България затвърждава позициите си на световната карта на зимния туризъм. Новият индекс на EasyJet за 2026 година поставя не един, а два родни курорта в топ 3 на Европа, като Bansko убедително оглавява класацията.
At the height of the winter season, when thousands of tourists are looking for the ideal price-quality ratio, the authoritative study by the airline EasyJet, called “The 4 B's of Budget Skiing”, gives a definitive answer: Bansko is the cheapest ski destination in Europe. With daily costs that are unaffordable for competition in the Alps, the pearl of Pirin is attracting increasing attention from both British and local tourists.
Key highlights from the 2026 report:
- Bansko is #1: Total daily cost of £142 (under 330 BGN).
- Borovets is #3: Our oldest resort also belongs to the elite.
- The beer: In Bansko the price is the lowest in all of Europe (£1.23).
- The “4 B’s” concept: Bansko, Byalka, Borovets and Bardonecchia.
Why is Bansko the “Budget King”?
According to the detailed analysis of experts, Bansko offers a combination that is hard to beat. Located just two hours from Sofia Airport, the resort manages to keep prices competitive despite global inflation. The index evaluates costs comprehensively: lift passes, equipment rental, accommodation, transport and consumption.
Kevin Doyle, EasyJet's UK manager, commented on the ranking:
“The index is designed to show that a ski holiday doesn’t have to be a luxury. The ‘Four Bs’ prove that Eastern Europe and Italy offer quality comparable to that in France, but at a fraction of the price. We expect heavy snowfall across Europe, making these destinations even more attractive.”
Price Breakdown: What do you get for your money?
As long-time observers of the Bansko market, we at the editorial team analyzed the raw data from the report. Here are the specific figures that make Bansko a leader (prices are approximate converted from British pounds):
| Service / Product | Price (GBP) | Price (BGN – approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lift pass (1 day) | £48.00 | ~ 108 BGN. |
| Ski/board rental | £15.00 | ~ 34 BGN. |
| Overnight stay (budget) | £45.00 | ~ 101 BGN. |
| Transportation (from airport) | £34.00 | ~ 76 BGN. |
| Beer (Après-ski) | £1.23 | ~ 2.75 BGN. |
| TOTAL FOR DAY: | £142.00 | ~ 321 BGN. |
*Note: Prices are averaged based on EasyJet Index data for the 2026 season. Actual on-site prices may vary depending on the specific property and booking period.
Borovets and the Competition: The Battle of the “Four Bs”
Bulgaria can be proud to be the only country with two representatives in the top 4. Borovets takes third place with a total expenditure of £148. An interesting fact from the report is that Borovets actually offers cheaper lift tickets (£44) and equipment (£13) from Bansko. The reason it remains in third position is the higher average price per night (£60), reported by analysts.
The Polish resort is positioned between the two Bulgarian giants Białka Tatrzanska (Białka Tatrzańska). It is a popular choice for families and beginners, offering a relaxed atmosphere, but is inferior to Bansko in terms of difficulty of the slopes and nightlife. The four are closed by the Italian Bardonecchia (£158 per day), which offers Alpine chic but at a significantly higher price for food and drink (beer there is almost £4).
Expert Commentary: Why is Bansko winning hearts (and wallets)?
As the cheapest ski destination, Bansko does not win with numbers alone. The uniqueness of the resort lies in the symbiosis between the historic town and the modern ski area.
- Authenticity: Unlike French purpose-built ski resorts, Bansko has soul. The cobblestone streets and taverns in the old town create an atmosphere that is missing in Byalka or the high French Alps.
- Culinary: The cost of food off the slopes is drastically lower. A dinner in a tavern in Bansko is incomparable in value compared to the “tourist traps” in Western Europe.
- SPA culture: The proximity to the mineral springs in the village of Banya (only 5 km away) adds value that is not included in the EasyJet index, but is crucial for tourists.
The Alternatives: Where else is it profitable?
The index doesn't stop at the top 4. For skiers who want variety, the report also recommends:
- Andorra (Pal-Arinsal): An excellent choice for beginners with easy access from Barcelona.
- Soz d'Oulx (Italy): Part of the vast Via Latea area, famous for its sunny slopes and Aperol spritz culture.
- Les Dieux Alpes and Morzine (France): Although more expensive (around £80-£90 per day), they remain the “budget” alternative to the luxurious Courchevel and Val d'Isere.
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English (UK)