Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi all

We are in Pamporovo on our second week. Not hugely encouraging in regards to skiing conditions but it did snow all day on Sunday and this gave great skiing for two days. Prior to that we skiied on Saturday and top to mid station was fab but mid-station down to Markony's was grim!! Very patchy, rocky and icy and not fun at all. However, there has been major improvement at top levels although there is a definate need for new snow to get the green run to a decent condition for skiing. Today is very overcast but not that cold about 0 deg C. Might just not be cold enough for snow although the sky certainly looks full of it and locals are forecasting for snow tonight and/or tomorrow. For anyone that's a veteran of Pamporovo you will see some huge changes at mid-station. Spider's is completely changed and is now a massive hotel, the restaurant part of which is due to open in about 10 days time. Skiing from Bohemi's (3/4 station down to mid-station) has changed beyond all recognition with numerous apartment and hotel complexes having been built in the big dip - you can practically touch them all the way down the green run on your right hand side. The prices have also been hiked up the mountain, choccy brandies costing around 8 lev each and 15 lev for a pizza! Saying that, there are still decently priced places to be found on the mountain you just need to search them out. Peter's restaurant next to Bohemi's offers great value food at lunch time and is one of the cheaper places for a beer. We haven't been into the resort centre itself as we are staying in an apartment in Chepelare so can't give any details for that area. Markony's (ski centre 2) is still the place to be pre-and post skiing as at least that hasn't changed at all. Still great craic there and very reasonably priced. Regardless of the current skiing conditions, you can still ski on the mountain and at the end of the day, its time off work and you're on holiday. For anyone who's coming out this weekend, if the snow comes, it'll be fantastic. If it doesn't, you can still ski but it will probably be restricted to the top to mid station only. The big blue run at the top of the three man chair lift is in excellent condition as are the main reds and the new red under the three man chair. The wall, as ever, is skiable for those with balls and the snow cannons are working on the main black and red runs.

We have met up with Pamporovo Pete and Benson and they send their regards and no doubt will try to post up while they are here.

Take care all and will try and post again before we come home - 24th Feb.

Snowtox and Sandy

What a great report!!! Great for people coming out in the next few weeks. We also have just returned from a week in Pamps our 7/8th visit. We were a party of 17 including 2 babies staying at the Murgavets and once again had a great time as always. Almost all our party skied everyday but like you found mid station to Markony too icy and dangerous but all had a great time at the top. I had a text on Sunday morning to say they had 10cm over night, it made us a bit jealous but very glad for this weeks skiers. we are very sad to be home, the week goes so quickly. Also must comment on the Snowshack moving the Web-Cam, it was only a fraction but gives a much better picture. Give our love to Pete, Ange, Michaela, Sheree and Paul if you see them again. Enjoy the rest of your holiday it looks as if you have a nice long one.

Pat