Bulgaria ski holiday destination

[March 2nd 2009]

A new survey of ski resorts has found that those looking for a budget skiing holiday should head for Bulgaria.

Travel money provider M&S Money’s survey compares the cost of items bought on a typical skiing holiday at ski resorts around the world. Bulgaria came out cheapest with its ‘ski holiday basket’ costing £471 at the popular ski resort of Bansko.

In contrast the most expensive skiing destination in Europe was found to be Switzerland. The cost of the ‘ski holiday basket’ at the Swiss resort of Engelberg was £585.

Although Bulgaria is now in the European Union it does not plan to replace its currency, the lev, with the euro until 2012. The lev is pegged to the euro, but most items in the survey were found to be cheaper than in other European countries.

The ski resort survey found that there are still some good value skiing holidays to be had in the eurozone. Italy is singled out as a country where it is still possible to find value for money, particularly when eating out.

A three-course meal for two including wine cost £56 in the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur, compared to £75 in Flaine in France.

"Our survey has shown that skiers willing to try alternative destinations, such as Bulgaria and Italy, can still enjoy a break on a budget,” comments M&S Travel Money manager, James Yerkess.

"Sterling has weakened significantly against the euro in recent months, meaning Brits heading to popular resorts in Switzerland and France will notice the difference in the price of everyday items,” continues Yerkess.

Not surprisingly given the weakening of the pound against the dollar, the survey reports that the USA is one of the most expensive ski holiday destinations. A seven day ski lift pass for one adult was found to cost £252 at the resort of Breckenridge in Colorado, compared to just £146 in Bulgaria.

"While many skiers will opt for half-board deals to try to reduce the price of a trip to the slopes this year, the cost soon builds-up when you consider all the equipment and ski passes as well as eating out,” Yerkess concludes.

One of M&S Money’s tips for people looking to save money on holiday is to avoid paying in sterling rather than the local currency because you will normally be hit with a higher exchange rate.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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