New year ski holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's a break away from traditional Alpine skiing, so catered chalets aren't a staple like in France. But that's not to say you'll spend the week pine-ing for one…

If you love the seclusion of traditional chalet holidays, wood cabins like the Alpin Villas and Iglika Villas in Borovets should suit you down to the ground. They're usually sold in a half-board package, where breakfasts and evening meals (often including a New Year gala supper) are included in the overall cost.

Opt for a lodging that's fully self-catered, if you'd rather do New Year's week your way: cook home favourites in your very own kitchen or get out on the town for Meze appetisers and Raki in true Bulgarian style. Perfect for families or relaxation seekers, Borovet's Malina Village is a collection of self-catered chalets hidden away in the pines.

In Bulgaria's ski hotels, most half-board bookings include a gala dinner on the big night to get the celebrations rolling. With staff taking care of the chores, there's more time to practice that snowplough or kick back with a pastry and a “Boza”…

As the name suggests, the Hotel Premier Luxury Mountain Resort is one of the high-end options in Bansko and also has a first class position, close to the stellar ski area.

Borovets is a great family resort, where Hotel Rila is a stone's throw from the ski school meeting place and Brit-run venues like Bobby's bar cater terrifically for young and old.

Over in Pamporovo, the Hotel Orlovetz is handily located in the very centre of the resort, where everyone usually gathers for the New Year's fireworks against the backdrop of the Rhodopi mountains.

They say Bulgaria's the land of opportunity if you're skiing on a budget, and there's a huge range of self-catered accommodation for a super cheap holiday.

The Snezhanka Apartments are right in the middle of Pamporovo, so getting around is a breeze. If you don't fancy cooking on New Year's Eve, the nearby White Hart will have your taste buds holding a mini-celebration of their own.

Groups looking for somewhere to let their hair down will love Bansko's Grand Montana Apartments. They're close enough to the après scene (the Happy End bar is buzzing at New Year's) and at the foot of the Pirin Mountain, making that trip to the lifts on New Year's Day that little bit easier…

Borovets' Flora Residence is one of our top picks for families – with the ski school meeting point, lifts and resort centre only minutes away.