Pamporovo- the southern most ski resort in Europe:
Pamporovo is the southern most ski resort in Europe and the sunniest mountain resort in Bulgaria. It has good weather for skiing and pleasantly warm weather throughout the long summer. It has an average winter sunshine of 120 days - but the snow is reliable (consider how unreliable the snow cover was in many European resorts
2007). Resort altitude is1,650M and ski temperatures average a pleasant -3C. Ski season is mid December to early April. Average snowfall is 1.5M the peak at Snejanka is 1,926M.
Summer temperatures range from May 10C-20C with similar temperatures at the beginning of October. July and August can reach an average high of 30C and low rainfall July through September (about 30mm in each of these months with August being the driest). Car hire is recommended in summer to take advantage of exploring the beautiful mountain area. A small family car would be adequate around £170 per week. The drive from the airport Sofia takes about 3++ hours with lovely scenery.
Pamporovo- excellent skiing at budget prices:
Pamporovo is probably one of the three best places in the world to learn to ski. It is especially suitable for beginners and children. It boasts an excellent ski school - possibly the best for beginners and the instructors speak good English. Ski /snowboard hire and tuition are cheap compared to anywhere else. A lift pass is about £100 and ski/board tuition is around £100 for 4 hours over 6 days (some European resorts charge £250 for a lift pass during peak season).
For more advanced skiers there is a choice of intermediate runs, and for the advanced skier the’ wall' black mogul run and some interesting long reds. Time yourself on the international slalom course.
Pamporovo has après ski at value prices - BJ's bar, Dave's Bar, and White Hart Pub
Pamporovo offers excellent value all year round and the cost of things is low. A 3 course meal out with wine is less than £10 per person. Have a traditional Bulgarian night out in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant for not much more
Forest Nook in summer- rural retreat/be active:
Days out and places of interest - rock formations and rock climbing; river activities; Roman ruins; caves; churches and chapels. The Bachkovo Monastery is a must see. Visit the 'emerald eyes' of the Rhodope mountain range - the Smolyan Lakes near to Forest Nook. The Yagodina Cave - the longest cave in Bulgaria is a 15 km drive away towards the pretty town of Shriko Luca.
Wildlife - The Rhodope mountain range is a haven for birds/birdwatchers and contains over 200 species - many of which are rare. There are lush meadows, home to an abundance of flowers, many of which are only found in this area. Go walking with our mountain guide Dicho, who is an expert on the wildlife, flowers and rare plants.
Romantic/relaxing holiday - or Forest Nook has an Activities centre. canoeing, caves, off road safari or ATV, or horse riding/trekking. Via Ferrata or Quad biking.
See more of Bulgaria - consider a week at Forest Nook and a week on the Black Sea coast or Greek Aegean
coast.
Ski:
Pamporovo is one of the best places in the world to learn to ski. What is even better is that you can do it
at budget prices. It is very suitable for children and provides an ideal winter family holiday with its combination
of gentle nursery slopes, patient and enthusiastic English speaking ski instructors AND value for money prices.
Ski and snowboard hire are cheap compared to anywhere else. A lift pass will cost about £100.00 a week and
ski/board lessons around £100.00 for 4 hours over 6 days (in may European resorts you would pay £250.00
for the lift pass and considerably more than £100.00 for tuition). Private lessons can be arranged at very
reasonable rates.
There is a good choice of intermediate runs, some interesting long reds and black 'wall' mogul run. Time
yourself on the international slalom course.
Pamporovo is one of Europe's sunniest ski resorts. Ski temperatures average a pleasant -3C. There is virtually no risk of avalanche. Av snowfall is 1.5M
Other Activities:
Snowshoeing, snowboarding, canoeing, bird watching, via ferrata, wall climbing.
