Bulgaria Ski discussion board

This might be of interest to you a view of a Russian.
from the

Coppied from
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Borovets/reviews

March 11, 2008
Alya from RUSSIAN FEDERATION

We are in Borovets now and I feel like I must add a few words to the 2 last comments which I fully agree with. Actually we are here because Russians need visas to Schengen countries so you don't have much choice for a last minute deal. I can't see a single reason for British tourists to be here but I'm very surprised to see tons of them. The price for the package was very much the same as in Alps (Austria or Andorra are just +100 euros but they are SKI resorts, and Borovets is not about skiing at all). Well, they don't have snow and they don't care. They don't do snow-making even when the temperatures are below zero. They switched off web cameras and cheat people by saying they have 180 sm of snow. They closed 60 per cent of the lifts but report the area as fully open and sell ski-pass at normal price. If we have to choose among 3 drag lifts upstairs and one run from the top of gondola (we are experts) there is NO choice at all for beginners. They all stay in one huge queue (1 hour?)for a 300 meter drag lift which has a green run.
They either don't mark slope borders at all or mark them with yellow metallic tubes (choose whatever you want). They have some smart grooming technique which might save one run for rat tracks but leaves un-groomed ribbons with icy rocks on them so it is just dangerous to go fast. They have another amazing thing - technical check for ski-lifts! It means every day of the week one lift is closed for half a day!
Well, the hotel is very good and the food is nice and cheap and everything is rounded by a beautiful forest but that's not what we were looking for!!!
They say Borovets is a Bulgarian resort (unlike Bansko which is international). I have never been to Bansko (and will never try now) but let's leave Borovets to Bulgarians...

Hi all. First, I am a native Bulgarian, for the record. I don't really understand the point of the discussion but let me just say that I find it normal for you people to start slowly changing you opinion about my country. 10 years ago Brits liked Bulgaria mainly because it was cheap (most of you actually don't know anything about us, not saying you should, probably not worth it at all but still a fact) while now being a more expensive place it actually attracts different type of crowd - those looking for better quality and willing to pay more and not just have booze and party all night. And naturally you are disappointed as we don't have much for you. So, from the full of romance posts in this forum we will see more and more negative ones. And the discussion will become more aggressive I expect. I personally would like to see you having a realistic opinion about what the place is - it is still cheaper and so below the world standards, greed is the rule amongst the people running the tourist business (definitely most of us are decent people though), needs 2-3 generation shifts before it actually levels with the standards you would expect to see. I would like to ask you a question - why do you keep posting at this forum in case you hated it, were you so much disappointed during your stay that you need to express that over and over? I don't think it is that bad but maybe it actually is! Friendly question, no catch or hidden agenda, believe me.

I agree that some people seem to take great pleasure in repeatedly critising Bulgaria and the ski resorts in particular.

We first visited Bulgaria 19 years ago because it was so much cheaper than the Alps. That first year was a real cultural shock and I was actually embarrased when looking at what the average Bulgarian had in comparison. Over the years we have watched Borovets and the country develop. We see the negatives but have come to love the people and way of life. Like any country, there are aspects that can spoil the experience but we have always found many more good things.

If I really didn't find something to my liking, I would walk away but some on here seem to need to vent their opinions over and over again. They don't seem to be able to walk away. There is so much more to Bulgaria outside the resorts that is worth exploring and finding out about. I think the Bulgarian people will come through this transitional period and I for one feel happier that living standards are improving for many.

Horn - I totally agree with you. There's so much more to Bulgaria than is seen in the main resorts by most of the tourists. Anywhere in the world there are people who will try and rip off unsuspecting tourists. If people took normal precautions they wouldn't think twice about doing in their own country, some of the complaints expressed here wouldn't happen.

Rosie - I think Borovets is good for beginners, although my hubby and older sons find enough challenging runs to keep them happy, especially off piste. It is easy to meet up with others, especially if you take walkie talkies with you. Like anywhere you go, take care of possessions, check prices and if you don't like the atmosphere - leave.

So many people have a great time and repeatedly go back, that it can't all be bad. If you book, then come on this board to get an idea of which bars, restaurants etc are good next season. I think there's enough information and advice on here to help you make an informed choice.

Anything in particular you want to know about, post a new thread and you will get lots of information and views.

Good luck