If you’d love to slope off for a ski-ing break this winter, but feel wary of the prices charged in the Alps, Bulgaria ski trips offer a viable alternative.

Unpretentious, and with prices cheap both on ski deals and when you get there, Bulgaria has much to offer. There’s lively nightlife, a high standard of instruction, a well-organised lift network, great conditions and a variety of pistes to suit beginners and those who are more confident on the snow. You’ll also find a good range of quality accommodation, from apartments and chalets to hotels.

There are three main resorts to choose from – Borovets, Pamporovo and Bansko. At 1390m above sea level, modern Borovets is Bulgaria’s biggest ski resort, and usually has snow between December and April. Convenient for Sofia airport, and with good facilities, Borovets is a particular favourite with families. .