Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi all.

Just back yesterday evening, had a good time with some plusses and some negatives.

Snow was good for the first 2 days, ok on the 3rd then deteriorated but note – you could still ski.

I stuck to the blacks, reds and the blue with the Poma at the top. All by Wednesday were patchy; in places muddy but with a bit of skill you could ski from the top to the bottom. Sorry to say this but all runs on Friday are slushy; especially the greens but you can still have fun on them – but watch out for stones; took a few nasty scrapes on my board.

The queues other than the 3 man on Sunday Afternoon (15 minutes wait) were small to non existent, most of the time I walked straight onto the chair. What did pi$$ me off though is that snowboarders now cannot use the T bar next to the Brother’s restaurant. Why I don’t know, I’ve never come off it?? T bars for boarders are easier than Poma Buttons!

Prices in some places have gone up. Chavone 2 (Belfry 2) charged me 25 Lev (£10) for Lamb in a pot; 2 years ago this was 12 Lev, and the food wasn’t a patch on the previous years at Chavone so quite simply I won’t be going back. Also noticed Kavama at the Belfry 2 was 15 Lev, had this at the Forest Nook village restaurant for 4 lev. Also highly recommend is the Tavern Perelik, good honest service and lovely food– a sizzling platter of pork and Chicken for 2 was 20 Lev (£4 each). Still bargains a plenty to be had but you have to do a bit more searching.

Beer ranged from 2.5 Levs a pint (at Forest Nook restaurant) to 5 Lev up the mountain to be honest I can live with that. I’m on my bum after 5 pints anyway.

I’ve read on here reports about Bulgaria being the Blackpool of Skiing and seriously cannot see how it relates to Pamps; yes it attracts those who are after a bargain but I saw no fighting, no hoards of drunken Brits and Irish and no one tried to rip me off; just tourists with a smile on their face having a few bevies. If you want Blackpool with Snow try Pas de le Casa.

I also sussed out why I like Pamps so much. I’ve boarded in Andorra, France, Canada and America and none are as friendly as Pamps; both locals and tourists. I make an effort with the locals and did from day 1; I try and speak a few words in Bulgarian and get smiles (often laughs at me expense) back. Yeah there’s some with faces who look like they’re chewing a wasp but hey if you want grumpiness and poor service try Chamonix; I felt like a leper there, everyone just growled at me.

Didn’t have to use a Taxi as the complex run transfers into town so nothing to add there.

On the last day I had enough of slushy boarding so I went horse riding; 1.5 hours with a guide of 25 Lev; went right up into the mountains overlooking Smolyan; simply stunning. Also a welsh family stopping at the nook went on a fishing tour; caught 10 trout’s and paid the restaurant 3 levs each to cook it for them.

Any Questions? (no jokers asking me stuff like chemical formula for zinc oxide or suchlike please)

Cheers

Nooky

Great report Forest. Me and my sister are going on 15th to Pamps. I've been going there for 12 years and love it. Whilst I appreciate snow can be a bit hit and miss, I've always been able to ski everyday each year I've been. The people have always, without exception, been friendly and helpful and over the years I have made some great friends both fellow tourists and Bulgarians alike. Its a shame that the place has been developed so quickly but that's progress at the end of the day. People who are looking for a cheap and cheerful ski holiday should remember that you only get what you pay for and to be honest, Pamporovo offers excellent value for money.

I can't wait (sorry PP) to be on my way next Saturday. Snow or sun, skiing or sunbathing, I know we'll have a fantastic time.

Snowtox