The winter season will officially open in Pamporovo on 16 December when the first groups of British tourists are expected.

December 2006 is the warmest on record in most of Europe and Bulgaria is no exception. Although dense fog has been covering low-lying areas, the weather in the mountains is warm and sunny.

Global Warming is playing havoc with the weather it seems, and its effects are becoming increasingly obvious.

Temperatures reach 15'C during the day, while it remains below zero in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv with dense fog covering those areas 24/7.

This autumn has been unusually dry and warm but very foggy. Usually, snow falls in Bulgaria during November and it is often in the form of wintry mix.

No snow has fallen so far and some additional attractions were created in Pamporovo, like no-snow walks in the mountains. Artificial snow has been used but is unable to provide the conditions needed for skiing.

With Christmas around the bend, ski resorts in Bulgaria are desperate for snow. No one knows for sure what this winter has in store but one thing is for certain. There will be snow. The question is when.

source: news.bg