Pamporovo
Pamporovo (sometimes known as Pamps to its friends) is a modern resort built within spectacular pine forests within the historic Rhodope Mountains area. The earliest resort development dates to the 1960s, but was completed with more style than most ski centres created around the world in that decade.
The resort was partially privatised soon after the end of the Communist era in Bulgaria in the 1990s and a majority share holding in the profitable resort was sold by the government in 2000. The result today are refurbished hotels with a great range of facilities in each. Further improvements are planned in the coming years as Pamporovo receives more new investment in line with the expansion and upgrade of all leading resorts.
It's important to note that there is little slopeside accommodation. Most hotels and the resort centre is around a kilometre from the ski slopes, with a free bus service making the short link between lodging and lifts.
The beautiful Rhodolpe mountain area has many claims to fame in history and possibly the future. The mythical singer Orpheus is believed to have lived here, one of his songs is currently flying out beyond the solar system on the Voyager space craft seeking out new life and new civilisations.
There may be something in the air here as many of the locals live to be 100+ (they manage to maintain a reputation for friendliness, cooking and singing for all that time too), or it may be just because this claims to be Europe's sunniest ski resort, averaging 270 sunshine days annually.
Finally, Pamporovo is also known for it's high value skiing, shopping and après ski.
Skiing
Most of Pamporovo's ski runs descend from the top of the mountain and are suitable for all ability levels, although beginners and intermediates will find the most to do here.
The ski area is linked to the hotels and village by a regular shuttle bus which is efficient but can get full before the last pick up in either direction at busy times.
Ski runs descend from beneath the imposing television tower at 1925m down to 1450m - a 475m maximum vertical which does not compare with the Alps but is adequate for most. Runs descend through the forested north, east and west slopes of mount Snejanka.
A new quad lift from the resort to Studenets replaced an old single man lift that was operating there, greatly increasing uplift efficiency.
It's a great resort for beginners on several levels. Firstly there's the sunshine and snow record, secondly two thirds of the trails are graded easy and third and most important, the ski school is one of the most highly regarded in Europe. Highly qualified instructors, each speaking at least two foreign languages, train beginners, in groups or individually.
Intermediate skiers have the longest runs including number five, down to Ardashla at 3.1km (two miles) in length.
The most difficult run is "The Wall", one of two blacks at the area, a steep and challenging mogul field.
There is also good off-piste skiing when conditions are right and plenty of expert guides to show it to you.
There are three cross-country runs in Pamporovo with 25km of trails in total.
There are also no less than nine ski rental and storage locations around the base of the slopes.
Boarding
There's no commitment to a regular terrain park or similar by Pamporovo, although there is normally a half pipe available.
High quality rentals and friendly expert tuition are available and the wide open runs are good for cruising. The low prices also tend to create a boarder friendly atmosphere on and off the slopes. This is a good resort to learn to board or progress after a few weeks on snow.
Apres
BJ's bar in the Perelik hotel bar is usually the most popular spot in town. Several other hotels have lively bars and integral night clubs. Another popular bar is Daks in the Snezhanka Hotel. Theme bars are order of the day including both English and Irish in the Pamporovo Hotel, which also has its own nightclub and a Greek Taverna in the Perelik. There's normally good service and high value in all.
The Hotel Murgavets has a ninth floor bar, the Cosmos, which is popular for apres thanks in part to the spectacular views.
There are also plenty of other activities on offer, including the modernised bowling alley in the Hotel Perelik. Traditional Bulgarian entertainment is also to be found including walking on coals at the Bulgarian Barbecue and Grill.
Dining
The food in hotels tends to get mixed reviews and many people booked on half or full board seem to end up eating out, but without complaining much usually as value and quality is good.
Traditional Bulgarian dishes such as spit roast lamb are served at the Chervemeto. Another highly recommended place to eat authentic Bulgarian cuisine is Chavone on the outskirts of town.
The Bulgarian Barbecue and Grill attached to the Murgavets hotel is very good as is the Red Sun Chinese. There's a good Italian eatery in the Perelik.
Brother's cafe is famed for its hot chocolate (with or without brandy) and its possible to go up the TV tower on top of the mountain and eat there with spectacular views, as far as Greece on a good day.
Shopping
There are about ten shops including a small shopping centre within the Hotel Pamporovo. Skiwear and equipment tends to be cheaper than in the Alps and of course there are Bulgarian souvenir outlets - bells are a particularly popular item but be wary of travelling salesmen trying to force them on you.
Bargains are plentiful as no tax is charged on goods so it's a haven for cigarettes and alcohol buyers. However its best to bring hard currency as credit cards are not always accepted and travellers cheques can carry high exchange fees. There are two cash machines accepting most international cards.
Facilities
Many of the hotels have swimming pools and spa facilities including sauna, massage and fitness centres (including the Orlovetz, Perelik, St George and Pamporovo). The Pamporovo and Perelik both have hairdressing salons. There is a bowling alley in the Perelik and dog sledding is available.
Families
A family friendly resort with children enjoying the swimming and bowling off the slopes and good family restaurants offering high value.
Children aged five and older can join the ski kindergarten run by the Hotel Perelik in conjunction with the Pamporovo Ski School. It operates between 9am and 4.30pm daily and includes around two hours on the slopes. Children up to age eight are accepted.
Accommodation
The Hotel Pamporovo is the most highly rated of the dozen or so hotels. It has 58 double, three single and 13 suite rooms each with mini bar, telephone, satellite television and hair dryer. There's a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, massage, fitness centre, A la carte restaurant, night club, Irish pub and shopping centre all on site.
Other four stars are the central Murgavets and the recently built Orlovetz, both of which have pools with spa facilities.
Three star options are the Perelik, the largest hotel in the resort with 212 rooms and facilities including swimming pool, games room and six lane bowling centre. The Snezhanka and Evridika also have indoor pools whilst the Prespa has sauna and solarium.
Getting There
Pamporovo is 260km (167 miles) from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, and 85km (53 miles) south of the city of Plovdiv which is the main airport for package tours, 90 minutes to two hours away by coach. The journey from Sofia typically takes three-and-a-half to four hours.
Piste Information
- Resort height:
- 1600m
- Total km of pisted runs:
- 25km
- Total no. of slopes:
- 20
- Total km of x-country skiing:
- 38km
- Longest run:
- 2.5km
- Total no. of lifts:
- 18
- Highest lift:
- 1926m
- Percentage of easy runs:
- 65%
- Percentage of intermediate runs:
- 23%
- Percentage of difficult runs:
- 12%
- Snowboarding facilities:
- 1 halfpipe
- Passport photo required (for lift pass):
- no
Piste Map
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Videos
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