Bulgaria Ski discussion board

This was not any over reaction on my part. I have skied every year for the last 22 years for an average of 2 weeks each year throughout Europe with the exception of Bulgaria till this year also taking my 3 young children with me for the last 7 years.
On this occasion I had decided to learn how to snowboard and had gone with my sister who also is an experienced skier at the time this happened I had fallen at the edge of the run which was not on their course this was also an open piste not closed to any member of the public or for that matter fenced of in any manner as should be expected if there was any danger to anyone on the piste.

This was not the organisers of the club it was 3 of the trainers also manhandling someone does not involve thumping someone or dragging them halfway down the piste on their face in circles with 2 people holding the board at waist level or for that matter threatening anybody who happened to witness this and object to this behaviour.


I would suggest that they also read the FIS Rules which are clearly posted in the resort and are listed below

1. Respect for others

A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.

2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding

A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.

3. Choice of route

A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.

4. Overtaking

A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.

5. Entering, starting and moving upwards

A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.

6. Stopping on the piste

Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.

7. Climbing and descending on foot

A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.

8. Respect for signs and markings

A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.

9. Assistance

At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.

10. Identification

Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

I can't ever remember seeing a ski school ever setting up a slalom in the middle of a piste. I suspect it was set up to one side then. If you fell over on the far side, then it would seem strange for them to come all the way over to pick on you. If you fell over on the slalom side, then can I assume that you could have interfered with their run ?
If I was in charge of a set of very fast skiers (whatever age), I might well be enraged by the sight of a learner looking snow boarder coming near a painstakingly set-up slalom.
I personally stay away - they don't need to put fences or any other types of warning up, as I know what they are doing - usually skiing a damn sight faster than I can !
Rules are rules I know, but when I started skiing, there was no way I could follow them.
I must add that in know way can the treatment handed out in retribution for whatever happened be condoned. A good shouting at would probably have worked.

We'll, I'll read between the lines here;
I have no doubt in the original posters story but i beleive it just got out of hand, where 1 person told the other to get out the way and the other said he has every right to be boarding where he was. I say this because the poster has now posted the rules of the slopes etc. And mentioned about no barriers or closing off the run for practise racing etc.
Also, having lived here now for 4yrs, I know that it doesen't take much to upset a Bulgarian
I say berry the hatchet and move on!
Fiona

Hi All,

Firstly, Dave sorry to hear of your and your sister's experience in Borovets - whilst we did not witness it, your take on it sounds awful...

We have asked around and have been given a slightly different version of the event, however regardless of who is right / wrong, we do know that once the police decided not to do anything, then all the wheels on the chamkoria bus were slashed - and we saw the evidence of that... Similarly to your case, the police did not have enough evidence to prosecute, but when things like this happen to 'locals' (especially when children's sport / education is threatened) then there will continue to be a 50:50 argument.

Hope next year wherever you end up skiing you have a better time of it!