Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
feeling much guilt. The main cultural event for locals, the
Rozhen Folk Festival
( late
August)
occurs in the Rozhen fields between Pamporovo and Progled.
Activities
Skiing
Nestled in Bulgaria's deep south, Pamporovo and Chepelare boast over 250 days of sun-
shine a year. With significant snowfall between mid-December and mid-April, skiing con-
ditions are often ideal.
Pamporovo's facilities are comparatively new and the slopes well maintained; however,
the resort sprawls, so private transport is helpful. In winter, accommodation for independ-
ent skiers and travellers is scarce. If you're skiing here, consider cheaper accommodation
options in Chepelare, Momchilovtsi, Smolyan and Shiroka Lûka.
Pamporovo's eight downhill ski runs total 25km and are complemented by 25km of
cross-country trails and four training slopes. At least three new trails are being gouged out
of the mountains between Pamporovo and Stoykite. The resort is at 1620m, with the
highest trailhead rising to 1937m. Of Pamporovo's original five chairlifts and nine
draglifts, a few operate during summer. Chairlifts cost 15/20 lv one way/return and a day
pass costs about 60 lv. Minibuses from the hotels to the lifts are free if you have a lift
pass.
Pamporovo offers trails for beginners, and instructors speak English or German.
There's also a children's ski kindergarten. Most instructors charge about 220 lv per person
for 12 to 24 hours group training, spread over six to 12 days.
More than a dozen ski shops rent gear, including the
Sport Shop
( 0888552354)
in
the Hotel Perelik complex. A full set of equipment costs 50 lv to 80 lv per day. Pam-
porovo is ideal for snowboarding; visit the popular British-run
Snow Shack
(snow-
shack_uk@yahoo.co.uk)
in the Hotel Markony complex for snowboarding gear and/or
training courses.
Other Activities
In summer local providers rent out mountain bikes (from 8 lv per hour), and hiking guides
(from 25 lv per hour) are usually available. Horse riding (40 to 50 lv per hour) is offered
around the central T-junction. Tennis courts are also nearby.
