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The quaint town of Chepelare lies at the heart of the majestic Rhodope Mountains, in a lush, narrow valley, bordered by two banks of the clear Chepelarska River. It is the highest town in Bulgaria. Olympic biathlon champion, Ekaterina Dafofska, was born in Chepelare, she is the only Bulgarian to win a gold medal in a winter Olympics. The town and the area surrounding it offer fresh mountain air, stunning views, many historic sights and excellent skiing. Chepelare is seeing many new developments from the surge of construction sweeping the nation, but in many respects, it is like stepping back in time. It is so safe that small children walk to and from school and kindergarten on their own.

 

Gardens here are home to a menagerie of animals from sheep and horses to ostriches. The potholed roads are for pedestrians, mad Lada drivers, goatherds and horse and carts.

Chepelare neighbours the purpose-built ski resort, Pamporovo, which is 1,650 metres above sea level with the highest peak, the Snezhanka, reaching 1,926 metres. Whilst both areas undoubtedly have much to offer the winter visitor, their popularity as year-round destinations is growing. This treasure of the Rhodopes is an area rich with pastures, green hills and mountain trails making it ideal for nature lovers (particularly bird watchers), hikers, horse-riders, anglers and mountain bikers.

 

A DIP BACK IN TIME
Chepelare and the Eastern Rhodope Mountains, is an area with a rich history and a wealth of mythical heritage. The area now occupied by the town was once home to the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Thracians. The ancient Greek mythical musician, Orpheus and the clan of guards of the famous Sanctuary of Dionysus, hailed from here.

Chepelare was not founded as a settlement until 1726, when the newcomers to the area bought the land around the valley and the surrounding hills, but it never really prospered as a town until it was liberated from Ottoman rule.

The area started to became popular as a winter sports destination in the early 20th century. In 1933, Nikola Chichovski built the first guesthouse in what is now Pamporovo. In 1934, a tourist organization formed and by 1937, native Olympic skier Borislav Yordanov opened the first ski run.

GETTING AROUND
The nearest airport is Plovdiv, but this currently only operates a small number of flights mainly during the winter season, making Sofia the most convenient year round airport. The best way to reach this area is by car, but expect a long, slow journey winding up a single lane carriageway overhanging sheer mountain drops. There is a reliable bus route between Chepelare, Sofia and Plovdiv and local buses to Pamporovo.

OUT AND ABOUT
The Cave Museum - Dimitar Raichev opened the museum in the centre of Chepelare in January 1980. It is the only one of its kind in the Balkan Peninsula; the local speleological club were active in its development. The museum documents caves and geological cave formations from the dawn of time. It contains around 9,400 objects covering cave geology, mineralogy, archaeology and animal life. It is an interesting place for both children and adults with its dark interior adding to the spooky cave feel.
Captain Petko Voivoda Monument - Captain Petko Voivoda (1844 - 1900) was a 19th century Bulgarian war hero who first arrived in Chepelare in August of 1878.
St. Antanas Church - St. Antanas Church was built in 1834 in a little less than two months.
Church of the Virgin Mary - The Church of the Virgin Mary took six years to build and was finished in 1866 during the Bulgarian Revival.
The Ski Museum - The Ski Museum opened on May 8th 1998 because of Ekaterina Dafovska’s gold medal win in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
The House of Culture - One of the town’s most attractive buildings. Local drama and arts groups periodically put on plays, musical and dance performances here.
City Park and City Garden - The town has two small parks which provide playgrounds and recreation areas for people of all ages.
Pamporovo TV Tower - Pamporovo is famous for its 156 m high TV tower on the Snezhanka Peak. An elevator ferries visitors up to the top, where they can take in spectacular views from an outdoor observation gallery. On a clear day, you can see neighbouring Greece.

Pamporovo Church - A beautiful white Orthodox Bulgarian church close to the centre of the town. It has been newly renovated and has amazing frescoes.

SKIING
There is an old saying in Bulgaria that Chepelarans are born wearing skis. The Mechi Chal resort on the outskirts of the town is a great place to ski away from the crowds in Pamporovo. Parking is easy and snowboard and ski equipment can be hired on a day-to-day basis.

Unlike most European resorts, there are no lift queues and it is not uncommon to have the vast open pistes all to yourself. A double chair lift takes skiers to the top of the slopes, the journey time takes approximately 20 minutes and it is possible to exit at the middle station about 10 minutes up. Five million euros worth of new lifts are being added in time for the new season. There is a total of 20 km of pistes, the best known is the “Mechi Chal” a 3 km long run with a drop of 720 m.

Special attention is given to skiing instruction for children, and it is possible to hire a private instructor for around 20 Leva per hour. There are over 25 km of cross-country and biathlon trails and you can visit the biathlon shooting range, where Dafovska’s Olympic-gold-winning rifle is displayed. There are several cafes at the top of the mountain making a days skiing a pleasant experience. From the top of the Mechi Chal peak, you can look across to Pamporovo.

Pamporovo is Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort. The pistes are of various difficulties and are suitable for experts as well as for beginners. The total track length is 18 km, the longest being 4 km in length. There are several chair lifts at various points in and around the resort, which connect Pamporovo with the Snezhanka Peak and the Studentets Cabin.

The resort boasts 25 km of excellent ski runs and 38 km of cross-country skiing tracks served by 18 lifts. All ski runs are well maintained; four snow-levelling machines and six snow cannons guarantee skiers comfortable and enjoyable downhill rides all season long. More than 100 highly qualified ski instructors, fluent in various languages, are available to teach beginners and intermediate skiers as well as snowboarders. There is a ski kindergarten for young children, which is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.