Bulgaria offers affordable ski holidays for Brits

Skiers hoping to hit the slopes on a budget should opt for Bulgaria, according to a survey of ski resorts by leading travel money provider M&S Money.

The East European resort was the best value in a survey to compare the cost of items bought on a typical ski trip at worldwide destinations.

The most expensive European ski destination was Switzerland, which has long been a favourite with UK skiers. The cost of the M&S Money ‘ski holiday basket' at the Swiss resort of Engelberg is £585.

Skiers looking to holiday on a budget should instead consider Bulgaria, where the basket cost just £471 in the resort of Bansko.

Bulgaria is now in the European Union but is not due to replace its currency - the lev - with the Euro until 2012. Although the lev is pegged to the euro, visitors will still find most items cheaper than in other European countries. M&S stock an average of 32 currencies - including the lev - in each of their bureaux.

Italy is one country within the Eurozone where skiers can still find value for money, particularly when eating out. The survey found that a three-course meal for two including wine cost £56 in the resort of Courmayeaur, compared to £75 in Flaine, France.
Although prices have increased for Brits holidaying within the Eurozone in the past year, ski resorts outside Europe fair little better.

America remains one of the most expensive ski destinations. The price of a seven-day ski lift pass for one adult costs £252 at the resort of Breckenridge in Colorado, compared to £146 in Bulgaria.

James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money Manager, said: "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.
"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.

"Our survey has shown that skiers willing to try alternative destinations, such as Bulgaria and Italy, can still enjoy a break on a budget. Travellers can keep the cost down by buying foreign currency before flying and make the best of competitive exchange rates offered in M&S bureaux de change."

M&S Money offers the following travel money advice to skiers looking to save money:

Always exchange foreign currency before heading to the airport, where rates are often less competitive.

Always opt for a provider who does not charge commission.

Take a calculator or currency converter with you when travelling so you can stick to a budget.

Be aware that if restaurants charge you in Sterling instead of the local currency you will normally be hit with a higher exchange rate.