Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hello all,

I have recently returned from a week skiing in Borovets. My first time skiing in Bulgaria and I WILL be going again.

Here is a review of the ski pack I purchased for 160 euros from www.skiholidayextras.com
This included Skis,Boots,Poles, Full Lift Pass and Ski School all for 6 days. I was very pleased at the value of this deal.

For Beginners this deal is perfect, as being rental equipment it has taken some knocks and scrapes. But also the 6 day lift pass and ski school make up for the used rental kit.
If you are intermediate and above I would suggest paying extra to hire better equipment.
I have been skiing for 6 six years (Switzerland) I used the rental equipment for 4 days and then took the plunge and bought my own skis and boots. Purely because of the great value of the deal I got.

I still skied all the Reds that were open on the rental equipment and they performed well. (Wax Recommended)
The equipment was provided by Rila depot 1, right on the nursery slope next to the button lift.

Lift Passes - for 6 days these covered all lifts in Borovets resort, including the gondola and the chair on the Yastrabets side. Well worth it if all runs are open.

Ski School - 6 days of 4 hours tuition. This is with Borosport ski school. I had 3 beginners who all had a mega trip thanks to Elanor. Beware though - the ski instructors although excellent will try to make you eat lunch in Borovets - this can be expensive.(They get a free meal and boost revenue for the resort) I would suggest negotiating with them to do all lessons in the morning then you have the afternoon to do as you please. It will save you money, its your holiday and your choice.

Ski Presentation Evening - This was included in the pack and can be well worth it, if you participate in Ski School you can attend an evening in the Rila hotel. You will be presented a certificate and tried to be sold a photo. Some groups attend others don't. As there are drinks provided and not everyone attends this is an opportunity for free wine and champagne. Our evening was on the Friday night.

To collect my ski packs and lift passes I went to the Borosport Office underneath the Rila Hotel in the corridor. Opposite Rila 2 and 3 ski depots. You will know when you see it.

Well worth 160 euros if you take advantage.

Overall I would recommend this package to complete beginners or those relatively new to skiing.
If you are skiing reds and above I would suggest hiring better equipment.

Hope this answers some of your doubts or concerns.

Jim,
I don't begrudge the instructors for getting a free meal. They work hard and have the patience of saints, and all in real cold conditions sometimes.
However, it was noted by a group of beginners that the restaurants they were being taken to were all owned by the same company.
Everyones got to make a living I guess, in Borovets thats mainly from tourists i.e. us (skiiers + boarders).

I was purely trying to tell it how it was. From my own experience of ski school you do lessons in the morning and then your own practice in the afternoon.

Paul,
Sorry for not reviewing during the week, I was busy skiing and testing out my new planks. Also I have only really just got back into home + work mode. (been back since Sunday - missing it though)
I saw Hunters Ski School around on the slopes and they looked good.

Cheers
Dan

Back from Boro yesterday and I think the ski pack is good value for about 150 quid booked with the holiday. I have only skiied in Borovets but looking in the brochure at other resorts it seems easy to pay more than this just for the lift pass. I paid 10 lev on 1st day to get rental skis waxed and sharpened (ask your instructor). I think it helped (worth a fiver just to know they were as good as they could be). For me, one of the great strengths of Borovets is the way the lessons over lunch build the relationships within ski groups. I have met many nice people over the years. This year was no exception with great people in both my group and my brothers more advanced one. I'm sure the instructors do have certain resturants they have to take you to, but I thought the price and quality at the ones in town was ok (not so sure about some up the mountain on previous trips). The breakfast and dinner in our hotel (Iglika) was good, so only needed a light lunch anyway.