Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi,

I arrived in Bansko 3 days ago after a horror 2 days in Sofia which included being taken down a darkened alley by a taxi driver, where we met 2 other taxi drivers and my fare increased 400% on the threat of violence.

So far i have found Bansko to be nothing like what i had been expecting. It's dissapointed me.

The homestay i was supposed to be staying in was boarded up, so i went wandering, carrying my 90kg backpack and dragging mysnowboard and bag behind me, luckily the friendly staff at the Hotel Avalon helped me out, despite being full thy found me a bed for 2 nights in a nearby hotel and then have found me a room in a bed-sit with an old Bulgarian lady. (i really cant speak highly enough off the help James and his wife and staff gave me).

I think i want to move up closer to the ski lifts and the nicer part of town, but on my limited backpacker budget i dont think i will be able to.

ive spent a bit of time in the lions bar on the corner, feels like the only place in town where the locals will actually say hello to you and not try to rip you off somehow.

is anyone else having a similar experience? perhaps we can meet up and make things a bit happier!
also if anyone knows a good cheapish hotel further up towards the ski lifts i would appreciate hearing about it. or if you have a spare bed or something?

thanks,
Tim

p.s it's been absolutely dumping today...

No, you're no more likely to be had over than in any similar resort in europe. Yes the locals are out for what they can get, but no more so than any other place I've been to in other countries. Indeed with the cost structure in place in Bansko you could make a good argument for being ripped off by even stepping foot in, say France, by comparison. The thing that will annoy you is the "have no change" reply. But if you wait you'll get your money. And again judging by the theme of other postings on this site, it's the "over-zealous" tipping (mainly by Brits) that's compounding the situation. Just use some common and you'll be alright. There have been other postings about deposit box woes/stolen hire equipment, but when viewing Bg's recent history you have to credit the people for getting this far in such a short time.
Perhaps Tim's experiences are a by product of his aparent lack of folding. The locals, anywhere in the world, can often "smell" this and the service you get can reflect this. This is not a critsism of Tim's method, just an observation of his circumstance. What I can agree on is that James, the English owner of the Avalon (with his Bulgarian wife), is an absolute top bloke, and he helped me out when I was there over Xmas.
I'm going out again on the 4th, from M'chester, and wouldn't be going back if the place was "iffy". Sure it's a bit more rough and ready than most Alpine resorts, but the lifts/runs/bars are more than a match.
Hope things pick up for you Tim. If you're still out there from the 4th I'll have a pale blue jacket and be shoeing and old (white) Ride "Timeless". The last Aussie shredder I bummed around with was in Whistler, two years back.
All the best John.

was planning on staying 3 weeks but i think i may head somewhere else before then...

yeh John, i will admit i stand out as an obvious target, a lone aussie dragging my snowboard around, but after just coming from the unbeleivably friendly slopes of Japan (where a person is employed to stand at the unloading zone of the lifts and bow to each person as they come off and offer to brush the snow from them - for free and with a smile) i must say that whilst things on the skiing infrastructure side of things here may have come a long way in a short time, the attitude of the people could really use a makeover. ok, it is understandable that their economic situation has been horrendous in the past, but tourists bring money into the economy, and if they ahve a positive experience they will return.
even when i say hello to the locals in Bulgarian, (at least im making an effort) i get snubbed or receive rude looks. There have been a few exceptions, the girl who served me at Bonde restaurant stands out, however this has not been the norm from my experience.

as for my folding, i wouldnt be questioning it, so it's their mistake.

I agree with all your comments, Tim, as on the whole I havn't found the Bulgarians as friendly as other people seem to have. But to be honest I just think that's the way they are and is nothing personal, perhaps a hangover from their recent past.
Wasn't questioning your money situation either, it's just that if people assume, and I know this from experience, you're potless, they tend not to be so friendly. Human nature I guess.
Anyway if you're still there on the 5th I'll be in "Amigo's" having a beer. Tallish, lean, shaved head with a tall blonde lady (my missus). Come say hello and I'll buy you a beer.
All the best John.