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Excellent skiing tuition and après ski facilities, coupled with high-quality affordable rental accommodation and a much improved infrastructure – all sprinkled with a generous helping of professional, yet sincere, Bulgarian hospitality – mean that resorts such as Borovets, Bansko and Pamporovo can now rival the best in Europe.
Ski Resorts
Borovets in the Rila Mountains – some 45 miles to the south of the capital Sofia – is the oldest and largest of the Bulgarian ski resorts. Situated some 4,500 above sea level, Borovets caters for skiers of all abilities. The gentler Martinovi Baraki and Sitnyakovo slopes, for example, are suitable for beginner to intermediate level while, for the more demanding or experienced participant, the Yastrebets and Markudjika slopes include a number of red and black runs. Popular excursions for visitors to Borovets include the renowned Rila Monastery which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the 19th century, former royal palace of Carska Bistrica just above the resort; and Sofia which is one of the oldest national capital cities in Europe.
In the midst of the Pirin, Rhodope and Rila mountains, Bansko is also a well-established ski resort which also offers excellent facilities for all levels of ability. The Pirin Mountains are, however, somewhat more “Alpine” in character with a number of peaks in excess of 8,000 feet. To the south of Bansko lies the Pirin National Park which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of the natural type. This is a popular attraction featuring lakes, waterfalls, caves and fragrant pine forests.
The third Bulgarian ski resort, Pamporovo, is situated at roughly 5,500 feet above sea level in the Rhodope Mountains. Pamporovo is perhaps the sunniest and the most suitable for novice or intermediate level skiers. The resort also features a large number of multilingual ski instructors. The region of Pamporovo is steeped in traditional Bulgarian folklore and is within easy reach of the historical and cultural attractions of Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria.
Ski Accommodation in Bulgaria
Ski accommodation in Bulgaria is now plentiful, not least because of the extensive construction and development work that has occurred in all the major ski resorts in response to increased demand. Modern apartments, often fully furnished, with all modern conveniences, are designed, constructed and maintained to the highest standards. Apartment complexes usually include shopping and catering facilities along with, perhaps, a communal gymnasium or health spa and last but not least, ample parking facilities.
