Bansko in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Bansko ski station in the Pirin Mountains is one of the most interesting ski resort in Europe. The Bansko resort offers about 70 km ski runs, including gentle slopes for beginner skiers and snowboarders, as well as varied routes ideal for lovers of freestyle and cross-country skiing. The ski season lasts from December to May.
Bansko ski station @istock
The most amazing ski passes are located near the Todorka slope (2746 m above sea level), and also in the area of Czalin Wałog and Sziligarnika. There are modern ski lifts, snow park, ice rink and an extensive tourist base with restaurants, SPA hotels, fitness centers and many amenities for entire families. A 5-day ski pass costs about EUR161 per adult person. The best way to get there is by plane to Sofia, and then by bus or rent a car and get to Banska.
Kopaonik on the border between Serbia and Kosovo
Kopaonik National Park in Serbia attracts not only mountain and nature lovers, but also winter sports enthusiasts. The Kopaonik mountain massif, located on the border between Serbia and Kosovo, is called the “roof of Serbia”. There are about 70 km of ski runs, several modern ski lifts, as well as several kilometers of pistes. An additional attraction is the Malo Jezero slope illuminated at night.
Kopaonik massif @istock
The advantage of active recreation in this part of Europe are not only beautiful views and lack of crowds on the slopes, but also a well-developed accommodation and catering base. The best way to get there is a flight to Belgrad and then by a rented car or local modes of transport to Kopaonik.
Poiana Brasov in the Romanian Carpathians
The Poiana Brasov ski resort in the Carpathians offers several amazing ski runs of varying difficulty and several ski lifts. There is also a modern tourist infrastructure with comfortable beds, taverns, restaurants, SPA centers and extensive sports centers.
Poiana Brasov ©iStock
For a 5-day ski pass in the winter season (December-April) you have to pay about EUR 106 per adult person and EUR 56 per child. It’s also worth visiting the surronding area, including the medieval castle of Count Dracula in Bran. The best way to get there is a flight to Bucharest, then by train or rented car to Poiana Brasov.
Cerkno – Slovenian resort
Thanks to the extensive tourist base on the slopes of Črny vrhu, it’s a perfect place for families with children. This place is ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers who want to relax and avoid the crowds on the slopes. In addition, you can enjoy wonderful views and taste delicious local food. A 5-day ski pass costs 124,50 EUR per adult and 77,50 EUR per child. To Ljubljana you can get by plane, and by regular bus lines on the Ljubljana-Cerkno route.
Alps in Slovenia ©iStock
Gudauri, white craziness in the Georgian Caucasus
Skiing only in the Alps? The Gudauri ski resort is located in the Caucasus mountains in northern Georgia, about 120 km from Tbilisi, at an altitude of 2196 m above sea level. Ski lovers are attracted by beautiful views and amazing ski runs, including Kudebi (3006 m above sea level) and Sadzele (3276 m above sea level).
Gudauri ©iStock
A 5-day ski pass costs about EUR 60-77 per adult person and EUR 38 per child. Although the Gudauri resort has been operating for a short time and is still developing, there are many interesting attractions. Guests can take advantage of modern hotels and private apartments, fully equipped cottages and hostels. To get to Gudauri you just have to find a flight to Tbilisi or Kutaisi, then to use the local modes of transport (minibuses).
Cairngorms mountains in Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park is located in the Scottish Highlands and has been known for its well-developed ski resorts for years. One of them is the Aviemore complex, where you can find perfect conditions for winter sports – both for beginners and advanced ski lovers. The season runs from December to April.
Caingorms @istock
There is also a ski rental company. Guests can take advantage of around 30 km of ski runs, 11 modern ski lifts and a snow park. A daily ski pass costs about £ 27.75 per adult person. The nearest airports are located in Aberdeen and Inverness.
Pyrenean ski runs in Andorra
Over 300 km of ski runs, modern snowparks, thermal pools, excellent cuisine and impressive tourist facilities. The sunny Principality of Andorra is located in the Pyrenees, in the south-western part of Europe. There are several well-developed ski resorts which are an interesting alternative to popular resorts in the Alps. These include Grandvalira (about 200 km of ski runs) and Vallnord (about 90 km of ski runs).
Andorra ski resort @istock
After having a great time on the slopes and tasting the local food, it is worth visiting the surroundings, including the old town of Andorra La Vella – the highest located capital of Europe. You can get there by plane to Toulouse, Barcelona or Girona, and then by bus to the centre of Andorra.
Sierra Nevada – winter oasis in hot Andalusia
It is one of the few places in Europe where you can enjoy winter sports and eat fresh tropical fruits. Sierra Nevada is a mountain in the Spanish Andalusia, 3,500 m above sea level. The sun shines here 300 days a year, which is not an obstacle for winter sports. The main ski resort is the charming town of Pradollano.
Pradollano Sierra Nevada @istock
It’s also worth visiting the amazing Grenada and the Costa Tropical Mediterranean. This place offers over 100 slopes with artificial snowing system, several dozen lifts and the Sulayr snow park – a real paradise for snowboarders! The prices of daily ski passes are from EUR 45. You can get there by plane to Malaga, then by bus or car to Pradollano.
Mount Parnassus in Greece
Parnas is a mountain located in central Greece. The highest peak rises to 2457 m above sea level. The Mount Parnassos ski resort is just two hours away by car from Athens. The location and the growing interest in winter sports in this part of Europe are the reasons why thousands of ski lovers visit this place every year.
Parnassus @istock
This place is not as popular as the ski resorts in Italy or Austria, but you don’t have to worry about crowds and long queues. The skiers can take advantage of around 36 km of downhill ski runs of varying difficulty, which are operated by several modern lifts. The price of a daily ski pass: about EUR 30 per person.