Pamporovo's climate, while maintaining an average of -3oC from mid-December to mid-April, is also the sunniest of all Bulgaria’s mountain resorts. It is situated 1,650ms above sea level at the foot of the Rhodopi mountains’ Snejanka peak (1,926ms above sea level).

Pamporovo is a hugely popular destination for lovers of winter sports, its eight lifts (5 chair lifts and 3 drag lifts) required at peak season to work at their capacity of 8,500 skiers per hour. Most of the tracks start at the peak, but many are suitable for the very young (the smallest can also take advantage of the tuition on offer at the ski-kindergarten) and the least experienced skier, while the most practiced and adventurous will be tested by The Wall and the other difficult piste that starts at the top of the mountain near the TV tower.

Snowboarding is also becoming a very popular alternative to the more traditional winter sports activities. There’s no need to worry too much about safety, since a 24-hour emergency ski patrol is on hand to dispense first aid and there is a clinic to provide excellent medical and dental services. It is also worth noting that sudden changes in the weather and, therefore, avalanches are very rare in this region.

The après ski action is superb, with all tastes catered for from the young, snowboarding crowd (there are plenty of nightclubs and bars in Pamporovo, almost all offering generous ‘happy hours’ specials) to the more sedate, who will find dozens of restaurants featuring the best of Bulgarian cuisine, as well as international fare. The Pamporovo area also has an extremely low crime rate, meaning that you can enjoy the many late-night activities on offer with confidence.