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Europe has always been an interesting and sought after ski destination. Since the economy has been stubborn enough lately and the future doesn't look too pink either, everyone is aiming to find a lovely place to ski and where they can stretch the money to the maximum.

Thankfully, there are plenty of places in Europe where spending a week skiing won't cost an arm and a leg. More than before, it's time to discover the beauty and affordability of Central-Eastern Europe. Places such as Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia or Poland boast incredible scenery and lovely places to ski, as well as affordable accommodation.

1. Innsbruck, Austria

For years, Austria has been a very affordable European ski destination. The Austrian Alps offer incredible ski areas and the accommodation options suit pretty much any budget. Out of the many Austrian ski regions, Innsbruck is known as a top class ski destination. Innsbruck offers more than 50 km/31 miles of ski runs, 6 chair lifts, 4 cabin lifts and 9 ski tows.

The ski season lasts between mid-December until end of March. In a 4-star hotel, expect to pay €329 per person for 5 nights with half board (breakfast and dinner) and 4 days ski pass, all taxes included.

How to get to: Innsbruck is served by an airport which receives both international and domestic flights. Plenty of low cost carriers fly into Innsbruck from all over Europe.

2. Livigno, Italy

Thanks to the fiscal privileges given to the village of Livigno back in the 1600s, the resort is still the cheapest in the Alps. Located in the northern part of Lombardy region, Livigno is one of the best well known ski regions in Italy. It comprises four ski areas and 74 slopes, for all categories of skiers, although it's known as a good resort for the beginners. There are a total of 31 lifts available and 4 gondolas.

If you want to stay in a 3-star hotel, expect to pay between € 42 and €68 per room for a family room during the high season. Some prices also include ski passes.

How to get to: Getting to Livigno is not exactly an easy task. Your best bet is to come from Switzerland (via the tunnel) or Austria. You can also get here via Bormio by car. The closest airport to Bormio is Milan.

3. Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs comprises four modern resorts and a small village. The oldest of the resorts is Les Arcs 1600 (opened in 1968) and is currently known as a great destination for families. Arc 1800 is the largest of them and the heart of the entire ski area.

Les Arcs is one of the largest ski areas in the world and comprises more than 420 km of ski runs and 3 glaciers. The majority of slopes (137) are for beginners but intermediate skiers will be pleased as well.

There are plenty of places to stay within the resort and with a bit of planning you can find very affordable accommodation. Expect to pay €298 per week (7 nights) for a studio (sleeps max 6) in a 2 star residence located at 3 km from Les Arcs 1600.

How to get to: The closest airport is Chambéry, which is served by many low-cost carriers. To get to the resort from the airport you can either rent a car or take the local buses.

4. Ski Park Eland, Slovakia

The beautiful Carpathians offer dozens of incredible places to ski in Slovakia. The skiing season starts in November and ends in the last week of March. Slovakia is still a rather undiscovered ski destination although it's starting to make a name for itself on the European ski resorts market.

Ski Park Eland comprises 3 slopes and 3 lifts (total capacity of 2100 persons per hour). There is the possibility to ski during the night. The resort also comprises a tea shop, toilets and Hotel Eland.

An adult all day pass costs €8.30, while a children all day pass costs €4.98. Evening skiing is possible only on Wednesdays and the pass costs €5.31 (adults/children).

If you want to book a room in the hotel, expect to pay about €95 per night for a double room (peak season) or €48 (off season). The price includes the access to the pool and fitness room.

How to get to: the closest airport is Košice, which is served by both domestic and international flights. To get to the resort you can either rent a car or use the local buses/trains.

5. Bansko Resort, Bulgaria

Bansko is Bulgaria's number 1 ski area and also the most modern. Over the recent years huge development projects have been going on and now Bansko is proud to offer the skiers incredible conditions and long ski season (mid-December to mid-May).

The ski slopes are located within two ski centers, which can be easily accessed with the new gondola available from the resort (about 25 min ride). The total length of the slopes is 70 km and they are great for all categories of skiers (5 beginners, 8 intermediate and 1 difficult). Ski lifts are available. Thanks to the artificial snow cannons, the ski season is extended until mid-May which pleases everyone who likes to ski here.

There are many luxury hotels within the resort but your best bet is to rent one of the many apartments available. A week in an apartment costs about €120- €240 during the high season.

How to get to: Bansko is located at 170 km south of Sofia, so the easiest way to get to the resort is by flying to Sofia and then renting a car. Plenty of low cost carriers serve Sofia.

6. Pelion Mountain, Greece

Greece has rapidly gain popularity as an incredible and affordable ski destination. While many people still don't know that it's actually possible to ski in Greece, those who have discovered the natural beauty of the Greek ski regions, cannot get enough of them. There are only 19 ski resorts in the country and the famous Agriolefkes ski center on Mount Pelion is just incredible. There are tree downhill runs, a cross country run and a microlift. There's a chalet within the resort but there aren't many chances to find available rooms. Your best bet is to stay in one of the many hotels on the mountain. Prices start at €60 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel, breakfast included.

How to get to: The closest town to Pelion Mountain is Volos, which is served by a small airport. A good option, however, is to fly either into Athens or Thessaloniki and then drive to the resort.

7. Zakopane Ski Resort, Poland

In the southern part of Poland you will find Zakopane , a tiny ski resort featuring only two slopes. Take the cable car to the top of Kasprowy Wierch mountain and then choose among the two slopes. There are 20 lifts serving the slopes. Night skiing is allowed and there's also an artificial snow cannon available when needed.

The ski season lasts between December and March. There aren't any hotels within the resort itself, but the town boasts a lot of places to stay, with prices suitable for any budget. You can find rooms as cheap as €38 per night (double room) in a 2-star hotel.

How to get to: the closest airport is Cracow, which is served by plenty of low cost carriers. Then you'll have to either drive or take a local bus to get to the resort. There are trains connecting Cracow to Zakopane, but the journey takes way too long.

8. Semenic, Romania

Located in Semenic Mountains, the resort is the pearl of the Banatului Mountains. Compared to the rest of the Romanian ski regions, the climate here is milder (thanks to it being located in the South-Eastern part of Romania, where the Mediterranean influences make the climate warmer).

There are three ski slopes (one for each category of skiers) and all are served by 2 lifts. The daily ski pass (during the weekdays) is little under €10 and over the weekend about €15.

The best budget hotel in the area is Hotel Dusan si fiul I (2 stars). A double room costs about €40 per night, during the high season.

How to get there: Semenic is located on the road to Resita (at about 35 km from the town). The closest airport is Timisoara, to the north. From there you can take either the local trains or buses. Other options include flying into Bucharest and then taking a local train to Semenic or driving there.

Photo credits:

Vacations in Austria, Martin Strandbygaard on Flickr, Ski Resort, Les Arcs, Hotel Eland, countries in colors on Flickr, Ski Pilio, hegarty_david on Flickr

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