The snow is falling on the mountains in Bulgaria, and the skiing season has begun. The famous ski resorts are in the Alps: in France, Italy, and Switzerland, but these days the discerning traveler is looking further afield.

Skiing has a reputation of being a rich man's hobby, but not in the Balkans where it is easily accessible to most budgets. The ski season lasts from 15th December to 15th May.The best hotels are close to the Gondola area, for ease of access.
Here we look at Bansko, one of two resorts close to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia (the other one is Borovets).The resort is situated about 2 hours drive from Sofia airport, which is very well served by European airlines, especially budget ones. It has the longest ski runs and some of the best skiing in Bulgaria.

Prices for airport transfers are from €150 return based upon three people sharing a car. Ski passes from €30 a day, a three-day pass with skis and poles is €108.

Hotels tend to cater for all budgets. A 5-day stay with three skiing days, including airport transfer and ski pass, can cost you less than €300.

Prices in the resorts can vary tremendously. €3 for a beer and €20 for a two-course meal for two (without drinks) are standard. Please note that eating on the slopes is much more expensive. Eating in Bansko town is much much cheaper. Taxis within the resort, while not going great distances, can be disproportionately expensive.

The apres-ski facilities are second to none, with dozens of bars and restaurants. Try to find a traditional Bulgarian restaurant (called a Mehana) with live music and some of the local specialty, rakia (a grape brandy that everybody drinks with salad). Here you will find a unique taste of Bulgaria, and a warm feeling after hours in the cold.
For those seeking late night entertainment, there are nightclubs and late-night bars.

Airlines traveling to Sofia include Easyjet, Ryanair and Wizzair plus Turkish, Austrian, Lufthansa and Air France.For US travelers Air Berlin currently has some excellent offers. Transfers from London are also  very realistic offers.For the best flight deals go to http://www.paylessflights.com