Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Just back from Bansko - no snow in village - lower runs lots of sheet ice. Beginner slopes around Gondola are patchy and you need to be careful of stones showing through snow at top of ski road. Runs higher up were skiing well but beware the blue run left at very top as I would say it is challenging for someone with only a few days skiing lessons, prob is a blue but it is steep for what seems forever. (I have skiied one week before and would describe myself as a slightly nervous level one, and I happily admit to nearly wetting myself when our instructer took us on this run!!) If you can take your skis back to hotel and get to the gondola before 8.40 do it - the que after that was a nightmare. Ski depot opens 8.30 and if you are not at the front and get to the gondola after 8.45 you will prob be late for your lesson start of 10.00. One morning we were so far back in the que we paid for a taxi 10 lev each. Arrange a price before you get in and if you are not a competant skiier make sure they will take you to the top which puts you onto an easy blue to ski to the top gondola station (some taxis only went halfway which means a chairlift ride and a challenging ski down red/blue. We stayed at Hotel Bulgaria which was very comfortable/friendly staff. Food was ok in hotel although not much choice - plenty of good eateries in town for variety. Hope this is helpful.