Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Got back from Boro last week. Did my homework B4 I left and was not dissappointed. Europe ski resorts are well groomed, sophisticated, stylish and EXPENSIVE. Borovets is like going into a time warp but if you are prepared for East European generosity, and salesmaship (every bar owner has someone outside asking you to go into their bar as they are the best), hit and miss food and basic but warm and comfortable facilities (Breza Hotel) then Bulgaria is for you.
We are a family of 5 and the 3 kids have never skied before. At half term the queues for lifts were no longer than 20 mins vs 40+ in most European resorts at 1/2 term. The boys (16 &14) learned to board with alarming speed. My daughter (10) was in the kids ski school from 10.00 - 15.00 every day with 2 lovely female instructors (Maria and Annie) and they all had a wonderful time as well as learning to ski/board. Yes some of the equipment is old but if you are a beginner you don't need hi-tech skis or boards.
The restaurants in the evening were warm, friendly and a bargain and as a family we chatted (over an interesting variety of meals) about the day on the slopes - if you do not need sophisticated apres ski, Bulgaria's relaxed, friendly, family atmospere is for you - and they love kids - even in the bars and restaurants.
After dinner my 14 and 10 year old were ready for a quick hot chocolate in the hotel bar then bed (9.30pm) so there was no need for us to go looking for night life. My 16 year old met up with all of his boarder friends in Franco's Pizza and partied till 3.00am.
If you are not sure if ski-ing is for you or you just want a safe ski environment that is friendly and unpretentious without the prima donna's or boy racers of the slopes you find in some countries then Bulgaria is for you.
We loved it and will try Pamps next time as the kids will no longer be ski-virgins so can try something a little more advanced.
Go with an open mind and realistic expectations.

Bev

Wholeheartedly agree - except we have never skiied anywhere else! Interesting to hear your comments re: queues in other resorts during half term. I personally didn't find them a bind as it was a time to be sociable, something both me and the children enjoyed - can't speak for hubby though

The main reason we returned was because the children were made to feel so welcome and it was appreciated that the holiday is an experience to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Glad to hear you had a wonderful time and hope you enjoy Pamporovo as much - I'm sure you will

Ellie

Very pleased to see your report and glad that you had a good time. Bulgaria has and is creating a product that represents good value for money skiing wise and demand is increasing all the time, They need to carry out the much talked about run improvements in order to develop the facilities.My family and I are confirmed Bulgaria regulars and have tried both resorts.You should give Pamporovo a try because it is a fine resort. Don't expect it to be more advanced than borovets though. In any event have good fun.