BANSCO

rustyinn wrote:I just worry when my Bulgarian (born and bred) friends always ski in Switzerland and Italy and avoid skiing in Bulgaria at all costs because of 'all the crooks and scamers that invade every aspect of Bulgarian life'.

Nuff said

Rustyinn

Corpsebrideza wrote:I totally agree with Esrg above. I am in Bansko at the moment with my boyfriend. We came out here for a cheap skiing holiday. Growing up I skied the Alps (Zermatt, Verbier, and the like). Having not skied for about 10 years then about 5 I wanted to have a few lessons. My boyfriend also hasn't skied since he was young so he also wanted lessons.

We paid 590 EUR pp for 2 weeks for accommodation + breakfast, ski equipment hire, 12 days tuition, lift pass, transfer from the airport. It is like paying for a 2 star hotel and expecting to get a 5 star one. Bulgaria is not the Alps and as long as you know that before you arrive you will not be disappointed.

We are having a fantastic time so far. The slopes are a little icy in areas because of the warm temperatures and the snow is being made by the snow cannons as it has not snowed in a while. You do need strong legs though through some of the icier patches.

I find the town a little smokey at night because of all the wood burning fires and our hotel is a little warm (they have this central heating that can't be turned off inside the room) which is a little annoying because it is like a sauna in the room and if you open the door it smells like an ashtray. The hotel also has dry walling between the rooms so it is cheap but noisy which is not so much fun when kids run up and down the stairs.

All in all we did not expect luxury and it has reignited our love of skiing. When we do get a little better perhaps we will alternate between a good resort and Bansko. The food here is amazing. As a fussy eater I have never been so happy with the quality of food!!!

So come and enjoy but don't expect too much.