Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I wrote this last year after I returned home from an excellent Borovets boarding holiday..... thought it might be of use.

Just got back from a week boarding in Borovets and I feel I have to put a few facts straight about this resort.
The first thing I have to say, without fear of contradiction is that Borovets is the most fun you will have with your clothes on. A lively & characterfull village with plenty to keep you smiling on a daily basis.
LOCALS - Friendly, curtious & chatty, if only, sometimes, to try and convince you to enter into their restaurant/bar for a drink or bite to eat. This in itself is indearing as after a few days you get to know them and have a laugh and joke about the fact that you've just eaten next door. Practically everyone speaks english and are more than happy to help you learn the odd Bulgarian phrase if you ask them...... Blogo d'ria (Thankyou).
FOOD - Contrary to what you have heard the food is actually very good (depending on where you go abviously). We stayed at the Hotel Zodiac and probably due to the fact that they don't cater for as many guests as maybe the big hotels the food was great.... If you are gonna stay in one of the big ones (Rila, Samakov) then the food will be a bit toss so eating out is a must.
Best Places to eat out - Mama Citas (Mexican), Funkys (good burgers), Happy Duck (wide selection), Taj Mahal (Top Curry).....and there is a fantastic pizza bar on the far right side of the slopes but the name escapes me...... my tip is to avoid White Magic...poor food/selection.
SLOPES - The bottom mountain has a fantastic selection for the med/advanced skier and boarder..... beguinner boarders beware..... the easy runs are taxing on the ankles and skiers are very unforgiving towards first time boarders who have to sit down on occasion due to panic. The best place to start is via the Gondola up on the top maountain.... big open runs with plenty of powder.... plus it's nice and quiet if you get up there early (9-10am).
NIGHT OUT - My tip is to start off in Mama Citas for a bit of Sangria & live music and then off to Buzz Bar for late night Euro-pop dancing. The drinks are cheap all over (40p for a large Taquila, 80p a pint....can't be a bad eh?)
MONEY - Despite what the rep tells you I suggest changing your Sterling out there in one of the commission free booths towards the top of the main street... a better rate of euros/sterling-levs....
EXTRA INFO - The Samakov pool is freezing but nice after a full day on the slopes, arrange any taxi fare before getting in the car (10 levs usual price), Beware the drag lift on the top mountain.... a thrill ride if your up to it but a nightmare if your still shaky on you feet, look after you lift pass as they won't refund it if lost, book any hire/pass/lessons before leaving blighty...it's cheaper.

That's all I can remember at the moment..... still in post holiday blues mode..... It's safe to say that Borovets will keep you entertained, flush with cash (I only spent about £220 all week and live like a king) & smiling...... Stuff Andorra & France... this is the place to go.... do it before it gets too popular.....

Tip to avoid the gondola queues is to get a taxi to the yestrebets2 4 man chair for 15 levs.From top of chair ski back down to gondola halfway station and join any gondola that is less than full to get to the top.This will save at least half an hour of queuing.Alternatively the reds around that area are good and not too busy in the mornings because everyone heads for the top!
Also try the green from the bottom of the drags at the top to get back to the town,it's a great run through the trees and although a bit icy in places should be ok for 2nd or 3rd week skiiers.