Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi All

Just wanted to let everybody know aboutthe fantastic time I've had in Pamporova.
Got back yesterday and can't wait to go back again!
We booked our trip three weeks before departure and as a non skier was extremely nervous. Went with husband who is a qualified ski instructor and daughter also a non skier. Flew out a week ago with Balkan Airways (not the best airline in the world), but hey reflects in the price!
Bit of advice for flight, take some snacks and nibbles for journey, unless like slice of ham, olive and a stale bread roll!
Having siad that though, the flights were all to schedule, so no problems there. Arrived in Plovdiv and got on the coach for the transfer. Was prepared for a 2 hr transfer, however advised will only take 1.5 hrs, which it did.
Stayed at Hotel Pamporova, excellent!
Had read on this website that the food is only warm, take a bath before 6 otherwise there's no hot water etc etc, so was very dubious. However all food was hot, plenty of hot water at all times. Looking at the Balkan brochure, can honestly say that the pictures and the write up certainly don't do it justice. Staff all very friendly and very family friendly.
On Monday went to Ski School 1 to collect ski equipment and commence ski school, to say that I was nervous was an understatement, I was terrified!
Staff at ski hire shop were very helpful, especially as I went through 3 pairs of boots!
They sorted the groups of beginners out and couldn't have wished for a better group, ended up with mu daughter and three other children in our group and yes what everybody says that they fly past you is absolutely true, they were whizzing around!
Very nervous about the chair lifts/drag lifts etc, however managed to conquer my fears. The snow was good on Monday, as it was snowing all day, however by Wednesday green runs began to get a little icy, which freaked a few of us out.
After a few tears, persevered (husband helped our group also) and by the end of the week was buzzing, especially as it snowed again on Friday.
Now am going to start going to the dry slop for intermediate and advanced courses as going back again next year.

I can honestly say that as a previous non skier, who was adamant that wasn't going to ski until a week before departure (this website changed my mind), I am thoroughly hooked and can't wait to get back into my boots!
So to all you nervous non skiers, don't worry you will have a ball!

At the presentation on Saturday at B'J's bar, I felt so proud of our group and I could have easily cried when I got my diploma. Never saw myself as being able to ski, now though can't imagine not skiing!

I would also recommend to take some muscle rub and arnica gel as you can't beat a hot bath followed by arnica gel on your legs at the end of a days skiing.

Also whilst in Pamporova, you must take a skidoo ride, we did one at night (Friday), when it was snowing and it was brilliant. Also at the middle station we had a husky dog ride, this again can't be missed.

Also couldn't get over how cheap things were, on one evening went to a local bar and had a litre of beer, a bottle of Schweppes tonic water and a bottle of Pepsi and worked it out that it came to only £1.70 for the three drinks, fantastic.

So to all you lucky people going out to Pamps soon have a fantastic time, you'll thoroughly enjoy yourself.
Oh and don't forget to try the hot chocolate and brandy, it delish!!!!!!