Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Considering how little snow there has been this season I thought the place was in really good nick. Some ice in places but by and large it was avoidable. Had 3 solid days in lovely mild temps - in fact managed to come back with a bit of colour in my face (that colour is quite red, but it's still colour ). It was getting a bit slushy by the time we left but there's not much you can do when it's probably 15-16c in town!

Didn't queue once, even on Saturday. March does seem a lot quieter as widely reported. On the mountain, the new 6man definitely seem quicker than the old 4man - which I'm sure is a benefit when things are busier.

I noticed some differences in town from last year too - buildings being finished in places... small steps but again sign on continuous improvement.

Ate and drank in the Friendly Pub quite a bit - nice little place with a good atmosphere and good food every time at very reasonable prices. Other good bars as usual are the Lion; Happy (but expensive) End; Irish and Amigos. All good. Even managed to find the bar/restaurant on the ski road this time - and honestly couldn't believe how cheap it was.

Only bar to avoid was in the basement of the Florimont (on the outside of town). Tried to rip us off by charging 20lv per beer the rolled out the heavies when we objected. Not a nice experience and would never go back. Definitely one to avoid.

Transfers with Earlybird were a dream and definitely the way to do it. I've driven in the past but getting into their mini-bus and makes it so much more of a relaxing time. Massive thanks to Steve and Wendy who were as ever, lovely to deal with and chat to - and even managed to help out my 2 mates who managed to get themselves stranded in Thessaloniki (their own fault BTW) by organising them a ride through one of their contacts.

All in all (and despite the snow levels being less that expected) - great time and I'm already thinking about dates for Bansko 2012.