Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I would advise Pamporovo or Borovets for beginners. The slopes are slightly more challenging in Bansko.

Instructors are brilliant in both resorts, and I would say Pamporovo, (but then I would wouldn't I) is the best. Gentle slopes from top to bottom and excellent nightlife.

It's best to get your own ski wear and there are some great bargains this time of year as it's close to the end of season.

Keep an eye on E Bay.

Best time usually is end of Jan beginning of Feb but like any country the weather can be unpredictable.

I am also a Sunny Beach fan, (Sunny Beach Pete) been there 7 times usually at the Kuban.

Come and join the party --- and welcome to this board.

PP

Moira

Pamparova is definatley the place to go, like you we went for the 1st time last year with our 12yr old daughter and have just returned from our second visit to Pamps yesterday.The place is fantastic for beginners and believe me you won't be that for long with the instuctors who are brilliant and very patient, try to have some lessons first on a dry slope or indoor snow dome before you go as starting from scratch can in resort can be boring and waste a couple of days for the basics, you could go into the class above beginners if you do this. Buy your ski school package through your operator as this is the cheapest way and includes everything, you can get great designer ski gear very cheap at TK Maxx from December onwards or Dacathalon Sports, don't overdo it with thermals and fleeces as it can be very warm skiing.
The Murgavets hotel is very good,its right in the centre of everything and probably has the best family rooms which have two huge bedrooms and are nicely decorated,ask for a room at the back of the hotel as it faces a bar that is open till 4am and can be noisey but dont let that put you off, there food is'nt brilliant but all three of us were eating out most nights for about £20 inc drinks.
We've just had probably the best snow in europe last week so why bother with France, Italy, Austria etc as they will cost you three times the price and are just full off hoo rah henry's. Feb, March are great months to go and even the half term costs won't kill your budget. Just as a guide we went last week with Balkan Holidays and it cost around £1,400 for hotel, ski equipment and ski school, which is for three adults as children only qualify upto 12 yrs.

Bulgaria is the TOPS!!!

Keep an eye on this discussion board as it is crammed with good advise and Pamparove Pete does a great job keeping everybody updated.

Got to go as were off to the travel agents to book for next year and maybe even Xmas.

Hope you enjoy.

John

Hi,

Checklist For Skiing Abroad
Bringing the right gear is really important: being comfortable and dry on the slopes is a lot more fun than getting wet! Check out our tips and advice below.

Hats & Headwear
As 40% of your body's heat can be lost through your head a good quality hat is an essential item to have on the slopes. And now that hats come in so many shapes and forms you can really have some fun.

Jacket
Invest in a good jacket. This will offer warmth and protection. Try to make sure your jacket is not too heavy, to allow ease of movement. It must also be windproof and waterproof. Any jacket must cover the kidney area while longer jackets may be preferable for snowboarders. Zips should be plastic, as metal can freeze to the skin. Sleeves should also have cuffs, this will prevent snow from entering in the event of a fall.

Gloves / Mittens
A good pair of gloves or mittens are essential for happy skiing. Mittens allow better circulation and warm the hands. It is advisable not to buy cheaper PVC gloves as they will allow water in and can be easily damaged.

Salopettes / Trousers
Trousers and salopettes must also be windproof and waterproof. Saloppettes are a type of trouser for skiing, generally they come up higher on the waist and have shoulder straps. They must also have the same functions as the jacket. Salopettes must also have a high back to prevent snow coming in. Clothing should not be of a slippery material as it will provide no braking in a fall. Make sure they unzip on the lower leg in order to fit around your ski boot.

Socks & Feet
Tube or inner loop socks are the best type to get. If your feet are uncomfortable it could ruin your day's skiing. Do not try to wear two pairs of normal socks, as this will cause blistering. Cut your toenails before you go. Even professional skiers have been known to miss weeks of sport due to ingrown toenails and toe infections.

Under layers
A few thin layers of clothing under your jacket will serve you better than one thick one. The air between the layers will act as insulation. You can also remove a layer if you feel too warm during the day. The layer next to the skin should preferably be of polypropylene or cotton, this will draw the moisture from the body outwards.

Sunglasses
Dark, sturdy, unbreakable glasses and goggles will cut out the glare and protect your eyes from wind and snow blindness. Goggles offer best protection when it is snowing while sunglasses are ideal for sunny mild weather.

Sun Cream & Lip Salve
As UV levels are higher on the slopes due to the reflective effect of the snow, a high factor sun cream and lip salve are necessary. Even though it doesn’t feel hot, you can get burnt very easily.

Advice for beginers :

I would note recomend Borovets, they do not teach you enough.
In my experience I would try :
Soldeu & El Tarter - Andorra
La Rossier - France

As long as you have a fab time, anywhere is good.