Bulgaria Ski discussion board

i was a frequent visitor to this site last year prior to going to Bulgaria for the first time, Having skied much of Europe and the States during a semi pro sort of life, i allways was a bit concerned about these Eastern block ski resorts if you know what i mean!
however when I and my two small kids (6 and spent a week at the Samokov begining of January last year, I was sold on the whole idea of, if its a cheap holiday, with a lot of fun, plenty of skiing for at least the kids, and a warm welcome from the locals, and a good nightlife, thats great! I was sold!
so much,we booked to return in March and again it was much enjoyable, to the extent we have returned from our third visit to Borovets at the weekend!
To those that have skied Europe and expect Austrian or French facilities or Standards, go back there, because Blgaria is a place you should come into, accepting their customs, their way of life, their friendlieness and their amazing value for money!, (quote,France on the slope two year ago, one large beer and a cup of hot chocolate, the equiv of eight pound!!!!), this year in Borovets equiv about one quid fivety, one wonders why we return?
I am in the process of arranging a trip for Next January 13th or 14th, flying from Newcastle to Borovets(Plovdiv) staying at the Olymp for 7 nights, and as this is my first visit to this hotel, has anyone any comments on it please!
We are resricted to using Balkan ,as they are the only ones to fly from Newcastle , I have flown with Balkan a few time now so it is more of what is the Hotel Olymp actually like???
We may have a few spare places next year as we are taking a group of 23, up for a party, and ready to skin that piste!

Anyone interested, let me know!
Bulgaria, Borovets, it rocks!!!!!

Thanks for the info, Unfortunatley we have to book with Balkan, being the only ones to Fly from the North East, and Balkan only offer free group places at the Olymp.
My first choice would have been the Samikov, or Rila knowing them both well, but in order to get the free group places that would mean traveling down to Birmingham at the least and the flight times back into the UK with Thomson, would mean a very tiring return journey with 4 hours in a coach after the flight and the transfer to Plovdiv at the other side.
Discussed this with the group and they will only fly from Newcastle so if I want the free group places (in order for me to return again in March next year!), it looks like Ill have to go to the Olymp!
Hope its improved, if it looks dodgy I might rethink the whole plan!
Thanks again

Stayed at the Olymp 2 years ago for our 1st trip to Borovets (going back for the 3rd in 2 weeks). The Olymp is fine if you know what to expect - it's a very old hotel, hasn't been done up for 40 or 50 years, and when I entered our room, I just burst into laughter - flowery bedspread, and much mahogany laminate furniture which is about 30 years old... the most dilapidated carpet I've ever seen (you could tell people had skied down the corridors!), but very clean, and lots of room, and a great view from the balcony. The location isn't the best, but you can ski into town from the door - getting back from town is either a very steep walk, or 10lev in a horse-drawn cart, which is my personal favourite. Stayed in the Samokov last year, and I missed my cart-rides... Go with an open mind and you'll have a ball...

Thanks Suzanne, I have skied borovets a few times now so know what to expect, and the rest of the group are all pretty open minded. at the end of the day the holiday is what you make it isnt it!
This site is actually looking to do a deal for me, so ill keep the option I had with Balkan on the front burner so to speak, get the deposits in, and by Mid March (when the site say they will have their 2007 deals), if they are offering a better deal, ill change and go with them otherwise its the Olymp I think!
Cheers
Ian