Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi,

I'm interested in organising a X-mas ski holiday for my
family, which consists of myself, wife and 11-year old
son. We live in London. My son and I are snowboarders
and wife is a skier. We don't necessarily need huge
mountains, b/c we are relative beginners (but alumni of various
lessons in Austrian ski 'schools').

Here's what we're wondering:

1. Given that we're very value-for-money oriented people who have little interest in nightlife, what distinguishes Pamporovo from the other lesser known resorts?
2. What's the best way to book a holiday--find a hotel and then fish for plane tickets, or get a package deal? If a package, who does good, reliable package deals? If it's better to book them separately, what are some decent self-catering places?
3. How decent does the snow tend to be over X-mas? I know from two X-mas trips to Austria that the snow can be spotty this time of year. Same story with Bulgaria?
4. Any other tips you can share?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

JEK

Hi,

Pamporovo is the smaller of the main bulgarian resorts, but theres plenty enough to keep you going all week. Its also the friendlist and has the reputation of the best ski instructors.

Christmas time is not really a good time to go cause the snow can be very iffy. The best times are probaly from late january onwards.

I take it then you could go during febuary half term, which can get quite busy, but there will be lots of families there, so your son should meet lots of others kids his age etc.

Its cheapest if booked as a package, and pre-book your ski hire / Lift pass / ski school with the tour opperator (it will cost twice as much if you book it all in the resort).

I've never gone self catering, so I cant comment there, but if you want a good hotel, the best one I think s the Murgavets (Im sure others will agree).

As to tour opperators, try all the main ones and see which one is cheapest.

I sure others here will also give more sound advice.

Have fun
Garry

Yup sure do pamps is a great resort have been 4 times myself. Murgavets without a doubt is the best hotel. I have been with Balkan holidays 3 times and last year went with Inghams(better because you get a nice plane!) If you are not bothered about loads of long runs then Pampororv has plenty to keep you busy. Great night life and safe.Xmas is a bit hit and miss I think last xmas they had no snow or very little. Pre book everything do not wait until you get to resort as you will pay more.

Just remember Bulgaria is an eastern european country it has changed a lot and is still emerging. So please go with an open mind and I am sure you will have a great time Anything else you need to know just ask or use the search button to find answers

JEK

We have only been to Borovet and both times during Feb half term. The first year we booked using Inghams and we were very impressed with them mainly with their kindergarted which would be of little use to you.

In year 2 we booked independantly. This saved us a lot of money but this was purely because we went in the school holidays. The same may be said for Christmas. It wouldn't have really worked out cheaper had we gone term time. This site is good on prices for accommodation and you can then pre book your ski passes etc through them. Whatever you choose to do and wherever you go in Bulgaria ALWAYS prebook ski packages including passes.!!

Hope this helps

Ellie

We went to Borovetts last xmas and was ace. It snowed for 4 days including xmas day. Stayed at the hotel Ela which was basic but nice. We booked with Airtours but all good tour operators were in the hotel and resort. i would recomend a package deal, you dont want to get stuck somewhere. Night life in Boro is good, there are a nice mix of bars, resteraunts and traditional pubs, we were not into going out but found a number of smaller traditional places for a quiet drink. the sking was great, Ski school was really good. Only downside is that being beginers we found not to much easy/medium slopes that were ok for us.
just a little insight to Borovetts. But i must add it was the v=best xmas we ever had.