The UK's Daily Mail, citing a survey by the Post Office, is advising British skiers to head for Eastern Europe this winter for the best deals on the slopes, although skiers are warned that even prices in traditionally cheap ski resorts have jumped.

The same survey cites the Bulgarian resort of Borovets as offering the second best value for money after Romania's Poiana Brasov ski resort, although, significantly, whereas the Romanian resort cited had only increased in price by four per cent overall on last year, Borovets had increased by 14 per cent. 

Top-value ski destinations cited are are Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia in that order, according to the survey.

Including basic week-long costs such as equipment hire, lift passes, meals and drinks, Romania's Poiana Brasov ski resort offered the best value at 195.76 pounds sterling.

Borovets in Bulgaria (250.87 pounds sterling) was the next-best resort in terms of value for money, with High Tatras in Slovakia third (264.97 pounds).

In contrast, Banff in Canada had costs of 429.06 pounds and Verbier in Switzerland was 422.21 pounds.

The Daily Mail quotes Post Office head of travel services Sarah Munro: "It is worth comparing the prices of ski equipment hire and lift passes in different resorts as these can make a big difference to the overall cost of a ski holiday...While bargain-hunters will still find the lowest prices in Romania and Bulgaria, price should not be the only issue when planning a ski holiday. It's important to choose a resort that matches your ability and expectations."