Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hello all...

After what i regarded as a quiet Christmas/New Year visitor wise (longest queues around 1 hr), we are now into what is always the quietest time of the season, the mid weeks of Jan are renowned for a number of things, snow, cold and no one on the mountain Snowed last night and more forecast, temps have dropped from the little spike of mild weather, the mountain is virtually all open, not had reports of red 10 yet, there is definitely snow on it as i was there a couple of days ago.. The Challin Valog runs are all open now including the black, skiing brilliantly according to my friend yesterday... Absolutely no queues, walk on at any time of the day, the mountain deserted, freshly prepared new snow, today being a little cloudy, with the sun trying to poke through......... So, seems pretty good yeh ?
Now then, most probably be knocked down on this one, but my impression on the mountain is that their is definitely more evidence of Ulen (the operator) putting more effort into preparation, pisteurs working in the day ?, cannons running where ever possible, movement of snow to maintain coverage I know that they have lost their concession, perhaps they are trying to impress to stand a chance in re-applying ? Tourist numbers are down, there is no doubt, no Russians, or very few.. (Putin has demanded they holiday at home, would you argue ?) bars and restaurants already suffering slightly, discounting and freebies starting as they fight for the remaining guests, so great prices to be had... apart from on the mountain, the monopolised restaurants still charging way to much.. still a few private, the Peshterita being my favourite on the ski-road, 2.50lv for a beer, kofte and chips, 4lv.. lovely situation, support them if you come
Anyway, i have to work, so you lucky people coming in the next few days....... enjoy

Hi Steve,

What is the off piste like ? Enough snow cover ? 4 of us out arrive in Bansko on night of 25th Jan. Are you around for half a day or so on 27th,28th or 29th ? We would like a guide for some off piste orientation. To date we have played under the lifts or in the trees/bushes beside the park. Having seen a few videos, including one of yours, it looks like there is a little more to be had but don't know where. We met in the Irish bar 2 seasons ago, my apartment is 100 yards from there. We generally take the hire van up the top due to lift queues although that may not be such a problem without the Russians.

If you have a slot available great or if not could you perhaps recommend someone ? Looking forward to that first pint of the black stuff with an obscure whisky chaser....javascript:addSmile(' ');

Cheers,


Steve Gee

Hi Steve...

I do most probably remember you, but would need to see you to confirm it As for the off-piste, not a lot at the moment, definitely need more snow, but a lot can happen in a couple of weeks... basically the available off-piste is only limited by your efforts to get to it. If you are willing to climb, walk out etc..... around 80,000 hectors but easily accessible will limit you to the 'champagne bowl', the 'boobies' and the Tordorka face... can definitely recommend the 'champayne bowl' (possibly where one of the vids was shot), not possible to get lost as you will always come out on a piste Great off-piste in Dobriniste as well, when conditions are good, maybe my favourite spot... I will check my schedule (speak with Wendy) but i think i will be working, but i can hook you up with a guide if the conditions are good, and if very good ? maybe i'll be throwing a sickie ;-)

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