Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi,

My Wife and I went to Pamporova last year (our first ski holiday!) and learn ski in 3/4 days with a private tutor (who was very good by the way!). We had a great time, and stayed at the castle.

We were just about to book a last minute holiday this year to go back, but are very nervous seeing as there isn't much snow there this year (even less than last year, by the looks of it)

Also, I've been reading these boards and it seems that the Bulgarian prices have gone alot (the £ going down isn't' helping on top of that!)...

That on top of the 4 our transfer from the airport isn't making it as appealing as it was last year...

I am looking for advice on what the other resorts are like in compared to Pamporovo.

I would like some views on any of the areas below.

- Ski lesson prices (2 of us private, not group) - paid 20 levs each per hour last year

- Ski HIre (ski's, boots & pols) - Paid 15 levs per day each last year

- Lift Passes (per day, or week) - 50 per day each, 250 per week last year

- Food and drink

- Quality of the ski runs, snow.

I've seen some last minute deals to Borovets @ hotel Samokov.

Has anyone been there?

Is Borovets OK for beginners/immediate skiing (we were on greens, blues and a couple reds last year in Pamps)

Much appreciated,

Ian

Being a Boro lover - guess where I'd recommend!

We range from recreational to advanced skiers and all love skiing in Boro. All my lads have learnt at Boro along with friends. It is also more compact so you can walk around the main resort and easily meet up.

It is lively but there are quieter hotels and restaurants off the main road. Samokov is a large hotel near the gondola station, somewhat dated atmosphere, reminds me of a 1970's communist museum with swimming pool and bowling alley. There is a report on the hotel in another recent thread that I think sums it up perfectly.

Plenty of places to hire and buy equipment and arrange private lessons. Not sure of this years prices but someone else will post the answers to that.

It usually works out cheaper to pre book ski equipment/lift passes etc with tour company, as they get bigger discounts than you can get in the resort.

Hope that helps.

Ian

The only ones I have seen inside of are the Flora apartments in the Flora Hotel complex and the Royal Plaza. They seem to range from 300 - 400 per week for the dates you are talking about for a 1 bed apartment. Although I did see a Flora apartment offering half term week for £249 - bargain, I thought. So try negotiating. Sorry I don't know anyone personally with any to rent. I believe the Flora also has studios which should be cheaper.

Flora is in a quieter location near to the gondola and have use of the hotel's swimming pool. Royal Plaza are on the main drag between the Rila and Samokov hotels, so are noisier as they are in the thick of it all but are between the main lower slope and gondola.

Prices have gone up everywhere this year, so I don't think you will get such a bargain as last year. Your dates are also the week before half term, so flights etc may be more.

If you book somewhere, ask about restaurants to try, there is such a choice.