Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi Gang -

1st time in Pamps in a fornight's time - really looking forward to the trip. It's only my 3rd time skiing so I'm still very much in the 'advanced novice' band - so a few questions to the experienced crew out there -

1. Staying at the Pamporovo Hotel - forget the brochure what's it really like and what's the hidden extra costs?
2. Ski School - is it as good as I here?
3. Distance to lift from hotel? (walking??)
4. Which slopes are best for beginners ?
5. Decent places for night time eats?
6. What's the best local foods?
7. What condition are the hire skis?

etc etc - thank you all in advance!

You don't ask much do you!

We have stayed in the Pamporovo for the last 3 years and its fine - a very nice hotel. Food, I am sure you have read, can be a bit bland and monotonous, but its fine unless you have fussy eaters. Extras. Safe in the room, driks with your evening meal, mini bar (not expensive) and sauna/ massage. Pool gets the reputation of being cold, but I found it OK and had a swim most days. FLIP FLOPS are a MUST.

Ski school is excellent. A couple of hours in the morning, same in the afternoon and a couple of stops for a coffee. Very relaxed and can shift from one class to the next if you can't keep up etc.

Never walked to the lifts. There is a rickety old bus that comes lumbering by to take you up there, but you can get a taxi. The busses again have a reputation for going past full, but we never had a problem.

Most of the slopes are good for biginners/ intermediates and your instructor will act as a guide as well.

Lots of places to eat. We found a place called the Chanove (you pass it on the bis to the slopes) that was excellent. Do a search for it to find out more!

Best local food - MOUNTAIN DISH!

Skiis - brand new last year! Carvers. The lift pass system has been upgraded this year from a swipe system to a proximity system. No more losing your cards as you fumble to get them back in your pocket.

Enjoy!

Liam