Recent years have seen the more traditionally frequented ski resorts in Europe have seen some new competition. One of the newest choices are the most unusual: indoor slopes are becoming popular where outdoor snow sports are not usually possible. There was a very large indoor ski facility in Japan that was open for nine years, but the Ski Dubai facility is probably the largest, and it is big enough to have a normal ski lift. There had been a new snow sports facility planned for Dubai, but its construction has been postponed. Back in Europe, an indoor facility called Snow Centre serves southeastern England.

Still, with most skiing being done outside, a lot of Europeans are looking for more options that are more cost effective than the traditional skiing venues. Many are visiting ski spots in Iran, such as Shemshak. Still, others turn to Bulgaria. Skiing over the holidays in Bulgaria is becoming popular. The most popular resort for skiing in Bulgaria is Bansko, although there are several other good locations that are good enough to get people traveling to Bulgaria.

Finally, there’s the complicated issue of skiing in Kosovo. There’s a resort there called Brezovia that is great but is complicated by Kosovo’s turbulent relations with Serbia as well as policies in place by the European Union and the United Nations.