Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Arrived last night and have only skied the slopes outside the Rila so far but here is our report.

Headed up as high as you can go,which is only on the chair outside Rila and have to say, first thing, the slopes were great. Well pisted, not too icy and reasonably empty.

But, and this is the big but. It's just after 1pm and it's not worth bothering anymore. It's cut up and so busy it's hard to get up any speed without ploughing into a nervous skier or border who should not be on the red runs but have no choice as there is no other way down. I pity those coming half term.

Tomorrow we are going to try Yastrebats 3 and see how that goes but once again we will be very limited as it is only one run.

Borosport are taking the absolute p@ss by trying to charge for night skiing when they cannot offer decent daytime runs and we will not be lining their pockets.

This, sadly, will be our last visit to Borovets as, after just one day, we are struggling. I don't blame anyone for the weather but Borosport have not invested I enough cannons to look after it's guests when the snow doesn't come.

I know others say you can visit this and that but I'm here to ski and I can't do that very much here.

Sorry this is not a happy post but if you have a chance to cancel, do it and go elsewhere. It will be worth it.

"re:Report from the slopes Borovets 9th FebIts mad when you think the longest established resort has become the shambles we keep hearing of, I think borovets' reputation hit will make them look at investing, they have to go for some form of damage limitation to its many loyal holiday makers. Who would ever have guessed Pamporovo, the lowest alitutude, probebly least popular resort, is turning out to be the best maintained, the best invested and the best snow."

I hope they do realise in Borovets that they have to start investing in infrastructure or the future of the resort is bleak.
Pamporovo have not only invested heavily for the winter season they have also recently built the best bike park in Bulgaria for the summer season. That's an interesting story, maybe SteveC will tell you about it.

I love Borovets and have been many times now. Going back in 3 weeks for my second trip of the season. First time round skied Yastrabets mostly and conditions where good even though mainly canon snow. The problem was not the cues at lifts but slopes being conjested with beginers to the point where I thought it unsafe. If Borosport invested in some canons on the Marky slopes where the temps are lowest Im sure they would ski as well as Yastrabets and people would be happier. It would open up extra green and blue for beginers and reds and black for others. Im no expert but im sure the lack of snow up top is partly due to wind. If they had been bashed after fresh snowfall would the snow that has fallen disappear like it has? Would this mean they would have a base for the next fall no matter how small and bash again? Im not sure but if I don't see any investment in the next year I will be seriously considering another resort in the alps. Only returning to Borovets if we see early snowfall similar to 2 years ago.

Sad days as I have made many friends in the resort and lots of great memories

Scubasam

Gerry, the only reason Pamps has done better this season is because of their benefactor, someone who is putting her money where her mouth is... I'm sure also that there may be a better feeling of security for staff and businesses associated with the resort, and this in turn breeds confidence in the long term. Lets see what happens, i was upbeat, even confident that Bansko would prosper, but it has to be said that its struggling to meet even part of its potential. We kind of hope that things will continue upwards, but recent experiences make me a little nervous for the future...
If Borosport were to sell, if they could find a buyer, or an individual willing to invest alongside Borosport, this situation this season could be the last such time it happens. It is amazing how quickly Pamporovo was turned around, and if numbers are to be believed, the rise in visitors is surely an indication that any investment is viable...
And the reference to bikeparks and summer activities, i still like Borovets, and hopefully the plans talked about last summer will happen this coming summer, but it has to be said that Pamporovo will expand also, the plans there look exciting as well....