Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi

We went to Pamps with Balkan this year and last. Ski depot 1 is nowhere near depot 2 (its closer to the middle station - near the Panorama hotel I think and isn't quite as long a bus ride) and has a 4 man lift to the middle station. It also has dedicated mini buses to get there. This does seem to be the slowest lift in the resort . We found the equipment good (we aren't good skiers mind) and it was generally less crowded than around depot 2.

The biggest drawback we found was skiing back there at the end of the day - there is a gentle green run down to a really steep slope (ski instructor advised walking on most days) or a blue run which was very icy (the ony time we managed to fell our ski instructor was trying to get down there).

The Balkan reps have been really helpful in changing rooms and helping us deal with insurance (broken thumb). Their planes are possibly the least likeable thing about the company - basic is the best word to describe them, but having said that, I couldn't fault the air crew.

Hope that helps.

Another criticism of Balkan has been that you rarely see the reps once they get you there. This was certainly true in the Pirin at Bansko when we were there. We went with Neilson and their reps were always around but we didn't see a Balkan rep all week.

My concern with this would be that, god forbid, you or one of your party has a serious accident would you be able to get hold of the rep? Surprised you aren't going back with First Choice as we have been with them before to other resorts and have always found them excellent.

Only my thoughts of course.

When we went to Borovets with Inghams the other year we didn't see the reps all week. We had to go to a different hotel to see them anyway. To be honest that is the way we like it and as long as you know when and /or where to find them if you need them then that is all you need.

Last year we actually travelled independantly but had contact with our Bulgarain friend each day we were there. We knew we were in safe hands with him if anything went wrong.

At the end of the day you get what you pay for including access to the reps. Neilson are the most expensive company to travel with and Balkan are generally the cheapest.

Hope this all helps - probably not!

Ellie

I went with Balkan twice this year to Pamporovo and found them just as good as all the other tour operators.

Ski depot 1 is generally less crouded than ski depot 2 and you do seem to get up the mountain quicker. The previous comments about the steep runs down to the depot are true but sfter a couple of runs you know what to expect and can bomb the steep bit because it flattens out afterwards.

The best thing about it was that it was within easy downhill walking distance from the resort( about 10 minutes max) so if you miss a bus it is quicker than waiting for the next one. A cab costs between 7 and 10 lev depending on which bandit you get.

Downside is that it was a hard walk back up the hill after a days skiing.

Balkan seem to have more choice regarding departure airports and we would definately use them next time 'cos they are flying from Birmingham to Plovdiv next season which is very convienient for us.

The first time we used them was due to the very informative rep who they had stationed in the Pamporovo Hotel who always seemed to be around.

Hope this helps.

The reps are there if you want them but a fair bit of their business is repeat so often they won't bother you unless you ask.
Best bit about Balkan is that they fly to Plovdiv so the transfer is 60-90 minutes, transfer from Sofia is much longer than this.

Planes are basic but OK Tu-154's, built like tanks, can land on a ploughed field.
Think the rep in Pamps is Ellie.
I miss drinks at the Markoni at depot 2 at the end of the day though, there is not much at the bottom of depot 1, apart from a little cafe.

I suspect they will be building some more runs down to depot 1 during this year, this was the first year it was really opened - years ago it was the depot for Balkan but only had a one man to the top.