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Reach a peak

It isn't the resort for flashy skiers or those looking to up their bravery levels, since only one run is rated as difficult. But it has many intermediate routes and the long runs may challenge advanced skiers, as they have been purpose-built for competitive skiing. With reasonable prices and a late season (from December to April), Bansko offers a good-value family skiing experience.

Away from the slopes, Bansko is everything a mountain village should be, with winding cobbled streets and traditional taverns. Food and drink are plentiful and cheap. Our group of 12 had two courses with beer, wine and the local rakia liqueur for around £110. In the Dedo Pene inn, the traditional Bansko breakfast of bread cooked in egg and served with homemade honey and jam is fuel for a full day on the slopes. Eating is an occasion here. It's social and can take, well, as long as you want. When ordering lamb means roasting a whole animal on a spit, it's time to stop watching the clock.

Bansko has recently been voted Europe's most improved ski resort in the 2006 Great Skiing and Snowboarding Guide awards, and a halt has been called on any further construction - lessons have been learned from other resorts, and preserving the village is important.

It's worth making the effort to see Bansko now. Once an airport is built, you may be at the back of some rather long lift queues.