Levi, Finland

Why not leave the Alps behind this ski season and head somewhere a bit different - and where better for families than the home of Santa Klaus.

Levi is a compact, charming village which has an air of magic about it, and as it's much further north the ski season here is longer - meaning you have more chance of escaping the crowds and if you time it right you might get to see the Northern Lights.

Skiing & Activities
Levi offers 43 slopes accessed by 27 lifts - plus 200km of cross country trails - so there's plenty to get stuck into here. There are 10 children's slopes with free lifts, including 2 magic carpets - this makes it a perfect place for their first ski trip.

If you're travelling with older kids then they are sure to love South Park, a 1km long area with a half pipe, railes and boxes - so they can practise their jumps and rail tricks. Or if you are seasoned pros and are looking for a challenge then why not try the the black World Cup run which has a 52% gradient.

But what makes Levi extra special are all the other activities you can take part in when you need a break from skiing - as Levi is really set in the wilderness there are amazing husky and snowmobile safaris which will offer you an unforgetable adventure.

You can also visit Spa Water World with a number of indoor and outdoor pools and slides, great fun after a morning on the slopes. Let's not fogret it is the home of Santa Klaus, so maybe the kids will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him at work!

Food
There are around 30 resturants in Levi with a range of menus - so you won't get bored with the food choices, but whilst in Finland make sure to try a local speciality such as reindeer meatballs! After dinner you can look forward to a night of music, whether you see one of the many live acts which perform here year round or whether you hit the karaoke bars - they might even let you dance on the tables.

Childcare
Whilst you and the older kids hit the slopes Kids Land, just next to the front pistes, offers sleding and other activites to keep the younger kids entertained - plus indoor day care when they want to keep warm! There is also an excellent ski school where they are sure to gain confidence on the slopes and even make some new friends.

Pamporovo, Bulgaria

If you are looking for a more affordable family skiing resort then Pamporovo is an excellent choice. They pride themselves on their sunshine, which means the temperatures never get too low and visibility is good. The village is compact and uncrowded - with log chalets nestled amongst the pine forests of Snejanke (or "Snow White") - peak.

Skiing & Activities
Pamporovo has plenty of gentle and easy to navigate slopes which is what makes it a great resort for families and beginners. The pistes are well linked making it easier to navigate for families and with 10km of blue runs there's plenty of chance for younger skiiers to build their confidence.

For the more advanced skiiers or older kids then you can take on the "Wall" - a steep black mogul field! Or you can visit the world-famous FunPark which gives you the chance to practise your freestyle on jumps and half-pipe.

When you need a break from skiing then strap on your ice skates - or for a more laidback experience take a sleigh ride through the snow landscape.

Food
There are plenty of places to relax off the slopes in Pamporovo - with numerous resturants, pubs and taverns to try. This is definitely one of the most afforable apres-ski experiences - but it lacks nothing in cosyness and charm. There's traditional dishes available, but also plenty of simple family friendly menus to try.

Childcare
Children from the age of 8 are welcome at the highly rated English-speaking ski school - which is one of the cheapest in Europe. Here they can learn in a fenced off ski garden with it's own mini drag lift. Younger children can spend the day doing activites at the ski kindergarten.