Budget European Skiing II
Yesterday we looked into the budget skiing destinations of Slovenia and Slovakia. Today we’ll check out the conditions in Bulgaria and Austria.
Bulgaira’s government is putting some money into its ski resorts in the hopes of attracting more tourists. Right now, beginners and less advanced skiers will probably find the area more to their liking. There are three resorts: Borovets, Pamporovo and Bansko with Borovets being the largest. There are good ski schools and the lifts are modern, so this might be a good location if you are looking to try your feet at skiing, or have a large group of mixed-ability skiers. Directline Skiing has 7 night packages to Borovets, including return flights from the UK starting at 329 GBP. Bulgaria Ski offers a ton of country ski info. You can book a package through them, or get information in order to arrange your own.
Austria will please all snow sport enthusiasts. Both advanced and beginner skiers, as well as all levels in between will find the slopes and support they need. Many of the resorts have joined with their neighbors to create massive skiing sites, like the 430 kilometer Zillertal. While there are plenty of first class, big budget resorts and amenities, there are bargains to be found, especially in places like Finkenberg. Ski Austria offers more information than you could possibly need on skiing in Austria, including accommodation suggestions so you can plan your own trip. Inghams arranges package deals to Austrian resorts. They have packages to Igls which include 7 nights accommodation with half-board, ski and boot rental, plus flights from the UK, starting at 334 GBP.
Thompson Ski is another package company to investigate. They arrange trips to all the budget destinations mentioned here (except Slovakia,) as well as to Finland, Spain, Italy and France.
Have you had a cheap, but good skiing holiday in Europe? Please share your tips!
Photo Credit: Graham Chastney@Flickr
2 Comments
Hi Jacy,
Well my experience is Bulgaria – especially Bansko but also Borovets and to a lessser extent Pamporovo (there are others but these are the main ones.
A lot is written about value of Bansko and Bulgaria compared to other European resorts. But what’s the value in renting a Bansko apartment direct from me as opposed to a tour operator online website offering similar accommodation?
The comparison is a typical family of four staying (2 adults and 2 children under 12) in a two bedroom apartment in Narcis apartment in Bansko, but this 20 minutes walk from gondola… so really not in the same league but I don’t want to compare with the most expensive Bansko apartments to flatter my savings.
Their online Balkan Holidays price departing 7th March is £1,209.62. There is a supplement for four people in a 2 bedroom apartment (as apposed to four) included.
Price includes flight and transfers. no other extras are included
An apartment next to Mountain Residence 3, Vihren Palace is being offered at £1,334. But thought this would be an unfair comparison as this is the first season for this development. (rather than 3rd season for Mountain Residence 3).
Go to Easy Jet and search for flights. Today I got this:
Cost of your selection
Our low airfare
per adult or child £32.98
(per person)
Third-party airport operator charges & government taxes
per adult or child £23.00
(per person)
Total baggage and sports equipment charge £56.00
(total cost)
Total amount due:
2 adults, 2 children (under 14 years)
£279.92
(total cost
So £279 plus total transfers £120 (€150) PLUS £366 (£385-5% ) = £765
So the package holiday price was £1,209 – so that is a huge saving of £444!
OK so you need to add breakfast to direct route. Well even if this costs you £2 per day per head that’s £56 extra.
On top of this you get an EXTRA DAYS skiing, as I selected a later flight (although check out is by 11:00am but often can be later by arrangement). The earlier flight was same price.
And remember, this is comparing a large 2 bedroom with a smaller two bedroom and one where you have to get the bus to the lift and not have all the close amenity of Mountain Residence 3.
By booking direct you also get our representative, local knowledge, free fact sheet and 10% discount for repeat booking.
If you want more reviews on Bansko, bars, accommodation please take a look at my blog site for Bansko:
http://banskoaccommodation.blogspot.com
Lance
Bulgarian Black Sea Coast Beach Holiday apartment to rent near but not in Sunny Beach. Peaceful and quiet with beautiful beaches yet only a taxi ride from the night life of Sunny Beach.