Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi all,

Just got back from Pamps today - writing this from easyhotel in Sofia.

Quick report on weather and conditions -had six days of good skiing and boarding, it only snowed once (lightly on Thur night) while we were there but clearly there was a big dump before we arrived and the landscape is looking particularly Narnia like with trees covered in the white stuff. Pretty much all runs are skiable although starting to get a tad icy, however they are doing a good job piste management wise. The cannons are working and the piste bashers were hard at it in the middle of the night (couldn't sleep) and everything was well groomed by the morning. It was bl**dy cold (-15C) at the start of the week but warmed up to about -2C by the end of the week. In my opinion the Stoykite run is the best, well maintained, long and a couple of route options along it (Stoykite 1 has not been groomed but is perfectly skiable and is good fun with a slightly ‘off-piste’ feel). Overall - fine but could so with a good snowfall to really liven things up.

We used Interski and Snowshack for kit hire, both excellent. Our group had George from interski as their instructor and they thought he was the best instructor they have had. I can't recommend Snowshack enough for boarders. Gary and the team are unbelievably friendly and helpful and know their stuff.

We also had a excursion to Devin hot springs on the Wed night. Good fun, 40 min drive away, there are two big pools and a smaller hot pool. Put your hand in when you arrive and it doesn’t feel that warm at all, but by the time you’ve stripped off in minus temperatures and had a swim in the big pools the small one is really hot and it was great to sit in it, looking at the mountains and relaxing with a Kaminitza after a hard days skiing. There is also a restaurant with a big fire – we ate there, food was good and decent value, had to check the bill though as they had made a 25 Lv mistake. It was well organised by Amanda from the tourist information at Ski Centre one, 40 Lev each, would definitely recommend it for one of the nights. BE CAREFUL THOUGH water from the pool splashes freezes and it is really slippy by the edges, they do not have mats and it is dangerous when you walk around. I really cannot emphasise enough how slippy it can be.

Eating and drinking: We found the Karaoke bar (officially Belfry 2) opposite the ice rink to be excellent value with 2 4 1 on all drinks taking a Kaminitza down to about £1. We ate there last night and for 6 people to have 4 beers each and decent (pizza) food came to £10/20 lev each, can occasionally lack atmosphere compared to other bars but we had a good time. Tavern in the Snezhanka was pretty good the other night but food was (as is often the case here) lukewarm and the live singer was really loud. Also been to The White Dog - beer is about £1, good value. Food was excellent at lunch but took a while to arrive. Pete (the owner and also runs interski) is a great bloke and even drove us back when we stayed (much) later than the ski buses. Daks was often lively, mainly with the Irish lads and ladies who always seemed to be having a good time.

We were staying at the Snezhankha which is good - ski bus always outside in the morning. Only thing is the hot water and heating seem utterly random. Apartments were great, clean and well looked after and the lobby is nice with a fire and bar. Some big tour operator groups were there - we heard some got kicked out by Crystal after smashing up a room and had to sort out their own accommodation, transfers and flights! Overall we found it pleasant and staff helpful, we were SC so did not eat there apart from the tavern.

We were on the slopes by 9am most mornings, stopping only for hot chocolate and lunch (mainly at Baikal [I think that’s what it’s called – near to Peter’s Irish bar at the end of the t-bar blue]), sunny but cold, conditions good in morning, but icy by evening. Then hit the bars for apres ski.

I was bell-mugged on day two with 'Charlie Diesel' getting the free bell ('you're mine now') on me before I knew what happened - inevitable purchase of the full package with name on by Friday. They are all good fun and part of the resorts charm, resistance is futile.

Overall we had a great holiday, disappointed its over and already checking flight prices to see if we can get back again this year!