| Since the return of democracy to Bulgaria in 1989, | | | | ski-resorts, Borovets and Pamporovo. Borovets is the |
| one of the most significant developments has been in | | | | oldest winter resort, founded by Bulgarian Tsar |
| the sphere of tourism and, parallel to it, a rapidly | | | | Ferdinand in 1896 and is closer to Sofia, near |
| growing interest in realizing hitherto unsuspected | | | | Samokov, to the north of the Rila mountains. |
| possibilities for foreign investments in real estate. The | | | | Pamporovo is a modern purpose-built ski-resort in the |
| length of the Black Sea coastline, well-known in the | | | | Western Rhodope mountain range, where they are |
| 1960s and 1970s as the holiday playground of | | | | getting everything ready for a unique sports |
| Bulgarians and the citizens of other Soviet bloc | | | | experience. Bulgarians are hoping it will impress the |
| countries, has undergone a massive transformation | | | | world skiing community with the high standards of |
| into one of the most attractive talked-about | | | | sports and tourist installations. The conditions for |
| destinations for European tourists. It has been | | | | skiing are among the best in the Balkans. 17 ski-tracks |
| characterized enthusiastically as a second Costa | | | | with a total length of 65km cater for skiers and |
| Brava.Many visitors, after their first unforgettable | | | | snowboarders of every level of skill, from basic |
| vacation, came back, this time looking to invest in | | | | beginners to the very advanced. The Gondola ski-lift |
| new seaside apartments built off-plan in astoundingly | | | | terminal is opposite the 5-star Kempinski Hotel. By |
| beautiful new property developments at incredibly | | | | 2006, to cater for the increasingly high expectations |
| low prices. Add to this the accession of Bulgaria as a | | | | of affluent winter-sports lovers, more than 6000 |
| full EU member state in 2007 and you understand | | | | apartments are being built in new construction |
| immediately that the prospects are unusually | | | | meeting the highest international standards. Each of |
| attractive. The renaissance in summer tourism on the | | | | the developments has its own characteristic name, |
| Black Sea coast is complimented by the discovery by | | | | indicative of the way local Bulgarian architectural |
| winter sports lovers of the excellent facilities and | | | | tradition is married with modern developments, |
| almost unexploited possibilities of Bulgarian ski-resorts. | | | | where attention has been given to detail. Beyond any |
| Already prominent on the European - and even global! | | | | doubt, the special attraction of these properties in |
| -Ski-lovers list are resorts like Bansko, Borovets and | | | | Bansko is the low cost, matched by equally high |
| Pamporovo. Sofia, the elegant capital of the Bulgarian | | | | quality.In addition, Bansko has an excellent 18-hole |
| Republic, is minutes away from the densely forested | | | | Golf Course and the route infrastructure in the area |
| slopes of Mount Vitosha, the pride and recreation | | | | has been significantly upgraded to enhance access to |
| ground of the local inhabitants. In the last 10 years, | | | | the other tourist attractions of the surrounding |
| the national capital has been transformed into an | | | | region. Discussions are underway at Government level |
| international business centre with a cosmopolitan | | | | for the construction of an airport, capable of |
| character.All this in turn has created the hugely | | | | accommodating international flights.Pamporovo opens |
| increased interest of European and especially British | | | | up like an Alpine resort, along the scenic valley route |
| and Irish, investors in a number of highly attractive | | | | from Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city, to Smolyan and |
| new, "off-plan" Property developments, particularly in | | | | the newly-opened border point with Northern Greece. |
| these hitherto unknown Bulgarian resorts, whose | | | | In the shadow of Mount Snezhanka (1926 metres), it |
| potential is just now being truly appreciated.Bansko, | | | | is Europe's southernmost ski-resort, with sunshine for |
| about 160 km south of Sofia and 250km from the | | | | at least three quarters of the year, but also very |
| Northern Greek metropolis of Thessaloniki, has been | | | | agreeable temperatures, guaranteeing ideal skiing |
| called the Gateway to the Pirin Mountains. In fact, the | | | | conditions for the duration of the season from |
| entire region has been designated the Pirin National | | | | December to April. Created around three main skiing |
| Park. The pretty and historic market town of | | | | areas, with 25 designated slopes, Pamporovo is the |
| Bansko, a notable centre of regional commerce from | | | | perfect choice for the winter sports enthusiast, |
| the 18th and 19th centuries, forms the vibrant heart | | | | whatever may be his or her degree of proficiency. |
| of this new resort with global ambitions. Now you can | | | | There are also experienced instructors to guide |
| see, side by side, historic monuments and new 5-star | | | | learners and children.During the summer season, |
| hotels, attractive traditional residences and | | | | Pamporovo becomes the ideal base for |
| state-of-the-art property developments. The variety | | | | mountain-walking and environmental tourism. It's a |
| of clubs and pubs and places of entertainment for all | | | | year-round centre for healthy, energetic relaxation. |
| tastes will impress vacationers. Bansko, furthermore, | | | | Several brand new 5-star hotels assure top-notch |
| is a major venue, in the strong Bulgarian bid for the | | | | accommodations, quality entertainment and excellent |
| Winter Olympic Games in 2014, together with the | | | | nightlife, but also provide gym, swimming and sauna |
| capital Sofia and the other two leading Bulgarian | | | | facilities. |