Why You Should Consider Eastern Europe for Your Next Ski Holiday
Although the ski resorts in Eastern Europe are not as famous as those in the Alps or the Pyrenees, they still offer great conditions and gorgeous scenery. They also offer much better prices than their Western European counterparts. In many Eastern European skiing hotspots, you can find meals and accommodations for much cheaper. Plus, you’ll run into smaller crowds.
Are you considering planning a ski-centric trip to Eastern Europe? Here are some tips for the best types of Eastern European ski holidays.
Where to Go?
Check out Kranjska Gora, located in Slovenia across the border from Austria and Italy. It is nestled in the Julian Alps and is budget-friendly. It is particularly suitable for beginners, as there are many gentle slopes as well as excellent English-speaking ski instructors. It also has a lot for the experienced skier, such as the challenging Podkoren Trail, where World Cup slalom events take place. You can enjoy other winter activities like tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Another option is Bansko in Bulgaria, in the middle of three mountains. It offers prime terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. Mt. Todorka, in particular, is a popular run with a towering peak.
You could also head to Jasna in Slovakia. It has facilities that rival some of the better-known skiing destinations in Europe but has considerably lower prices. This resort can be found on the slopes of Mount Chopok in the Low Tatras National Park. There is a ski school here that caters to all experience levels as well as a wellness centre equipped with a heated pool and a sauna.
Another option is Borovets in Bulgaria, a long-time favourite of budget-conscious skiers. It is a small ski town located in the Rila Mountains. The upper region of the mountain is high above the treeline and offers wide-open ski runs. There is also a vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars and restaurants.
Poland, too, is becoming one of the hottest destinations for a cold winter break, especially along the border of Slovakia where a range of mountains separates the two countries. Zakapone is the most popular resort in the country and is widely considered the best.
These are just a few excellent Eastern European ski resorts. Check online for more deals in locations such as Romania, the Czech Republic or Poland.
Tips for Skiing in Eastern Europe
If you are dreaming of an Eastern European ski holiday and can’t wait to hit the slopes, here are some tips for a smooth trip:
- If you are flexible about location and dates, you will find a better price. Before your flights are set in stone, look online and keep your options open to a number of different locations. If you don’t mind if your holiday is in Poland, Slovenia or Bulgaria, you will be able to select the cheapest price available.
- In some resorts, you will be able to ski downhill and cross-country on off-piste runs where few skiers have before. Hire a guide to lead you to some of these challenging slopes.
- Eastern Europe offers more than just skiing. Set aside some time for visiting the cities near your resort and enjoying some of the culture and attractions. Many cities offer gorgeous architecture and great nightlife in addition to delicious local food and drink. For example, if you are skiing in Romania you can visit the famous Dracula Castle, or if you are in the Czech Republic you can enjoy one of its fantastic markets.
Have fun and enjoy your ski holidays in Eastern Europe, one of the top European vacation ideas! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog.
About the Author: Melanie Bourne is a travel consultant from Manchester. She loves the outdoors and can often be found hiking, biking or planning weekend breaks for skiing at her favourite Eastern European resorts.
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
