Nearest Skiing - Mechi Chal
The nearest ski lift (recently replaced with a fast 4 person alpine-standard lift) is 2 km from the hotel, and takes you to the top of Chepalare's Mechi Chal I and II slopes which the Lonely Planet Guide describes as "two of the best slopes in the Balkans". Chepalare has its own ski factory (Amer/Atomic), and is a good place to buy cheap, locally made ski gear. This resort is quieter and more relaxed than its neighbour, Pamporovo, which is just 10km away; it suits intermediate or advanced skier more than beginners, and recently introduced snow-making equipment means more reliable skiing, too.
Please visit Chepelare Ski Centre.
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is bigger, has more runs, and more in the way of restaurants and bars. It is also easily accessible and you can split your time between the two resorts. Although it can be busy with locals at weekends, during the week you can sometimes have the slopes almost to yourself. There is a ski kindergarten for children, and it is a good resort for all abilities including beginners.
There has been huge investment in this resort in the last few seasons, including new lifts and snow-making equipment - and recently a new 6 person lift and a superb new 5km blue piste. Early on in the 2008/2009 season, the resort got some deserved bad press, but the management reacted very positively to this criticism, and the season turned into one of the best, with bags of snow right up to the closing date of 13th April.
For 2009/2010 season, typical costs are as follows:
- Chepelare ski pass for one day is €16.50
- Pamporovo ski pass for one day is €25
- Ski rental around €12.50 per day
- A ski instructor will cost about €8-10 per hour
Ski passes can be purchased at the St George Hotel (at no extra cost); and other arrangements can be made, such as: free transfers to the Mechi Chal piste, and mountain insurance, ski rental and ski instruction at competitive rates, Anything you need - just ask!
