Cheap Ski Holidays: Our Top Picks

For a holiday that’s more action-packed than your standard sun, sea and sand, why not look to snow, slopes and slalom instead? Ski holidays are a popular choice for the more active traveller and the great news is that they don’t need to cost the earth. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite destinations for a cheap ski break, and there’s something for everyone, whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re already master of the black runs:

Bulgaria

You may not have thought of Bulgaria as an up and coming ski destination, but the country has some fantastic resorts that are particularly renowned for their après-ski. Take Bankso for example, this party resort sits at an altitude of 2000-2600m in the Pirin Mountain, and as well as excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities it’s packed with bars and restaurants. The ski season is one of the longest in Europe, running from the 15^th December all the way through to the 15^th May. If you tire of life on the slopes, it’s also possible to arrange excursions across the border to Greece or to the Rila Monastery. Seven nights self-catering at the Hotel Alexander with flights from Stansted on January 12^th will set you back just £83.

France

The Alps are synonymous with skiing, but sometimes this region can come with a hefty price tag. Luckily we’ve searched for you, and found a real bargain in Les Deux Alpes which is one of the best resorts for beginners to find their feet, with blue slopes accounting for 55% of the resort. Seven nights bed and breakfast in the Hotel Les Lutins flying from Manchester on the 20^th December is coming in at just £261. That’s definitely one to snap up if you want to guarantee yourself a white Christmas this year.

Andorra

This small country nestled in-between Spain and France is duty-free, so ski holidays here are perfect for savvy shoppers and those who wish to make the most of their après-ski. Bargains can be found as soon as you cross the French border into the Andorran resort of Pas de la Casa, but if you’re looking to find designer discounts you’ll want to visit the town of Andorra La Vella during your stay. The ski school in Pas de la Casa is one of the best in the world, so this resort is ideal for beginners, but intermediate and advanced skiers are well catered for too. Seven nights at the four-star Hotel Magic Pas half-board with flights from Manchester on December 20^th costs just £283. Just think of all the Christmas shopping!

Colorado, USA

Perhaps you’ve skied with the family for as long as you can remember and are now something of a pro on the black runs. If that’s the case and Europe’s just not cutting it for you anymore, why not consider Vail in Colorado? This resort is geared up for the advanced skier with high-altitude skiing, and an almost infinite level of powder runs. It has even been said that Vail’s dry continental atmosphere gives it the best powder in the world. Seven nights bed and breakfast at the Evergreen Lodge flying from Newcastle Airport on March 29^th costs £968 per person. The hotel even comes equipped with a pool, hot tub and sauna.

Lapland, Finland

Come January, Santa may be rewarding himself with a well-deserved rest but his home in Finnish Lapland is still a hub of activity, particularly with skiers. The resort of Levi is the best place to ski in Finland and is geared up for beginner, intermediate and advanced level skiers with 43 slopes. This is the ideal resort for those who aren’t necessarily looking for hustle and bustle, but hope to revel in the natural beauty of the area. Visitors have a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and can further their chances by spending the night in a thermal glass igloo. Outside of skiing, husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a visit to a real-life snow village can all be arranged. Seven nights self-catering at the Sirkanthi Apartments with flights from London Gatwick on January 8^th is priced at £263. We know what we’ll be asking Santa for this year!