Ski Resort Guide: Pamporovo

Pamporovo is situated amidst the pine forest of the Rhodope Mountains. The village sits at the foot of the Snejanka Mountain, a rounded peak from which all the resort's scenic and often tree-lined pistes descend.

Most of the main runs fan out from the peak at Mt Snezhanka, which has a viewing tower at the top. The majority are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, including the black run Snezhanka 2 (known as The Wall). The main beginners' run (the Tourist Track) is a 4.2km (2.6-mile) trail from the peak to the base.

In addition to over 25km (16 miles) of ski runs, Pamporovo also has 38km (24 miles) of cross-country skiing tracks and off-piste opportunities.

Pamporovo in Brief

Height: 1,620 - 1,937m (4,290 - 8,300ft).

Marked Pistes: 25km.

No. of Runs: 4 green, 3 blue, 5 red, 4 black.

Lifts: 5 chair-lifts, 3 draglifts plus several baby-drag lifts.

Eating out

Most restaurants serve up local dishes plus popular international cuisine, with the largest hub around the Hotel Murgavets. The Italian Restaurant (Hotel Perelik) has a wonderful selection of pastas and pizzas. Live traditional music plays nightly at the roomy mehana Bulgarian Village (adjacent to Hotel Murgavitz) with a large range of local dishes and roaring log fire.

Near the bus stand at the main junction, Baj Ilia is a locals' favourite with tasty cheap Bulgarian food; a few more small restaurants are clustered nearby. The huge Chevermeto specialises in the Rhodopi dish of cheverme (barbecued lamb), and also has live traditional music. The British-style White Hart, opposite Hotel Murgavets, has an all-day full English breakfast, plus burgers, steaks and pizzas.