J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by nikifinbow

Thanks Wanderer. I know most of the group appreciated everything I did and I had certainly told them what I had read before we went so they they knew what to expect. There were just a few uncomfortable moments, usually in restaurants. On reflection, I think I took things a bit personally at times but I just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves!

Despite this, I am thinking about maybe planning another trip for next New Year and just wondered if you had any tips on where else to go as a group. I'd rather avoid France as I'm off to La Tania over Easter with family anyway (plus two more trips to France this year) and had been thinking about Italy. I've also been looking at Slovakia as price is important, although I am aware that New Year won't give the best deals for anywhere.

Firstly, apologies if this turns out to be an epic!

Finally made it back from Bansko after a 30 hour delay in Sofia – snow meant that planes couldn’t take off. All a bit farcical at the airport - all the staff seemed to disappear for fear of being mobbed by angry passengers and we weren’t getting any updates. On top of that, it took 2 hours for us to get our luggage when it hadn't made it any further than the luggage trolleys as our plane couldn't land! On the other hand, Inghams reps were brill and we spent a night in a lovely hotel in Sofia.

Events at the airport and associated frustration slightly marred what was otherwise a really good holiday. Also, my dad was knocked over by a stupid boarder who ignored the “slow” signs on a very icy patch and ended up with 4 fractured ribs so he didn’t do much skiing as that was on the first day. His experience of the medical centre in Bansko was good but the same can’t be said of the hospital – when they asked if he wanted to stay in overnight, it was a definite no!

Our apartments were fab – all brand new, clean and warm. Few little quibbles – such as no TV aerial but I wasn’t too bothered as we weren’t there to watch TV!

Queue for gondola was bad on the first day but we were late getting there as we went to the welcome meeting and had to collect passes, skis etc. We tried to be there for 8.30 every morning to beat the queues but did end up queuing for about an hour one morning. Queues on NY day were non-existent and I’m glad I made it out as it was quiet and the snow was good, probably the best day for skiing overall. Ski equipment was fine, no-one had any problems, other than the hire shop opening late a couple of mornings, meaning more queuing.

Quality of ski school was a bit hit and miss. Two of our party had signed up but only ended up doing 2 days, rest of the time they came out with the rest of us. One day, four of us hired an instructor for 2 hours, which wasn’t great but was cheap and meant we skipped the gondola queue on a very busy morning, so almost worthwhile.

Conditions were ok, more snow needed really. Snowed a fair amount on our last day and kept on doing so – kind of wish we had gone this week as conditions will be better. Not all runs were open and on those that were, there were some exposed patches and quite a bit of ice. We stuck mostly to blue runs, but did a couple of the nicer reds. Not as much piste bashing going on as there would be in other places. Run back to Bansko was a nice gentle one so you couldn’t really end the day badly unlike La Tania and the Folyeres run back to the village.

Food was ok, again a bit hit and miss but generally best if you ordered Bulgarian food, although most was served lukewarm. Excellent (and cheap) pizza and chicken kebabs near Bla Bla restaurant up on the slopes. Definitely cheaper than Alps but probably same prices as going out to eat/drink here, although you could get some bargains. Drinks were a bit cheaper – we found a great little bar in the Hotel Ida just opposite our apartments with a brilliant bar maid who made excellent cocktails. The new Irish Pub was also good fun, especially on NY Eve.

Bulgarians were quite surly as a general rule but being polite and smiling tended to get you somewhere. They seemed to prefer looking after their own rather than the tourists.

To everyone who gave me helpful tips, a big thank you. I’m so glad I went having read all your advice as it meant I knew roughly what to expect – forewarned is forearmed!

Would I go back to Bansko – yes, if someone was arranging a trip and asked me to go. However, if I was arranging another trip (too early to tell yet, still getting over the stress of this one – organising and trying to please 13 people, some of whom have very high standards, isn’t easy), I would choose somewhere else, partly because I like trying different places and also because once Bulgaria go on to the Euro, it will be much more expensive. I’ve asked others in our party the same thing and got a mixed reaction – some would agree with me but others would not.

If you’ve booked to go to Bansko already, don’t be put off by the bad comments you read – go with an open mind and read as much as you can beforehand. I would suggest self-catering as I heard bad reviews of hotel food. If you’re thinking about going to Bansko, give it a try. It’s not the Alps but at the moment, it is a cheaper option and you can have a great holiday.

Niki

Hi there,

I've just returned from a week in Bulgaria (Bansko) and can tell you for a fact that thermals are needed - it was bitterly cold some days, especially on the chair lifts. Personally, I don't get too cold but some of our party suffered with cold hands and I would recommend inner gloves for extra warmth.

We chatted to some people at the airport (we had a 30 hour delay coming home, so plenty of time!) who had been to Borovets and they had generally had a good time. Couple of general tips about Bulgaria - don't expect your food to be hot, Bulgarians tend to eat it lukewarm. Also, as a party of 13, we never got our meals all at once, I got the impression that they tend to just eat as the food arrives rather than try and serve everyone at once.

It was certainly cheaper than being in the Alps, but don't expect it to be dirt cheap. Prices were about the same as going out here, maybe a little less in some places.

Bulgarians weren't the friendliest of people but a smile and being polite went a long way!

If you go expecting the standard of the Alps, you'll be disappointed but go expecting Bulgaria, with an open mind, and you'll have a great time! Wish we'd gone this week though as it has snowed all weekend and conditions should be great!

Enjoy!

I've read as many reviews as I possibly can and have certainly noted the bad comments (as well as the good - there are some!) which is why I was after helpful hints. Most of the group have been skiing before, and I'm certainly going with an open mind. The reason for choosing Bulgaria was cost. I have been to Courchevel around 5 times with my family and am aware that the skiing and general infrastructure there will be infinitely better than Bulgaria. Having said that, this is intended to be a cheap and cheerful trip - lift passes have cost us £90 for 6 days as opposed to the best part of £200 for the same in Courchevel. I don't think the two resorts can really be compared but I just want to make the best of Bansko, therefore any useful tips would be appreciated.

I was hoping that if I put "useful" tips, I might actually get some back - where to eat/drink etc. Telling me to cancel at this late stage is not exactly what I would call helpful. If your aim is to ensure that people are concerned about their holiday rather than have any hope of looking forward to it, Tony, then congratulations! I will post a report when we're back. Rustyinn - sorry you had a bad time but is there any advice you can give? (please don't say cancel, that's not helpful!)

Hi. I've booked to go to Bansko over New Year with 12 other people. I've read so much on these forums about the good and bad experiences people have had, and would really appreciate any useful tips for our stay. We're in the Antilia Apartments.

Thanks