Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Just got back today from a great week in Borovets, albeit a bit cold but the forecast was absolutely right so packed accordingly!
Even though it was cold (-22 Wednesday) the snow conditions were good but I think some new snow is now in order as the pistes seem to be taking a bit of a bashing and have got icy in places.

Found this site to be invaluable before going out so wanted to return the favour by adding bits and pieces which may be of interest, especially if you've not been before.

Stayed at the Iglika Palace Hotel which turned out to be a great choice. Food was fine and the choice was good. I suffer from Coeliac Disease (gluten intolerant) and the Restaurant Manager was brilliant, telling me which dishes I could and couldn't have. Definitely made my holiday because I'd envisaged either starving for a week (not a good idea) or eating steak and chips the whole time. No hairdryers in the standard rooms and if you get in late at night or leave early in the morning they provide you with a doggie bag to make up for the meal you lose (bottle of water, orange and a sandwich). Given that the sandwich type meal on Balkan Holidays flights isn't particularly inspiring you might want to take some stuff of your own for each flight.

Flight was hot and cramped with less overhead locker space than you're maybe used to but you've got to remember how much you've paid for the holiday in the first place. I'd personally rather pay less and have more holidays as long as the hotel is clean and the food is OK.

Picking ski gear up on the first day was a bit of a hit and miss affair and was rather chaotic to say the least. In comparison to other gear I've hired it wasn't as well cared for and the staff just guess your weight and height rather than doing an appropriate fitting for binding settings and ski length! A couple of people I met tried to change their skis after the first day and couldn't because they'd just run out of their size/stock.

Our gear was hired out from the Mariella behind the gondola and if you take it back there at the end of each day there's no charge. However, if you take it back to the Iglika they will store it for you but the charge is 10 levs for the week or 2 levs each night.Think this was the same for the Rila. Must admit to being a bit lazy and just took it to the hotel as our ski school met outside the Rila each day so this was the easiest option.

The Rila seems to be getting bad reports with regards to food this year and loads of people I met just ate out instead. However, the creche is supposed to be good and the 24 hour bank is useful. It is giving the best rate at the moment (2.7 to the £) and no commission.


All in all, a good week. Hope this has been useful.