Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Last week was my 20th in Pamporovo. Same time every year. As always looking at the forecast and cams praying for snow... but then the 16th of Jan is the earliest I would consider going there. The snow duly arrived in abundance and I had probably the best week of my life and one of my most memorable and enjoyable weeks in a place I love dearly. The new run to Stoikte was fantastic, as was the Wall.
On the downside...the resort was empty no nightlife worth talking about, everywhere closed down, including BJs! (due to ridiculous lease prices) and tourists continue to be herded like sheep into restaurants like the Golden Eagle owned this season by the resort owners. Word has it that they will try to buy all the restaurants for next season.
I had fantastic food in Pete's place, real authentic Bulgarian at reasonable prices...I wonder if that will be possible next year. For the good of the resort we need to retain competition on the mountain and lower the ridiculous rates charged for shop units and bars to bring back trade and an atmosphere to Pamporovo.
Pamporovo can be fantastic again if the owners listen to and care about their customers and stop lining the pockets of the few to the detriment of many!

As Pete told me a few weeks ago, I don't think we will change anything. All of my friends in Pamporovo realise that things will get worse still before they get better. wages have not gone up much but everything is expensive in Bulgaria now. I'm sending over a ski jacket & salopettes to a friend for a third of what they would cost there....crazy. Without competition there will be no lowering in prices and raising of standards.
Anyway, as I said, I love the place and last week was simply special...one I will remember for a long time to come. Fantastic snow, fantastic people.