We're not talking luxury, but we're talking value, centuries of expertise and a sensible approach to healthcare and aching limbs.Getting there: Thomson Ski (0870 606 1470; www.thomson-ski.co.uk) offers a seven-night half-board break at the new four-star Hotel Katarino, which is one of the best equipped properties in Bansko with a wellness centre including saunas, whirlpools, an indoor pool, a fitness room and more, from £380 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Gatwick.27. BANSKO, BULGARIAWhat they lack in incense sticks, dramatic muslin curtains and haunting, eclectic music the Eastern European resorts in Slovenia and Bulgaria make up for with a robust and good value approach to alternative treatments, spas and healthcare. Treatments typically cost half of UK prices, the approach may be a little more clinical, but you have an innate feeling that you're in good hands. It's also a great place to take the children to learn to ski, with uncrowded slopes, good English-speaking ski instructors, a warm friendly atmosphere, husky and reindeer safaris when you've lost your ski legs and a magical quality to the short days.Getting there: Inghams (020-8780 4433; www.inghams.co.uk) offer a seven-night half-board break at the Matkailumaja Cabins from £367 per person, based on six sharing a three-room chalet, including return flights and transfers. A mini reindeer safari costs £24 per adult, £16 for children and husky safaris cost £26 and £19.25. DAVOS, SWITZERLANDAs timely as one of its watches, Switzerland's public transport contributes to making it a popular ski weekend destination. With excellent airport links and many resorts within striking distance of Zurich, Berne or Geneva airports via train or bus, travel is flexible and efficient.
But don't necessarily settle for resorts closest to airports, which can get crowded. It should take no more than just over 2 hours to get to Davos, for world class skiing, high standards of accommodation and shopping to get very excited about.Getting there: Inghams (020-8780 4433; www.inghams.co.uk) offers a three-night half-board break at the three-star Hotel Sunstar from £389 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights and rail transfers.26. LEVI, LAPLANDWhat could be more fun than a family ski holiday to Lapland that combines the chance to meet the real Santa Claus? Especially when there are optional excursions to Santa's Secret Home for around £30 per adult, £26 per child. Competent skiers and thrill-seekers, eat your heart out.Getting there: Thomson Ski (0870 606 1470; www.thomson-ski.co.uk) offers a seven-night room-only break at the three-star The Coast Whistler Hotel, just a few minutes' walk to the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, for £495 per person, based on four sharing, including return flights and transfers.24. Blackcombe has steepness with long glacial descents, Whistler has bumps, couloirs, bowls and chutes. Annual snow-fall of over 30 feet make sure there's plenty of off-piste and powder. For advanced skiers, it just doesn't get much better than on the adjoining Whistler and Blackcombe Mountains here in Canada's British Columbia.
WHISTLER, CANADASix massive high-alpine powder bowls, including one called Doom & Gloom, put Whistler firmly on the map for thrill-seekers. A seven-night room-only break at the four-star Grand Lodge Mont costs from £393 per person, based on six sharing, including return flights and transfers.23. Tremblant is a wonderful, colourful, traffic-free resort, there's a dedicated beginners' area on the south side of the mountain, magic carpet lifts and a fabulous 6km long Nansen run to test out what you've learnt.Getting there: Inghams (020-8780 4433; www.inghams.co.uk) offers a special learn to ski package for £194 per adult, which includes hire of skis, ski boots and poles, three hours tuition for three days and a lift pass. The ski school is not only excellent, but lessons come with a guarantee to improve your skiing.