Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Well folks, the 2008/09 season draws to a close and what a diverse year it has been.

I think all-in-all since I have been monitoring this site, which is now entering it's 10th year, this year has been the most difficult to keep everybody happy and maintain a happy medium between banter, fact, fiction and fun.

The lack of early season snow coupled with the rise in resort prices meant that many posters did not have a great time. This is always disheartening to so many of us who are all true lovers of Bulgaria and want to see our fellow travellers have a wonderful time. So, if you are amongst those who did not have a great holiday this year - I for one am really sorry that your experience was not all you had expected.

Bulgaria needs to take away from this season a very serious message from all of you who voted with your feet and stayed away. No resort can survive without the regular custom and new visitors that keeps the places alive and buzzing with excitement, and this season did little to retain or motivate people to return next season.
A big shame - and if they ignore this huge silent protest then they only have themselves to blame. Bulgaria needs to respect, and appreciate it's visitors if they are to grow in stature as a destination people wish to return to. The vast majority of Bulgarian people haven't changed, but unfortunately those who have the big say in things within the resorts have.
I am well aware that the resort 'power people' read this website so I appeal to them to take notice of the complaints and issues and respond with a positive attitude. If you want us to love you - you need to show you love us first!

We also have had the joy of the annual idots on this board - Mr. Jeffrey and Mikey are the 2 main perennial idiots who have no other purpose in life that to upset and mislead others. Constructive critisium will always be welcomed on here, but to constantly whinge and attack the people who do their very best to keep this site alive is pathetic and they will NEVER win. Whatever motivates them is beyond me but they obviously get some kind of warped kick out of being childish. Maybe one day they just might grow up! Maybe!

Moving on.

The resorts actually did get a really good fall of snow this season but for many travellers - it came far too late. I have already stated in an earlier post that, (in my opinion) there has been a shift in the winter season for Bulgaria and I would not recommend booking next season until at least late January. I could very well be wrong, (I often am) but early season has not been good in Bulgaria for quite some time now and it will be probably late Feb for me next year at the very earliest. Bulgaria can do very little to affect the snowfall, but better maintainance of the slopes and constuctive use of the dormant snow that lies all around is something that can be addressed and needs to be without a shadow of a doubt.

On a more positive note, the overwhealming majority of those who completed the Resort Survey said they would return next year, and that is very encouraging considering all the negative posts that were received this year, most of which were totally justified.

I seriously believe that 2009/10 could very well be the last chance saloon for Bulgaria to turn things around and show that they really do appreciate our loyalty and custom. Get it wrong next season and the outcome could be catastrophic to the future of the resorts.

My message goes out to....

Property Developers
Hotel Managers
Taxi Drivers
Restaurant Owners
Bar Managers
Piste Management
Tour Companies
Resort Management

Treat us well - and we'll spend the time and money in your resorts. Continue to treat us with contempt - and it could be the last you will see of those who have given you the very opportunity to grow and prosper.

When you do something right, people will tell a few others. When you do something wrong, people will tell hundreds!

So please Bulgaria - take a step back....... and listen!

Have a GREAT summer everybody.


Pete