Bulgaria Ski discussion board
Bansko
Author:
posts : 13 (Beginner)Date : 02-14-05 12:47Bansko
I was in Bansko last week, flew from Manchester, stayed at the Perun, went with Neilson. Happy to answer any queries if I can.re: Bansko
Simon, I'm going on 26th Feb also with Neilson. Can you tell me what exchange rate you got in the resort for sterling notes. Also did you do any of the Neilson trips. If so what ones and what were they like.Thanks
re: Bansko
Hi,My husband and I are flying to Bansko from Manchester on Saturday 19th Feb with Neilson.
We are staying in the hotel Pirin and as this is our first time sking we are a wee bit worried at what to expect.
Any information would be appraciated.
Regads Lily
re: Bansko
You're a week ahead of me. I am in the Pirin from the 26th. Earlier posts indicate that we have nothing to worry about and the hotel will be very nice. Have a good week and good luck with the skiing.re: Bansko
Hi,
Exchange rate at the Perun was 2.7 Lev/£, however be careful what sterling notes you take - if any of them are defaced in any way - slightly ripped, writing/stamps on them etc - they won't change them, making them as useful as monopoly money.
We did bowling (at the alley next to the Strazhite hotel), Bum Boarding, a quiz night and the trip to Sofia on the last Saturday.
The Bowling was attended by about 25 people split into 3 or 4 groups and cost about £5 each, for which you get ...
Exchange rate at the Perun was 2.7 Lev/£, however be careful what sterling notes you take - if any of them are defaced in any way - slightly ripped, writing/stamps on them etc - they won't change them, making them as useful as monopoly money.
We did bowling (at the alley next to the Strazhite hotel), Bum Boarding, a quiz night and the trip to Sofia on the last Saturday.
The Bowling was attended by about 25 people split into 3 or 4 groups and cost about £5 each, for which you get ...
Hi,
Exchange rate at the Perun was 2.7 Lev/£, however be careful what sterling notes you take - if any of them are defaced in any way - slightly ripped, writing/stamps on them etc - they won't change them, making them as useful as monopoly money.
We did bowling (at the alley next to the Strazhite hotel), Bum Boarding, a quiz night and the trip to Sofia on the last Saturday.
The Bowling was attended by about 25 people split into 3 or 4 groups and cost about £5 each, for which you get a free drink and lots of rounds, it went on till about 11pm and involved bowling through your legs, with your left hand, and other daft stuff. It was quite good fun for the money.
Bum boarding cost about the same and involves coming down the bottom bit of the black run on your bum on what is effectively a tea tray with a handle. It is absolute lunacy but great fun, so do it.
The quiz night was OK but a bit low key, again about 25-30 people attended. It's held at the piano bar below the Tanne hotel, which is near the Perun. If you go you may find it useful to know that the N in the neilson logo represents a mountain and a sail, and that Will the rep was known as Terminator at uni and is a mountain bike guide in the summer!
The Sofia trip is worth doing, if only to stave off the boredom of waiting around at the hotel for the bus to take you to the airport. The centre of Sofia is quite nice but the outskirts are a bit Eastern Bloc chic. A lot of western shops have outlets there selling stuff at prices substantially below western levels, so if shopping is your thing, you may find this a worthwhile trip.
Overall We had a terrific time. There is so much snow now (about five feet) that any more will not improve the skiing/boarding conditions, so don't worry on that score. The instructors are good and speak reasonable english. What I would warn about is that previous postings about the gradings of some of the runs are right; As a beginner (snowplough turn standard) we were taken down run no.5, which is allegedly a blue, on the first day, and I can tell you that it's extremely steep in places and anywhere else would probably be a red. You have been warned!!
Simon
Exchange rate at the Perun was 2.7 Lev/£, however be careful what sterling notes you take - if any of them are defaced in any way - slightly ripped, writing/stamps on them etc - they won't change them, making them as useful as monopoly money.
We did bowling (at the alley next to the Strazhite hotel), Bum Boarding, a quiz night and the trip to Sofia on the last Saturday.
The Bowling was attended by about 25 people split into 3 or 4 groups and cost about £5 each, for which you get a free drink and lots of rounds, it went on till about 11pm and involved bowling through your legs, with your left hand, and other daft stuff. It was quite good fun for the money.
Bum boarding cost about the same and involves coming down the bottom bit of the black run on your bum on what is effectively a tea tray with a handle. It is absolute lunacy but great fun, so do it.
The quiz night was OK but a bit low key, again about 25-30 people attended. It's held at the piano bar below the Tanne hotel, which is near the Perun. If you go you may find it useful to know that the N in the neilson logo represents a mountain and a sail, and that Will the rep was known as Terminator at uni and is a mountain bike guide in the summer!
The Sofia trip is worth doing, if only to stave off the boredom of waiting around at the hotel for the bus to take you to the airport. The centre of Sofia is quite nice but the outskirts are a bit Eastern Bloc chic. A lot of western shops have outlets there selling stuff at prices substantially below western levels, so if shopping is your thing, you may find this a worthwhile trip.
Overall We had a terrific time. There is so much snow now (about five feet) that any more will not improve the skiing/boarding conditions, so don't worry on that score. The instructors are good and speak reasonable english. What I would warn about is that previous postings about the gradings of some of the runs are right; As a beginner (snowplough turn standard) we were taken down run no.5, which is allegedly a blue, on the first day, and I can tell you that it's extremely steep in places and anywhere else would probably be a red. You have been warned!!
Simon
re: Bansko
Many thanks for all that info Simon. Re skiing we are intermediates but a bit rusty the first day after a year's lay off. I have been told that Blue 6 is the easiest so we will make for that on the first day and then move up to the top afterwards. Sounds great with all that snow.Cheers
re: Bansko
The food the hotel is very average (to put it politely), eat out in the Mehana's, very inexpensive (£5-15 for two with wine - really!), great atmosphere, true culture!re: Bansko
Simon,I'm staying at the Perun from 5th March and would really appreciate any info you have on it, such as proximity to mehanas, bars, how far from where you actually ski, do I need to take a towel for the outdoor pool, standard of rooms, food etc.
I know it's a load of questions, but any info would be great.
cheers
Adam
re: Bansko
I also stayed at the Perun last week
The walk to the Strazhite (top end of town) is about 5-10 mins, another 10-15mins down the hill and you'll find a square with some excellent Bulgarian restaurants (many Mexanas on the way there and back).
I didn't try the dinner in the Hotel - was more than happy eating at other places instead.
You must try the outdoor pool
Staff were friendly enough but try not to ask them anything too complicated - very limited english
I'd also suggest taking ...
The walk to the Strazhite (top end of town) is about 5-10 mins, another 10-15mins down the hill and you'll find a square with some excellent Bulgarian restaurants (many Mexanas on the way there and back).
I didn't try the dinner in the Hotel - was more than happy eating at other places instead.
You must try the outdoor pool
Staff were friendly enough but try not to ask them anything too complicated - very limited english
I'd also suggest taking ...
I also stayed at the Perun last week
The walk to the Strazhite (top end of town) is about 5-10 mins, another 10-15mins down the hill and you'll find a square with some excellent Bulgarian restaurants (many Mexanas on the way there and back).
I didn't try the dinner in the Hotel - was more than happy eating at other places instead.
You must try the outdoor pool
Staff were friendly enough but try not to ask them anything too complicated - very limited english
I'd also suggest taking a small torch if you're planning to be out at night, the walk from the main road doesn't have any lights making the ice difficult to see!
Diz
The walk to the Strazhite (top end of town) is about 5-10 mins, another 10-15mins down the hill and you'll find a square with some excellent Bulgarian restaurants (many Mexanas on the way there and back).
I didn't try the dinner in the Hotel - was more than happy eating at other places instead.
You must try the outdoor pool
Staff were friendly enough but try not to ask them anything too complicated - very limited english
I'd also suggest taking a small torch if you're planning to be out at night, the walk from the main road doesn't have any lights making the ice difficult to see!
Diz
re: Bansko
Ta for the info Diz,What are the rooms like, and should I take towels for the pools or are they provided?
Ta
Adam
