BULGARIA’S SKI RESORTS

Since the return of democracy to Bulgaria in 1989, one of the most significant developments has been in the sphere of tourism and, parallel to it, a rapidly growing interest in realising hitherto unsuspected possibilities for foreign investments in real estate. The length of the Black Sea coastline, well-known in the 1960s and 1970s as the holiday playground of Bulgarian and the citizens of other Soviet bloc countries, has undergone a massive transformation into one of the most attractive talked-about destinations for European tourists, characterised enthusiastically as a second Costa Brava. How many, after their first unforgettable vacation, came back, this time looking to invest in new seaside apartments built off-plan in astoundingly beautiful new property developments at incredibly low prices. Add to this the accession of Bulgaria as a full EU member state in 2007, and you understand immediately that the prospects are unusually attractive.

The renaissance in summer tourism on the Black Sea coast is complimented by the discovery by Winter Sports lovers of the excellent facilities and almost unexploited possibilities of Bulgarian ski-resorts. Already prominent on the European – and even global! -ski-lovers list are resorts like Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Sofia, the elegant capital of the Bulgarian Republic, is minutes away from the densely-forested slopes of Mount Vitosha, the pride and recreation ground of the local inhabitants. In the last 10 years, the national capital has been transformed into an international business centre with a cosmopolitan character.

All this in turn has created the hugely increased interest of European, and especially British and Irish, investors in a number of highly attractive new, "off-plan" Property developments, particularly in these hitherto unknown Bulgarian resorts, whose potential is just now being truly appreciated.

Bansko, about 160 km south of Sofia and 250km from the Northern Greek metropolis of Thessaloniki, has been called the Gateway to the Pirin Mountains.

In fact, the entire region has been designated the Pirin National Park. The pretty and historic market town of Bansko, a notable centre of regional commerce from the time of the Bulgarian national revival of the 18th and 19th centuries, forms the vibrant heart of this new resort with global ambitions. Now you can see, side by side, historic monuments and new 5-star hotels, attractive traditional mehanas  and state-of-the-art property developments. Vacationers will be impressed by the variety of clubs and pubs and places of entertainment for all tastes.

Bansko, furthermore, is a major venue, in the strong Bulgarian bid for the Winter Olympic Games in 2014, together with the capital Sofia and the other two leading Bulgarian ski-resorts, Borovets (the oldest winter resort, founded by Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand in 1896, closer to Sofia, near Samokov, to the north of the Rila mountains) and Pamporovo, a modern purpose-built ski-resort in the Western Rhodope mountain range, which  Bulgarians are getting everything ready for a unique Sports experience, which will impress the World Skiing community with the high standards of sports and tourist installations.

 The conditions for Skiing are among the best in the Balkans. 17 ski-tracks with a total length of 65km cater for skiers and snowboarders of every level of achievement, from basic beginners to the very advanced, with the most exigent Alpine criteria. The Gondola ski-lift terminal is opposite the 5-star Kempinski Hotel.

By 2006, to cater for the increasingly high expectations of winter-sports lovers, more than 6000 apartments are being built in new constructions of the highest standards. Each of the developments has its own characteristic name, indicative of the way local Bulgarian architectural tradition is married with modern developments, where attention has been given to detail. Beyond any doubt, the special attraction of these properties in Bansko is the incredibly low cost, matched by equally incredibly high quality.

In addition, Bansko has an excellent 18-hole Golf Course and the route infra-structure in the area has been significantly up-graded to enhance access to the other tourist attractions of the surrounding region. Discussions are underway at Government level for the construction of an airport, capable of accommodating international flights.

Pamporovo opens up like an Alpine resort, along the scenic valley route from Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city, to Smolyan and the newly-opened border point with Northern Greece. In the shadow of Mount Snezhanka (1926 metres), it is Europe’s southernmost ski-resort, with sunshine for at least three quarters of the year, but also equitable temperatures, guaranteeing ideal skiing conditions for the duration of the season from December to April. Created around three main skiing areas, with 25 recognised slopes, Pamporovo is the perfect choice for the winter sports enthusiast, whatever may be his or her degree of proficiency. There are experienced instructors to guide learners and children.

This purpose-built mountain resort is breathtakingly attractive, with its harmonious blend of thick virgin forest, all-year snow-covered slopes and a particularly successful adaption of the traditional Rhodopes architectural style to the modern conception of self-contained Property Developments. Such is “Orpheus Valley”, inspired by the architecture of Bulgarian mediaeval monasteries, and yet with state of the art functionality and luxury facilities, guaranteed to ensure the total well-being of the future investor-resident. Agents are on hand to smooth out whatever small problem might arise. During the summer season, Pamporovo becomes the ideal base for mountain-walking and environmental tourism. It’s a year-round centre for healthy, energetic relaxation.

Several brand new 5-star hotels assure the essential ambience for socialising, quality entertainment and excellent night-life, but also provide gym, swimming and sauna facilities. In addition, there are a wide variety of well-stocked shops and restaurants, each with their own particular variant of attractive décor and local traditional cuisine, as well as Irish pubs and bars, with their warm, convivial atmosphere. Pamporovo is uniquely designed to give everyone a chance of experiencing class and quality, at truly affordable prices.

Written by Stelios Alex. Rigopoulos

To learn more about investing in Bulgaria’s ski resort properties visit www.allure-estates.co.uk , write an e-mail to info@allure-estates.co.uk or call 0044 (0) 845 2577 057