Ski Resort Guide
Pamporovo
Pamporovo Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Like most other resorts in Bulgaria, Pamporovo ski resort offers some of the cheapest skiing in Europe, and is hugely popular with those seeking value for money.
Based in the heart of Bulgaria's Rhodopi Mountains, Pamporovo ski resort is set to balloon after the completion of the Perelik development project, which will link Pamporovo to the nearby resort of Chepelare, increasing piste length and number.
First established in the 1960s, the resort is steeped in folklore and is said to be the home of Greek mythical singer Orpheus, whose music and poetry could even (allegedly) charm wild animals. Because of its location as one of the most southerly ski resorts in Europe, it is also one of the sunniest.
Based in the heart of Bulgaria's Rhodopi Mountains, Pamporovo ski resort is set to balloon after the completion of the Perelik development project, which will link Pamporovo to the nearby resort of Chepelare, increasing piste length and number.
First established in the 1960s, the resort is steeped in folklore and is said to be the home of Greek mythical singer Orpheus, whose music and poetry could even (allegedly) charm wild animals. Because of its location as one of the most southerly ski resorts in Europe, it is also one of the sunniest.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,650m (5,413ft).
Top elevation: 1,937m (6,355ft).
Base elevation: 1,450m (4,757ft).
Number of lifts: 15.
Number of runs: 20.
Average annual snowfall: 1.5m (4.9ft).
Where in the world?
Pamporovo lies at the heart of the Rhodopi Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria, 260km (162 miles) from the capital, Sofia. The range borders Greece, and peaks at Mt Snezhanka (1,926m/6,319ft).
Hit the slopes
In spite of sunny weather and a mild climate, Pamporovo usually enjoys a reasonable snowfall, with a season lasting between late December and early April. The new automatic snowmaking system helps keep a reliable cover when snow is scarce however on a core 20% of the ski terrain.
Most of the main runs fan out from the peak at Mt Snezhanka, which has a viewing tower at the top. The majority are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, including the black run Snezhanka 2 (known as The Wall). The main beginners' run (the Tourist Track) is a 4.2km (2.6-mile) trail from the peak to the base.
In addition to over 25km (16 miles) of ski runs, there are also 38km (24 miles) of cross-country skiing tracks and off-piste opportunities.
The lifts include a new four-seater chairlift, and the ski schools have a good reputation, with over 100 qualified instructors. Ski gear can be hired at both Malina Village and Studenets.
Most of the main runs fan out from the peak at Mt Snezhanka, which has a viewing tower at the top. The majority are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, including the black run Snezhanka 2 (known as The Wall). The main beginners' run (the Tourist Track) is a 4.2km (2.6-mile) trail from the peak to the base.
In addition to over 25km (16 miles) of ski runs, there are also 38km (24 miles) of cross-country skiing tracks and off-piste opportunities.
The lifts include a new four-seater chairlift, and the ski schools have a good reputation, with over 100 qualified instructors. Ski gear can be hired at both Malina Village and Studenets.
Beyond the slopes
Take a high-speed ride around the hills on a four-seater snowmobile. Ice skating is also available. Private bus trips are possible to nearby places of interest like Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria, and the peaceful lakes of Smolyan.
Family fun
The ski school welcomes children over the age of eight, and the ski kindergarten, for kids aged four to seven, has half-day and whole-day packages. The Hotel Perelik has a massive swimming pool (open to non-guests) and hugely popular bowling alley. There is a small children's play area outside the Hotel Murgavets.
Retail therapy
Two small shopping centres provide the resort with most of its retail needs. The new Pamporovo Shopping Centre (opposite Hotel Perelik) has small shops selling snazzy shades, chunky silver jewellery and sports gear.
Opposite is the larger Shopping Centre (linking the Hotel Perelik and Hotel Murgavets). Its ground floor souvenir shop sells beauty creams made from local natural rose oil, painted ceramics, the ubiquitous Russian Dolls and handmade crystal ornaments. The ground floor also has plenty of ski gear shops, including Select sports store, with all the top names in boots, skis and snowboards.
There is a small 24-hour supermarket opposite the Hotel Murgavets.
Opposite is the larger Shopping Centre (linking the Hotel Perelik and Hotel Murgavets). Its ground floor souvenir shop sells beauty creams made from local natural rose oil, painted ceramics, the ubiquitous Russian Dolls and handmade crystal ornaments. The ground floor also has plenty of ski gear shops, including Select sports store, with all the top names in boots, skis and snowboards.
There is a small 24-hour supermarket opposite the Hotel Murgavets.
Après ski
The lively Après Ski Bar, Hotel Perelik, has a mix of cocktails with burgers and steaks. For the best view mid ski, the bar and restaurant at the Snezhanka TV Tower on the peak of Mt Snezhanka is a popular meeting point.
The White Hart (see Eating Out) has karaoke nights, live bands and a big screen TV with international sports. Some of the most popular bars and clubs are located in the larger hotels, including karaoke, cocktails and Sky Sports at the Irish Dak's Bar, Hotel Snejanka.
The White Hart (see Eating Out) has karaoke nights, live bands and a big screen TV with international sports. Some of the most popular bars and clubs are located in the larger hotels, including karaoke, cocktails and Sky Sports at the Irish Dak's Bar, Hotel Snejanka.
Eating out
Most restaurants serve up local dishes plus popular international cuisine, with the largest hub around the Hotel Murgavets. The Italian Restaurant, Hotel Perelik, has a wonderful selection of pastas and pizzas. Live traditional music plays nightly at the roomy mehana Bulgarian Village with a large range of local dishes and roaring log fire.
Near the bus stand at the main junction, Baj Ilia is a locals' favourite with tasty cheap Bulgarian food; a few more small restaurants are clustered nearby. The huge Chevermeto specialises in the Rhodopi dish of cheverme (barbecued lamb), and also has live traditional music. The British-style White Hart has an all-day full English breakfast, plus burgers, steaks and pizzas.
Near the bus stand at the main junction, Baj Ilia is a locals' favourite with tasty cheap Bulgarian food; a few more small restaurants are clustered nearby. The huge Chevermeto specialises in the Rhodopi dish of cheverme (barbecued lamb), and also has live traditional music. The British-style White Hart has an all-day full English breakfast, plus burgers, steaks and pizzas.
Getting around
All major hotels run free shuttle buses to the ski centres Studenets and Malina Village. The latter can be reached on foot in 30 minutes. There are also buses to the nearby ski resort of Chepelare, 10km (6 miles) north and it may be possible to get buses to the small new snowboarding centre of Momchilovtsi, 12km (7 miles) east. Once the Perelik project is complete, there will be better transport facilities to other local ski resorts.
Splashing out
Indulge in a full Oriental therapeutic treatment at the Hotel Pamporovo's luxury spa. Sip a cocktail on the top-floor terrace of the Piano Bar, Hotel Orlavetz, or puff away at the Whisky and Cigar Bar, Hotel Pamporovo.
Accommodation
Luxury
Hotel OrlovetzPamporovo's newest 5-star hotel has 105 spacious, light rooms in a contemporary décor, as well as a spa, pool and treatment centre.
Tel: (0309) 59000.
Website: www.pamporovoresort.com/details.php?p_id=6&id=18
Moderate
Hotel MurgavetsThis large 4-star hotel in the hub of the resort has a selection of rooms and apartments with decent facilities, plus spa facilities, a restaurant and shopping.
Tel: (0309) 58310.
Website: www.murgavets-bg.com
Budget
Hotel RodopiLocated in a quieter area, the Rodopi is 15-minute walk from the main road junction. While double rooms are small, its newly refurbished apartments are good value.
Tel: (0309) 58442.
Getting there
Nearest airport: Plovdiv (PDV).
Distance to resort: 85km (53 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Distance to resort: 85km (53 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Beginners, Intermediates, Families, Snowboarders
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox.
Advertisement
Travel Deals
Advertising features
-
Finland Family holidays There is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint – it
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
