Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Myself and the family have just got back from Pamps yesterday. We all had a blast.

This is our second time to Pamps and we were bitten by the Pamps bug last year, hence re-booking for this year.
We went in the first week in March last year and the snow conditions were poor. It had not snowed for three weeks prior and the runs were very bare and in some places very icy. We could not use the green run from Mid-Station to the bottom, nor a few at the top of the mountain.
As it was our first time skiing we did not know what to expect, anything was good for us.
However this year I thought the snow conditions were perfect for us. I don't know what the panic was about.
This was only our second time skiing. We were now intermediates and started skiing the greens on the first day. After that we were split into groups depending on ability.

Our instructor was Romano (he does like his whiskey - many 'drink' stops !!!). He was brilliant with us all and especially the kids. He taught us how to parallel ski and we were skiing the reds by Tuesday. It was exhilarating.
I agree the greens were a bit patchy and icy for the first two days, some greens had patches of the concrete road coming through and were impassable. However we were taken on the blue shortcuts.
Then came Wednesday, never seen a blizzard like it. Woke up on Wednesday morning depressed as it was raining outside and had been all night. Over breakfast, one of the hotel staff told us not to worry, as usually when it rains hard in the resort it will be snowing hard on the mountain top. Was she right or what!!! We went to the top and it was blizzard conditions. The snow was belting down. This lasted way into Thursday morning.
We had booked Ski-Dooing on the Wednesday afternoon. What fun that was, doing it in a blizzard. Couldn't see 3 ft in front of you. Absolutely fantastic experience.

Thursday and Friday were just perfect. Loads of snow at the top and more runs open. Yes the nursery slopes were poor, as the snow was thawing, but those beginners were taken to the nurseries at the top. There was loadsa snow, nicely groomed and prepared.
We skied the reds / blues / greens non-stop for the last two days, - 5 hours a day. Heaven !!!
Hopefully the temperature will not rise too much and the conditions at the top remain. Hopefully there will be snow soon to cover the bottom, but don't worry there certainly is alot of snow about to satisfy all.
OK I am not an expert and I assume the blacks are not that prepared, but those intermediates using blues and reds will have a blast.

We stayed at the Snezhanka again as we liked it last year. Excellent location, good food and nice atmosphere. We had an apartment with views to the mountain.
The only down fall was Daks Bar underneath. Those leaving at 3.30am in a rather drunken state woke the kids up at times, however it’s understandable as it is a holiday for all.

Our kids are 10 and 12. They love the place. So much to do for them.

I did find the prices of everything had gone up. Food and drink in the mountains are very expensive. I got caught out once, where I was told there was no menu as it was being revamped, but was told I could have a burger and chips. What the waiter did not tell me, it was 15.50 lev for it. The portion was like a Macky Ds Happy Meal.
After a days skiing, I would recommend a cold beer in the Markony Bar, near to the Snow Shack and coach drop-off point. Very reasonably priced, lovely burning log fire and it does a cracking pizza.
Hopefully the snow will continue for all those going soon. I looked at different forecasts / webcams for two weeks solid, 4 times a day, prior to going. Such a difference in all. Listen to those who are there and have just returned. Don't panic it will be 'alright on the night' as they say.
We booked through Crystal Ski and cannot fault their service.
We will definitely be returning next year. 'The Wall' - here we come (I wish, but the kids will force me down - no chance !!!)

I don't understand the Politics of what is happening in Pamps, i.e prices, rip offs, un-prepared slopes etc, but nothing effected our holiday. As said previously, we had a real blast. Missing it all ready.

Value for money for a family of four, I Could not fault it.

Would I go back next year? Yes Yes Yes.