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In these financially uncertain times, it might be logical to turn to new, less expensive pastures for the annual ski holiday. Destinations in Eastern Europe pride themselves on low prices – despite recent increases in the local cost of living. Visits to Bulgaria, Romania and others all look delightfully enticing when viewed online or in glossy brochures. Value is undeniable, the welcome is genuine, après-ski is lively (and cheap) and thousands of British visitors have a great time each winter.

Arty Plovdiv in Bulgaria has plenty of surprises up its sleeve including bold street art, Roman ruins and temperatures that stay in the mid-twenties until autumn

North Macedonia's capital Skopje offers neoclassical and brutalist architecture, a maze-like bazaar and centuries of history

SOFIA, JANUARY 6, ARMENPRESS/BTA.Hundreds of men took part this year in the traditional men's horo dance in the cold waters of the Tundzha River in Kalofer, Central Bulgaria, on Saturday. The Epiphany cross was thrown into the river by Father Dimitrii after a liturgy in the St. Archangel Michael church.

Every year on January 6, hundreds of Bulgarian men mark the Epiphany feast by dancing to folk tunes in the icy water of the Tundzha River, in the town of Kalofer. Part of the ritual includes a scramble for a wooden cross thrown into the water by an Orthodox priest, who also gives blessings to the onlookers. Although most Bulgarians are Orthodox Christians, unlike many of their coreligionists they celebrate Christmas on December 25.