Although not too long ago skiing breaks were primarily the preserve of the relatively well-to-do, a number of exciting new winter destinations have opened up that offer budget-conscious travellers excellent skiing without the prohibitive price tag of the older resorts. When this trend is paired with the rise of budget airlines and the lowering in price of winter sports insurance, it soon becomes clear that it is possible to enjoy a break on the pistes without breaking the bank. So, with this in mind, we have written the following as an introduction to the best budget winter resorts available, with additional tips on how to save money once you arrive.

Perhaps the best advice available for holidaymakers looking to book an inexpensive ski trip is to organise, wherever possible, all the aspects independently. Package tours are convenient, but essentially add a middleman into the mix which can consume elements of the budget. So, by looking into and arranging accommodation, flights and winter sports insurance privately, you can potentially make significant savings against the cost of many off-the-shelf holidays organised by ski package companies. The same goes for ski hire and lift passes, which can usually be booked in advance of travelling to maximise savings. It might also be worth opting for half-day lift passes rather than full-day to reduce rates, if you will be spending time on other activities away from the slopes.

When it comes to deciding whereabouts to choose for your skiing holiday, there are a number of lesser-known options outside the mainstays of the European winter scene that are well worth considering. For instance, although only just south of France, the Pyrenean Andorra offers consistent snowfall and well-maintained runs for a fraction of the price of that of its northern neighbour. Budget airlines often offer low-cost flights to the country, although if you are unable to find suitable tickets in time, to avoid paying for full-fare flights some travellers may wish to take the channel tunnel and drive south, through France, to the Andorran border. The scenic mountain road that connects the two countries is well maintained throughout the winter (although, if the snowfall is unusually heavy then a detour via the toll tunnel to Spain might be necessary). Finally, to guard against any potential travel hiccups, some decent quality travel insurance is highly recommended – and, to keep costs down, it may be possible to integrate your winter sports insurance into this coverage.

If you are willing to venture slightly further afield than the mainstream resorts in western Europe, a number of countries in the eastern part of the continent now have a growing infrastructure of pistes, lifts and skiing facilities, with prices remaining highly competitive. There are other perks, too, to winter trips in eastern Europe; currently the slopes tend to be rather quieter than those in the west, reflecting the still-developing nature of the skiing scene there. Accordingly it is not unusual, if skiing out of peak season, to find yourself with only a few handfuls of others out on the slopes in parts of Bulgaria or Slovenia.

Slovenia arguably makes for one of the most scenic skiing spots in the whole of Europe, with resorts such as Jasna offering rustic chalets set amidst natural surroundings. Jasna itself provides instant access to the Low Tatras Range (in fact, not at all low), which has over 1000m of vertical drop in the skiable zone. However, it is the cost of living here that makes Slovenia perfect for budget skiing trips, with restaurants often offering three courses for around five pounds and wine found similarly cheaply. And, although the quality of medical care in the country is very good, it is essential to check that you have suitable winter sports insurance so as to avoid costly hospital bills should any injuries occur out on the slopes.

If looking to Bulgaria for your winter thrills this year, you are sure to encounter Borovets when researching your trip. The resort is the largest and oldest in the country, providing access to three relatively sizeable skiing zones that have yet to be fully linked. Six-day lift passes typically cost around £90 and, if you shop around online, accommodation can be found for as little as £150 for seven nights' half-board. However, as with skiing in Slovenia, it is worth making sure that your winter sports insurance will provide you with full coverage in Bulgaria – especially given the advanced nature of some of the slopes!