Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi all haven't been on here for a while, just booked a late deal to Bansko, January 28th flying from Bristol, second time to Bansk, last time was 2006, I guess the town has changed a lot since then as the place was like a building site when I was there last, though the ski area looks the same, can I expect any other surprises, eg. price of beer/food? Anyone else flying from Bristol? I'm on my todd for this trip, my usual ski crowd are have a year out, but I missed last year's trip so.....Hoping for good snow, anybody know the forecast??

I am sure Steve C or another local can better inform but I have had an apartment there for 5 years and the changes have generally been for the better. Roads, tidieness in resrort, more shops, good bars. Don't know about the attitude of the locals but most seem fine.

Given up getting annoyed about lack of manners as I guess its just the eastern european way. Skiing still very enjoyable and fellow skiers always having a good cracxk in the bars. Some lovely food too (especially if you are a carnivor)

enjoy

Steve C and me live here in Bansko and to be honest the ignorance has faded and mainly was from the guys that come for the winter from the coast. They do seem to realise now that if you are given good service you will return and hey they may even get a tip.

Thiongs have changed alot. Roads are better, alot more building s have been completed, alot more bars nearer to the gondola area, prices on average 3.50lv a beer though in places like the friendly which is the cheapest for beer it is 2.99lv and if you visit regular you get discount cards etc etc. Food is generally well priced depending on where you go.
The skiing is great at the moment best snow for a number of years for this time of year. The lift system has improved since you were last here. The queues have been a little manic though the last 3weeks due to xmas, new year and russian and serbian new year etc etc. Also due to good snow people have been coming. With Vitosha being closed it has also brought more Sofians here that would usually go there.

The food on the mountain is mainly Ulen run now since they bought shilli last season. Not great food but if you wander further down to chalin valog area there are many little bars and restaurants that are still good value for money etc etc. Also the hotel behind the Shilli restaurants is good and has good prices. you just need to know where they are.