Bulgaria Ski discussion board

No comparison to Canada ??? errrrrr no, bit like a ford Popular against a jag
But the Ford Pop had its place for the common man
You seriously cannot expect a relatively low mountain resort in a former Eastern block country to compete with the likes of Banff etc...
I personally cannot see BG ever attaining any status as an international skiing destination with the reputation of an established prestige alpine resort.
The attraction of BG was its value for money, the standard and friendly attitude of its instruction and local people. The resorts themselves opened skiing up to many who were on a budget and allowed them to enjoy a new interest and progress with their skiing skills. Once experienced there would obviously be something wanting in the way of new goals, something that BG could not provide. This is surely a natural progression.
There is of course individuals who like skiing but perhaps are not so keen that they need to do 200km a day. These people like to have a drink or two, enjoy some good food, relax in good surroundings, you know.... have a holiday Bulgaria is perfect for these guys, i still maintain that no other country could provide the value that the BG resorts do. Now i do agree with some of Petes remarks, BG has to wake up and to my mind this season has shook a few, especially in Bansko !! but it will remain to see what their reaction will be...

Couldnt agree more Pete- we are booking up again for next year, slihtly later end of Jan probably, or may hold off fora late deal- but if prces go up again etc, will certainly head elsewhere thereafter.
Bulgaria is a charming place, that has been budget afordable for the likes of myself skiing with kids, but if the price (on the whole), is creeping up to that you pay for Austria or France where the infrastructure and skiing is more developed- i would rather pay more and go there.
never mind! heres to next year!

Agree whole heartedly with Steve C comments . I have also been to Romania skiing - had worse snow conditions when we went, but very similar to BG - although Ski School was I thought slightly better organised in RO. I would never have been able to take my son skiing in any of the European resorts, just wish I had found out about RO and BG earlier. The prices of these places enabled us to learn to ski and are a great introduction to the sport. Having said that even when I can afford to go to the more expensive resorts I will probably still bring freinds who are new to skiing to BG for the complete holiday experience!
Caz

so possibly with the credit crunch in 2009/10 season people may shop down from the french resorts and come to bulgaria .so it could be a bumper season for bg.
so bg has to get it right in 2010
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Thats what we were going to do even though i said i wouldnt go back again. We have to go in January. Were taking 3 teenagers and none of them wanted to go back to Bulgaria and neither really did i. La Tania, 3 Vallees and self/c for all 5 of us at an excellent price tbh with excellent snow coverage and loads of snow cannons incase of lack of snow. Were taking loads of food with us to cut down the cost.

The French attitude was bad towards the English but so were the Bulgarians so no different there in my book. Its the snow coverage, pistes and cannons which are much better in France. Just my humble opinion. Have a good summer all!

Phillipf, your right of course. There is a real market opportunity for BG resorts to re-establish their position as a friendly, value destinations, with this they may capture a new market segment - those looking to downscale from more expensive resorts, as well as those looking for a second holiday and the destination of choice for new entrants to snowsports. But.. they have got to get it right for next year, the balls in their court.

2010 is the crunch year, if they've got their heads screwed on it could be a winner; if not - well, we're see.

i first visited bg in 88 then again in 93, then have been back 5 times in the last 5 years. i have also been to france, andorra and spain. my last trip was bansko in march and i enjoyed it, i have booked up for next year for the same time, i was in boro in feb and it would take alot for me to return, its prob a good first time resort for a bunch of teens but for me in my 30's it has no appeal.
never been back to pamps since 93 so i cant comment.
bansko: for starts i was in france last year and the hol cost me about £400 for the week, + £185 for my lift pass, it was £5 a pint and i never ate out once and still spent £400. total price £985 for a week. i have booked for next year for my family (3 of us) and it has cost me £1165 inc all passes and lessons, i spent £400 this march so if i spend £500 next year its still only £555 per head. its still a cheap place to visit, infact compared to france and the likes it very cheap,the gap was closing but it has been widened with the state of the pound (which has also affected bg prices, we were getting 3lv/£ as opposed to 2lv a couple of years ago, in 88 i was getting 12lv!)
the town isnt a new ski development, its an old eastern block village that has had a ski resort thrust upon it and i think it is shaping up quite well, there is way too many developments (i refrained the urge to buy 5 years ago as i sort of seen this coming) but this doesnt spoil my fun on the mountain, i board for the fun of boarding and if the conditions were right i would stop in a caravan if it meant i got my fix.
i usually manage 2 winter trips, one with a group of "good" boarders and one with family and friends, there is usually a few who are beginers and for a first or second time trip you cant beat it for value!
there is a few things that could be better (taxi prices for one) but that goes wherever you visit.

so bg still gets a thumbs up from me,

russ