Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Advice PLEASE!!

I intend on hiring a car and driving from sofia airport to Bansko next week for a few days. Will I need a 4x4 to get there or is the snow not that bad at the moment? Will it get worse. I'm only staying until thursday. Will a small car do the job as is much cheaper for me. And is there any skiing there at present? Thanks

re: Advice PLEASE!!

Its main roads all the way, you would manage it in a Fiat Tipo if you so wanted. The forecast is due to get colder in the coming days but there is currently no snow in the town as far as I am aware. The mountain opens on 1st Dec.

re: Advice PLEASE!!

OR......Purchase a set of snow chains for 30.00 odd leva just in case.....cheaper than hiring a 4x4.
Fiona

re: Advice PLEASE!!

That is a good idea. Thanks for the tip. Is it an easy drive from the airport at sofia to bansko? Do you know if the tom tom sat navs are of good use in Bulgaria and what cheap accommodation in the centre of bansko would you recommend?

re: Advice PLEASE!!

Boianova Kusta.....2 star but really nice apartment with mountain views....about 40.00 leva a night. in the centre of town.
Fiona

re: Advice PLEASE!!

The hire car should have chains already as its a legal requirement over a certain altitude. Sat nav should work - make sure you have the right software for the region. Remember everything will be in cyrillic on the road signs, but its not that scary.

re: Advice PLEASE!!

Thanks very much for your help

re: Advice PLEASE!!

Try Sikon rentacar. Ask for yason who will give you a good price and the cars will mnow have snow tyres and chains FOC.He will meet you at the aiport. Brilliant

re: Advice PLEASE!!

Last time I rented a Nissan Patrol . I wanted something large as the standard of driving over there is not too hot . It also makes driving round the center of Sofia far easier . You should be ok in a small car but watch out for suicidal overtakes coming the other way

re: Advice PLEASE!!

driving in Bulgaria, you brave person
Sofia is a bit of a free for all (reminds me of driving in Dublin) but once you get on the main road (which has been re-surfaced in the last couple of years) it's not too bad. The mountain road up to Bansko is ok too, but saying that the two times we've been there was no snow in Bansko itself so the roads weren't too bad. 1st time we made it with 4 in a small car, 2nd time was 6 of us + child in a people carrier (and suitcases!)