Pamporovo resort in the Rhodope Mountains would not have artificial snow in the 2007-2008 winter season, because the dam, which would provide water for the snow machines, had been drained, Pamporovo ski school director Lyubomir Sankiiski said.

The dam had been drained, because it did not meet technical requirements, National Service Civil Protection in Smolyan said.

The lifts in the resort would start functioning around December 15, investor.bg said. They would be opened between December 7 and 9 as well because of the students’ holidays.

Prices for lift passes would remain the same as in 2006-2007 season. A day pass would cost 49 leva. For loyal clients of the resort, passes would be offered at a 35 per cent discount.

UK and Irish tourists were expected to be the main clients of the resort. German and Russian groups are also expected.

In the nearby Chepelare resort, lift passes would cost 25 leva. Winter season in the resort would open on December 21 2007. Several new hotels would be opened for the new season, increasing the number of beds available in the resort to nearly 400.