Pamporovo, the second major Bulgarian mountain resort, is located
1650 m above sea level in the Western Rhodopes, 16km from Smolyan,
among evergreen spruce forests, picturesque meadows, strange
rock formations and beautiful mountain peaks. Due to the Mediterranean
influence the climate is mild with bracing air and the good
snow-cover provides excellent skiing conditions from mid-December
to mid-April.
The area is abundant in natural slopes with
a range of alpine ski tracks of different difficulty and sophisticated
ski facilities and equipment, suitable for beginners to experts.
The TV tower on Mount Snezhanka, starting point of many of the
ski runs, has a cafe and and observation gallery giving a marvelous
view of the Rhodope mountains and makes an important landmark
for hikers. The resort of Pamporovo is a short distance from
the base of the slopes. Transfers between the hotels and the
slopes, is by bus, or if you prefer, taxi. The new ski area
malina 2 is closer to some of the hotels, and has it's own chairlift
to the mid-station. Buses run from both ski areas, roughly from
8:00am to 10:30 am, and 15:00pm to 17:30pm in the afternoon.
Taking the bus is an experience!, none of your "maximum
occupancy" signs here, when it is physically impossible
to get anyone else on board, the bus goes. That sounds awful,
but in fact is quite a giggle, the pleasant atmosphere of other
skiers/snowboarders after a good day is something to sample.
Eating out is always a pleasure in Pamporovo,
with a good selection of bars/restaurants to choose from. Apres
ski in the bars at the skiing area is always fun, so much so,
that it can sometime mean taking a taxi after the bus has stopped
running. The taxi fare from ski area Malina 1 to the hotels
was about 10-15 Lev, depending on whether you agree a price
beforehand or not. Hardly likely to break the bank though.
If you need to buy ski equipment when you are
on holiday, you are spoilt for choice. There is a fantastic
range of gear to be had, one thing we would say though, is shop
arround. If you need to get your own skis serviced, wait til
you get to the resort. Ski service, with hot wax cost10 Lev
last year (£3.50).
For more Specific information
about Pamporovo, try asking in our Forum.
