Pamporovo is located in the center of the Rhodope Mountains, at an altitude of 1650m and with the highest peak of Snejanka reaching 1926m. It is located 260 km away from Sofia and 340 km from Thessaloníki. The vegetation of the Rhodope mountains with the endless fir-trees and the countless streams and rivers (many of which are tributaries of Nestos and Ardas) leave even the most demanding visitor excited. In the area of Pamporovo you can find the traditional settlements of Shiroka Laka, Progled, Momchilovtsi, Gela, Bachkovski, the Narechenskite thermal baths and the lakes of Smolyan.
Ski Resort
The ski season runs from early December to mid-April and the ski resort is characterized as the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. The ski resort is well designed with 7 aerial and 6 towed lifts, with 37km downhill slopes and 25km endurance tracks, while the 90% of the pistes are covered be artificial snow system. The width and slope of the pistes are ideal for improving the technique of all levels. At the base of the ski resort you will find ski schools and equipment rental shops. In the wider area of the ski resort you will find restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine, fast food, pizzerias, cafes, bars, clubs, and shops with ski/snowboard equipment. From the season of 2015-2016 It operates with a common card with the adjacent small ski Mechi Chal (Chepelare).
Accomodation
For your stay you can choose between the 2 hotels located in the center of Pamporovo and close to Ski Center 1 (one of the bases of the ski resort) Orlovetz Hotel 5* and Perelik Hotel 5*. Perelik was completely renovated in 2017 and Orlovetz in 2018.
Trip
In Pamporovo you won’t find the mundane life of Bansko or Borovets and you will definitely travel quite a bit to get there as it is the furthest of the three major ski resorts in Bulgaria and the bus ride takes 6.5 – 7 hours (with car 5 – 5.5 hours) from Thessaloniki. We are sure though that the landscape with the dreamy fir forest of Rhodope, the very well designed ski resort services and the multitude of lifts will reward you! The first excursions of the season take place during the festive period of Christmas, while an excursion follows on Clean Monday.