Will be going for first time so may not use lifts to start but i think Hotel Snezhanka in Pamparova supplies free transport only if you buy ski pass off them is this true or is there a cheaper solution.
Yes ski buses are free from all hotels, including Snezhanka. The bus driver doesn't ask if you have a ski pass - you just get on. On our last day, we got the bus to the slopes, THEN bought a day pass.
However, as Daniel points out, the lifts are the only way up the mountain, so you'll need a pass anyway.