Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I've only ever skied in Scotland (Cairngorm), never abroad. I've no problem travelling independently most of the time and can't remember the last time I booked a package holiday. If I simply book flights, aim to hire a car or use public transport from Sofia to Bansko, book a hotel over the internet, buy lift passes when I arrive have I missed anything. None of the package deals leave from an airport close to my home (Aberdeen) or depart midweek. I'd be travelling with my wife and 10 yr old kid.

Thanks for any advice, local do's or don'ts, any scams to be alert to, currency issues etc.

Harry

Hi We used to travel using Balkan using Edinburgh via Newcastle but now do it independantly using Lufthansa Edinburgh to Frankfurt to Sofia. This saves us about £500 -£550 off holiday. In our experiences the hotel food wasn't great and find that you are better to eat out at night (cheap as chips anyway).Try for self catering apartment and take something to make a breakfast to start your day. We go to Borovets so don't know what Bansko is like but plenty on here would keep you right regarding accommodation and transfers. Enjoy your holiday but try Borovets next time.

Well to be honest Bulgaria probably isn't any different to anywhere else. I second the Lufthansa route ok I fly from Heathrow and book 1 year in advance but for an extra two hours from 3 to 5 a change at Frankfurt or Munich will save me hundreds. I also have friends that come from the midlands and more northern parts and they can fly in to meet us in Germany. Same applies for Air France, KLM Alitalia et al but check how long the transit is unless you fancy a night in Amsterdam or similar. Transfer from the airport should not be a problem as there are many companies offering transfers and they wont be that expensive. You can buy lift passes when you are there or book in advance along with any ski packs. I tend to book my passes and equipment along with any tuition and transfers through the same people in advance but I go to Borovets. I also pay for my food even though im in an apartment.

The runs are narrow vs say the huge resorts in France.
They are tree lined until above the tree line much like Austria
It is steep or is in plenty of areas
I doubt the conditions of runs in Scotland can change so much that they move from a Blue to a red or parts of a red to black. That does happen.
There are no green runs


You'll love it no matter what & make sure you use the ski run every day there is a great bar about 2/3rds of he way down on the right hand side you'll just see skis left at the side of the piste. Stop and walk down the path and you'll find a great place beer so cheap and lovely local food - it's not a ULEN owned site.


Up the mountain all places to eat and drink are ULEN and some locals don't like the prices - they are about £1 a half Ltr of beer and pizza or similar is barely a few £'s. Pricy for the area sure but say France you'd be looking at what £8 a beer in the resort and God only knows what it would be on the slopes.