Eastern bloc resorts get the vote for top bargains

Article by Nick Dalton, *with excerpts, The Times, 22nd October 2005

Investment boost is benefiting budget skiers

Old favourites Pamporovo and Borovets have stylish new hotels and there is also a new resort. A few years ago the only way up Bansko’s slopes was in an army Jeep but now £20 million has been invested to create about 20 lifts and 65 km of decent slopes.

A growing number of posh hotels surround the base, while the historic centre of the largely industrial town is pretty and packed with traditional bars and restaurants. All three are in the Crystal, Thomson, Inghams and Balkan Holidays brochures — the latter offering a week’s half board in a two-star hotel in March for £199, with a beginner’s package of lift pass, tuition, skis and boots for £87.

As East European governments pump money into their ski resorts, they are becoming increasingly good value — and you don’t feel that you have to take your own sandwiches any more.

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