Party hard in an abandoned factory and brush off the cobwebs with the help of crisp air and powder snow the following day. Open from December through May, Bansko, Bulgaria’s largest ski resort, offers one of Europe’s longest ski seasons but the best time to go is in March when Horizon Festival hits the slopes.
This boutique event packs 30 parties into an eclectic mix of venues, including abandoned hotels and a geothermal pool, over six nights and seven days. Think international DJs pumping out house, techno, groove and funk in secret spots on Pirin Mountain and on stages lurking in forests and medieval halls.
Wizz Air, easyJet, British Airways and Bulgaria Air all fly to Sofia Airport. From the airport it’s about a 3-hour drive to Bansko and the festival runs a shuttle for US$28 each way.
wizzair.com
easyjet.com
britishairways.com
air.bg
Six-day festival passes cost US$185. The full package, including a festival pass, seven nights in a hotel, lift pass and skiing or boarding starts at US$440.
Horizon Festival
horizonfestival.net
The town’s a massive hub for British travellers, so expect a lot of Brits, as well as locals.