Just over the ridge from Dream Lake, Pamporovo is known as Bulgaria's sunniest ski resort: around 120 sunny days in a season that usually runs from mid-December to mid-April. Its southern position, open to the warm Aegean air, brings bright blue skies over deep, reliable snow.
Some 37 km of groomed pistes run from Snezhanka peak (1,926 m) and its landmark TV tower, with its observation deck, down through snow-covered spruce forest to about 1,450 m. Gentle, rounded slopes make it one of the best places in Europe to learn to ski. Experts head for the Giant Slalom run and the steep “Wall”. Ski schools, rental shops, night skiing and a snow park complete the offer.