Print

Bulgaria skiing to success

Ski resorts are big business in Bulgaria, and news of another new project is sure to interest prospective investors.

It was announced this week that a new ski resort will be built close to the town of Chepelare in Bulgaria's Rhodoppe Mountain.

At a proposed cost of over EUR 50m, the new Mechi Chal resort will serve to turn the small mountain town in an international center for winters sports and mountain tourism. Its name Mechi Chal comes from the name of the Chala area, where the complex will be located.

The construction of the new complex will take place in three phases over the next five years. The first phase will be completed by the end of 2008, and includes the renovation of an existing ski lift, the construction of a new, 2.7-km long lift, and of a new 3.5-km long ski track with facilities for artificial snow.

The second phase of the project will be completed in 2009-2011, and will provide a sports center in the town of Chepelare and another 3-km long lift.

The third phase includes the opening of summer vacation facilities and a resort village.

Chepelare Mayor Georgi Popov, commented: "This is one of the first projects in the country to be realized through an equal partnership between the Chepelare Municipality and business investors".