NI Travel News’ CHELSEA COUSINS took to the slopes for the first time with Travel Solutions in Bulgaria…
Skiing. Something I never imagined myself doing. Purely for the fact I’m a walking disaster and broken bones scare me and what not, I don’t particularly like the cold or any kind of exercise… As it turns out, I was completely wrong! Shame on me for judging skiing! With two thirds of my wardrobe – including every warm jumper I own, squashed into a 30x19inch flimsy fabric wheelie bag I set off to Belfast International Airport with my road trip buddy Trev to meet the Travel Solutions gang and a group of NI travel agents invited on the 2020 Travel Solutions Balkan Ski Educational Trip to Bulgaria. Met by the wonderful Julie Magill, Robert Wilson, Caoimhe McNulty and Adam Williams from Travel Solutions, we trailed our heavy cases (apparently, I wasn’t the only one to pack half the house) and checked in!
First round in (to calm the nerves of course), first group pic taken – the ski fam group really became a group. Flying with Jet2.com is always a delight. From the friendly staff on board to the most amazing ham and cheese toasties – what else could you want! Close to four hours later I was stood at the top of the flight stairs getting roasted by the sun. Yes, the sun. With my woolly jumper, hat, gloves and coat on I was seriously confused. Where’s this snow? Through Plovdiv Airport in a flash with a red face, we came face to face with Stella, one of many reps on the ground in Bulgaria for Travel Solutions’ Ski product, who took great care of us the whole time!
The first part of our trip saw us take residence in the Snezhanka Hotel, Pamporovo. This hotel, set amongst the forest on the Rhodope Mountains is a three star Travel Solutions rated accommodation option and one, if not the most popular choice for customers when visit Pamporovo. This hotel ticks all the boxes for those trying skiing out for the first time and for those thrill seekers that are looking for a place to rest their head and hit the slopes – this hotel is fantastic value for money!
Day 1
The first day is always the most exciting, being with a group where majority had not skied was more was a win for me, I’m a disaster remember! After a slap-up breakfast with plenty of choice on offer, we piled into the shuttle bus (shuttle bus passes are included in the ski package with Travel Solutions) and hit the slopes – on a rather slow pace but hit them none the less!! The Ski Centre was the first stop. Once geared up head to toe, poles in one hand and skis trailing along the ground, we split into our groups – 2 groups of never skied hit the nursery slope and one group of show-offs hit a few runs. I, being a ‘never skied before’ along with the 4 other group members followed our ski instructor Margo for ski school! After a demonstration of the basics, we all had our skis on and hitting the bottom of the nursery slope – not on the nursery slope, at the bottom where the gradient was about 10 degrees. We did excel during our first day to actually skiing down the nursery slopes but that came later… During our time in Pamporovo, we were spoilt for choice regarding food! With recommendations from pretty much everyone, Alex’ Bar was the spot for lunch, located at the bottom of the resort, it is a MUST! Food just like back home as the saying goes! After two session of ski lessons (which are included in the ski pack) we removed the get up and hit the shuttle to go back to the Hotel. A power nap, shower and change of clothes later we completed a hotel view in The Perleik Hotel. During the four nights in Pamporovo, we had a few hotels used by Travel Solutions to view… I was excited to do this, to actually see what a hotel is like before you potentially stay there? It’s a yes from me! We viewed a range of accommodation option, from three to four star. Every hotel we viewed had a different feel and depending on your needs, there was an option for everyone! My favourite Hotel over our stay in Pamporovo was The Perleik Hotel. A viewing of the rooms had the group amazed, with the modern style and spacious rooms, it certainly was a beautiful hotel. Slightly more expensive than the Snezhanka, but totally worth it for the facilities if offers along with that sleek, luxury feel. Sampling the restaurant had me drooling, the selection on offer was almost unbelievable, with a little bit of everything to choose from, my plate was full. After the hotel view that evening, we decided on some bowling. If there is ever an activity to get the competitive juices following, its bowling. Teams picked, guard rails down (because apparently, we are adults and adults don’t use the guard rails) game plans set, we bowled. Being a rubbish bowler and with the teams being uneven, I of course took one for the team and observed rather than participate. Let’s just say, it was a competitive group with a colourful vocal range of opinions, someone may have nearly got knocked out by a bowling ball (no one from our group) but hey, that’s parts of the fun! With a few of the group knackered and calling a day, a few hit the bar and enjoyed the night!
Day2
With sore legs and arms, the group had a quick breakfast at the hotel and we kick started day 2. Stopping at the ski centre to swap out snow boots for ski boots, skies and polls which where fitted the previous day and sitting ready and waiting for us, we geared up. Splitting up into our groups we hit the slopes. With a quick practice on the Nursery slope to kick start my day, we set the aim to do a green run in the afternoon. Stopping at Alex’s for a bite to eat, the afternoon rolled around and the green run was calling my name. With an anxious group on her hands, Margo managed to get us on the lift and up the mountain! Result! Meeting a few of the more advanced group members on the way down the green run and their amazing instructor Mr Bean – it was fantastic! With the help of Brian and Bill, Travel Solutions Reps, some group members made it half was down the mountain! Being the dare devil I am, not! – I went for the full run! Thanks to Bill, with his fantastic words of encouragement I completed the green run, to say i was proud of myself is an understatement! Turns out I’m not terrible at skiing and I rather enjoy it!
Back at the bottom of the mountain the group met for skidoo-ing. This is a must!! Offered by Travel Solutions as an activity, we split Into groups and hit the throttles. Sat on the back of a skidoo, being thrown about like a rag doll as my partner ‘liked a bit of speed’, I watched the view unfold before me, mountains covered in snow meeting a perfect crisp blue sky was the perfect way to end an even better day! The fun factor was 100! Day 2 was finished off with a view of The Orlovets Hotel. Another amazing 4* accommodation option offered by Travel Solutions. The rooms hitting every mark, with their clean, sophisticated style, it was a definite yes from me! Dinning in the hotel’s restaurant that evening, the group was yet again met with a huge selection of food to choose from. Sampling a little bit of everything was yet again my plan and yet again payed off! After the most amazing day of skiing and skidoo-ing, the group where hyped and ready for a cheeky bevy! Dak’s bar was calling our names – As were the tables that got a little dance upon!
Day 3
Our last day in Pamporovo was the best! Now that the group could actually ski – it may not have been well, but we could all ski, it was straight to the top of the mountain for us all! Having the ability to be able to stay upright and on your feet, barrelling down a mountain with the fresh air smacking you in the face, snow covering everything before you, hair stuck to the back of your neck (because believe it or not, the sweat is pouring off you, snow or no snow!) gives the most exhilarating feeling. The pride you feel in yourself is the rush that takes you up that mountain again – pushing yourself to try harder runs! In my case I was feeling brave enough to try a green run with a little bit of blue…. if I could have aborted this decision as soon as I hit the blue parts of the run I would have but I wasn’t about to be the idiot that was too chicken so I sucked it up, cried on the inside and screamed the whole way down but at least I can say I done it! Our final night in Pamporovo was the best! A visit to Mountain Lodge and Merryan Hotels – both three star rated and great options when staying Pamporovo, they both oozed a homely, intimate and traditional vibe started the night that ended with a group dinner at Gloria Mar, one of Pamporovo’s best restaurants! The group was joined by our amazing ski instructors who awarded us certificates, grading our skiing. Having received an A, said certificate now has a proud place on my wall beside a 1st place certificate I received after beating my younger cousin at go karting for my birthday -it’s the small wins!
Day 4
A different location was on the cards for our 4th day in Bulgaria! A transfer to Borovets was on the cards for the group, a quick four hour transfer with a stop at Happys restaurant in between – which went over a treat, we arrived at the resort! For the next two nights Hotel Ela was home. Similar to the Snezhanka, this accommodation was three star. Prime location in Borovets to the ski schools, lifts and nightlight this hotel hit the spot! Dinning in the hotel that evening, I yet again enjoyed the amount of food on offer! During our stay in Borovets we visited several hotels that where all fantastic, ranging from three to five star, depending on your needs, what you are looking for and the budget you have, there is truly something for everyone! The Samokov Hotel was one of my favourites in this location, the facilities on offer where amazing, the rooms – fresh and spacious and having a ski school in this location is a massive plus. Borovets Gardens and The Lion Hotel, both a little outside the resort are both fantastic options, again depending on your needs and price range. Our first night in Borovets seen the group hit the ‘strip’. With plenty of options for a little music and a boogie, we chose The Red Lion. This bar is highly recommended by myself! With karaoke every night, I was in my element. No, I don’t sing but I thoroughly enjoy watching other people attempt to!
Day 5
Our first full day in Borovets was a dream, the ski school used by Travel Solutions made it quick and easy to get sorted and out on the slopes. With the Gondola waiting, we hoped on and up we went. Assisted by our instructor and Romeo, the Travel Solutions rep, we had a ball. Using everything we learnt over the past few days we decided that to finish our time in Borovets, we would do a green run down the mountain. After a quick bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at the top of the mountain, overly looking the vast snowy terrain, it was time to ski! The green run we done in Borovets was slightly more difficult, only for the fact that it was much longer, 13km to be exact. After this run, with screaming muscles and proud smiling face of the group, the idea of a ski holiday outside of this trip was a certain and it was clear the agents would have no problem selling the Balkan Ski Package. Our final night in Borovets came with Fantastic food at a local Bulgarian restaurant, The Green King recommended by Julie (turns out she’s always right) along with a little karaoke!
Day 6
Final day blues kicked in, hard! The trip was so fantastic and every minute enjoyable, no one wanted to really jump back into reality… so, Julie with all genius ideas came up with a plan. Travel Solutions offer a last day ‘time killer tour’ – that’s my concept of it anyway. This tour included a walking tour round Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and a trip to a Mall for a bit of shopping! This was the perfect end to what was looking like a long day, the tour itself was great value for money and it was an excellent time filler! I was little anxious about this trip to begin with. I love the sun, can’t get enough of it! So, if I was to choose between snow and sun, it was sun every time – until this trip. The 6 nights was filled with fun, excitement and complete enjoyment. Regardless of feeling like your legs are going to fall off, it is totally worth it. This fam trip was a different experience for me and very early into it I realised that I was going to have a good time. Sometimes we need more than chilling by the pool! Pamporovo was a fantastic place to learn how to ski, the ski instructors on this resort are recommend as the best in Bulgaria. Pamporovo is a great place to start, with runs for all types of skiers! A quitter location a handful or pubs and restaurants to choose from. Perfect for families and those looking a more relaxing atmosphere after a crazy day of skiing.
Borovets on the other hand… the runs slightly more difficult but still equally fun to do! With more of a nightlife, Borovets brings the fun factor! You are spoilt for choice with restaurants and bars! For those looking for something a little different, try a skiing trip! You won’t regret it! Grab a few friends or bring the kids, it doesn’t matter – you will have the time of your life! A massive thank you to Travel Solutions for the invitation on this trip! The hospitality and care you took of the whole group was fantastic. A special mention to both Julie and Robert for hosting us! If there happens to be a little space on 2021’s trip, I would be more than happy to step in and help you fill it!
