I went to Pamporovo for my first skiing hol, but that was 21 years ago. My lasting memory was that the hotel was full of prostitutes, and the skiing was “developing”.
Bulgaria, Andorra & Sierra Nevada normally come up cheap.
Nielsen have just sent me an email with some deals; £280 for a week half board in Borovets seems to be the cheapest they’re offering.
Definitely worth doing lessons as you’ll meet some people while you’re there.
edit: On booking last minute – you take your chances. I’ve had two “last minute” half term holidays in the last two years. Both booked the day before we flew. One saved a small amount, the other turned out to be pretty expensive as there was nothing at all available with the tour operators (minimum of £1800 / PP for flights & accom). We did a DIY hol instead but I was sorting transfers out from the airport. Outside of the half term weeks (European Hols included) it’s a lot less risky.