Top 3 Ski Resorts To Ski On a Budget in Eastern Europe
Are you dreaming of a family ski holiday that won’t break the bank? Do you want to enjoy the thrill of skiing with your kids and make lasting memories in the snow? If so, you might want to consider these three ski resorts in Eastern Europe that offer great value for money, excellent facilities, and stunning scenery. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find slopes that suit your level and instructors that will help you improve your skills. You will also have plenty of fun activities to do off the slopes, such as ice-skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and relaxing in thermal pools. And you will love staying in cozy ski chalets that provide comfort, privacy, and convenience for your family.
Here are the top three ski resorts to ski on a budget
Nosal Ski Center in Zakopane
Bansko
Bansko is Bulgaria’s ski capital and one of the most popular ski destinations in Eastern Europe. It is located in the beautiful Pirin mountain nature park and has a charming old town with traditional architecture and cuisine. Bansko has 21 slopes over 75 kilometres in length, ranging from easy blues to challenging blacks. All of them are serviced by a modern lift system that makes them easily accessible. Bansko also has excellent ski schools and nurseries for children and beginners, as well as childcare services that allow parents to enjoy some time on their own. Bansko has a lively nightlife scene with bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to all tastes. And it has some of the best ski chalets in Bulgaria, offering spacious accommodation, saunas, hot tubs, and shuttle services to the slopes.
Pirin Slopes
Why Bansko is great for families
– It has a variety of slopes for all abilities and ages
– It has affordable and high-quality ski schools and childcare services
– It has a vibrant atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage
– It has cozy and luxurious ski chalets that make you feel at home
How much does a family ski holiday in Bansko cost?
A family of four can expect to pay between £1,200 to £2,000 for a week-long ski holiday in Bansko, depending on the season, accommodation, ski passes, equipment rentals, and dining options. You can save money by booking one of these family-friendly ski chalets that offer great value for money.
Bansko off the slopes
When is the best time to visit Bansko?
Bansko is open from December to April, but the best time to visit is during the Christmas holidays or the half-term break in February. During these periods, Bansko is full of festive cheer and excitement, as well as snow. However, it can also be very busy and crowded, so make sure to book your accommodation and ski passes in advance.
Price comparison between Bansko and Zermatt*
| Price in Bansko | Price in Zermatt | |
| Beer | £2-3 | £10-12 |
| Lunch for a family of 4 | £30-50 | £100-150 |
| Six-day ski pass (adult) | £230 | £400 |
| Six-day ski pass (child) | £90 | £200 |
| Private ski lesson (one hour) | £25-35 | £80-120 |
| Renting ski equipment for a week | £50 | £120-160 |
| 10-minute taxi drive | £5-10 | £16-24 |
| Family hotel room per night | £30-100 | £200-600 |
Borovets
Borovets is another ski resort in Bulgaria that offers a great family ski holiday on a budget. It is situated in the Rila mountain range and has a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere than Bansko. Borovets has 58 km of ski runs that are suitable for beginners and intermediates, as well as some black runs for advanced skiers. The slopes are well-maintained and covered by artificial snow if needed. The lift system is somewhat dated but still functional and reliable. Borovets has plenty of English-speaking instructors that can teach children and adults how to ski or improve their technique. Borovets also has a range of non-skiing activities to enjoy, such as ice-skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, horse sleigh rides, and spa treatments. Borovets has a selection of hotels and chalets to stay in, most of them close to the lifts and the resort facilities.
Why Borovets is great for families
– It has gentle slopes that are ideal for beginners and children
– It has friendly and patient instructors that speak English
– It has a variety of fun activities to do off the slopes
– It has a peaceful and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing
How much does a family ski holiday in Borovets cost?
A family of four can expect to pay between £1,000 to £1,800 for a week-long ski holiday in Borovets, depending on the season, accommodation, ski passes,
equipment rentals, and dining options. You can find some good deals on hotels and chalets that offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.
When is the best time to visit Borovets?
Borovets is open from December to April, but the best time to visit is between January and March when the snow conditions are optimal and the weather is mild. During these months,
Borovets is less crowded than Bansko but still lively enough to have a good time. You can also avoid the peak season prices and enjoy some discounts on accommodation and ski passes.
Zakopane
Zakopane is Poland’s most famous ski resort and winter capital. It is located in the stunning Tatra Mountains in southern Poland and has a charming town with wooden houses, churches, museums, and markets. Zakopane has over 60 km of ski runs across 18 resorts that are covered by one lift pass. The slopes vary from easy blues to steep blacks, offering something for everyone. Zakopane also boasts the biggest linked-up floodlit skiing area in Europe – Bialka – where you can ski from 9 am to 9 pm without interruption.
Zakopane Ski Resort
Zakopane also offers a unique option of combining skiing with spa treatments at one of the best thermal parks around – Terma Bania – where you can enjoy slides,
pools, saunas, massages, and more. Zakopane also has excellent ski schools that specialize in teaching children how to ski safely and confidently.
Zakopane also offers renovated ski chalets for families that provide spacious accommodation, equipment rentals, and shuttle services to the slopes.
Why Zakopane is great for families
– It has diverse slopes for all levels and preferences
– It has amazing views of the Tatra Mountains
– It has an option of skiing at night or relaxing in thermal pools
– It has modern and cozy ski chalets that offer convenience and comfort
Stardust Ski Chalet
How much does a family ski holiday in Zakopane cost?
A family of four can expect to pay up to around £3,000 for a week-long ski holiday in Zakopane during half term, depending on the season, accommodation, ski passes, equipment rentals, and dining options. You can save money by booking one of these self-catered ski chalets that offer great value for money.
When is the best time to visit Zakopane?
Zakopane is open from December to April, but the best time to visit is during half term break in February. During this time, Zakopane is buzzing with energy and excitement, as well as snow. However, it can also be very busy and crowded,
so make sure to book your accommodation and ski passes in advance.
If you’re looking for an affordable family ski holiday in Europe, you can’t go wrong with these three ski resorts. They offer everything you need for a fun, safe, and memorable winter vacation with your kids. Skiing in Eastern Europe is becoming more popular every year, and we would love to help you plan your next trip. Contact us today and let us find you the best deals on accommodation, ski passes, and equipment rentals. Stay on the slopes and happy skiing!
Price comparison between Zakopane and Tignes*
| Price in Zakopane | Price in Tignes (France) | |
| Beer | £3-4 | £4-6 |
| Lunch for a family of 4 | £40-60 | £60-80 |
| Six-day ski pass (adult) | £150 | £250-300 |
| Six-day ski pass (child) | £100 | £200 |
| Private ski lesson (one hour) | £25-35 | £60-110 |
| Renting ski equipment for a week | £50 | £80-120 |
| 10-minute taxi drive | £5 | £15-20 |
| Family hotel room per night | £30-120 | £80-200 |
*Source Snomads
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
