Guide to Mountain Resorts

Introduction

Bulgaria’s mountain regions are home to some of its most glorious scenery. Though spas like Sandanski and Varshets are growing in popularity, it is the winter sports resorts that are the main attractions. Skiing enthusiasts are flocking to Bankso, Borovets and Pamporovo, which offer constantly improving facilities and excellent value for money. Naturally, investors and second home purchasers are hard on their heels.

The region

Mountain ranges, each with its own individual character, cover much of Bulgaria. The Stara Planina Mountains (part of the Balkans) cross the centre of the country from east to west. In the southwest, the pine-clad Rhodopes form a natural border with Greece. At their western end are the blue lakes and rugged peaks of the Pirins and the Rilas.

As well as ski resorts and spas, there are picturesque villages, castles and monasteries to explore.

Climate

The average January temperature is around minus 5 degrees Celsius in the ski resorts and minus 20 degrees on the highest peaks. In most areas, the skiing season runs from December to April. Summer temperatures are generally between 14 and 19 degrees.

Getting there

Bankso is about two hours by road from Sofia International Airport, and Borovets around 90 minutes. Services to and from the UK are expanding. Budget airline Wizz Air now flies between Luton and Sofia four times a week.

At present, charter flights are the only way of travelling direct from the UK to Plovdiv International Airport, two hours’ drive from Pamporovo, but no-frills services are rumoured to be starting soon.

Property

Bulgaria’s oldest winter sports resorts are Borovets, in the Rila Mountains, and Pamporovo, in the Rhodope Mountains, which were purpose built in the 1960s.

Currently, new property in Borovets is in somewhat short supply, but the Super Borovets project, one of Bulgaria’s most ambitious initiatives, makes this a location to watch.

Pamporovo’s facilities are undergoing comprehensive regeneration. New hotels are being built, the pistes are being extended, and snowmaking equipment has been installed. Among other projects, the planned Grand Pamporovo resort, which will include a spa and a self-contained village close to one of the main ski lifts, should raise the town’s profile further. Pamporovo is now positioning itself as an all-season destination, offering mountain biking, hunting, hiking, climbing and fishing.

Over the last few years, Bankso, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, has become the property hotspot among the mountain resorts. Its ski facilities are being upgraded and its pistes expanded. Unlike Pamporovo and Borovets, today’s resort has evolved from a village dating back to the Middle Ages. Though substantial development is now taking place, the town centre retains its character, with cobbled streets and alpine-style architecture. New building restrictions should ensure it continues to do so.

Bankso’s ski season can last into mid-May. Like Pamporovo, the resort is now promoting summer activities, including mountain biking, hiking in the Pirin National Park, riding, and exploring the region’s traditional villages and historic monuments. A new golf and country club, to include a sports complex, equestrian centre, spa facilities and a golf course designed by Ian Woosnam, is currently being built.

Bankso is also a significant cultural hub, boasting, among other attractions, one of Eastern Europe’s most important museum complexes.

Many of the properties offered in Bulgaria’s ski resorts are apartments, but chalets are also available. In Bankso, one-bedroom apartments can be bought off plan for under £40,000.

Local life

Though international fare is pervasive, the local taverns take pride in serving hearty Bulgarian dishes like kapama (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), a Bankso speciality, and cheverme (spit-roasted lamb), a delicacy of the Rhodope region, washed down with rakiya (fruit brandy) or Bulgarian wine.

Neither Pamporovo nor Bankso is known for retail therapy, but both have a range of shops, which sell mainly sports equipment, clothing and souvenirs, the latter including traditional crafts like woodcarvings and embroidery.

The resorts host a variety of cultural events, the most famous being the annual Bankso Jazz Festival.

Conclusion

Those seeking rental income should bear in mind that they are likely to face stiff competition, not only from other overseas investors but also from locals. Check out the guaranteed rental schemes offered by some developers.