The resort of Pamporovo has some clientele, despite the partial lockdown and closed restaurants, spas, swimming pools, etc. In the Rhodope resort ski slopes and lifts are closed, too. However, some of the hotels welcome weekend tourists attracted by the first snow. These are mostly Bulgarians who come to breathe fresh air and walk on the paths of the Rhodopes as there are many attractive places to visit in the area.

Radio Bulgaria has found that the resort is fully ready to officially start the ski season on December 21, after the possible cancellation of the order of the Minister of Health related to the anti-coronavirus measures.

Recently, Marian Belyakov, executive director of Pamporovo AD, has told media that despite the huge losses caused by the epidemic and the restrictive measures, significant funds have been invested in the resort in recent months to ensure the safety of guests.

"One of the steps in this direction is the introduction of a special system for remote purchase of lift passes," a representative of the marketing department of the resort has told BNR.

Skiers will receive their passes paid online using pick-up device located near the ski slopes. In this way, the management of one of Bulgaria’s most popular ski resorts hopes to avoid the usual queues in front of the ticket offices and the crowds near the lifts.

Mostly Bulgarians are expected to be guests to local hotels in the coming months. There are also reservations from abroad, but due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the marketing office of the resort did not want to specify the foreign countries where tourists are expected to come from. Local hoteliers also offer discount packages for the holidays.

For the time being, however, the season is in question and only the snow and the beautiful views of the Rhodope Mountains are able to attract tourists to Pamporovo.

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: pamporovo.me, BGNES and Milena Dimitrova