 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi there
I'm trying to find a resort for 4 beginners to go skiing in early March that we'd ideally like to tick the following boxes:
- good lessons
- good snow
- good apres ski
- not too expensive
Bulgaria seems to be the country that matches these, however, the blurp on the their resorts that the tour operators have seems to vary diffrently from the reviews I've read on forums, which are equally at polar extremes as to whether Bulgaria is good for the all the above or not.
Is anyone able to give me some sound advice on Bulgaria, and if so, which resort they'd recommend. Alternatively, I may be barking up the wrong tree with Bulgaria so if there are other countries that might fit the bill, any advice is much appreciated!
Thanks
Excited but nervous first timer! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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crabtreehannah, Welcome to Snowheads. there have been quite a few thread on Bulgarian resorts lately. Trawl through these and make your mind up.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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crabtreehannah, welcome to Snowheads.  An important criterion on your list is "good snow". It might be good snow in Bulgaria at that time, it might not. But the same could be said of many resorts. Anyone who tells you Bulgaria "will" have good snow is lying!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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My advice regarding Bulgaria is don;t expect too much and you'll be fine! My one and only trip to Borovets (never again!) only served to confirm that "You get what you pay for!". Equipment hire was awful (ski fell off half way up a chair lift due to a dodgy binding), snow was ok, bit patchy at bottom but fine "up top", apres ski was ok (met a couple of, ahem, "nice" young ladies!). Very very cheap though so your last criteria will probably be met! To be honest it was a few years ago now but I wouldn;t return although for a low cost trip it'll be fine.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Bulgaria is fine for a first time - not great but ok and lots of fun. Slovenia is good too for a first time. For a much cheaper break you could try Sierra Nevada in Spain which certainly ticks all the boxes and in my opinion has the best nightlife of any ski resort anywhere.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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- good lessons - no idea
- good snow - probably not
- good apres ski - not if you want to eat well and like friendly service
- not too expensive - tick
Note I haven't actually skied there personally, but my wife is from Sofia and knows the place extremely well. Bulgaria is not my idea of a holiday destination, but some people seem to like the slightly third world character. Bansko is rapidly turning into a Brits abroad nightmare, so I wouldn't go there for sure.
Personally I'd choose one of the smaller French/Swiss resorts for a first ski holiday, it probably won't cost you any more. No need to go to a mega resort like 3V as a beginner.
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Loads of resorts in France and Austria would tick those boxes, although they aren't as cheap as Bulgaria. I love Kitzbuhel which ticked all the boxes the week we were there - fab powder our week. My sister has just had a fortnight in Kaprun and had a great time. I admit the Bulgaria reviews always put me off....
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Bansko will be your best bet in Bulgaria
- good lessons - iv heard good things about banskomania also method ski school
- good snow - who knows but as a first timer there will be enough for you, also they are well equiped with snow cannons.
- good apres ski -there is allsorts there from young and lively to traditional mehanas.
- not too expensive -if you dont go to the obvious places its cheap, if your talking beer it ranges from £.7 - £3 for a pint.
I go to bulgaria every year as we have family there but also go to the alps i enjoy both ,alot of people do alot dont, as for your fist trip i personaly think its a good one.
If i could give you a tip it woulb be to book a diy trip cheaper and you can choose your own ski school etc not what your tour op throws at you, register on this site www.skidvd.co.uk you will get all the info you need there.
Hope this helps
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
Kitzbuhel which ticked all the boxes the week we were there -
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I've never heard it suggested that Kitzbuhel ticks the "cheap" box.
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| romeowner wrote: |
| Bansko will be your best bet in Bulgaria |
Agreed. For reasons given.
Only fly in the ointment will be the FIS Womens World Cup, running on 28th Feb/1st Mar. Significant disruption prior to the event, and maybe for a day or two after, so maybe second week in march will be best bet.
Been three times in total, last time with two "improvers" (skiers). They loved it.
The Lion, Perun, Strahzite, or any of the newer hotels up by the gondola will suit. Stayed at the Lion, food was even reasonable (HB).
John.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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i went to Boro last season 1st time ive been and the lessons were great. I got parra turns down by the end of the week!
Foods umm passable and if you are staying in the Samakov dont bother with meals.. ask if you can have them taken off your package price! We ate in the hotel a grand total of once and most mornings for brekfast.
We went in mid Jan and the snow was really good started getting a bit sloppy but had heavy snowfall on the tuesday night/wednesday so that kept the slopes good for the rest of the week!
The people are a tad "A**hole..ish" but on the most friendly enough.
The streets are lined with Gypsies and strip/sex shows and im not sure if its the same everywhere but people trying to get you into there resturants all the time (Just ignore them)
My overall view on bulgeria is you get what you pay for. It was enough to get me hooked on ski'ing but i doubt id go back again.
Deffo go if you want to give it a go though
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