http://www.maxbulgaria.com News of maxbulgaria.com http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Winter-season-will-finish-successfully-in-number-of-tourists-parameter:-institute-director/5042.html The winter season will finish successfully as far as the number of the tourists parameter is concerned, Rumen Draganov, chairman of the Institute for Analyses and Assessments in Tourism, says in an interview with FOCUS News Agency.He says there is no reason to say the winter tourist season collapsed. Despite the Greek border blockade, it has turned out that the good product in Sandanski and Bansko and opening of the border close to Smolyan made the drop in Greek tourists smaller than expected. As a whole, the winter, despite the crisis and problems in Greece, continues to have a positive trend, he added.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Unseasonable-Snow-Causes-Troubles-Across-Bulgaria/5037.html Heavy snowfall on Monday and Tuesday, in combination with strong wind and snow drifts at places have caused serious troubles to transport and power supply in many parts of the country.The snow cover was thickest in Smolyan in the south (70-80 cm). It is 37 cm in Haskovo in the Southeast, and some 32 cm in Vratsa and Montana in the Northwest and Kyustendil in the Southwest, reported the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. Sofia had 21 cm and Plovdiv 28 cm.The snowfall has already stopped in some parts, first in the West but fresh snow is expected on Wednesday.The roads across the country are wet and some have snow, said the Road Infrastricture Agency. The Bourgas-Karnobat section of Trakia Motorway is closed to traffic in both directions, as is Hemus Motorway. Most mountain passes are closed for trucks with attachments and all vehicles are required to use anti-skid chains. The roads to four villages in the Northeastern Shoumen region are under snow and unusuable.Varna Airport said it had had to cancel its flight to Sofia because of the snow and wind. Varna Port is closed for all vessels. Three municipalities in Varna Region declared a state of emergency. Schools in Varna will remain closed Tuesday afternoon, City Hall said.The border crossing at Zlatograd, on the border with Greece, was closed on Tuesday morning because snow was not ploughed on the Greek side, said the Interior Ministry.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgarian-ski-property-could-cost-British-couple-thousands-of-pounds/5030.html Paul and Sharon Hassall bought two flats in the All-Seasons holiday complex in Bansko but have since been denied entry to the building. About 70 other families are accusing a local property firm of taking possession of the complex illegally.Mr and Mrs Hassall initially bought the properties through Rockarch Estates in London. Rockarch claims that a former business partner has secretly sold several properties to Bulgarian firm Zekom at a heavily discounted price.The couple, who were hoping to use one of the properties as a holiday home for them and their four children, have complained that Zekom and the Bulgarian authorities have refused to cooperate. In fact, Mr Hassall was twice arrested last year when attempting to gain access to his property. Mrs Hassall has given up her job in order to represent the 29 British buyers who have over six million Euros at stake.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Vitosha-freestyle/5026.html Each season we read of skiers or snowboarders who sadly perish while drifting away from designated slopes in search of that elusive extra thrill. More often than not, they are experienced professionals. There were half a dozen such fatalities this year in Bansko alone, and although I understand their motivation, I will never endorse it, at least not publicly. Yet there are ways to enjoy the mountain and skiing without having to limit yourself to the same slope and pay a ridiculous fee that does not match the service provided.Maybe it’s just an unfortunate twist of circumstances, or simply bad luck, but in most cases over the past two years when I went to Vitosha, I ended up paying 35 leva for the all-inclusive day pass only to be told that due to poor weather conditions, or otherwise, most facilities were closed apart from the lower Lale. So in the end you are left with no alternative but to ski there all day long and, let’s face it, Laleto is a decent run but it’s short and tedious. Once you get bored of it – and you inevitably do after a couple of hours – you are left with no alternative but to continue skiing there until you reach mind-boggling stupor.There are ways of beating the system, saving money, and having a cracker – if you have a little adventurous spirit and are willing to experiment. Most importantly, I assure anyone reading this that as far as avalanches are concerned, the route is 100 per cent safe. There are still five or so weeks of skiing left on the books and, weather permitting, you may attempt it. The plan is simple: get to Cherni Vruh – Vitosha’s tallest summit at 2290m - and once at the top, ski down until you reach civilisation, a journey that may take a full day. There are several such routes and the safest and most popular one will be outlined here.Reach Aleko ski complex with the 66 bus from Hladilnika borough in Sofia that costs four leva, or the Simenovo gondola which will set you back a tenner. Once up on the mountain, you may take a single ticket with the Romanski chair lift (a service unavailable last year) and scale Cherni Vruh, requiring a 30-minute climb. Better yet, if you fancy a true workout, attempt scaling it from Aleko up through the Stenata slope (the Wall) for about two-and-a-half hours with full kit, bergen and skis on your back. Reaching the weather observatory station up on the top will provide you with a breathtaking view of Rila Mountains and Stara Planina as well as the murk that is Sofia below.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Heightened-avalanche-threat-on-mountains:-rescue-service/5014.html The avalanche threat on mountains in Bulgaria is very high, the Mountain Rescue Service at the Bulgarian Red Cross told FOCUS News Agency.The weather conditions are favorable for tourism. No incidents involving tourists have been reported. It is foggy and windy at the peak of Cherni Vrah in the Vitosha mountain range. The temperature is 8°C below zero. There is a heightened avalanche and frostbite threat.The temperature at the peak of Musala in the Rila mountain range is minus 11°C. Moderate wind is blowing.There is a high threat of avalanches in the areas that are off-limits in Bansko resort.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Skiing-in-Chepelare:-it’s-possible/5010.html The fight for every customer has become intense in the tourism industry worldwide and Bulgaria is no exception, especially in winter. As in previous years, the leading winter destination continues to be Bansko in Pirin Mountain, but other places, such as the small town of Chepelare in the Rhodope Mountains, are also competing for visitors by offering similar services at lower prices.Bansko still leads the field, thanks to canny publicity, modern ski facilities and well-maintained ski runs. In times of economic crisis, however, price usually has the final say and here Chepelare has a lot to offer. Chepelare has one virtue that distinguishes it from all of Bulgaria’s so-called resort towns.It is not trying to sell more than it offers. In other words, the city and its municipality have dedicated a great deal of effort over the past 15 years in developing an image as a family destination. Apart from one big apartment complex, all of the town’s hotels are small family-run businesses with nothing more than a room with cable TV at prices ranging between 30 and 50 leva a person. These are usually humble three to four-storey buildings, nothing like the big and lavish constructions now dominating Bansko.Although the large resort of Pamporovo is just a few kilometres up the hill, the town and its people prefer to distance themselves from the brouhaha. Most of Chepelare’s hotels are in the newer part of the town but this has in no way undermined the atmosphere. In fact, passing through, only the numerous signs on the main road advertising the hotels would suggest that this town is out to catch tourists. After 8pm, the town’s main pedestrian street is practically empty with just one or two coffee shops and bars open. The town currently has two nightclubs but they only work on Fridays and Saturdays and are usually half-empty. Few local people are interested in their town’s nightlife and, when pressed, can seldom suggest a place for a late night drink. In terms of taverns the town has a wider choice but again a word from the locals is advisable if you have never been to Chepelare. Fortunately, travelling from one part of the town to the other takes no more than 30 minutes.And if word of mouth is a good guide, the Kostovski Han tavern’s owners must be happy because most locals point it out as a place to have dinner. It is a few metres up on the road from the Rodopski Dom apartment hotel, more or less the only luxury hotel in the town, with a small swimming pool and other spa and wellness procedures.It also houses one of the town’s nightclubs in Chepelare. The other one is in the central Chepelare hotel on the town’s square. Like most taverns and small restaurants in the town, the Kostovski Han is part of a family hotel under the same name but it is open to all visitors. It is wide and spacious given that it has two floors. The interior has everything one would expect to find in a traditional Bulgarian tavern: wooden floors and benches, tables and red tablecloths. Local cuisine is well represented with the inevitable patatnik (pancake of potatoes).The other option is the shop next to the communist-era hotel building in the centre, the only food store working non-stop in the town. Everywhere prices are what one would expect in your local pub or store. This also fits in with Chepelare’s profile as a family-friendly, low-cost tourist destination.A winter resort, however, is more about skiing than going out at night and in this respect Chepelare tries to offer value for money. Despite its closeness to Pamporovo and its slopes, Chepelare started developing its own ski centre decades ago in the Mechi Chal area just above the town.Although the ski centre there has been in use for years, it got its real development push in the past five or so years when the city hall, together with local businessmen, decided to invest in new lift facilities, better maintenance equipment and parking facilities and, most of all, expanding the number of ski runs. Now the centre has something to offer those accustomed to the slopes in Bansko, Pamporovo or Borovets.One of its main benefits is easy access, straight from the road, a few metres from the Chepelare sign on the road to Pamporovo. The parking facility is big enough to accommodate dozens of vehicles and is free. Most hotels offer transport to and from the ski run as part of their accommodation. There are several ski renting shops where one can get full skiing or snowboard equipment for 57 and 62 leva, respectively, which also includes a daily lift pass. By comparison, the daily ski pass in Bansko alone is 50 leva. A daily pass in Mechi Chal without renting ski equipment costs 38 leva. It takes about 12 minutes to get to the top on the four-seater lift.There is one main ski run going all the way down. Beginners may find it difficult because it has a few extremely steep sections. The ski run is cut in several places making it possible to choose one’s route and avoid getting bored with the ski run. Beginners, however, will not be disappointed because the Mechi Chal’s green ski run is probably one of the best slopes for beginners. It is narrow and yet fast enough to save you the effort of pushing. It is not recommended, however, to snowboarders.A good skier will need 12 minutes to go down on the green ski run which means that beginners might need 20 minutes to come down. It is perfect for practising skills and taking rests to enjoy the scenery.Another of Mechi Chal’s assets is that its slopes hardly get crowded, unlike those of Bansko or Borovets. The only problem is that, after a day or two of skiing, experienced skiers might get bored with the same run. Although it has plenty of crossing sections, it is in effect one and the same track. This more or less defines Mechi Chal as a place to go just for the weekend, unlike the rich variety of ski runs in Bansko or nearby Pamporovo.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Off-and-On-the-Beaten-Track-in-Bansko/5011.html It's not the mountain. It is not the snow. It's that in Bansko you can ski, stuff yourself with steaks, drink more beer than anyone ought to and pass out in a fairly nice hotel room - all for about EUR 70 a day. This is where the true appeal of Bansko, Bulgaria's biggest ski resort, lies.This is what all foreign publications have been telling me throughout the last couple of years, when I had no chance to visit Bansko, instilling the feeling that if you go there you completely disappear from the face of the earth.Since everyone needs a little reassurance from time to time and since perception is reality, this year I decided to view it through my own eyes instead of theirs.What I found in the little town bordering Pirin National Park, about 160 kilometers south of Bulgaria's capital Sofia, was a stark but nice contrast between the cobbled streets and churches of the old town and hundreds of millions of euros poured into hotels, ski runs and bright blue gondola bubbles in its modern part. Supervising all this was the roughly 2,800-meter Todorka peak.The formerly off-the-beaten-path destination had gone mainstream, but I saw none of the vistas the doom-sayers had warned me of – construction cranes and gaudy mutrobaroque hotels, favored by the nouveau riche and organized crime mobsters, known as mutri, with which they try to prove their wealth.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Man-buried-under-avalanche-in-Bansko-skiing-in-area-that-is-off-limits/4995.html The man buried under an avalanche in Bansko resort was skiing in an area that is off-limits, Bansko Mayor Alexander Kravarov told FOCUS News Agency.He added the 22-year-old man had caused a big avalanche and died on the spot.After the recent heavy snowfall and warm snap the avalanche threat is heightened and tourists must avoid skiing in areas that are off-limits, he warned.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/No-speed-sweep:-Lindsey-Vonn-settles-for-bronze-behind-Fischbacher-and-Maze-in-super-G/4990.html WHISTLER, B.C. — Andrea Fischbacher got Austria's "Wunderteam" back on track by winning gold in the Olympic super-G Saturday, denying Lindsey Vonn a sweep of the speed events.Taking advantage of a tricky course-set arranged by one of her coaches, Fischbacher navigated her way down Franz's Run in one minute 20.14 seconds."It was really crazy," Fischbacher said. "It was a really straight course and you had to push from start to finish."Tina Maze of Slovenia took a surprise silver, 0.49 second behind, and Vonn had to settle for bronze, 0.74 second back.Britt Janyk of Whistler was the top Canadian. She finished 17th, 2.75 seconds behind the winner, but also supplied one of the days more exciting moments.During her race Janyk almost fell. Her bottom was close to dragging on the snow before she managed to pull herself back on her skis and finish the run."At least I put on a good show," said Janyk, who finished in 1:22.89. "As soon as I recovered and realized I was on my feet I just wanted to get back into and keep racing hard. I felt just a little shaky on my skis."I'm frustrated and disappointed I didn't walk away with a medal. I know I could be there. I also know it's not easy."read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria:-Vacation-Properties-Market-Stirs-in-Bansko,-at-a-Standstill-in-Borovets-and-Pamporovo/4978.html The market for vacation properties is starting to stir in Bansko, where real estate prices fell by more than a half in a year, but remains at a standstill in Bulgaria’s other main winter resorts of Borovets and Pamporovo, where there are no buyers.The main reason for the interest in Bansko is that, as the country’s largest and most modern resort, is that it is more popular than the other two, the Dnevnik newspaper pointed out in a recent publication that cited the newspaper’s survey among real estate agencies.Other factors that Benefit Bansko is that it hosts competitions for the World and European Cups in Alpine skiing, as well as its efforts to become a jazz destination in the summer, the publication noted.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria’s-Bansko-Winter-Resort-Celebrates-Traditional-Food-and-Wine/4965.html In addition to its ski slopes, Bulgaria’s largest winter resort – Bansko, is also known for its heavy food and red wine. This Friday, visitors and guests of the resort will be able to sample its traditional mezes, or appetizers, and wine, the municipality announced.Under the motto “Sea, Hear and Taste,” the traditional celebration, now in its third year, will take place at 5:30pm at Bankso’s central square. In addition to sampling the Bansko dishes, guests will be entertained by a folklore programme.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria-Bansko-Winter-Resort-Boasts-High-Credit-Rating/4962.html Bulgaria's municipality of Bansko, best known for its winter resort with the same name, has received an A-1 rating by the Bulgarian Credit Rating Agency.The rating means the municipality is managed well and can cover its own expenses. Bansko has received similar ratings for several years now. The Bulgarian Credit Agency further notes that the municipality's credit worthiness is good in short-term and long-term perspective and it enjoys high level of trust from creditors.The Bulgarian Credit Agency is the only one in the country whose assessments are internationally recognized along with those of agencies such as Moody's and Fitchread more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Danail-Angelov:-We-do-not-play-“Russian-roulette”-with-avalanches/4951.html Focus: Mrs Angelov, in the view to the last tragic incidents in the mountains can people be ordered to go skiing in the marked tracks only?Danail Angelov: This cannot happen. The history and the attempt of the people in the world, who surpass us, prove it. A rescuer, a friend of ours, said the English queen have forbidden her people to do alpinism because lots of them have died. However, the first people to climb Everest were English. This cannot be forbidden. The idea is the reason for that is not searched. Noting can be reached by imposing bans.Focus: How the analysis of the tragic incidents can help?Danail Angelov: A common discussion between the parks, resorts (concessioners), the Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) and the people like us, who are practicing extreme skiing or snowboard outside the marked zones, should be held. Big part of us has enough knowledge about the avalanches, rescuing, where and when to go skiing. The incident in Bansko winter resort was with a rescuer. The matter is point is he, knowing about the danger, has hot allowed the other four people to go skiing outside the marked zone and they are alive. A common discussion is needed, as well as putting marks, signs at the right place. The signs “Attention! Avalanche danger!” do not work down but up in the mountain.Focus: Do extreme skiers observe warnings of the Mountain Rescue Service for danger of avalanches?Danail Angelov: Of course. I cannot speak at the behalf of everyone but at the behalf of people who are doing extreme skiing. They certainly have the knowledge and know when and where to go out of the marked tracks. I have gone skiing outside Bulgaria several times. Free ride zones have been established everywhere. People are observing the danger. For example, no one goes skiing at Vitosha Mountain. People who do not have enough knowledge should not be allowed skiing at the free ride zones.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/MRS:-Snowboarder-in-distress-in-Pirin-Mountain-is-rescued/4948.html The snowboarder that got stuck in difficult for reaching and passing area in Pirin Mountain has been rescued, the Mountain Rescue Service with the Bulgarian Red Cross announced for FOCUS News Agency.The two young boys – the snowboarder and the 13-year-old skier that got into distress in the mountain are now safe. They are in good condition. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria’s-Bansko-Winter-Resorts-Attracts-Tourists-from-Macedonia-en-Masse/4941.html Bulgaria’s biggest winter resort of Bansko is becoming a favourite among Macedonians, who flocked their en masse this year, Macedonian media reported today.Bansko was “boiling” with Macedonians around New Year’s and during the school holidays, the Utrinski Vesnik reported today, explaining the rush with the lack of snow at Macedonia’s ski resorts and the recent visa liberalisation.Despite the lack of snow during a part of the peak season, the Bulgarian resort attracted visitors from Macedonia – including business, music and political personalities, with a combination of spa centres, good food, entertainment and relatively low and flexible prices, the publication noted.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Mountain-Rescue-Service-operations-on-the-rise/4938.html The number of the search operations carried out by the Mountain Rescue Service outside the ski runs is rising. The number of the incidents on the ski runs is going up, too, Kiril Rusev, director of the Mountain Rescue Service at the Bulgarian Red Cross, says in an interview with FOCUS News Agency.In the past week alone the rescue service conducted 10 operations outside the ski runs in Bansko resort.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Latest-Snowfall-in-Bulgaria/4931.html The heaviest snowfall was registered last night in the Vratsa region in Bulgaria.Ski slope Parshevitsa is opened for all ski lovers for Thursday and Friday mornings, and all day long during the Saturday and Sundays.Moderate snowfall is expected in the mountains during the next few days. A new fresh snow in the bigger resorts as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo is expected by the end of the week.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/162-TIR-trucks-waiting-on-Kulata-checkpoint/4928.html Petrich. 160 TIR trucks are waiting along Kulata border checkpoint, Radio FOCUS Pirin correspondent informs. Police presence is stepped up in the area over the coming meeting between representatives of the Bulgarian Business Association and the protesting Greek farmers. Director of the Regional Police Directorate-Blagoevgrad Commissary Konstantin Tityanov and the deputy district governor of the town of Blagoevgrad Georgi Bahanov have also arrived on the border.Tourist business in Bansko winter resort is loosing EUR 200 thousand per day, chairperson of the tourist association in the town Yuliana Hristova said.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/ST.-MORITZ,-Switzerland---It-was-Maria-Riesch-who-broke-her-best-friends-winning-streak-on-Saturday,-putting-down-what-looked-like-a-flawless-run-in-the-womens-World-Cup-downhill-race-in-St.-Moritz./4923.html The German won handily in 1 minute, 41.31 seconds. The only racers to come within a second of her were French racer Ingrid Jacquemod, who was second, 0.79 seconds back, Switzerland's Fabienne Suter in third, 0.96 seconds back and Anja Paerson in fourth, 0.97 seconds back.A big, left-footed turn about two-thirds of the way down the course where several racers went wide appeared to be where Vonn lost precious tenths. She ended up fifth, 1.21 seconds back. It was the first downhill race she didn't win since last February's 12th place in Bansko, Bulgaria."It was some pretty tough snow conditions," said U.S. women's alpine head coach Jim Tracy. "One gate caught quite a few girls. It had a pretty big, nasty hole. A bunch of girls hit that thing and couldn't make the next gate. It's where Lindsey's left ski got caught. Good thing is that she didn't get hurt."Still, Vonn was disappointed."It was just really unfortunate," she said. "I knew the hole was there. I'd gotten it from the coaches and from Thomas. But when I was on-course, the light was so flat I couldn't see anything. My ski just hit it at the exact wrong place, the exact wrong time. I'm lucky, honestly to have made the course. I was pretty close to going out there."Riesch, who has finished second or third to Vonn several times this season, had only one victory to her name before Saturday (the opening slalom in Levi) and hadn't won a downhill since 2006 in Lake Louise. Saturday's win is only the third in downhill of her entire Cup career."It's cool for Maria," Vonn said. "For her to come back and have the win today was really cool. I have to stay focused on the weekend. It's really important for the overall. Obviously Maria is going to be a really tough competitor 'til the end so I have to keep skiing well otherwise I'm not going to be a happy camper at the end of the season."All in all, it was one of the best days for the U.S. Team as a whole in quite some time. In addition to Vonn's fifth, Alice McKennis, the third racer on course, put down a career best ninth place (1:42.90) and Chelsea Marshall also landed the second top 10 of her Cup career in 10th (1:43.05). Then, Stacey Cook was 12th, Leanne Smith 18th, Julia Mancuso 22nd and Laurenne Ross, wearing bib No. 46 and racing on what was visibly a deteriorated, bumpier course, came in 28th. Ross has five NorAm victories this season, but hasn't been seen on the World Cup since early this season in Lake Louise (where she finished down the line, out of the scoring results). In addition to the chattery snow on the course, the light was flat all morning Saturday. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Vonns-dominating-downhill-season-leaves-rivals-hoping-mistakes-can-trip-her-up/4912.html ST. MORITZ, Switzerland — The coach of Switzerland's women's ski team thinks that Lindsey Vonn is skiing so well, the only way to beat her is if the American makes a mistake."Lindsey can only be beaten by herself," Ansermoz told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "She needs to make a mistake or she needs to doubt something."Vonn, who has eight wins to lead the overall World Cup standings, puts her record on the line Saturday at the last downhill before the Feb. 12-28 Vancouver Games.Ansermoz said his skiers can only try to create a little doubt in the dominating American's mind."Right now, you're just happy when you're on the podium next to Lindsey," he said.Switzerland will challenge Vonn at St. Moritz with Dominique Gisin, a two-time World Cup winner last January, veteran Nadia Styger and Fabienne Suter, who won last March in Bansko, Bulgaria.Styger won at Whistler Mountain in February 2008, the only women's World Cup downhill raced on the Olympic slope in the past 15 years. She beat Vonn by one-hundredth of a second."For that, I know I can beat her in Whistler but at the moment it's really hard for us to beat Lindsey in the speed disciplines," the 31-year-old Styger said. "If she makes a mistake ... then maybe we can beat her."read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Neureuther-joins-dad-as-Kitzbuehel-slalom-champ/4899.html Felix Neureuther claimed his first career World Cup win Sunday (Jan. 24) putting his name alongside that of his dad as winners of a Hahnenkamm slalom. Ivica Kostelic picked up the Hahnenkamm trophy as winner of the combined.Neureuther's win was the 17th German podium of the season, but the first for a male. Neureuther's dad, Christian, won six World Cup slaloms, the last coming at Kitzbuehel in 1979.Neureuther, the son, has had six World Cup podiums dating back to 2006, but had never turned the corner to take the top step. This was the place to do it with both Dad and Mom, Rosi Mittermaier, present to witness the event. When he took the lead with two skiers remaining, he collapsed in the finish area in joy.It was a close and difficult win. Tight behind Neureuther was Julien Lizeroux, the French winner at Adelboden .39 away from another victory. In third was the winner of the Zagreb slalom, Italian Giuliano Razzoli. Both Manfred Moelgg and Reinfried Herbst, the first run leaders, missed gates and had to hike in their second run efforts.Canadian Michael Janyk had a strong second run and earned fifth, leading an outstanding showing for the Olympic hosts. Julien Cousineau was 11th, Brad Spense 12th and Trevor White 14th. It was an historic result for Canada which had never had four in the top 15 before. "I think the team’s performance today was awesome," said coach John Crichton. "But because of the strength ofthe whole team, we are looking for more. We want podiums. Everyone that went onto the start gate is capable of winning, it s just a matter of all the piecesfalling into place."Ted Ligety had to hike in the second run after getting light coming over a rise, but still made 23rd on the day. "Ligety was going, charging hard," said U.S. Head Coach Sasha Rearick. "He just got shot out right before the roll and had no snow contact right at that gate."Nolan Kasper, in just his second World Cup start, dazzled in making the cut of the first run, but struggled in the second, finishing 27th, but 16 seconds out. The U.S. guys weren't alone in their second run woes. First run leader Herbst hiked after missing the same gate as Ligety and he wound up next to Kasper in the finish order, neither of them being awarded Cup points because of the distance back from the winners.With 33 skiers failing to finish the first run and three more exiting in the second, it was evident Kitzbuehel's Ganslem slope, adjacent to the downhill track, was a tough test.Just 18 skiers completed both the slalom and Saturday's downhill making for a short combined result. Unlike the other three combineds held this season for the men, this was an old school event combining the times of the downhill and both slalom runs. Ivica Kostelic snared the win with Silvan Zurbriggen in second and Benjamin Raich getting third. Ligety was 10th as the only U.S. finishers. Ryan Semple in 11th was the only Canadian to complete the two day event.Bode Miller was a late scratch from the slalom after determining in warm-ups that his ankle was too sore to compete. He had been ninth after the downhill and seemed in position to get a podium result for the combined.Kasper had arrived after midnight Saturday, rolling in direct from Europa Cups in Bansko, Bulgaria. He provides one more option for the coaches as they gather to try and figure out who will make the Olympic team.Kasper said he had made "a couple of dumb errors," but allowed that earning a second run at Kitzbuehel in front of a huge crowd, was still "really cool."He hooked a gate in his second run, "but I wanted to finish, so I hiked. My heart just dropped."His effort drew applause from the crowd and spurred him on."Nolan worked really hard this summer," said coach Rearick. "He was with the Europa Cup team, then got his first (World Cup) start at Levi. Then he went home for NorAms, then Europa Cup and he won a FIS race. He's just been stepping up and stepping up. That was a fantasic effort, especially on this hill.""It's going to be an interesting evening," Rearick said. "We've got a lot of stuff on the plate. I'll get together with the coaching staff and we're going to put together a great (Olympic) team with the guys that have the best chance to medal in 2010."read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/FIS-Alpine-Ski-European-Cup-Bansko-2010/4894.html 2010 Bansko ski centre will host the FIS Alpine Ski Europa Cup two slalom races for Men From 22nd to 23rd of January. Organizers are Bulgarian Ski Federation and Bulgarian Ski Pool, with the support of the Ministry of Physi cal Education and Sports, ULEN and Municipality Bansko.All ski sports fans will have the chance to cheer the man's slalom elite which will flock to Bansko for the FIS Alpine Ski Europe Cup. Both competitions will start at 10:30. Don’t miss the exciting races!read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria-Export,-Tourism-Hit-Hard-by-Greek-Border-Blockade/4889.html The composite daily losses incurred to the Bulgarian economy by the blockade of the border with Greece by protesting Greek farmers is about EUR 3 M.This has been announced by Bulgaria’s Economy Minister, Traicho Traikov, who met Wednesday with the Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria, Her Excellency Danae-Magdalini Koumanakou.Traikov said the Greek authorities were currently discussing the options it could offer to the protesting farmers who demand higher prices for their produce.He explained that the Bulgarian government was going to await the position of the Greek government before it resorts to “Plan B” - i.e. filing a complaint with the European Commission and asking for compensations.According to the crisis headquarters of the Bulgarian government – which includes officials from three Ministries – Economy, Transport, and Agriculture, the total daily loss for the Bulgarian economy from the blockade is about EUR 3 M.The losses from failed export are some EUR 2,5 M per day. This includes about EUR 1 M daily loss from the inability to export Bulgarian agricultural products to the Greek market. The termination of the imports from Greece is also important as it can lead to price hikes of certain goods in Bulgaria such as citrus fruits.Bulgaria’s tourism sectors loses about EUR 500 000 daily from the terminated from of Greek tourists, according to data from the towns of Bansko and Sandanski which have seen the number of Greek visitors drop tenfold since the start of the blockade.Bulgarian transport firms are losing some EUR 150 000 daily from having their trucks stuck at the border, according to the Auto Administration Agency and the branch organizations.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgarian-tourism-sector-reports-15-drop-in-seasonal-employment/4884.html Bulgaria's tourist industry has recorded a 15 per cent drop in its "seasonal workforce" as a consequence of the global economic downturn, Tsvetan Tonchev, president of the Bulgarian Chamber of Tourism, was quoted as saying by the Bulgarian news agency (BTA) on January 19 2010.In total, about 110 000 people were employed in the industry sector in 2009.In spite of growing unemployment in the sector, the industry still insists that there is a "demand" for a qualified and skilled workforce and a "lack of supply" to fill certain positions.As redundancies become reality, the sector actually strives to employ skilled staff, particularly "trained and qualified servicing personnel", according to Tonchev.Among the resorts that have indicated a drop in seasonal staff this year are the ski resorts of Bansko and Pamporovo. This is perhaps unsurprising given the weak winter season until now and the lack of snow at Bulgaria's major ski resorts, which in addition to the already potent economic crisis, exacerbates the situation.Chepelare, Stoikite, Momchilovtsi, Dobrinishte and Razlog, are also resorts reporting a drop in employee numbers.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Ski-Babel-In-Bansko-and-Pamporovo-mix-ten-languages/4875.html Bulgarian winter resorts began to look like Babel. In Bansko and Pamporovo near ten languages are spoken. Ski lovers hit the jackpot. The snow cover in most places is sufficient for skiing and the slopes are perfectly prepared. Hotels are packed. Bansko is crammed with Bulgarians, Greeks, Macedonians, Serbs, Turks, Russians, Englishmen, Germans, Scandinavians and many others.Rhodope ski resorts also offer perfect conditions for skiing.However, hundreds of foreign tourists forgot about the skies and even their wives and spend the day in the tavernas. The clear and fresh mountain air serves just to come to ones senses after the hangover in the morning.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Snow-Reaches-4-Metres-Deep-In-The-Alps/4864.html The new snow last week, particularly on Friday, saw the French mountains receive healthy increases to their snow depths. About 41 Powder Alarms were triggered on Skiinfo France with over 80cm (2.65 feet) fell in Formiguères, 60cm (two feet) in Puy St Vincent and 50cm (20 inches) in Alpe d’Huez.Carmen Hernandez, Communications Manager at Formiguères, commented, “With the exceptional snowfall on Friday we now have very good snow cover. At the moment, you can ski on a fresh snow with optimum conditions.”Further snowfalls are expected for the end of the week, particularly on Thursday with around 30cm (a foot) more snow expected at Tignes and Val d'Isere with Argentière and La Clusaz expecting 25cm (10 inches) more.The Grand Massif area is also doing well with 270cm (nine feet) of snow lying.Pierre Claessen, Manager of Flaine Tourist Office said, “This year, we received the most important snowfalls at Christmas. The snow is really good but people have to be careful when free riding as conditions off piste are very dangerous at the moment.”The avalanche risk is especially high (4/5) at Abriès, Alpe du Grand-Serre, Auron, Ax les Thermes, Isola 2000, Les 7Laux and Serre Chevalier.Switzerland has seen good snow falls in the past week with 40cm (16 inches) of new snow at Gstaad – Glacier 3000, which now boasts some of the deepest snow in the country with 181cm (six feet) of snow on upper slopes and 45cm (18 inches) in the valley. The top snow depths in Switzerland however is at Andermatt-Gotthard with 220cm (over 7 feet). Saas Fee has 210 cm (7 feet) and St. Moritz just a little less with two metres (6.65 feet), it received 45cm (18 inches) more snow in the past seven days.In Austria, Sölden had 37cm (15 inches) of new snow in the last week (it now has a 185cm/6.2 foot base)and Heiligenblut 35cm. The Mölltal G0acier still has the most snow in the country (3.1m/10.3 feet) with the Hintertux Glacier on 205cm (just under 7 feet).Germany received a lot of new snow with several powder alarms in Bavaria yesterday. This came at the end of a week in which more than 80 German resorts reported 10-45cm (4-15 inches) of new snow. The Zugspitzplatt has the deepest snow depth with 180cm (six feet) Oberstdorf has a little less with 170 cm (5.7 feet).Northern Italy has reported some of the biggest snowfalls in the past 24 hours with Courmayeur and Val Senales both reporting 40cm of new snow, La Thuile 30cm (a foot). These top off a week of heavy snow in the north of the country which has seen some of the biggest snow accumulations in Europe of the past seven days, with Limone Piemonte reporting 195cm (6.5 feet) and Arabba Marmolada 120 cm (four feet). The country also has some of the world’s greatest snow depths – the Presena glacier above Passo Tonale reporting 430cm (14.3 feet) and Bormio 3m (10 feet).Bormio will be staging a special non-competitive Peak to Creek event (peaktocreek.it) on January 16th at 10am with a 10km, 1800 vertical metre descent from Cima Bianca 3012m down to Bormio 1215m itself.It’s been good news in the Pyrenees in the past week too with plenty of new snow boosting the previously rather average conditions in Andorra and helping Spain’s resorts open more runs.In Eastern Europe conditions remain largely good in northern countries but less so in the south with some ski areas in Bulgaria such as Borovets and Pamporovo struggling with just a few centimeters of snow and warm temperatures. Bansko is not suffering as badly as it had built up a bigger snow base in December and most runs are open there.In Northern Europe temperatures have been low across Scandinavia although there’s been less fresh snow than the previous week. In Sweden Hemavan broke the season record with - 40.8 C on Saturday night. More snow is expected across the region at the weekend.One unusual twist on the cold weather that is affecting much of the northern hemisphere is the opening of a new 2km long ski run opened on January 9th in the southern Netherlands in northern Europe. The temporary trail winds down around the 90m high Wilhelmina mountain.The ‘mountain' - which is in fact a spoil heap from a former mine - is already home to the world's largest year round indoor snow centre, Snow World Landgraaf, with its 550m slope.In a remarkable twist the centre allowed its indoor six-seater chairlift to be used by skiers and other snowsports fans to reach the top of Wilhelmina indoors, exiting the building through an emergency exit. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and mulled wine were served up to visitors.It is not clear how long the snow and thus the ski run will last, but temperatures have remained around freezing, dropping to minus 5 Celcius at night, the same as the indoor temperature at SnowWorld.Conditions are still generally good across North America. All the resorts in Tahoe as well as Mammoth in California are open and reporting fresh powder and a base of 6 to 9 feet (1.8-2.7m) in Mammoth, 3 to 6 feet (90cm -1.8m) in Squaw Valley and 2 to 3 feet (60-90cm) in Heavenly. It has been a dry winter in California to date with no threat of avalanches.At Vail Rob Katz, Chief Executive Officer commented on the start of the season, "We are pleased with our early season, particularly given the current state of the economy and since snowfall came late to our Colorado resorts this year. Below average snowfall at our Colorado resorts leading up to the holiday season limited the amount of terrain open, which negatively impacted skier visits, including pass visits, during the early season and the beginning of the holiday season. Fortunately, recent winter storms brought significant snowfall to our resorts, which allowed us to open the vast majority of our lift serviced terrain at our five resorts. For example, Vail Mountain on December 18, 2009, had only 19 of its lifts and 28% of its terrain open, whereas Vail Mountain now has 30 lifts open and 95% of its terrain open, including all of the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.”Whistler has reported more fresh snow and the pattern has been repeated at many other Western Canadian resorts in resorts in Alberta and British Columbia. Whistler has a 2.35m (7.5 foot) base on the upper mountain and has received around 3cm (a foot) of new snow in the past few days.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Slope-off-on-the-cheap:-Good-value-ski-deals-are-no-longer-the-sole-preserve-of-budget-destinations/4853.html There was a time when budget ski destinations were easy to identify, even without looking at the prices. Location in a country in the former Eastern bloc was a key indicator; an outdated lift system consisting of a network of drag-lifts and a few slow-moving, two-seater chairlifts was another giveaway. A resort clearly revealed its place in the market when the hotels lacked architectural distinction (or even anything that could fairly be termed architecture), served buffet-only meals and covered their lobby walls with information on the movements of the local reps of mass-market tour operators. A main street lined with thickset men trying to lure passers-by into the bars told the same story.Recently, though, the picture has lost its clarity. Andorra was once the playground of the impecunious, lager-loving youth of Britain, a place with hotels which – at Pas de la Casa – suggested a skiers' shanty town. But half a dozen years ago the principality decided to create a new, up-market image for itself, to attract a freer-spending clientele. And in Bulgaria, formerly the epitome of the budget destination, the most recent resort of Bansko confounded the image created by Pamporovo and Borovets with its modern lifts and its five-star Kempinski hotel at the lift base. The fact that until recently the cheapest ski holiday in the Thomson brochure was in France is another example of the same phenomenon, seen as it were from the other end of the telescope – although it must be said that the holiday accommodation was in a caravan park, near La Clusaz.This season, the issue of what constitutes a budget destination has been further clouded by the budget ski packages introduced by Crystal and – to a lesser extent – Inghams. The response of both operators to the effect of the credit crunch upon the ski market was to offer low-cost holidays including not just the usual package of transportation and accommodation but also a lift pass and equipment rental.The "Crystal Ski Plus" prices started at a remarkable £479 per person per week. But the holidays offered were not in eastern Europe, and not in small, out-of-the-way resorts. The first group of destinations were all in France. And the bulk of the holidays were in Les Arcs and La Plagne, the two resorts in the Tarentaise whose linked ski area, called Paradiski, is the biggest in the world. It has probably the best intermediate skiing in the French Alps, plenty of expert terrain on- and off-piste, and good runs for entry-level skiers.How does the cost of these holidays compare with those in the traditional budget destinations? Very favourably. In the same 2009/10 brochure which launched Crystal Ski Plus, a holiday in Andorra, at the resort of Arinsal, costs £140 less than its equivalent in Les Arcs. However, when you add in all the extras included in the Ski Plus package (using the lift-pass and equipment-rental prices quoted in the Crystal brochure) the Andorran holiday costs £68 more. An equivalent holiday in the Bulgarian resort of Pamporovo, including all the extras, is £29 more expensive; and there is simply no comparison between its ski area and Paradiski.Among the traditional budget destinations, Andorra has by far the most interesting story. In the 2002/3 season the tiny principality (one-50th the size of the more familiar principality of Wales) accounted for an astonishing 14 per cent of the British market, having grown in popularity over a dozen years to the point where it attracted more UK skiers than Switzerland and North America put together.Its success was based on three pillars: low prices (thanks, in part, to its tax-free status); continuing investment in the lift systems; and a policy of hiring native English-speakers for the national ski school, which was effectively split into two more-or-less equal parts, one of them completely English-speaking. There were long-term difficulties with the integration of the different ski areas; but once that had been achieved, the rich, former farming families who control the skiing co-operated with each other on a strategy to move Andorra up-market. With a couple of large, linked ski areas, a sensational five-star hotel (opened in 2006), and strict planning controls designed to improve architectural standards, they figured that Andorran skiing warranted a better class of customer.As far as the UK market is concerned, the strategy has been disastrous. The problem with the principality's image was that a location traditionally regarded as a budget destination can't suddenly charge French prices – a view that, a spokesman for Andorra was eager to tell me, was particular to the UK. In other national markets such as the US and Israel (Andorra draws up to 4,000 skiers in a season from the latter) there wasn't the same perception. But he admitted that with Andorra's share of the UK market down to about 3 per cent, something had to be done to arrest the slide.An improved national tourism set-up is tasked with getting the share back up to at least 5 per cent. "We can't do that quickly," the spokesman told me, "but maybe it's possible in a couple of years." To get results as soon as possible, the strategy involves offering "assistance" (primarily with discounts) to tour operators, because they can deliver UK skiers in bulk. The plan ought to work. Andorra is no longer as cheap as it once was; but with all the improvements made in recent years it offers extremely good value for money.Although Andorra may prove to be an exception in the next few years, the general rule is that you get what you pay for in a ski destination. Compare holidays in hotels in the same category and you will find that the price in Bulgaria is a little lower than, say, in Slovenia, which is in turn a little cheaper than, say, Andorra. But, proportionately, there is a much bigger difference in the cost of lift passes. For a week on the slopes of the Andorran resort of Arinsal you'll pay about twice as much as you would in Pamporovo. Does that make it expensive? No, because a glance at the piste map reveals that you also get at least twice as much skiing. By that criterion, of pistes-per-pound, Slovenia might not seem to offer great value. But come dinner-time, skiers are better off in Slovenia than in other budget destinations.The remaining traditional budget destinations for UK skiers is Romania. I have never skied it; but a friend of mine – a senior manager in the UK ski business – rates Romania highly, describing the main resort of Poiana Brasov as "a reasonably priced purpose-built resort with modern lifts set in a beautiful bowl", adding that "the standard of skiing tuition is extremely high". Poiana Brasov is in the Neilson brochure for this season; the prices quoted range from £549 to £899 per person per week, but they include a lift pass, equipment rental and ski or snowboarding tuition. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/5-åxpected-increase-in-tourism-revenues-in-2010/4845.html In 2010 the development of tourism in Bulgaria has started stabilizing. We expect to keep the parameters of the tourism of 2009 with about 5% increase in the revenues, said director of the Institute for Analysis and Assessment in Tourism Rumen Draganov in an interview to FOCUS News Agency.“This will be felt this winter, mainly with the increase of Romanian, Macedonian and Greek tourists, who are acquainted with Bulgarian tourist product and in which we see a high level of repetition in travels,” Draganov said.He said further that regarding to Christmas and New Year, Bulgarian tourism has closed 2009 very well and has started 2010 very good, as well.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Where-did-we-celebrate-(ROUNDUP)/4836.html Which were the most visited places during the holidays? Did Bulgarians go abroad? What kind of transport did they choose? Here are the answers to these questions…The towns of Veliko Tarnovo, Velingrad, Sandanski, Devin, Hisarya and Bansko winter resort turned to be the most visited places during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is what chairman of the Bulgarian hotel and restaurant association Blagoi Ragin said for FOCUS News Agency.“This is the great six”, Ragin commented. In his words Veliko Tarnovo was the outstanding destination with its cultural and SPA tourism. The lack of snow had no negative effect on the town, which was visited by over 5000 tourists.Around 270,000 people have crossed the three border checkpoints to Greece – Kulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voyvoda, for the New Year’s holiday, Commissar Todor Georgiev, director of the Regional Border Police Directorate-Smolyan, told FOCUS News Agency.The number of people entering the leaving the country is almost equal. However, there is a slight superiority of those going to Greece, which was registered yet from the Christmas holiday.Around 90,000 vehicles have crossed the border checkpoints during the 4 off-days for New Year, as the number of buses was much less than the number of cars.60% - 65% of the traffic was at the Kulata border checkpoint, while the one at the other two checkpoints is almost equal.There were no problems and overload of the traffic through the border checkpoints, Commissar Georgiev said. In his words, traffic during New Year’s holiday was more intensive compared to the Christmas holiday.Passengers flow through Sofia Central Bus Station during the holidays was bigger compared to the last years’ holidays, director of Transport department of Sofia Central Bus Station Yunal Kerimov said for FOCUS News Agency.Number of extra buses that ran during the Christmas and New Year holidays was also bigger than in 2008. In 2008 there were 88 additional buses and this year their number was 140.About 15 590 people set out on December 30 and 9920 on December 31.Around 700,000 people have travelled by train during the Christmas and New Year holidays, the press office of the Bulgarian State Railways announced for FOCUS News Agency.The data covers the days from December 23, 2009 till January 3, 2010. The biggest passengers’ flow was registered in the Sofia-Varna, Sofia-Burgas, Sofia-Dobrich, Sofia-Vidin and Sofia-Plovdiv runs.The number of passengers for the Christmas and New Year holidays this year is a little bit bigger than in the same time period in 2008.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Avalanche-hazard-in-Bansko-winter-resor/4835.html Bansko. Weather is overcast and snowy in Bansko winter resort, duty officer of the Mountain Rescue Service told FOCUS – Pirin radio. The newly formed snow cover is about 10-15cm. All the outfits in the resort are working with the exception of the four-seated chair lift from Banderishka Poliyana to Todorka peak. Todorka and Tomba ski-runs have been closed due to icy sections.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Suitable-weather-conditions-for-mountain-toursm-in-low,-middle-parts/4828.html Sofia. Weather conditions in low and middle parts of the mountains are suitable for tourism, the Mountain Rescue Service at the Bulgarian Red Cross told FOCUS News Agency. The weather in the mountains is cloudy, foggy and windy at high parts. Temperatures in the morning hours vary between 0° and 7° -8°. It is snowing almost everywhere. There are good conditions for skiing in winter resorts of Bansko, Besbog and Pirin mountain over Dobrinishte, Pamporovo.Information about the situation in the mountains is available on the website of the Mountain Rescue Service – http://pss.bglink.net.The service’s telephones are 02/ 9632000 and 088 1470.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Go-ski/4823.html The Balkans’ most modern resort was until the turn of the century an isolated snow field used by the Bulgarian military for training. Privatisation and government grants helped build the best lift system in the region and upgraded a provincial mountain village into a winter sports resort capable of competing with the Alps.Bulgaria’s initial appeal is its prices, some 40 per cent lower than western Europe, but Bansko has a growing and loyal following who come year after year to enjoy Ottoman-inspired dishes, a large terrain, varied off-piste activities and excursions, the eccentricity of Balkan nightlife and affordable private ski and board tuitions.Although the outskirts have suffered from overdevelopment, the centre of the town is a maze of cobbled streets peppered with great restaurants and bars with comfortingly low prices.Bansko’s managers have some work to do in dealing with the morning gondola bottlenecks, but once on the mountain the riding is superb, with good beginners’ slopes framed by the woods of the Pirin national park and challenging blacks and off-piste under Todorka peak to satisfy the experienced.Resort height 925mRange 1100-2600mLifts 16Total runs 70kmLongest run 16kmBest run Weather permitting, the full 16km descent from the top station through the Chalin woods. Stop halfway to treat yourself to a reinvigorating Rakia, before slowly drifting back into town.Snowparks OneSeason length Mid-December to AprilSnow reliability **** Who goes Growing middle-class snowhounds of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and Russia. College kids from Greece and Turkey. Bewildered Irish apartment owners and traditional first week learners from Ireland and Britain.Value €€€€ The property overhang has kept accommodation prices low. Food and drink are great value and nourishing hearty Bulgarian four-course meals with local red wines can be had for less than €10 per headInsider tips Intermediates finding it difficult to progress can hire private one-on-one lessons for less than half the price of Alpine resortsread more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria’s-Major-Ski-Resorts-Open-the-Winter-Season/4818.html After two of Bulgaria’s major ski resorts already officially opened the winter season, the remaining three – Vitosha, Pamporovo and Borovets, will do so this weekend.The winter season was first opened by the Chepelare resort in the Rodopi Mountain on December 4, although – due to the relatively high temperatures, there wasn’t enough snow for skiers to actually be able to make use of the slopes.Bankso, the country’s largest and most modern resort, however, celebrated the beginning of this year’s season on December 12, with a charity competition of some of the world’s alpine skiing legends.The winter season opening of the Vitosha ski resort, which is located on the outskirts of Sofia, will take place on Friday with night skiing on the Lale 1 ski run, which is 1.6 kilometres long. Four of the resort’s lifts will begin functioning over the weekend, Kostadin Kostadinov, managing director of the resort, told national media. It is also expected that a 3-kilometre cross-country skiing run will also open this season.Pamorovo and Borovets, located in the Rodopi and Rila Mountains respectively, will open on Saturday and Sunday.Pamporovo will retain the same prices as last year, Sofia Tsankova, managing director of the joint-stock company that operates the resort, told national media. Last year, a day pass for unlimited use of the resort’s ski lifts and slopes cost 50 leva (around 25 euro). This year, there are also discounts available as parts of special packages.Three-day and six-day lift passes in Pamporovo will cost 146 and 283 leva (73 and 141.50 euro) respectively.In Borovets, a day lift pass will cost 55 leva (around 27.50 euro), a three-day one – 154 leva (77 euro) and a six-day one – 286 leva (143 euro).read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Construction-companies-shift-from-real-estate-to-roads-and-infrastructure/4815.html Construction companies which until recently were in the business of developing and building residential complexes, golf courses and holiday homes, were redirecting their resources towards road construction, Bulgarian daily Dnevnik said on December16 2009. Some of these companies were said to be conducting negotiations to buy out established road construction firms.The reason for the shift in interest was a one billion euro planned investment in the sector under the regional development programmes earmarked for the modernisation of Bulgaria’s infrastructure. "Real estate construction and tourism are in stagnation, since 7 or 8 months we are expanding our resources in the road construction sector," Nikolai Galchev, head of Galchev Engineering Group, was quoted by Dnevnik as saying. Galchev carved out a reputation for himself by building a string of holiday homes in Bulgaria’s alpine resort town of Bansko. Nowadays, his company was involved in public procurement procedures for as many as six different projects under the Transit Roads V programme. He has already secured a contract for road maintenance near the southwestern town of Sandanski.Galchev was also interested in participating in the construction of the Trakia motorway, as well as "buying out some established road construction firms" Dnevnik said. Balkanstroi was another firm which was to participate in the Trakia motorway public tender procedures, according to Balkanstroi manager Nikolai Kaloyanov. Balkanstroi has built numerous residential complexes around the country, as well as a golf course in Razlog. "The colleagues from residential construction are aggressively pushing to get a slice of the market in motorway construction. We respect their professional expertise, but they have no experience in road construction," Roumen Yovchev, executive director of Moststroi and head of the Roads Chamber, was quoted by Dnenvik as saying.Yovchev said he would attempt to introduce a tough selection procedure for construction companies who want to be inaugurated in the branch of building first and second class roads across Bulgaria.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Book-Online-To-Save-On-Bansko-Ski-Passes/4808.html Bansko Tourist Information is offering savings on lift tickets when booked online and in advance on their Web site.The Bankso Web site provides an advanced booking service with prices at €8-10 cheaper than purchasing them in-resort. Pre-booked ski passes can be collected from the company's office in Bankso the evening before they are to be used.Bansko Tourist Information offer an adult six-day pass for the discounted price of €136 per person, or a child six-day pass for €82. For longer stays, a 13-day adult pass costs €260 and a child 13-day pass is €158.Bansko has been the big European boom resort of this century. The unspoilt traditional Bulgarian village was reborn with a huge investment in modern lifts and hotels that, along with heavy investment by property buyers, brought the resort rapidly to international prominence. Bansko has over 56 kilometres of marked ski runs with about 80 percent of the slopes covered by snow cannons, all well groomed by a fleet of a dozen machines.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Resort-And-Weather-News/4803.html Predicted cold snap delivers snow to the AlpsAs forecast, the Arlberg region received some of the best snow this weekend with Zurs receiving 15cm of snow on 13 December. The snowfall allowed the Arlbrg resorts to increase the terrain available for snowsports – 52 out of 85 lifts are now running in the Arlberg ski area.Other Austrian resorts to take advantage of the conditions were Obergurgl and Mayrhofen, both of which received 5 cm on 13 December. Obergurgl is now running 47 out of a possible 48 lifts whilst Obergurgl is running all but two of its 24 lifts.In France, Morzine, Flaine and La Plagne all opened on 12 December. Flaine was one of many French resorts to receive light snow, welcoming 5cm on 12 December. The Espace Killy resorts, which kicked off the Ski Club repping service this weekend, are currently reporting excellent piste conditions. Tignes rep rep Connel Torley today reported “quiet pistes and fabulous winter snow” whilst Val d’Isere Paul Mongan reports “ good cover” and “powder around the pistes”.In Switzerland resorts including Murren and Grindelwald receiving 5cm of fresh snow on Sunday 13 December however Italy however stole the limelight with Milky Way resort Sauze d’Oulx receiving 30cm of fresh snow on 12 December and neighbouring Sestriere and Claviere receiving 30cm on 13 December. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Ski-Legends-Open-the-Season/4798.html Marc Girardelli won the legends tournamentOver 2000 skiing fans and legendary ski figures gathered to open the winter season in the Bansko resort yesterday. A lot of businessmen, Bulgaria's Minister of Sports, Svilen Neykov, Bulgaria's most successful biathlete and the gold medalist from Beijing, Rumiana Neykova came to the Banderishka Poliana locality.Skiing legends from the recent past stood at the start of the parallel giant slalom, organized for the first time in Bansko. The contest stirred a lot of emotions. The winner was the honorary citizen of Bansko, Marc Girardelli.Bansko Mayor, Kravarov told the Standart that within two years Bansko would be a green city, the project will be carried out with the help of Austrian companies.Plamen Valkovread more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgarian-Properties-facing-Repossession-–-What-to-do/4791.html Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}Most foreign buyers have purchased properties in Bulgaria via ‘off plan’ schemes. These purchases are typically based upon a contractual proposal for the delivery of a property in the future, payment is by way of instalments and these are often in accordance with the stage of build. The vast majority of such agreements will result in penalties for the developing company if they complete late and the risk of repossession for the owner if they fail to pay in full or on time. This article deals with issues arsing from off plan purchases when a buyer hasn’t been able to raise the expected financing from either their own sources or via a Bulgarian mortgage. In particular it considers the routes of; remortgaging, reselling, renegotiating and repossession. Bulgarian Mortgaging:Many investors are not strictly cash buyers and have entered into an off plan agreements reliant on bank credit to compete the deal. In the current climate mortgages for foreigners are impossible in the tourist areas of the ski resorts and the Black Sea coast (for full information on this subject please refer to our Mortgages articles) as such you are very unlikely to complete and exchange on a property any time soon if you are absolutely reliant on a bank lending against the property. Your best bet is to reconsider either the source of funding or the agreement that you have in place with the developer. Remortgaging:Of the hundreds of cases we have witnessed throughout 2009, for those who planned to apply for a Bulgarian mortgage and have now realised that it is not possible, the most common solution has been to remortgage a UK property or release funds from savings / other assets. Sadly it is a myth that any UK bank will lend against a Bulgarian property, however releasing equity from a UK property by remortgaging to provide funds to complete an overseas purchase is still possible. If this is an option, you should consult an FSA qualified financial advisor. Reselling:What about Reselling? You might have had enough of the whole process, perhaps the investment is not turning out to be what you expected, maybe the developer is no longer building the same facilities that were marketed and you would rather just get out of the whole thing. Whilst this is technically / legally possible and under normal market conditions absolutely achievable, right now it is virtually impossible to sell heavily discounted finished and furnished apartments with proven rental history, let alone half built half paid for properties which are under disputed contract. If we take the example of Bansko; developers are currently offering 30% off of pricelists and private individual resale apartments are discounted by as much as 60% from 2006 prices, even these offers are not attracting buyers and as such it would be pure luck to find a willing cash buyer who wanted your specific unfinished semi off plan apartment. The problem here is not the complexity or the legality of selling a property which is not technically yours yet, all that can be overcome with contracts, at this time it is absolutely about the lack of demand caused by the lack of credit and current lack of belief in property as a stable investment. When these two issues turn, the market will begin to move again, as such we can safely rule out resale as a realistic option in 90% of cases at the current time. Renegotiation:So what if you have an outstanding balance to pay the developer, there are no Bulgarian mortgages available, you don’t want to borrow against your UK property / don’t have one to borrow against and you can’t resell? Your only realistic option is to renegotiate as the alternative is to either lose the funds paid to date or face repossession if you are already the title deed holder. Every case will be unique, however most will be either be A or B below: A) the buyer is overdue making an instalment and hasn’t yet taken ownership / title deed, as such the terms and conditions of the preliminary contract, penalties, late fees etc still apply. If you fall into this category then you are at risk of having the contractual agreement cancelled resulting in the loss of funds paid in thus far and / or penalties and late fees clocking up excessively. It is your responsibility to pursue the developer to achieve a revised mutual agreement geared towards you achieving ownership and reducing your overall risk. In many cases a revised settlement will often pivot around two key elements; the contribution of a lump sum cash payment from the buyer to the developer, normally in the region of 10-15% of the purchase price, followed by smaller monthly instalments broadly inline with expected mortgage repayments, 300-700 Euro / month or so. These amounts continue to be deducted from the balance until such time that a mortgage becomes available. In either case, it is often a solution which keeps both parties content for a year or so thus giving the Bulgarian banks a reasonable amount of time to release new mortgages which can be used to conclude matters. Aspects such as the buyer’s usage and rental income in-between the renegotiated settlement and the final exchange of ownership will always be a matter of unique debate with the specific developer, however it is not uncommon for both to be granted under mutually beneficial agreements. All of this will typically be reflected in an Annex to the preliminary contract so that it becomes a formal extension to the original agreement. It is important to ignore minor issues at this stage; mitigating circumstances such as completion delays, failed promises, unsatisfactory furniture and finishes etc are almost irrelevant if you have an unpaid balance more than 10% of the total. At the end of the day, if you haven’t bought the property in its entirety then it is not yours to complain about entirely. Whilst you might have valid points relating to the minor issues it is crucial that you leave these to later. It is better to focus on getting the major issue of the unpaid balance resettled and when you are in a position to pay in cash or via mortgage and exchange deeds, then debate the final amount and pay a sum that reflects and considers all of the circumstances. Repossession: B) the buyer has already acquired the title deeds but it carries associated conditions relating to the full and final settlement of an outstanding balance owed to the developer. If you fall into this category then you are in a legally stronger position as you are already the owner. To retrieve funds the developer will have to act upon the conditions of the title deeds and force repossession of the property through the courts. If you are facing repossession then like any legal challenge you should get independent advice from a professional consultancy or solicitor. First and foremost, the Bulgarian courts are full of such cases, any new addition will take at least 6-12 months to be considered and acted upon, as such it is not something that can happen overnight (at the current time) no matter how clear cut the case. Be in no doubt that if you do owe money and a condition of the deeds states that funds are due to a developer, then the repossession will almost certainly fall in their favour. This avenue should be treated with caution especially if used as a ‘delay tactic’ whilst raising finances elsewhere. In addition, ongoing legal cases in Bulgaria often involve the freezing of bank accounts and assets regardless of the legitimacy of the case. As such, if you are hoping that a looming repossession case will provide you with six more months of ‘free usage’ before you pay up, unfortunately it is likely that the apartment will be physically bolted shut and frozen as a saleable asset until the court settles the matter. The procedure through the courts will not result in you simply ‘losing the apartment’ or the developer ‘keeping the apartment’, it will result in the forced sale of the property via auction. The funds raised from the sale will then be paid to the creditors; the government is always be the first in line to take any owed taxes etc, in this case the developer will be second creditor and any excess funds will be returned to yourself as the owner. Be under no illusion that the whole process is hugely frustrating, wildly expensive and rarely according to any preset plan. You should take every measure to avoid having your property repossessed by the courts and as such renegotiation before this stage is absolutely the best course of action. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/27-Bulgarian-Hotels-Listed-for-Sale-in-Financial-Times/4786.html The Business for Sale column of Financial Times has listed 27 Bulgarian hotels and holiday accommodations.The highest sales price is USD 36 M for the four-star “Penelope Palace” near the Black Sea town and resort of Pomorie. The expensive apartment-type hotel is not even fully built and it is supposed to be completed in June 2010.The second priciest hotel is listed for BGN 35,2 M and is also on the Black Sea Coast in the nearby “Sunny Beach” resort. This is another four-star establishment, but it has been open for 10 years now and has contracts with major tour operators such as Apollo and Neckerman (Thomas Cook chain).The winter resort hotels in Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are cheaper. The top sales price here is USD 17 M.In addition, there are several business hotels for sale in Sofia with the top price of BGN 21 M.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Macedonian-circles’-attempt-to-present-Nikola-Vaptsarov-as-Macedonian-poet-is-old-and-invented-issue:-curator/4779.html Sofia. The attempt of some Macedonian circles to present Nikola Vaptsarov as a Macedonian poet is an old and invented issue, Galabitsa Todeva, a curator in Nikola Vaptsarov house museum in the Bulgarian town of Bansko, says in an interview with FOCUS News Agency.“Vaptsarov’s mother defends him in the best way, although Vaptsarov defends himself very well in his works, because a few years ago there were similar attacks,” said Todeva.She thinks such attacks do not and will not stop.“Because of similar frauds, on 10 July 1968 his mother Elena Vaptsarova published an address, or more precisely a letter, in the then newspaper Pirinsko Delo,” said Todeva.In her letter Elena Vaptsarova says: “Vaptsarov’s native land is Bulgaria. I would like to share with the readers of the newspaper my sincere outrage at some writers and journalists in Skopje. I have been worried for a long time, but I was silent in behalf of the good neighborly relations. A few years ago in Warsaw the mother of Zoya and Shura Kosmodemyanskaya and I hugged (Editor’s Note – Galabitsa Todeva explains: The Second Peace Congress took place in Warsaw and then the World Peace Council presented Bulgarian Nikola Vaptsarov with its award and that is the only big award given to a Bulgarian up to now.) and promised each other that we will be in the frontlines of the struggle for peace so that there is no other people like us and that’s why I was silent. And now I will shout it out so that the whole world can hear me! Vaptsarov’s native land is Bulgaria. There he worked and died. When the silly news broke that Vaptsarov’s poems were translated into his native language – Macedonian – I was taken by surprise. Is there a poet in this world who wrote poems in a foreign language and then the foreign people translated them into his ‘native’ language? I, the poet’s mother, write this with my feeble hand.”Elena Vaptsarova died next year.Desislava ANTOVAread more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Vonn-claims-win-No.-6-at-Lake-Louise/4774.html Not only did Lindsey Vonn land her sixth career downhill victory at Lake Louise on Friday, but she did it after kneeing herself in the face at the top of the course and bleeding the rest of the way down.Vonn won in 1 minute, 26.13 seconds on a shortened course, beating Canada's Emily Brydon, who landed her first World Cup podium on home turf, by .52 seconds and her best friend Maria Riesch, who also finished third in last year's DH at Lake Louise, by .80 seconds.The near-fall was not captured by cameras filming the race, but Vonn said it happened two or three gates before the first jump."There was a slick spot and my ski kind of slid and I caught. My knee hit my chin and I bit through my tongue," Vonn said. "It almost knocked me out but I somehow regrouped and kept going."Regrouped and won a sixth time, in snow, wind and flat light. It was a banner day for the U.S. women's speed team. Julia Mancuso put down a 10th place finish and Alice McKennis, in only her second ever World Cup race, finished 18th, screaming "yahoo!" as she saw her result in the finish area. Stacey Cook was 23rd and Chelsea Marshall 26th.Èçòî÷íèê: Investor.bgêúì ñòàòèÿòà http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/The-10-most-underrated-ski-resorts/4768.html Ski insiders's secrets: there's more to Swiss skiing than Verbier... heard of Arosa? Or Nassfeld in Austria? Red Mountain, BC, CanadaWhistler and Banff may be Canada’s poster boys but for off the beaten track skiing with zero crowds, amazing terrain and deep, light, Kootenay powder, Rupert Talyor, founder of NONSTOP Adventure rates Red Mountain:“It’s got incredible trees and the most natural terrain I’ve ever ridden. Rossland, the local town, is super chilled and a very cool community. It’s not for park rats, but if you want superb freeride terrain without the crowds, head to Red.”Serre Chevalier, France Though one of the biggest resorts in the Alps, Serre Chevalier is often overlooked by the British wintersports market, but it scores highly with the UK’s online snowboarding community, www.GoneBoarding.co.uk:“It’s a great ski area with friendly locals, homely villages and an attractive, historic town. It’s huge with 250km of pistes and terrain for everybody, all set in the beautiful Écrins National Park. I’ve spent a lot of time in Serre over the years and find it amazing that it’s not more popular with the UK market.”Nightlife in Serre is limited, but if you prefer powder to piss-ups, the varied slopes and off-piste opportunities are a winner with those in the know.La Clusaz, FrancePaul Wilson, founder of PropagandaSnowboards highly rates this French resort, which is ideally located for easy access being just 52km from Geneva:“It’s not a town for 24 hour party people, but it is a fantastic five-mountain linked range, set around a traditional and quaint village centre. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria’s-Biggest-Mountain-Resort-Hopes-for-a-Temperature-Drop-Before-Winter-Season-Opening/4763.html Bulgaria’s largest mountain resort Bansko is hoping for a drop of temperatures before the scheduled opening of this year’s winter season on December 12.Lower temperatures are required for the snow-making machines to begin working. “We don’t only depend on the natural snow, which is missing at the moment, and if this warm weather continues the artificial snow-making machines can not start working,” Ivan Obreykov, the director of the ski zone over Bansko, told the Dnevnik daily newspaper.On the first day of December, the temperatures were above zero, except in the area of the Todorka Peak, where they were negative, and the picture was similar today, the publication wrote, citing the cameras positioned at the four main points of the ski resort.Obreykov and his colleagues are hoping for a change in meteorological conditions, so that the ski season’s opening could take place as scheduled next Saturday.The opening’s attraction would be the charity competition on the Alberto Tomba slope, with the participation of some of the world’s alpine skiing legends, including Marc Girardelli, Pirmin Zurbriggen, Petar Popangelov, Bojan Križaj, Paul Accola, Patrick Ortlieb and Peter Müller.“The new thing this year is the re-cultivation of the pistes’ terrains, which have been covered in grass and are mowed,” Bansko’s mayor Aleksandar Kravarov, told the publication.The construction of the roll ban for the summer biathlon world championship, which Bansko is to host next year, also continues. The route is 3.5 kilometres long and 6 metres high and half of it has already been completed.As BalkanTravellers.com reported at the beginning of the year, the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) warned that the construction of new and expansion of existing winter resorts in Bulgaria, among other countries, is an expensive investment whose cost, both financial as well as social and environmental, exceeds their supposed usefulness.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Weather-is-not-suitable-for-mountain-tourism/4759.html Sofia. Weather in mountains is not suitable for tourism, the Mountain Rescue Service with the Bulgarian Red Cross told FOCUS News Agency. Measured temperatures in mountains are above zero. It is foggy and windy in Stara Planina mountain. Measured temperature at Borovets mountain resort is 5 degrees Celsius, at Bansko resort – 7 degrees C, temperature in Vitosha Mountain is 2 degrees C.No incidents with tourists have been reported in the past 24 hours.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Bulgaria-Winter-Resorts-See-5-More-Bookings-despite-High-Prices/4754.html Despite the relatively high prices at Bulgarian winter resorts, the foreign tourists’ reservations have increased by 5% compared to the same time of last year.This data has been announced by the Bulgarian Tourist Chamber, as cited by BTA. The most popular Bulgarian winter resorts remain Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo.The Tourist Chamber expects that Russian, Serbian, and Macedonian tourists are going to “save” the winter season.Estimates of tourism experts show that the average prices of a seven-day vacation at a Bulgarian winter resort are actually higher than packages in alternative destinations such as Austria, for example.read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Snow-Forecast-in-Bansko/4748.html Meteorologists forecast colder weather on Wednesday morning and light fall of snow, heaviest on Wednesday afternoon.Freeze-thaw conditions (max 5°C on Mon afternoon, min -2°C on Sun night). Winds increasing (light winds from the SW on Sun night, fresh winds from the SSE by Tue night).This season Bansko ski centre will start operating from tomorrow - 01 December. The preparation of the snow cover on the ski slopes has already started and the snow cannons in the ski centre have prepared a solid base on the slopes.Next weekend the resort will become a party arena for the Students holiday. Students from all over the country will celebrate in Bansko. The ski centre will be opened and the lifts will operate. Special last minute offers are available in some of the hotels. Kameliya Krumova read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Crystal-Offer-All-Inclusive-Week-In-Bankso-From-163;485/4749.html Leading tour operator, Crystal ski has introduced a low priced package deal to Bansko, Bulgaria as part of their Crystal Ski+ deal scheme.Crystal Ski+ includes not only flights, transfers, and accommodation, like a normal package holiday, but also the cost of your lift pass and equipment hire. The Bansko package deal is particularly special as the price also includes six days of ski or snowboard tuition.The package price varies depending on whether a three- or four-star hotel is chosen. The deal can be booked on the following dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30 and March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2010. Flights are available from Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham.The hotel choices are either bed and breakfast accommodation at the three-star Hotel Mura for £485 per person, per week, or half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Bansko for £549 per person, per week.At Hotel Mura guests receive complimentary use of the hotel's hot tub, relaxation room, sauna and/or steam bath. The Hotel Bansko also offers free use of its indoor pool, fitness facilities, sauna, and steam bath.A free shuttle runs between both the hotels and the ski lifts and slopes, a two minute journey away.read more http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Election-moratorium/4737.html Electoral moratorium started before the second round of elections chiefs Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, Prešov and Trenčín Region. The law prohibits within 48 hours before the election and the day of the election campaign to disseminate any, whether for or against candidates. The law does not permit the conduct of the election campaign rallies of citizens, in radio and television, in regional or national press or personal agitation in the polling station and its vicinity. What are the penalties for any violation of the electoral moratorium, explaining President Vladimir Pčolinský NEO: "For candidates there is no direct sanction, but if their opponent turned to the Constitutional Court of Slovakia, in theory it may happen that the Chairman of the Region because they can to come. " With incentives to breach the electoral moratorium citizens can contact the district election commission, election commission Region or the Central Electoral Commission, based on Drieňová 22 in Bratislava. read more... http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/How-to-save-money-on-a-skiing-holiday/4734.html Skiing holidays aren't cheap. But with tour operators scrabbling for your custom there's never been a better time to grab a bargain. We seek out some great deals and cost-cutting ideas...Before you goBuy your kit in the UK - the weak pound means it's cheaper than abroad. Matalan has thermals for £5 and ski jackets for £28, while Uniqlo sells fleeces for £6.99 and tops for £5.99. Better still, borrow it.Don't forget travel insurance. Many resorts require proof that you're insured before you can buy a ski pass.If you have an accident on the mountain, it can cost £4,000 for an air ambulance in Europe and £8,000 in the U.S. A broken leg can cost £7,000 to fix in Europe and up to £16,000 in the U.S.Direct Travel charges from £26 for a week's skiing in Europe for a couple and dependent children under 19.Or open Abbey's Reward packaged bank account before December 13 for three months at £5 a month and get free travel insurance.Close it after three months when it reverts to a monthly fee of £10 a month (as long as you've been on holiday).Members of the Ski Club Of Great Britain (£85 for families, £20 for those under 24 and £55 for singles) can save £70 on the Eurostar Ski Train to the French Alps (making a ticket cost from £120) as well as other discounts. Èçòî÷íèê: Investor.bgêúì ñòàòèÿòà http://www.maxbulgaria.com/en/property-news/bulgarian/Will-there-be-enough-snow/4729.html In parts of the Alps resorts are opening their lifts early following heavy snowfall, whilst in some resorts openings are being delayed due to a lack of the white stuff.It’s quite a common a scenario and no real change to many previous seasons. Last year broke the mould in many ways with bumper amounts of snow across the whole Alps.I would be lying if I said that I didn’t quite enjoy all the speculation and discussion that I hear and read each November and early December. It’s all quite interesting and funny – everyone has their own take on the picture and everyone thinks they know whats going to happen. I don’t have a crystal ball, or any special powers but I would guess that as has happened in years gone by the snow will come; it’s just a matter of when.In Switzerland the resort of Verbier, which is very popular with British tourists opened on November 7, whilst the French resort of Val Thorens opened one week later on November 14, a week early. Tignes is also open in France and Zermatt in Switzerland has the most snow in the world with 4 meters.I’m not here to write a snow report but there its easy to feel quite optimistic going on those few resorts. It’s not that simple everywhere though, Bansko in Bulgaria remains closed despite hoping to open earlier this month and now has it’s fingers crossed that the snow will arrive.The Austrian resort of Ischgl, which is world famous for its beginning and end of season concerts, opens for skiing this Friday and then hosts international singer Katy Perry on Saturday for this years concert. Kylie Minogue, The Scissor Sisters, Pink, Elton John, Lionel Richie, The Sugababes and Bon Jovi have all performed live concerts there in years gone by.In the French Alps temperatures remain quite warm and lots of the early season snow that fell over the past weeks is, if not already, starting to melt. It’s a nail biting situation for any seasonal worker and especially tour operators.read more...