By Radoslav Raikov
Undoubtedly, each one of us has his own preferences when choosing a place for winter holidays. Some people want to see the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria, Borovetz, others prefer to combine their winter respite with romantic rural tourism in the Pirin region, while a third group will decide to visit the most southern Bulgarian ski resort of Pamporovo.
Pamporovo is developing with every year. Its popularity is increasing and more and more visitors from abroad confirm that they have heard the name. In this region, those that are keen on legends can learn something about the mythic singer Orpfeus while enjoying the smooth peaks of the Rhodopi Mountains.
Pamporovo is situated 1650 meters above sea level, at the foot of Snejanka top (1926 meters high). It greets its visitors with crispy air that seems to shatter into pieces with the subdued clink of breaking crystal, its high pine trees heavy with snow and its perfect ski tracks. Pamporovo also welcomes its visitors with original folklore traditions, many and diverse options for tourism and fun, and incredible tavern and local cuisine delights.
Pamporovo offers very good skiing conditions - lots of snow and sun, small comfortable private hotels in traditional Rhodopi style. Winter here is mild and the number of sunny days can reach 120. At the same time there are heavy snowfalls and the snow itself can reach up to 1.4 meters high. The influence of the neighboring Aegean Sea is considerable. The ski seasons begin in mid-December and continues until mid-April. The average temperature in January is -3. The negative ionization of the air guarantees longevity and low chances of catching of cold. Indeed, the resort has a unique climate and impressively clean air. Almost all Pamporovo tracks start from Snejhanka at the top (with very few exceptions) and end at Ardashla (1449 meters above sea level). Most winter sport lovers joke that once you start skiing from Snejhanka at the top and successfully reach Ardashla, then you can be considered really good in skiing. More experienced skiers can test their skills at the so-called "Wall" - a very steep and difficult non-cultivated ski-track. The "Znezhanka 1" ski-track is the longest in Pamporovo and at the same time the easiest accessible one. It is 3800 meters long, starting at the very top and ending at Ardashla. It has three ski seat lifts with a capacity of over 3000 people per hour.
At present there are many ongoing changes in Pamporovo that would completely change the way it looks. A number of new, big and modern hotels and ski tracks are being built. All this sounds great indeed but how can non-skiers pass their time in the resort? There is a solution for them too. Pamporovo offers many leisure time options apart from the ski tracks. It has bowling halls, indoor swimming pools and saunas. You can also bow shoot. You can also decide just to go for a walk and enjoy the virgin nature of the place or take a tour round the many souvenir shops, cozy boutiques, etc.
Foreigners will definitely appreciate the piquant local cuisine, folklore attractions and different leisure time activities, because folklore in the Rhodopi region is more then a memory from the past. It is a thriving part of daily life with the unique atmosphere of the old architecture, rich wood carvings on ceiling doors and cupboards, colorful fleecy rugs and goat's hair rugs, melodious songs and temperamental dances, beautiful woven folk dresses and exquisite jewels of Rhodopi women and intriguing folk customs which are preserved to this day. It is this atmosphere and uniqueness that attracts foreigners and all guests of the resort to its folk style restaurants. Pamporovo offers interesting folk programs together with tasty original Rhodopi specialties, such as kavarma kebap, Rhodopi style banitsa, roasted-on-fire lamb, trout, marudnik, yoghurt. For the more party-oriented guests there are numerous night clubs, bars and discos.
Pamporovo also organizes ski carnivals, ski shows and entertainment programs for all those looking for some winter fun. You can easily get information at your hotel's reception desk or from posters. For those who like dynamics and variety the resort also has a rich choice of excursions. There are many tourist tracks that one can take on foot or alternatively travel to tourist spots near and far in the countryside. Trips to the Rozhen top and the Smolyan lakes are also part of the program, together with excursions to the Stoikite village and the picturesque Orpheus rocks. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the town of Chepelare and the only speleological museum in Bulgaria, or go to the Bachkovo Monastery and the Shiroka Luka nature, archeological and ethno-folklore reserve.
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