J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by iLoveSkiing

http://www.ss20.com stock red sallys for 90 quid.

Dave W, About those Bolle safety glasses, they have a very light tint so did you squint it sunny conditions?

Tony_H wrote:Not being funny, but can anyone kindly explain the attraction of Bulgaria for skiing?

Tony, I've been to Arinsal in Andorra before and Borovets has better more varied skiing terrain, has more places to eat on the slopes and for the budget I was on the hotel I stayed at in Borovets was much better than the Montane in Arinsal.

Obviously Borovets cannot match the much bigger and world famous western european resorts like Chamonix, Zermatt, Lech, and their like but compared to resorts with similar piste KM, Borovets compares quite well.

Hi mystyc, Just back from a week in Borovets stayed in the Iglika Hotel.

1) There are in effect two ski areas, the slopes on the mountain in from of the Rila hotel and the slopes on the bigger, higher mountain accessed by the gondola and a 4 man chairlift. If you are going to use the gondola in the morning get there early before 9.30am to avoid 30+ minute queues. In the afternoon queues are neglible to non existent.

2) If you're changing money at the exchange bureaus use 'Exchange +Plus+' because you get the same rate for large and small amounts. They show you on a computer screen what you'll get so you can accept or cancel the transaction.

3) The skiing on the bigger mountain is much better, not that the Rila slopes are bad. The pistes on the bigger mountain are very wide and some are very long just like pistes at the more popular western european ski resorts. You are a boarder, can you use drag lifts because apart from the gondola and chairlift all other lifts on the bigger mountain are button bars.

4)You will see police about the place during the day and fewer at night but don't be worried. I felt safe at all times even when on my own and taking short cuts between and behind the various bars and restos at night. I'm a guy so gals may feel differently.

5) Seems like every bar and resto employs someone to stand outside and tout for business. Just be good natured and say something like 'no thank-you' or 'maybe later', worked for me every time - no need to get stressed or annoyed as they're just trying to earn a wage.

6) Bars - getting lashed isn't my thing but the Karaoke bar and Titanic were lively with a good atmosphere when I was there.

7) The Samokov has a massive lobby area with a bar, it's a bit impersonal. If you want a quiet drink and don't want to go far the Ela hotel across the road from the Samokov has a smaller and much more cosy bar with happy hours lasting 3 hours.

8_) The Samokov has a roof top resto called the panorama. go there during daylight hours to get a birdeyes view of the resort.



What to take? The usual. Sallopettes, gloves, hat, goggles, sunglasses, jacket, sunscreen, lip balm, fleece, no cotton baselayers, etc.

sunmargo wrote:Well Silver, the problem every morning will be "what layers do I need in my jacket today?" A look out the window never works! I just use extra thermals if necessary, because if it warms up, you can always tie one around your waist or put it in a pocket. A fleece is too bulky for that.

There's always the open zipper approach too! -)

using extra thermals is layering :D ) :P

I just memorise the map :D

I've just had an idea. Get your compact digital camera and photo an old piste map then see if you can read it with the scrolling and zoom features.

Try metcheck.com or snow-forecast.com

If you go the layering approach you can cope with all conditions by shedding or adding layers or using warmer/less warm layers. Insulated ski jackets vary in the amount of insulation offered. A heavily insulated jacket will likely be too warm for spring time skiing and is more suited for very cold conditions. Basically if you opt for layers you'll get multi functional use out of them.

There are many different materials very similar to goretex that are used in ski jackets, you don't need to limit yourself to just goretex. Anything with a waterproof/breathability or isotex rating of 10000 is more than sufficient for the occasional on-piste holiday skiier. I've skiied with isotex 5000 rated gear and it's fine.

However the more expensive non budget stuff does look extremely good and if you pick the right design you'll have a cool looking casual jacket for winter, hiking,camping and walking the dog.