Mixed messages
Vitosha Ski (JSC) seems to be claiming several reasons why it has taken the decision to stop operating this season which mainly centre around the newly implemented Law on Forests. This, according to the company prevents them from developing new lifts without significant government review whilst at the same time constricting their ski-track up-keep programme in the National Park itself.

In their statement, Vitosha Ski also appear to be stating that due to this closure, they will need to reduce their staffing numbers until such time as they are able to operate under the law correctly. This is actually in breach of the company’s concession agreement as by law, they are obliged to employ at certain levels throughout the winter season. Vitosha Ski has cited "force majeure" as the reason it cannot complete on its staffing obligations.

In response, the Vitosha National Park authority have released a statement saying that certain runs around Aleko (the resorts base station and destination of the gondola from the foot of the mountain) are able to be utilised by tourist this coming season.

SkiGuideBg.com contacted various sources who have asked not to be named and the general response was somewhat vague.

One lady with "strong connections" to Vitosha Ski JSC, when asked if she believed that Vitosha would not operate at all this coming season was only able to state "It looks that way".

The Blame Game
Although the news is sketchy (to say the least), it does not look particularly good for Vitosha as a ski destination this winter. Some have speculated that Vitosha Ski JSC may have simply "not made enough money" in previous years to continue operating the resort at profit. Another source in another ski resort in Bulgaria (who also refused to be named) suggested that Vitosha Ski JSC were using the timing of the announcement (less than a week before some other resorts are about to open) to put pressure on Central Government to quickly relax the new legislation which the concession has constantly been criticised for ignoring anyway.

What does this mean to the ski industry in Bulgaria?
Looking on the bright side, we hope it means that other resorts will benefit from the potential lack of ski and snowboard activities on the capital cities own slopes. However, we have yet to have any official reaction from the other resort operators.

The cynics amongst you may (rightly or not) take the view of other critics of Vitosha Ski JSC and see it as a publicity stunt to get what they want which is alleged to be looser control of how they operate Vitosha Ski Resort. Some, in the environmental lobby have suggested on several occasions over the past few years that there has been little or no control at all anyway.

We will bring you more news and comments as we get them.