There are many countries in
Europe which are not well known for their skiing but offer some lovely resorts
none the less. Here are just five unexpected or lesser known ski resorts, which
might have good options for cheaper last minute ski breaks:
If you are looking for a very
affordable ski holiday for the family, then why not come to this, the largest
resort in Slovakia. There are 47km of runs, 27km of which have snow machines
which guarantee snow over a five month season, and also a wide park for free
skiing. It is situated in the Low Tatra mountain range, easily and cheaply
reached by train from Bratislava airport.
Another cheap ski option is
Bulgaria, where Bankso is the most popular ski resort. It is said to have the
longest runs and a town resort crammed with Bulgarian culture. In spite of the
affordability, there are some excellent options here for accommodation and
food. Be sure to sample the wares of the some of the traditional 'mehana' or
restaurants that the resort has on offer.
This is the most popular ski
resort in Romania, located near the city of Brasov. It is a small but pleasant
and uncrowded location, with good transport links to the main Romanian
population centres. This is a lovely resort for families, and its ten main runs
cover a range of bases. This resort is also well situated to explore the nearby
area of Transylvania with the birthplace of 'Dracula' and the spooky Bran
Castle.
The Balkans are increasingly
being recognised as a good location for affordable ski holidays. Kopaonik is
the biggest resort in Serbia, and the most popular. It is well known as a
family destination, with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. At this
compact resort, you can practically ski to your door, and all the facilities
are within a short walk of each other, which is great for families with young
children. Beginners are well served with a range of easy slopes.
Kolašin is one of the centres of
Montenegro's mountain tourism, easily reached by both car and train, though
relatively unknown as a ski resort. Montenegro contains one of the last true
wildernesses on the continent, perfect for those who are sick and tired of the
crowds of the better known European resorts. This small resort is the most
modern in Montenegro, with six lifts. But it is not the on-piste skiing that
you should go here for, but rather the untamed off-piste pristine slopes of the
mountains to which this resort, and also another mountain centre, Zabljak, give
access.