Situated 1,650 metres above sea level, at the foot of peak Snejanka (1926 metres), which is part of the Rhodopa Mountains range. The region is famous for having the most extensive ski area in Bulgaria. The area is a popular summer retreat for hikers, and locals wanting to get away from the oppressive Mediterranean temperatures.

The resort has a first class ski lift system and a world famous ski-school with more than 100 highly qualified instructors. Over 34 km of cross country tracks are available for skiing; all slopes are serviced by a well maintained system of lifts and drags.

Location: 260 km from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv.

Climate: Short summers and long snowy winters. Snow is often over 1.40 metres thick between December and April and snow cover lasting between 120 to 170 days per year.

Travel time: Three hour flight from the UK and three hour drive from Sofia or one hour drive from Plovdiv.

Skiing: Most extensive ski network in Bulgaria; 25km of ski slopes and 34km of cross country skiing. World famous ski school with numerous beginners slopes right up to “The Wall” a giant slalom run only for the very experienced.

The ski season starts from mid - December to mid - April. The average air temperature is -3 ° C. Snow cover reaches a thickness of 1.40 metres. Pamporovo is Bulgaria’s second largest winter resort and boasts the sunniest and most southerly skiing in Europe.

Other Activities: There are various other activities to do while in Pamporovo such as:

Hiking routes to the top of Rojen and Smolyan Lakes;
Trips to the Stoykite village and the picturesque rocks of Orpheus;
Visits to ancient towns and various Monastery's.
Eco tourism is increasingly popular with bear, boar, deer, fox all indigenous to the area. Various geo thermal springs in the region fabled to cure various ailments.

Development: While €69 million has been spent on ski infrastructure in the last two years; there is plenty more development on the way:

€9 million for two new lifts with capacity of 2000 people per hour; two new parking lots for 400 cars and expansion of the already existing holiday village "Malina"
Snow-gun (cannons) machines will provide enough snow at the longest and busiest ski-pistes as well as at three other shorter pistes;
The Plovdiv airport has been upgraded; various low cost and charter airlines are targeting the area for direct winter flights;
New border crossing with Greece opening up the area (Greeks were the largest tourist nationality to Bulgaria over the last 4 years);
Several 5* hotels in progress.

Pictures from Pamporovo:

Ski run map of Pamporovo: