Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I have just booked a weeks holiday for 4 (3 adults, 1 eleven yr old) to Borovets on 25 Feb. I have never been to the resort or even to Bulgaria-I am looking forward to going somewhere new (i.e. really tired of France/French prices) I booked with Inghams into Rila Hotel, 2 twin rooms, half board and included the "ski saver pack"for all of us (to incl equip, lift pass and 6 days ski lessons). BTW it was only £412.30 (!) per person for EVERYTHING (incl the sup for flying w/ BA). I love Bulgaria already.

I assume the ski pack will be with Boro Sports as I understand they own the Rila? Is this correct??

The only thing is, we weren't given the option with Inghams of upgrading to a better quality of equipment depending on our level of ability - my adult daughter will probably be ok as she is a complete beginner, but myself and others are solid intermediates and I do like good skis (and a comfortable boots) We are happy to pay more money. Does anyone know if we will be able to upgrade at the resort or are we stuck with whatever equipment they give us?

Also does anyone know any good/reputable contacts to book any extra activities??- snowmobiling, tobogganing, etc

Any other useful suggestions/advice for first timers to Borovets would also be appreciated.!!!

Thank you.

Hi Glad to hear you have got such a good deal, just a word of warning as you say you have skiied in France, remember that you have probably paid substantially less than you would have for France so please do not expect the same facilities. Borovets is a fantastic place, this is our 12th year, but can disappoint those who have very high expectations. My advice is to chill out and enjoy what it has to offer, the snow this year is fantastic. As you will see from some of the other posts, Bobby's Bar is probably the first port of call for most things. It has been a while since we hired kit, so cannot comment on the quality, I remember it being a bit of a lottery with borosport though so you may decide to make your own arrangements, again Kas or Bobby will point you in the right direction.
Have a brilliant time

Welcome Camary,

Plenty of advice on this board, Rila good choice for first visit to Borovets, as Jo said bit of a lottery with borosport regards equipment. The most important part is your boots get them fitting right then you can either get upgrade our hire out at some other ski shop.

And that was a great deal with Inghams.

Make sure your daughter gets good boots, if they are uncomfortable tell her ski instructor he will/should sort it.

Call into Bobby's Bar just up road from Gondola always some regulars to show you around the pistes.

S.P.

I've booked with Inghams and my equipment has been supplied by Borosports out of the Rila hotel for the past 5 or 6 trips. Unfortunately they only offer the same equipment, there are no upgrades. If you are lucky you may get newer skis. It is also likely that the skis will not have been maintained however you can always hand what you don't like back and get a better (newer) pair or better boots if they have any. They do have a depot by the gondola and they will give your skis a service if you take them in yourself. Mirror what the others say re the boots but i'd be inclined to see how you get on with the equipment for a couple of days and then maybe upgrade from somewhere else on a day hire. They do tend to cater for the beginner. I know i'm bias but it really is a great place to go and as you've discovered a lot cheaper than France.

Thanks so very much for replies/advice so far.

Point taken, Jo, re expectations and will tailor accordingly!! We are all fairly easy going ( I know it may not have sounded like that when I am asking about upgrading my ski equipment (!), but it is just that I have only come back to skiing in the last 4 years and as I am pushing 50, I need all the help I can get to make things easier for my self equipment-wise!!) Hey, if the snow stays as good as it is now, my feeling is nothing else can really be too bad to complain!! (especially considering the price we paid)

Can regulars at Bobby's Bar give assistance with booking excursions, etc. Any other ideas??

Thanks again

C