Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I wanted to let this thread run a while before posting my thoughts just to see what the general feelings are. Much of what has already been said is valid and positive and shows the real warmth and affection many have for this resort. We almost feel like it's OUR resort and changes over the past few years rather than improving Pamporovo seem to have had a detrimental effect on it and many loyal supporters are drifting away.

Whilst many of the issues raised are beyond your control they are still an important reason why some have become disheartened. Price rises are inevitable as Bulgaria continues to grow as a nation but with that people expect to see improvements in facilities, and these have not kept pace with the times or prices.

Tourists from all over the globe have spent millions in Pamporovo on holidays, whilst others have invested their life savings in property only to see in many cases, greedy developers squander or misappropriate the capital, or fall woefully behind the promised completion dates. This MUST be addressed by the Bulgarian government immediately or there will be serious consequences in the near future.

With the increase in properties and hotels, brings an increase in footfall and the number of people trying to access the slopes. The lift structure is years out of date compared to modern Europe and as prices are now approaching an almost parity with other European destinations, people expect the facilities to be of equal quality. So - the lift structure needs a complete overhaul and upgrade. Why the 4 man was sited at Malina 1 rather than replace the single chair at Malina 2 is beyond me. The 4 man is used mainly only once per day by people using Malina 1 whilst the single chair at Malina 2 is in constant use, especially when the 3 man is being serviced.

The 'walking bit' that so many skiers and boarders have to endure at the middle of the final run home could so easily be overcome by hardcore being dumped at an angle during the summer months and so creating a slope that everybody can ski/board down, and the silly little hill that people have to get up from the back blue button lift when the wish to return to the main slopes could easily be sorted by a short drag. There used to be a drag that took people up to the Lodge Resturant which is no longer there. Perhaps that could be used?

Also, if Pamporovo is to compete with the rest of the skiing world and attract more people, then the slopes on offer needs to be greatly increased. We have heard for years about the Perelik Project, the joining of Pamporovo and Chepelare, and a Gondola from the resort centre, but none of these are anywhere near yet becoming a reality. What is the latest on any of this?

Climate change over the past few years has also affected Pamporovo severly. From 1992 - 2004 I cannot remember a single year that Pamporovo didn't enjoy excellent snow conditions from early December through to March and beyond, but the last 3 years has been extremely disappointing especially for the early travellers and Xmas revellers. So maybe some thought needs to be given to either extending the season until the end of March instead of it concluding after the first week of March, or starting the season later.

Another necessity it to have an accurate, dedicated and honest weather forecast site and condition update on all of the Bulgarian resorts. Not a site sponsored by tour operators that give inaccurate and misleading information with the sole intend of 'keeping the customer happy' and 'just tell them what they want to hear'.

Pamporovo has for years been served by Plovdiv Airport. A former military base converted for winter travellers heading for Pamporovo to reduce their transfer times. However, almost all tour companies have now pulled out of Plovdiv as the facilities there were nothing short of appauling. I personally didn't mind that at all but the masses and certainly those with children expect far better than Plovdiv could offer. If Pamporovo is to see a new surge in popularity, then something drastic needs to be done to avoid the 4 hour transfers from Sofia that puts so many people off.

In short, if Pamporovo wants better times then Pamporovo need to meet the demands of the modern traveller. It was great years ago when Pamporovo was a little heard of village somewhere far away, but today it is a recognised destination by millions of travellers and it MUST realise that what it has to offer at the moment may be great for the likes of me who love the place to bits, but it has no longer got the quaint charm or facilities that is needed to get the masses to return year after year.

Pete

only going to pamps this year if there is good snow ,and i get a good late deal,fancy trying austria this year ,even though i know it will cost me more money,i think people in the resort have good intentions ;but there are business people far above them i feel ,that dont and wont listen and have not listened now for several years.the resort would have to be seriously taking less income overall 'for them to get there heads out of the sand and deal with the issues mentioned above.but whilst new tourists venture out year after year to explore bulgaria ,i dont see them having that problem.
for the few at the top great ,for the rest of the local community in pamps ,done up like a kipper,along with people who visit the resort .new people going out try and be aware what the actual cost of things you are paying for cost as like any holiday money can slip through your hands like water ,and be prepared to politley say no and walk away if the prices are unreasonable DONT BE FLEECED BY CERTAIN ESTABLISHMENTS,SHOP AROUND

Hi Galina,

I hope that you have the power to help make these changes or at least make the relevant parties sit up and take notice. I have been to Pamps for the last two years but due to the massive increase in prices on the slopes and shops/ restaurants last year we are skiing the Alps in Italy this year. I know no-one has control over the weather and although last year was better than the previous year skiing wise the increases in price for food on the slopes was ridiculous. I NEVER mind paying a little over the odds for good food and courteous service but when it's pretty basic food and rubbish service I'm afraid they didn't get my business again. don't get me wrong there still are some friendly places with good food and ok prices but they were becoming scarce.I'd hate to think what it's like this season! luckily George our instructor last year let us go where we wanted to eat rather than the "rip-off" joints. I would love to return to Pamps like a lot of people, but will not return until things change back to the way they were even just a couple of years ago. Tell them not to bite the hand that feeds them as once bitten is twice shy and it will be them who suffer in the long term when visitor numbers drop.

regards,

Neil & Debs

Tax drivers and extortionate fares need to be sorted. Plovdiv airport needs updated to encourage the budget airlines to use it as well as charter flights. More snow cannons.
On another note I think the Resort could do more for summer tourism by providing a large outdoor swimming area with sun lounger facilities etc. We went to Pamps last summer and went to a village about 40 minutes away it had outdoor pools etc and the kids had a great time.
Considering the number of people owning apartments in Pamporovo it would be great to see the place marketed as an all year round resort.

Think it's a really good idea to take the book to hotels and business owners as you say having it in black and white may convince some to make changes.

Hope business picks up for you this season as I think it's a valuable service just wonder about the location ..... would you get more visitors if you were in pamps???

Would the hotels maybe let you offer your services in their lobbies like the reps do with timed visits to each so visitors can speak to you about anything they want to know. I know I would have certainly used this kind of service if it had been available my 1st time out .....I am lucky since my 1st hol as I have Michelle on hand in resort but many do not have this.

Like I say I really hope it goes well for you and look forward to meeting you soon xx

Hi Galina

Great thread and well needed!! I'd agree with all the posts above in terms of pricing in resort and the make a quick buck attitude of some places!

Having invested in pamps 3 years ago - we have visited some 12 times in those three years both in the summer and the winter. I must first say that i have never had a bad holiday yet and most of the above is completley ignored by us when we are there!! If we feel something is a rip off - we just walk away, but that knowledge only comes from knowing prices outside of the resort or out of season.

Sooner or later the greedy businesses and their leaders will learn if everyone does this!!!

The single most important thing for ALL vistors must be piste preparation!!! DEBRIS!!!! - trees and rocks, logs and stumps must be cleared from the slopes before the snow comes each year to ensure a great base is given to whatever the weather gods give us.

Happy skiers/ boarders who have had an amazing day on the slopes and "Happy" experiances that will be talked about long into the night will find less issue with everything else in the world never mind the resort!

Our time "On the Mountain" is precious and if you can help get that right then life will be good just for a few days!!

Thats all anyone wants - IT IS THAT SIMPLE!!!

Phil & Claire