When it comes to winter tourism in Bulgaria, people point out the advantages of big mountain resorts like Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets that are famous outside this country. But there are other romantic and cheaper ways to have a snowy holiday. One can choose the small and not so popular resorts that guarantee calm vacations and lots of snow, far away from crowds of tourists. One of these places is Yundola.

At the height of the winter season it is almost impossible to find vacancies in local hotels, especially during the weekends. During Christmas and New Year hotels throughout the region were bursting at the seams. So people make reservations at least a month in advance, says mayor of the village of Yundola Mehmed Mestan. It turns out that the Rhodope village is well known among skiers who appreciate the comfort and beauty of this spot untouched by mass tourism. There are several ski runs in the region and despite they are not very long, they offer unforgettable emotions to skiers, snowboarders and children with sleds. The good news is that you do not have to wait at a queue to get on the ski lifts, while prices are much lower. Not to mention the possibilities for accommodation – there are renovated holiday homes dating back to the times of socialism, family hotels and rural houses whose owners constantly tempt visitors to taste local dishes. People in Yundola are known for producing delicious homemade blueberry and wild strawberry jam and honey. You can buy homemade cheese and other local products. Wildlife lovers also enjoy roaming around the mountain that offers great possibilities for hiking. The "Rogachitsa" and "Valiavitzite" natural reserves in the Rila Mountain are not far away while the town of Velingrad, known as the spa capital of the Balkans is 16 kilometers away.

So after a day of skiing one can relax in the hot pool. What else should we know about Yundola and the region?

"Yundola is situated between two mountains: Rila and the Rhodopes and one can feel the mildness of the Aegean climate. Not only Bulgarians but also Hungarians, Russians, Italians, English and others come here on vacation. People come for the nature and fresh air, but most of all - to find peace and silence, which is what they lack. Very often they say they can ‘hear’ the silence and the way snowflakes fall from the sky. This is something that surprises them. There are 4 ski runs and nearby there is the complex of Kurtovo with a very good drag lift. In the Starina area there are a horse riding center, tea house and other facilities. But the greatest pleasure is isolation in nature, enjoying the views, the heights of mountains, the whispering of the forest. The beautiful nature and the hospitable people are the greatest wealth of Yundola,” says Mayor Mehmed Mestan in conclusion.

English: Alexander Markov