Bulgaria Ski discussion board

first timer - where to stay/what to do?

rachel kershaw Author:rachel kershaw posts : 16   (Beginner)Date : 01-17-11 14:29

first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Hi everyone, considering a cheap week in bulgaria in march to try out skiing and would really appreciate your advice.

We'd like info on the difference between bansko and borovets? They both seem to have a lot to offer but am I right in thinking borovets might be a bit tackier?

We are both in our 20's and enjoy going to bars, restaurants but also like to sample local culture and prefer places that aren't over developed.

We don't really know what to expect with regards to the skiing, ...
Hi everyone, considering a cheap week in bulgaria in march to try out skiing and would really appreciate your advice.

We'd like info on the difference between bansko and borovets? They both seem to have a lot to offer but am I right in thinking borovets might be a bit tackier?

We are both in our 20's and enjoy going to bars, restaurants but also like to sample local culture and prefer places that aren't over developed.

We don't really know what to expect with regards to the skiing, we've only ever had a one lesson in the UK! We are hoping we will get a friendly, patient instructor who will make us feel welcome in a resort that offers nice places to eat, drink etc.

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Daniel Snell Author:Daniel Snell posts : 5800   (Master)Date : 01-17-11 15:09

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Bansko is a large town,Borovets is a purpose built resort. Boro is more of a party town than Bansko,but that is not to say Bansko is quiet plenty of good bars and loads of traditional Mehanana(restaurants) to choose from. Aslo plenty of shops if you Like that sort of thing. So if you want to sample culture Bansko is the better bet.
I am out in Bansko from the 13th March with a load of seasoned regualuars so if you are planning to go then come and say hello.

As regards lessons you will ...
Bansko is a large town,Borovets is a purpose built resort. Boro is more of a party town than Bansko,but that is not to say Bansko is quiet plenty of good bars and loads of traditional Mehanana(restaurants) to choose from. Aslo plenty of shops if you Like that sort of thing. So if you want to sample culture Bansko is the better bet.
I am out in Bansko from the 13th March with a load of seasoned regualuars so if you are planning to go then come and say hello.

As regards lessons you will find excellent instruction an any resort. Are you planning a DIY or a package?

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rachel kershaw Author:rachel kershaw posts : 16   (Beginner)Date : 01-17-11 15:30

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Hi thanks for the quick reply!

My instinct tells me Bansko would be more our cup of tea! Not sure of dates yet but will let you know.

i've been looking at packages with Balkan, pretty reasonable, they also do an add on package for lift pass, boot hire, and lessons for about £150 - less than I thought it would be.

any suggestions on hotels, places to avoid etc?

x
Daniel Snell Author:Daniel Snell posts : 5800   (Master)Date : 01-17-11 16:13

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Hi Package with Balkan would be fine and the ski package is a very good price. As for hotels well most a very recent so are fairly nice. Post up what ones you are looking at and someone will give you an opinion!

The only thing I would say about a hotel package us the food tends to be pretty poor so I would if you can budget to eat out a couple or more times if you can as the food is so much better. Around £10 a head with drink should get you a decent meal and less at some places.
sam Author:sam posts : 4249   (Master)Date : 01-17-11 17:20

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

we found the hotel tanne pretty good and thomson has some deals for that one, the reason we choose that one is its b and b and as dan says the food on half board in hotels is not so good. eating out is cheap enough and loads of good places. if you want half board think perun or the lion are two of the best. if you see other you like post on here and people will let you know.
rachel kershaw Author:rachel kershaw posts : 16   (Beginner)Date : 01-17-11 17:38

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

thanks guys, from what I've seen so far the half board prices are about the same as b&b so would probably go half board but budget to eat out about half the week. will post some specific names when i've narrowed down the options. thanks again x
steve.g and Cheryl Author:Cheryl posts : 0   (Beginner)Date : 01-17-11 19:48

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

We have just returned from Borovets and cannot fault the price or service of where we stayed. The snow wasn't great but the accommodation, service, food and ski instruction was first class. Our host took us out and dropped us at superb local restaurants each night and then collected us after we had finished our meal. We struggled to pay more than 35-40 leva for three course meals including drinks for three of us. The staff would call him as soon as we asked for our bill. It was my first ever ...
We have just returned from Borovets and cannot fault the price or service of where we stayed. The snow wasn't great but the accommodation, service, food and ski instruction was first class. Our host took us out and dropped us at superb local restaurants each night and then collected us after we had finished our meal. We struggled to pay more than 35-40 leva for three course meals including drinks for three of us. The staff would call him as soon as we asked for our bill. It was my first ever time skiing and my husbands 6th time. I was a nervous novice but couldn't have been in better hands with excellent instruction. My husband said that it was his first time skiing in Bulgaria but the overall ski package provided by this chalet was the best he has ever experienced. So good that we have already booked for next year!
I can't figure out how to do links from this iPod but if you google 'Superb Ski Chalet Samokov' you should find it on the Holiday Rentals website.
A family run chalet with breakfast (fantastic!), transfers, sauna, jacuzzi, equipment hire and instruction all included. And at an unbeatable price for the level of personal care and attention.

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Steve Gee Author:Steve Gee posts : 138   (Intermediate)Date : 01-17-11 21:27

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Hi Rachel,
I have only been to Bansko as we have an apartment there but skiing in March has been great. The snow has been plentiful unlike current conditions. The old town offers a mixture of nightlife so you can find whatever you are looking for. The Bulgarian scene takes a bit of getting used to if you have only been to European resorts but once you have relaxed you will find it very charming. Take advice on restaurants and bars from the forum as there are some mehanas on the main road ...
Hi Rachel,
I have only been to Bansko as we have an apartment there but skiing in March has been great. The snow has been plentiful unlike current conditions. The old town offers a mixture of nightlife so you can find whatever you are looking for. The Bulgarian scene takes a bit of getting used to if you have only been to European resorts but once you have relaxed you will find it very charming. Take advice on restaurants and bars from the forum as there are some mehanas on the main road down into the square that can rip you off. The skiing is ideal for beginners and intermediates. The people are on the whole very friendly.
Out again mid March for a week so if you are about and Daniel names the bar, see you there

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Martin Author:martin posts : 409   (Expert)Date : 01-17-11 21:34

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

Rachel you may want to consider the Dumanov hotel in Bansko, google it,as links on here do not work,not far from the Gondola and good location for proximity to Bars & mehanas...I have a guide for Bansko made by a friend,if you want it click on my name and email me...
rachel kershaw Author:rachel kershaw posts : 16   (Beginner)Date : 01-18-11 20:11

re: first timer - where to stay/what to do?

any thoughts on hotel mura?