Exciting Ski Runs
Pamporovo has a unique claim to fame – this bright, modern ski resort is the sunniest mountain resort in Europe. It boasts no less than 270 sunny days a year on average, and in the winter provides an ideal combination – plenty of snow and plenty of sparkling sunshine to show off the resort at its best. Pamporovo is high among the Rhodope Mountain in southern Bulgaria (a beautiful region, said to have once been the home of Orpheus), set amongst magnificent pine forests. It is tailor-made for skiing, with quality hotels and a really good selection of bars, restaurants and entertainment. The charming county town of Smolyan is nearby, and Bulgaria’s historic second city, Plovdiv, lies 80km to the north. Although particularly suited for beginners and intermediates, Pamporovo has a Giant Slalom run which really taxes the experts too. Balkan Holidays guests can choose from some of the best hotels in the resort, this season including a selection of brand new apartments and the newly built 5 star hotel Orlovetz.
For season 2004/05 a number of improvements have been carried out in the resort, including new ski markings and signs, 2 new ski runs - red and green, as well as a new 4-seater lift and increased number of snowgrooming machines. Pamporovo is aiming to keep its position as a leading Bulgarian ski resort with the opening of new 5 and 4 star holiday properties.

Beginners
The splendid ski school at Pamporovo is internationally renowned, and is geared to provide the best possible start for beginners. There’s tuition for four hours a day, six days a week, with ski fitting, class arranging etc. The school meets in the Malina region, just a few minutes bus drive from the centre of the resort. There are several drag lifts on the nursery slopes, but beginners will be heading for the higher slopes on the mountain long before the week is out.

Intermediates
The 20km of marked piste really suit the intermediate skier. The triple chairlift from the Malina station to the top of Snezhanka peak can handle over 1,800 skiers an hour, which makes short work of any queues. Alternatively, a single chair runs to the middle station, from where the new four man lift runs up to the peak.

Advanced
Advanced skiers can take the drag lift from the middle station which runs up the side of "The Wall". This is Pamporovo’s most exciting run, difficult, steep and mogulled, and there’s an international slalom too.

Ski Guides
For intermediate and advanced skiers only, we can now offer a ski guide service (guide only, no instruction) for off-piste skiing. See your local Balkan rep for full details. This service is also available to snowboarders. Please check that your insurance policy covers off-piste skiing/snowboarding.

Snowboarding
Pamporovo is great for snowboarding as the nursery slopes are suitable for perfecting the techniques you can later exhibit on the slopes further up the mountain! Board hire, soft boots, lift pass and instruction for ages 13 yrs+ can be booked. Please see price grid.

Cross Country
4, 16 and 18 km tracks – all worth exploring.

Ski Lifts
All ski lifts operate from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. with each lift closed for half a day a week and one full day per month for technical checks.

Après-ski
Après-ski in Pamporovo is fun and inexpensive and we even have our own resort activity organiser who can show anyone a good time! There are discos and a number of lively bars available. While you are in Pamporovo you really should sample the delights of the local folk restaurants that serve traditional local specialities with some extremely palatable Bulgarian wines. In addition there is always the ever-popular Ski Diploma Presentation Evening.
As well as being an ideal centre for skiers, there’s plenty going on in Pamporovo for those who simply enjoy a winter holiday in a lively mountain resort. Try bowling, swimming or billiards. Enjoy dinner at a BBQ restaurant with floor show, traditional songs and dances, or pay a fascinating visit to a traditional Rhodope home in one of the surrounding villages – get a taste of Bulgarian hospitality and try the home cooking.

Excursions
Among the most popular are a day trip to Plovdiv, sightseeing in nearby Smolyan and a visit to Sofia and the Bachkovo Monastery. Please note all excursions must be booked on the spot through your Balkan Holidays representative. Children aged 2-11 get up to 50% off the excursion prices.

Facilities

• SHOPS
  There are shopping centres in Hotel Perelik and Mourgavets, which also has a Post Office and souvenir shops. More shops and facilities are planned for Season 2005/06 in hotel Orlovetz.
• RESTAURANTS / BARS / DISCOS
  In our featured hotels and throughout the resort. The restaurants on Mt. Snezhanka are popular at lunch time for a relaxing snack whilst enjoying spectacular views.
• MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS
  Mountain rescue service, ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) plus first aid on all ski slopes. Fully equipped hospitals in Smolyan and Chepelare with a 24 hour pharmacy service.
• IMPORTANT NOTE
  Most medical services must be paid for, in cash, locally. They will provide receipts to enable you to claim back from your insurance company once you get back to UK.