Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Going out to Bansko on the 23rd Dec. Any ideas as to snow? The snow situation seems a bit hush,hush....and heres me thinking the 'iron curtain' had come down. And what's the bar (food too but less important) situation like. Any favourites? The bride is a non-skier so if anyone, of any nationality, doesn't mind smiling on a "Billy no mates" then contact me. I'm fairly quick, more all mountain than tricks, but if it turns out I hold you up I'll bugger of and annoy someone else. Or put the "100 tavernas" claim to the test. My birth certificate says I'm forty two, but no-one seems to beleive me. All the best John.

Dear John,
We to fly out on the 23rd with BA from Heathrow.
First of all where are u staying at. two of our fav taverns are 1792 or more commanly know as the two barrels located near the police station on the main drag. website is www.molerovakashta.bansko.bg the is quite expensive for bg but very worth it.There are also some great traverns on the main street. For webcams in the villege go on www.bulgarianwebcams.com/cams.php
Hope to here from u soon and will give u any more info u need. Skidude

Hi John,

Check out http://banskoski.com/kameri.xhtml but i think they all show the same.

We are going out on 24th December for a week, staying in chateau vaptzorov for two nights then hopefully picking up keys to our apartment. I was interested that you have skied in Canada. We are heading to whistler on 3rd January, never been stateside before. What is the snow usually like and have you ever heliskied before.

I've heard Canada is expensive, but is it as bad as they say. Would appreciate any info you have. Unfortunately we've never been to bansko so can't do likewise but looking forward to Christmas.

Lesleyann

Lesleyann........Been to Whistler thrice, Kicking Horse Feb gone. Canada, apart from the beer which was about the same as here, is not expensive when compared to the alps. Food for instance is much cheaper on the whole (and up the mountain). Whistlers getting dear, partly I guess as a knock on from securing the winter Olympics. The lift pass will for two weeks cost you the best part of £400 but once you've used the lifts you won't begrudge it. They are the best I've used. Stick to the 'Express Quads' and except "Solar Coaster" and "Harmony" chairs from 11-12am you won't spend much time in queues. Or on the chair itself. First couple of times I was amazed as it's unlike anything I'd done before. Two MASSIVE mountains and all the off piste you can handle. Head for "Harmony Bowl" on Whistler and "Seventh Heaven" and the glacier run on Blackcombe. They've suffered a bit with the snow over the last couple of seasons. When we were in Kicking Horse feb gone people were coming there from Whistler and other resorts due to the lack of snow. The snow in Whistler when it's ok I've found to be not always that enjoyable. Normally the dogs above the mid-station of the Gondola (Gon-dough-lar in N.America) it turns to concrete a bit lower then often slush at the bottom. Not always the best way to end the day but stay high and you'll be ok. Most people meet at the Longhorn on Whist base for apres and there are loads of bars to choose from catering for all tastes, all open till 1am. My personal fave is "mo-jo's" but you have everything from the obligatory Irish bar to some fairly hardcore dance venues (at least for a resort). Having said all the above I'll be surprised if it doesn't blow you away. You're lucky to be going. Just don't go mad with the tips. The reps will tell you 20-30% but guess thats why they don't pay for 'owt all season. 10% is more than enough, and in a place like mo-jo's take your change and throw some change in the stein on the bar (as the "locals" do). Above all enjoy it. John.