It’s cold..very cold
Weather conditions throughout Central and Eastern Europe are set to be highly challenging in the next week, with temperatures plummeting across the region. Disruption is being reported from Poland in the North to Austria in the West and down into the Balkans, where conditions are reported to be very cold with deep, drifting snow.
Skiing Thrives
However, there are positive effects of the bad weather, the main one of which is that skiing conditions are superb.The Balkans contains what is widely acknowledged as some of the best skiing in Europe, especially in terms of value for money. The total cost of a weeks skiing holiday in Bulgaria is a mere fraction of what it would cost in the Alps.That total cost includes ski passes and the cost of food, drink, and other day-to-day consumables. The cost of a weeks skiing in Bansko (one of Bulgaria’s premier resorts) is just $320, compared to a hefty $844 in the swanky Swiss resort of Zermatt.
Bulgaria has three major ski resorts: Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. All three are modern and well equipped and no more than about two/three hours drive from Sofia, the nation’s capital and the airport for local and international flights.There are regular transfer services from Sofia to all three resorts.
Bansko
Bansko is 927m above sea level and sits at the foot of the Pirin Mountain range, 100 miles from Sofia. There are 47 miles of ski runs, with the summit for skiing being 8,500ft above sea level. For variety and warmer relaxation, the nearby town of Banya has 27 thermal springs.
Borovets
Borovets was originally established as hunting grounds for the Bulgarian monarchy, but nowadays the slopes of the Rila Mountains play host to a wide variety of winter sports, due to its close proximity to Sofia (50 miles).Set at 1350m above sea level, there are 40 miles of ski slopes up to an altitude of 2650m.
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is located in the Rhodope Mountains about 170 miles south of Sofia and 60 miles from Plovdiv (Bulgaria’s second city and the nearest airport). It is probably the southernmost ski resort in Europe and lies 1620m above sea level, the summit is 6325ft above sea level. There are just under 40 miles of ski runs, though snow-boarding is a particular favourite there. A border crossing from Greece is just thirty minutes away allowing easy access from leaving skiing to going to the beach.
All resorts have extensive facilities including an extensive apres-piste nightlife, many restaurants and bars, as well as shopping facilities.
Getting there and staying there.
Flights to Sofia from U.S. Airports start at $560 return (Chicago-Sofia, leaving in February).Hotels are available from $50 a night in Bansko. Check out www.paylessflights.com
