Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Having got back last weekend from Bansko again (we were there over Xmas as well) and having had chance to take a more studied look at certain aspects of our time away, thought this may be worth a read.

I covered certain aspects of Bansko new year and don't really want to tread old ground but there may be the odd reference back. And to put things in perspective I'm not too shabby on a board (I can ski too but didn't) and have done a fair bit of stuff in the Alps and N.Am. As regards comments on the slopes/lifts/terrain this is mainly aimed at boarders as most of the postings seem to give ski advice.

What follows is not meant to be a complete overview but some of the more "interesting" aspects of Bansko. I can't comment on Pamps/Boro as have not been there but have listened to comments from people who have and will use their comparisons.

The snow was the best I can remember in a very long time. My only complaint is that the powder was TOO soft. You went through it not over it.

The resort was much better for having more snow. It puts a lot of mid sized Alpine resorts to shame. As do the lifts (EXCEPT the Gondola...either get there 8.30am or 10.30am, not inbetween). The general concensus is that it's a little more demanding than Pamps/Boro. No bad thing I would aver.

One guy at the airport, who had been to Bko/Pamps/Boro many times described the Bulgarians as "Stonefaced", on the whole. And he liked Bulgaria.

You will be had in. If you're the sort of person that gets wound up by the little dodges/scams that go on to relieve you of your hard earned, DON'T go. If you now how to deal with it and accept a certain amount (the place is a little like Morrocco/Tunisia in this respect) it's a minor problem. And you're only talking small amounts, but we had slivers of gum chucked ta us more than once (on one occasion for 85 "stinkies"). It got to one guy so much he wanted an early return.

Why do they always ask for change yet NEVER give you any (linked to above) if they can help it?

The place, and if we're all honest one of the major draws, is unbelievably cheap. But it is getting dearer. Fags went form 1.60 lev to 2.60 lev from Xmas to Mar (but think that has something to do with the appearance of EU warnings on packets in the meantime). Two of us spent £200 for a week, eating out/boozing etc. Try that in France.

The place is going to get MASSIVE over the next few years, probably eclipsing the other Bulgarian resorts. The only thing that will check this is how fast prices rise. Period. A little more attention to detail ("polish") is needed though.

Take a hard hat (of construction grade).

Don't buy any food that hasn't a price against it or at least ask first. You will be charged what they think you will pay. And you will pay. Ditto cabs.

I drank gallons of the local water while there (it actually tasted better than the bottled) and didn't have the slightest bit of trouble. May not be for all though.

The snowpark and pipe are on the piste map for the same reason as the "Tomba". Cred. Neither were Close to being usable. They must have spent, oh, at least twenty minutes improving them since crimble. On the other hand the general terrain is excellent, and once opened up will get better. Ideal for improving Beg/Int. If you can't progress, take up skiing.

The pisting was vastly superior to Xmas time. Chalk and cheese. They still shut the lifts at the drop of a hat though. And before we have all the avalanche experts piping up there was NO perceived/expected problems the week we were out there, and all the off piste got quickly tracked out without incident.

The two Neilson reps, Karl & Helen, were the best I have ever come across. Shame they're breaking up such a winning team. All the best, both of you.

The mafia "presence" is tangible, but it won't intrude into your holiday, unless you're a complete kn*b and go looking for it.

Don't leave your hire skis at (perhaps) the most popular Apres bar in Bansko, unless they're locked/at arms length/sitting on them. I'm not talking of the theoretical probability of them going missing (as opposed to other resorts blah blah) either. There is a known problem. Boards don't seem to be so afflicted, but be aware.

Don't be shy while queueing. You could be there a very long time if you are.

What do people see in the Lions pub, apart from the flag/location?

"Amigo's" is by far the best bar in Bko.

The old town is well worth a stroll.

There are probably other thoughts but it's lads night out tonight, and the showers running. If you have any thoughts please reply/ask . It's purely a personal view, in no real order, and I believe you can criticise without actually knocking.

Me...I'll be back next year.

John.