Skiing holidays don't have to be expensive.

This website will outline how you can get on the slopes without breaking the bank. By booking the holiday yourself, and checking into an apartment rather than a hotel, you can cut out the middle man, the tour operator and make hugh savings. The best thing is that it's really simple.

For example: Bulgaria is probably one of the cheaper locations in Europe to get good skiing. But it will still set you back £500 plus and that's before you hire your boots, skis, ski instructor and ski passes. If you get away with £700 per head you'll be doing very well.

I'll outline below how much it should cost to book it yourself. I've used the example of 4 adults travelling. It'll be cheaper again if it's 2 adults and 2 children or if it's a bigger party.

1.Flights

The whole aviation industry changed when Ryanair took to the skys. Booking online became easier. (they took the travel agent out of the equation)
Flights became cheaper. The average cost of the flight will be about £140 per head (this price was taken from Easyjet flying out of Gatwick) You can get cheaper (but it can also be more expensive) depending on your travel date. For details of flights from other airports plese check our 'Getting there' section.
Total: £560

2.Cost of transfer

£120 This if for your own personal car or bus to pick you up at the airport and bring you to the resort. And return you to the airport on departure. No messing around looking for the rep or the correct bus. There will be someone there at arrivals with your name on a placard. (£30 per head return.)

3.Accommodation

£200. This is for a luxury 2 bedroom apartment in the Centre of the resort. Note: This is the price for the apartment, not per person as it would be in a hotel. This is a huge saving. (£50 per head). Here'a link to some photographs of Royal House Apartments.

4.Ski equipment

Ski lift passes, Ski instructor This is the bit they don't tell you about when you're booking your holiday with a tour operator. But it's something you have to pay for in every ski resort. We've assumed you're going to need an instructor to get you going and have included it in the price. £640 (£160 per head). It'll be cheaper if you just require ski passes. This is way cheaper than the tour operators because, once again you'll be going direct.

The whole cost comes in at £375 per head. This would be cheaper again if it were 2 adults and 2 children.

It's not a definitive costing because there are a few variables. One being the cost of the flights. Another being that I’ve based it on 09/10 prices. But should come in at roughly half the cost of going with a 'bargain' offer with one of the big tour operators.

Compare this to what your travel agent is charging. Please feel free to drop me a line for more details at donal@skiingpamporovo.co.uk