Bulgaria Ski discussion board

So complete beginners , staying at Rila booked with First Choice ( well it was back then). What can we expect on 1st day.

Basic questions.
What time will lessons commence?

Ski storage ? Close to hotel?

How many in groups for lessons ? As we a family of 4 will we be able to learn together ?(kinda 12 and 10)

Footwear to ski depot to get kit - daft question I know

Transfer time from airport to Rila, how many stops ?

And the most important ?? How quick and how do you get rid of a hangover ?

Hi Wash

1st day prob meet with your rep who will issue lift passes and lesson ticket (just to say youve paid etc) They will tell you what you need to do. Usually then down to the ski/boot room for fitting (prob the one attached to the rila so no need to go outside )

Then out to meet your instructor. you may well be able to be in the same group as your all beginners.

Lessons times are usually for 4 hrs 10.00 -12.00 LUNCH 13.00 -15.00 but these can be changed depending on group consensus.

Skis and boots are stored at the same place you get them so should be more or less in your hotel (so normal shoes).

Transfer just over an hour to the rila.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY.....

You will be amazed how the fresh mountain air and slight altitude clear a good sessions after effects (It really is AMAZING trust me I have tested it ALOT). I do find a swift hot choc/double espresso and brandy helps but maybe thats just me......

Hi Wash,
Don't expect to get into your group until bout 10.30-11.0 on the first day, after that its normally 9.30. First morning is a bit mad. You'll get your vouchers either on coach transfer on Sat eve or early Sunday Morning. The ski depot in either under the Rila or opposite, on the Rila slope. Very near. Try to get there early( 8.30ish) cos queues get longer towards 9am. When we hired skis from Borosports we kept our equipment and just took it to our room each evening, didn't bother with taking it back each evening.
If you feel you need to take stuff back each evening then you will need to leave trainers/ boots etc at depot. We didn't ever bother and had no probs.
Lessons have approx 8-10 per group. Stick with it, even if you have a bad day! Transfer time is 1hr 15 mins to 1 hr 30 mins( depending on how mad your driver is!!!)
Best hangover cure.....get out there in the mountain air and Skiiiiiiii.
Enjoy.
Queenie x

right hears the lowdown.1]about 8.30am you will go to a meeting at a local bar where you will get a free drink where some prat will prattle on for about half an hour and try to sell you something. trust me, THE ONLY thing that is any good is the traditional evening which you may get cheaper elsewhere.DO NOT DO THE SLEIGH RIDE,it sounds romantic, but its just a smelly horse and cart ride through the woods.the candle lit procession, if you were at home would you pay someone to give you a candle to walk through your local wood,i think not. 2]about 9-9.30 they will give you your passes to go to borosport 1 or 2 to get fitted for boots etc.borosport 1 is just outside rila on left.borosport2 is inside rila shopping area.you give them your shoes and they give you boots. where you get your kit is where it goes back to every night for storage.on first day you fill out a card, part of which you keep so you can show them for your kit each day.3] you take your kit outside to bottom of slope outside rila to be given an instructor.its normally at least about 10.30 before you get a chance to fall over .tell them you want to stay together.its your holiday .when your getting your boots, if their uncomfortable change them.if your in pain you cannot concentrate and cannot enjoy yourself. transfer by coach is about 90mins and does several hotels in the resort of which the rila is normally one of the last. theres normally approx eight to a group. steve.g