Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Having been to, and loved Bulgaria for over 20 visits now I believe it is high time that improvements were made to the ski resorts on a massive scale, and that does not mean just throwing up properties everywhere and cutting an odd new run here and there.

I have defended, praised, supported and loved this country for many many years now, but if anything, I found the basic standards of Bulgaria had gone backwards this year - and much of that was so avoidable.

The Perelik project plans to drastically improve the skiing quality of Pamporovo and is set to commence later this year, but this will only further the need for basic qualities to improve. Yes, that may mean a hike in prices, but if you want better facilities (and who doesn't) then there is always a price to pay.

I am talking more about the things that would be so easy to improve if only the managers in the country bothered to sit down and think for a minute.

This year, an estimated 1 million British people will visit either the summer or winter destination for their annual breaks. I f you take a conservative average of them spending £300 each, that 300 million pounds added to the Bulgarian economy each year, and the numbers are increasing year-by-year.

Yet the hotel management still don't seem to realise that the British like their food hot, and when we sit down to eat together we expect to do exactly that, not one served and the others waiting 30 minutes to get served, and we certainly don't feel it justified to be charged the equivilant of 28p when we want to use the toilet in a restaurant, nor do we want to wait 20 minutes for a toaster to turn our bread brown.

Plovdiv airport too has come under a lot of justified critisium this year, and although it serves as a great time saver, it is no longer an airport used just occasionally but serves a huge number of travellers on a daily basis, and some basic improvements to facilities there needs to be undertaken as a matter of priority. Talks of a new airport may be underway, but that will take years to complete and the problems are here and now.

These are just a few examples of what Bulgaria needs to consider if it plans huge investment into skiing facilities. To build a classic liner is one thing - but to have the right crew to sail her is another.

Don't get me wrong, I am still passionatley in love with the place, and always will be. But it's time to wake up and smell the tea bags Bulgaria --- preferably hot ones

PP

agree with you pete what was once a backward communist state needs to start moving forward quick, what seems quiet qwerky for a few visit can become a pain in the ass after a few more, people wont keep putting up with it. didnt realise though a lot of the bars and shops were only rented for a season shame realy as they would be more inclinded to give good service and build a reputation if they were there all the time. lets hope they catch up before its too late. I do love the place but needs to get it right and start to improve quickly.

also agree with you Pete and must say I'm shocked - having read your regular inputs I was convinced that you were Bulgarian....!

I really love Bulgaria and Pamorova in particular - it reminds me of Ireland 20years ago. I really am not a major fan of all the development going on presently particularly with the problems they have with water etc. I just hope that they don't spoil themselves in the process of all these so called improvements.

I love the erratic and easy going attitude of the Bulgarians in eating out experiences - Here you're expected to eat 3 courses in an hour so that someone else can have your seat.

We would have to agree with you PP. Having spent our 8th year in pamps we were a bit disappointed with the upkeep of the runs. Now we realise they need alot of snow but we also know that the trees in the middle of the runs could have been tipped and trimmed before the season started. However we fear the desire for completion of building hotels took priority this year.

We were interested to hear peoples opinions on Bansko as we had thought of going there next year. However after reading some reports we feel we may be trying another country next year. Here's hoping someone listens to all of our experiences and perhaps tries to make changes for the next couple of years.