Slovenia
There is no shortage of ski resorts in Europe, however if you want to get off the beaten track and find something a little different, why not head to Slovenia.
When it comes to value for money, Slovenia fares extremely well. Prices are significantly cheaper than its close neighbours France, Italy and Switzerland, which means you really do get a great deal. Hotel accommodation is excellent, food and drink high quality and ski passes and equipment also excellent value. In short, you don't have to break the bank this year if you want to go skiing.
The main resort in Slovenia is the picturesque town of Kranjska Gora which lies at the bottom of the Julien Alps that separate Slovenia from Italy. A relatively small town it offers good accommodation, uncrowded slopes and plenty of welcoming faces. Better still, it is only a short transfer from Ljubljana airport meaning that if you are arrive early you can hit the slopes by lunchtime.
The season lasts from November to April and the resort is snow-sure, which means you can relax in the knowledge that there should be plenty of the white stuff around for you to enjoy.
Just up the road lies the unforgettable village of Bled, offering skiing on its own slopes as well as easy access to other ski areas. An ideal resort for beginners or first time skiers, Bled is famous for its stunning lake with a picturesque church on an island in the centre. Its ski slopes face the lake and offer breathtaking views. The lift pass for Bled also covers the nearby resorts of Kobla, Vogel and Straza hugely increasing the amount of ski area and all offering excellent English speaking tuition.
If you want to mix your ski holiday with a bit of exploring, Slovenia isn't short on things to do. Day trips across the border into Italy are popular, as well as sightseeing trips to many of Slovenia's top tourist destinations such as the Postojna caves. 