Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi EMJAY, Snow Plough, dbut, Steve & fraser,

Thanks for for the advice.

We would have wasted money on countless layers of clothing that doesn't seem to be needed. Saying that we will be in ski school and I understand standing around can be quite chilly. We will throw an extra layer in the backpack for the first couple of days just in case.

So far we have chosen quality, the better half now has gore-tex trousers and a jacket. I'd rather pay a wee bit more and not have to buy something again until it starts to wear out and fall off. Ha Ha

Great Steve we will look out for you guys. You really are built for war. We did look at the impact shorts and if we can spot a deal on ebay we will get us some.

We bought the Holidays Extra 6 day beginner's package which includes equipment, lift pass and school.

Will the beginner lift pass limit us from using all the ski lifts? I understand at night you need to buy an additional pass.

If we are standing around waiting and bored in our group ski lesson is it easy to find private instructors? I understand that most bars seem to be managed by a professional skiing family that give lessons. I just don't want to be going from bar to bar making enquiries only to find everyone is already fully booked.

What is a good price for private ski instruction for my fiancée and I for the week?

Is it better to just go private or use the school and do a bit of private here and there?

Cheers,

Ron & Dee

Hi R&D,

Can't answer on the lift pass as I've not done lessons in Boro. The info page at http://www.borovets-bg.com/en/prices/lift_pass_prices/ does not make a distinction but I also recall some discussion on here about a limited beginners pass. Anyone else help?

The night pass is extra.

On ski school it really is a case of pot luck, even with the better schools. At the end of the day you are limited by the slowest members of the group. If you are progressing well then I would ask to move up a group instead of being bored. If you have paid for ski school then it seems a shame to have to pay out extra.

If you do want to try a private instructor then you need to try Hunters. We have used them for the kids school and all our ski hire 2 years running and have NO complaints. We are using them again this year.

Agree with Jez. If you don't get on with your instructor or feel that you are being held back, ask to be moved. It's quite common. Last year for sure they had a two tiered lift pass, one had limited access and the other was full. I have heard that this is not the case this season but I don't know for sure. If you are out there during half term you may find the schools very busy however if the instructor is any good they will try and keep you moving. If you have been on skiis before and can at least turn, let them know and they will grade you by seeing what you can do. If you can pull a turn out of the bag then at least you wont end up in the bottom class and this will ensure that you spend too much time standing around after the first morning.
Something to bear in mind. From my experience of Borovets ski schools, they try and teach you to ski, technically correctly. This may be seen as negative by some people. Part of the fun out there is being in the class.

Hi jez & EMJAY,

Thank you again for your help.

It's nice to know we won't be stuck in a class and that we can move up. We are usually pretty good at picking up things physically.

I have heard a lot of good things from Hunters. Is it good to stick with one private instructor for the whole week or mix it up and try different ones?

I've read somewhere on here when renting your skis pay extra and get them to do a hot wax. Is this a good idea? If so, how many times does this need to be done in the week?

I also read that we should tip when first getting your rental equipment and this will ensure we get decent kit. Any truth to this?

Is there anything that can be done to prevent getting athlete's foot from using rental ski boots? Should I bring a can of something from the UK and blast them before putting them on?

Our goal on this holiday is to learn to ski as best we can. We don't mind coming home physically exhausted as we are pretty fit already and hit the gym most days. For us a holiday is all about not thinking about back home and the stacks of work waiting for us.

Cheers,

Ron & Dee

depends on where you are getting your it from. to be honest hot waxing a pair of old hire skis , you might as well just get a data wax easy glide and put it on as often as you like your self. Getting the edges sharpened would be a good move, but for some of the kit there wont be much edge left anyway. Hire boots, bear in mind that they probably havent been anywhere near any disinfectant id recommend a spray yes! also be prepared to change them if they are uncomforatable dont put up with sore boots. Dont bother pre tipping the ski service, wont make any difference really, the 'big' ski service mainly use orion skis, check the bases if theyve got large gouges or especially any base thats 'lifted' get them changed. Feel free to tap us up if you need some help, we will be over with a group of kids who are race training in prep for the English Championships in march, always happy to pass on some tips (well be around Bobbys bar a lot in the apre ski hours as well(well the kids wont be drinking of course )

Hi fraser,

Thanks for the tips.

I'm renting the kit from the place next to the gondola opposite the Samokov hotel. That's what the voucher says anyway.

I did look at various waxes that I could apply myself but, got lost in the spec sheets. I don't have a clue what the temp or conditions will be so, an all purpose rub on wax would be perfect. I checked out the Data Wax website but, couldn't find "Easy Glide".

http://www.datawax.com/wax-info/

I read that the edges should be sharp enough to shave bits of fingernail off when scrapped against. If they are not sharp they are going back.

We too will be spending a lot of time at Bobby's bar as it seems to be the place. We look forward to meeting up with you and your champions.

Cheers,

Ron & Dee

Hi Ron & Dee

We always carry wax with us, the stuff we have is red yellow or white (I think) - different types for different conditions as sometimes the snow can be quite sticky but wet snow needs different treatment. I think we got frommountain warehouse or somewhere similar. Having said that, I have seen some instructors using a candle!

Dee -I've noticed most of the advice has come from the boys some girly words of wisdom for you - nights out in Boro tend to be very casual so save space in your luggae and leave the posh frocks and stilletos behind.
Best advice that I can give you both after many holidays in Boro, is to relax and enjoy your holiday, it wont be perfect but it will be lots of fun.