Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi,
I am contemplating a ski trip to Bulgaria--never been there. Found this posting site, and wondered if I can get some opinions. Current snow conditions aside, seems like some "regulars" to this web site have returned several times--a good sign. But I also read a somewhat old (2004) article in the UK's "Guardian" that sounded much more negative. My general taste--doesn't have to be the "Ritz" of facilities but also don't want a dump. Would not like to think, "gee I should have gone to a more established place--France/Italy/Austria--instead". "We" are 2 adults, 1 10 year old boy, so need to have some kid-friendly things. And how are the ski schools/lessons? My son has skiied--can do down intermediate runs but is really still a beginner.

And, any recommendations on which resort/city? Hotels? Package deals?

Thanks in advance! (Hope it snows soon.)

Hi Nancy,
We are a family of four and have skied Borovets the last three years, Boro being the only place we have ever been.
It is a little rough round the edges, BUT we have had some of the best times.
The ski school (Borosports) has always been good, but the equipment is basic.
I think the resort is great with everything close at hand.
We have only stayed in two hotels, 1st time in the Rila, which was big and hustle/bustle. The second and third being the Ela, which is smaller, but recently renovated with a great bar area, log fire etc....O and right next to the gondola.
The wife and I (no kids in tow) are travelling out to Boro for my 40th birthday treat soon.
I don't know what level of service you are used to, but I would recommend Borovets to anyone who is prepared to travel with an open mind and doesn't expect the facilities of the Alps for Bulgarian prices!
Hope this helps.
Pete

Nancy,
What ever resort you coose as pete says go with an open mind, I am convinced you will enjoy your stay.
Personally I have been to Bansko 4 times and will be returning for my 5th trip in mid Jan.
Bansko has the advantage of having the most modern ski infrastructure of the bulgarian resorts, ie modern fast lifts etc. It also has a fantastic traditional old town with some good resteraunts serving traditional food at reasonable prices.
There is a large choice of hotel or apartment accomodation to suite most budgets.
There are also good resteraunts on the mountain with the usual open fires etc.
The main ski schools take both adults and children, you may wish to hire an instructor for the family, the prices are far cheaper than alpine resorts, but in my opinion of equal standard.
If the article you read in 2004 refered to bansko then it would be negative, prior to all the new lifts to ski in Bansko meant taking a 7 mile journey in an ex army truck up to the slopes and in the town the hotels were quite poor. In the past 5-6 years there have been massive improvements and the resort is now up to the standard of many smaller alpine resorts (70km of slopes).
I cannot comment on the other resorts having not visited them, but would reccomend giving Bulgaria a try, dont be put off by negative comments, consider them and form an informed opinion of your own, the many repeat visitors on this site can not all be wrong!!

Nancy You can't go wrong with Bulgaria as long as you are going when there is snow. Bansko is regarded as Bulgaria's No 1 resort and is large by Bulgarian standards with good instructors and a range of slopes. Its snow record is the best of the three main resorts as it is higher. Borovets is good, large and spread out but is split into two areas. Pamporovo is suffering at the minute because of lack of snow but is probably the best for a family (as long as there is snow) as the layout sees most runs converge and the green/blue from top to bottom is great to ski together with numerous restaurants en route. Equipment has been updated as have lifts.

As for hotels the Kepinski Grand is the best in Bansko but the Banderitsa is a good alternative if you don't want the Ritz. In Borovets the Samakov is a good alternative to the Rila. In Pamporovo you can't go wrong with the Snezhanka as it is first on the bus route, has good facilities and is close to the Perelik, ten pin bowling etc. My advice is to 'google' the above hotels and look at the three resorts web sites.

Nancy You can't go wrong with Bulgaria as long as you are going when there is snow. Bansko is regarded as Bulgaria's No 1 resort and is large by Bulgarian standards with good instructors and a range of slopes. Its snow record is the best of the three main resorts as it is higher. Borovets is good, large and spread out but is split into two areas. Pamporovo is suffering at the minute because of lack of snow but is probably the best for a family (as long as there is snow) as the layout sees most runs converge and the green/blue from top to bottom is great to ski together with numerous restaurants en route. Equipment has been updated as have lifts.

As for hotels the Kepinski Grand is the best in Bansko but the Banderitsa is a good alternative if you don't want the Ritz. In Borovets the Samakov is a good alternative to the Rila. In Pamporovo you can't go wrong with the Snezhanka as it is first on the bus route, has good facilities and is close to the Perelik, ten pin bowling etc. My advice is to 'google' the above hotels and look at the three resorts web sites.