The ski resort Pamporovo is the second largest in Bulgaria, after Bansko, and is located in the Southern Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of 1620 metres, with the highest peak in the skiing area Snezhanka (Snow White) reaching 1937m, where all the major ski runs start; the lowest ski track is at 1,444m. The skiing season varies with the year and can last from December to April. All ski tracks in Pamporovo are monitored and medical services are readily available.
The first station of one of its chair lifts is just 14 km from Villa Gella in the village of Stoikite. The resort has 6 ski chair lifts (mainly manufactured by Pomagalski, France), 13 drag lifts and 9 ski tow lines, with the capacity of transporting 11,600 persons per hour and servicing 37 km of ski runs and 25km of cross-country skiing tracks. The processing and overall maintenance of the ski slopes is accomplished by snowgroomers “Kassbohrer” from Germany. An artificial snow system manufactured by Sufag and York applies 160 snow canons to achieve snow cover at 90% of the ski slopes, if needed.
There are tracks for skiing and snowboarding for both beginners and intermediate levels, with excellent conditions for the whole family. More advanced skiers may use the Giant Slalom run as well as ‘The Wall’ – the most difficult ski run in Pamporovo. There is a 110m long half-pipe facility. The cross country skiing run is divided into 4, 16 and 18km tracks. Night skiing is available at ‘The Wall’ – the most difficult ski track, which is open from 6am to 10pm. There are good conditions for off-piste skiing, but a local guide is recommended.
The daily ski pass for access to all lifts/ towlines are quite affordable and half-day, mutli-day and weekly discounts are also available. Experienced multilingual ski instructors are easy to hire.
The climate tends to be mild with an average temperature in January of about -3 degrees C (26.6 degrees F). On average, there are about 120 days of snowfall each year, and as many sunny days each winter. There are little concerns about the possible danger of avalanches and dramatic climate changes.