Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hello all.
Just a few general points. At moment am having a wander around Pamporovo in the sun. Kids are off on last day of ski school and we leave for home tonight.
Undoubedly the skiing is just about over here unless there is another fall of snow. I'm no expert but I suppose it could still happen so all of you booked to come in the next few weeks don't despair.
On a previous post I mentioned the atmosphere here but I think it bears repeating. Maybe I've just been lucky but I have always found people here are friendly and welcoming. Remember it s not their fault that there's poor snow. Take the time to talk to locals and those seasonal workers who depend on our money for their living. I think some people come here and draw unfair comparisons. with other ski destinations. It is not Austria or France but a part of Eastern Europe that has ben poor for ever. They are playing catch up and I think in years to come will put other more developed countries to shame.
Food here is cheap even in the resort where you will pay a premium so don't stint on giving the staff a decent tip. They appreciate it more than you realise.
Wanderng through the lobbies of some of the big hotels here one is struck by the high quality finish and service.
Orlovetz, Pamporovo etc are all high class establishments so those of you coming here for the first time don't worry.
Of course there is buildng work going on in places. The law here forbids most of this work during the ski season but with the outbreak of warm weather some developments are starting work again although I heard of the police ordering somebody to stop work last week. This work will not affect anyone too much.
I know the building is a pain and makes the place look messy but if you look at it long term it is good healthy sign that this place is finally attractng the money it needs and deserves. All of the people I meet talk of lessons being learned from some over development n Bansko. Agents talk of it being extremely difficult now to obtain permission to build and that there are many areas in and around Pamporvo which are now and always will be protected. I was told that there will be no more permissions granted for further developments at the middle station.
Anway, if you're here next week and don't get snow I would say don't despair. It is a brilliant place, a little rough around the edges but none the worse for that and well worth discovering a bit more about.
Having said that I will still be watching the website from home and hoping you all get some snow. Lots of it.

Hi Mal

You have found what I love most about Bulgaria - the spirit of the people. Pamporovo is the friendliest place I have ever been. I just got back on Saturday and had a great holiday in spite of the poor snow conditions. I will def book again next year.

I hope people get the hint about the tips - I always tip well for good service and find this easy to do in Pamporovo. I had saved a week's holidays to go back again 17th March - but looking at the middle station today has put me off, that said I have someone keeping me up to date with snow conditions and maybe ...... if the snow dancing pays off ...if not, then

Roll on 2008

We too had a fantastic time in pamps arriving on 24th and leaving a week ago today. all week long we talked about how great our holiday was. and we too tipped. we got good service in so many places. we talked to locals and seasonal workers and found out about their families and their lives. i tried to learn as much bulgarian as i could (i speak russian so that helps) and it rubbed off on my fiance who also found himself greeting people, thanking people and asking questions in bulgarian. it was so appreciated. my ski instructor at interski was one of the best i have ever had and i raced for years with good coaching. we went to pamporovo as my fiance is new to the sport and we had a blast. there was plenty for me to pootle about. the atmosphere was brilliant. we had two excellent meals at the bbq in the mourgavets. just couldn't complain about the holiday. the rooms were really clean (we were in the perelik and friends in the dafovska) and everyone was happy. to re-emphasise the people were fantastic bar a few grumpy people but it sure beat england!