Bulgaria Ski discussion board

You will be OK for snow in Jan. Borovets is a great place to meet people. Their are many of us who from going out solo are now part of a gang of at least 100 strong who regularly keep in touch even though we are from all over the UK. It is a pity you cant get out on the 24th where you would be in invasion week. When you get there go to Bobbys Bar where you will be made most welcome and introduced to others and will also be able to find out all the information you need to know. Let them know you have posted on the board and it will go from there. There is always a Board meet in there at some point in the week. As to the hotels both are OK and Central..
dbut

As above really, I prefer the Samakov to the Rila but both are central. Are you having lessons if so you will obviously make friends in your group either way head into Bobbys Bar (Run by a lovely English lady and her Bulgarian Husband) and you will find someone to ski with no problem. As Dbut said there is usual a 'board' meet early on in the week. March more consistent for snow but I wouldn't worry if Jan is better for you I've been for years and always been able to ski. What level are you at?

Boon

I've been out to Borovets several times my own. The first time I met Dbut and the 'invasion' crew and never looked back! There are two places I feel totally comfortable going into on my own, one is Bobby's Bar, the other is White Magic, right opposite the Samokov Hotel. In both places you get a really warm welcome, and will be introduced to others. Bobby's is a lot bigger and people tend to stay there for longer so you are more likely to be able to sit and get to know people .

I usually stay at the Samokov Hotel and like it. OK, the rooms are a bit tired now, but they are clean, the beds are comfortable, and I like the view across the village and up to the Yastrebets run from the front. The food isn't brilliant, but it is better than a lot of places in town. I tend to eat out in the evenings, but the breakfasts are good with lots of choice. The spa is pretty good, the pancake man in the hall in afternoons is great, and there is a nice little bar with computers upstairs on level 1. The location is great too, really central and by the gondola. And, I think if you book with Balkan you get the Samokov Ski School. I am told the instructors and equipment are are very good.

I've never stayed at the Rila, but haven't been impressed with the reception areas when walking through. Also not impressed with Borosport who run the ski centre there - the smell as you walk along the corridor is dreadful! But the Rila does have a nice pool, and a good view of the runs in front of the hotel.

I have often walked back to the Samokov Hotel down the hill from Bobby's late at night, and always felt perfectly safe.

If you can come out on the 24th January, there is a crowd of us there, we'll all look after you!

I would be concerned at a self taught skier going off on her own in the mountains particularly when conditions can change very quickly. I remember being in a white out at the top of the gondola on pistes that I had skied many times but in those conditions was left feeling very vulnerable and scared. The 4 hour sessions in ski school in Borovets mean that you meet other people and usually the instruction is very sound and great fun. Like every physical sport, correct technique should stay with you for the rest of your skiing years! I am sure to go to Borovets on your own should be successful and Bobby's bar would be the place to go to meet people.