PAMPOROVO, 240km from Sofia and 85km from Plovdiv, boasts a climate with about 120 sunny days during the skiing season.

Amid the mountain that legend holds to have been the home of the mythical figure Orpheus, the resort offers slopes ranging from those suitable for beginners to those that will be a challenge for seasoned experts.

Pamporovo is at 1650m above sea level, at the foot of the 1926 Snezhanka Peak. The 25 ski runs are in good condition, with many instructors on hand, and with a number of outlets offering rentals of ski equipment. There are 18 lifts, including five chair lifts and 13 surface lifts.

There are plenty of apres-ski night life opportunities, with the resort hosting a number of restaurants and bars. There are 13 hotels.

All of the major ski runs start from the peak of the mountain, near the landmark television tower.

There is an emergency ski patrol service on call 24 hours a day. An ambulance service and clinic, with doctor and nurse in attendance, are available. The resort also has a number of pharmacies and dentists, and there are hospitals in nearby Smolyan, 15km from Pamporovo, and Chepelare.

A number of recent visitors have given their impressions, writing in to an internet site about Pamporovo.

Said Holly Clare of Chatham in the UK: "I can honestly say that it was best holiday ever".

George Holmes of Taunton in the UK said that the resort had been "the best place for a learner like me to ski".

Chris Howell of Cornwall, while praising the slopes and the instructors, noted that "if you want a day off from skiing, there is plenty more to do, including massages, swimming, quad biking, hiking, and dancing, to name but a few".

Natalie Sivenova of Exeter wrote, "to all who have ever thought that Bulgaria was boring or too easy for the experienced, then think again. Maybe you will think that I'm biased because I happen to be married to a Bulgarian (yes, it was one of those ski holidays and yes, he was an instructor). You could be right, however because of him I managed to experience one of the secrets in the area...Chepelare ski run...all the ski instructors in Pamporovo know of it and if good enough will take you there. Yes, you have to master the black runs first!"

For information on conditions at Pamporovo, visit www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Pamporovo.html