bulgaria. A 25 minute gondola ride to the top offers you stunning views across the range, copious amounts of sunshine and scattered bohemian bars serving cold beers and bites to eat. The runs down the mountain are perfect for cruising slowly, winding through the pretty trees and taking in the scenery.

While Borovets is not a town but a Resort built around the skiing, it is a tad more expensive than other Bulgarian destinations yet still far more affordable than any other Ski resort. It has all manor of quality hotels, apartments, restaurants and bars. The nightlife is smaller but perfectly formed with a vibrant electric scene and plenty of delicious places to eat.

S K I , H O T E L & T R A V E L C O S T S

Flights into Sofia are regular and relatively reasonable in cost. £90pp from LGW with a hold bag - the flight is short and easy taking only 2hr 30mins with easyJet. A private return transfer for 3 people will set you back around £100.

Hotels vary in price but remain cheap, here you will find moe apartment than hotels with prices for x4 nights averaging £200-400 based on two adults sharing. We stayed at the Borovets Gardens apartments which offered spa facilities, a pool and even on site restaurant.

The lift pass for the resort was £38 per day, a lot cheaper than any pass you'll find in the alps. Ski hire, boots, helmet and poles worked out at £12 per day. A two hour private lesson for 3 was £100 so roughly £33pp. In all the cost of skiing in Bulgaria is drastically lower than in other parts of the world. It is the cheapest you'll find.

N O N S K I I N G A C T I V I T I E S

Fancy a change from skiing? No worries I got you.

SOFIA

Why not take a day trip to the vibrant capital of Sofia, full of art and history and merely an 1hr 20 away from Borovets, the city is full of remarkable wonders and is an inexpensive destination for many travellers.

HIKE MUSALA

Musala is located in Rila National Park, famous for its beautiful lakes, as well as rich flora and fauna.

Standing at 2,925m, Musala is not only the highest peak in Bulgaria but also on the entire Balkan Peninsula. The hike to Musala peak and back will take you about 10-12 hours, but there are shorter hikes for the less experienced to tackle too.

LUNCH ON RILA MOUNTAIN

Take the gondola up the mountain, up to the sunny peaks of Rila and stop for a spot of lunch at one of the many quaint eateries at the summit. The sun is always out and its an excellent spot for a slower pace.

SPA DAY AT HOTEL RILA

The modern Hotel Rila is in a prime position at the foot of the nursery slopes, opposite the Martinovi Baraki chairlift. They boast a beautiful onsite spa with massages on offer as well as a restaurant for a spot of lunch.

KOTVATA HOT SPRINGS

The Kotvata thermal mineral spring complex is located in the village of Sapareva Banya, just a 30 minute drive from Borovets. You’ve been skiing all day, your muscles are aching and you have time to spend before dinner, this is the perfect spot for that.

TOBOGGANING

Whether you're a cild or adult, sledging never gets old does it? A fun activity with mates and there's plenty of shops to rent toboggans from!

W H E R E T O E A T & D R I N K

Places to check out and why!

BJS BAR

- One of the most popular places to go in Borovets is BJ's bar. A cool wooden chalet with a constant happy hour on the go and fabulous sourdough pizzas being served up by the Italian chef on site. There's a friendly yet still chilled buzz about the place, with fun alpine games on tap.

MAMMACITAS

- A fabulous Mexican restaurant that offers up some incredible food as well as delicious cocktails and live music. We ate here several times and each time was better than the last.

THE SILVER FOX

- Located just off the slopes sits the Silver Fox, a beautiful alpine chalet covered with fairy lights with skis propped outside and a roaring fire inside. Serving grilled meats, flat breads and tasty salads. Grab a cold beer, sit back and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.

BLACK LION

- A great eating spot with views of the mountain in the day and a whole other place after dark. If you're looking a bit of a wild one then head to black lion about 9pm for cheap drinks, karaoke and plenty of dancing!

HOTEL RILA

- One of the best establishments in Borovets is Hotel Rila, boasting a large outdoor terrace, this is a beautiful spot to sit when the sun is hot with a hot chocolate and watch the world go by.

F I N A L W O R D

Whether you're a seasoned skier or new to the whole thing, this is the perfect destination for a group getaway, some adventure, fun and a lot of stunning views without breaking the bank. Sofia only a short hop away why not make it a two part trip to see the capital as well? Whatever you do be sure to keep an eye out for Bulgaria and its ever growing popularity, there's plenty to come from this beautiful country.