Divya Sinha
W ant to spend some time on the slopes of Europe this winter? There is still plenty of time to plan a trip this ski season. Europe is the ultimate destination for skiing and is suitable for skiers of all ages or experience. Popular perception is that ski holidays are expensive as at times it can cost anywhere upwards of USD 1400 per person for a weekend of skiing. The cost could also increase depending on the extra expenses, including overpriced food and pricey accommodation.
However, for those with strained budgets, but who still want to relish the adventure, here are the top five pocket-friendly ski destinations in Europe.
1 Borovets, Bulgaria
Thinking of skiing in Bulgaria? A perfect and budget-friendly journey without the sky-high prices of the Alps? Borovets is a town located on the northern slopes of Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, just 70 km from Sofia, the capital. It was also known as Chamkoria until the mid-20th century and is the first mountain resort of its kind, not just in the country, but the wider region. In the 19th century, when Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha built a hunting lodge in Borovets, he was followed by various wealthy family and friends, leading to the creation of one of Europe's earliest ski resorts.
Even today, the ski resort attracts thousands of winter sports fans every year and is also a good alternative destination to the Alps. For skiing and snowboarding, there are 58 km of slopes available with 13 lifts to transport the guests. From December to May, a steady snow cover spreads over the slopes. The resort is especially attractive as its pistes are for the beginners and the intermediates alike. Beginners can start from the nursery slopes outside Hotel Rila and later move to the Gondola lift to try something a little more challenging. Advanced and intermediate skiers can test their skills in Yastrebets and Markoudjik areas.
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