To take my family skiing last minute with no idea what I'm doing?

[jinglemybauble]

Found a ski trip in pamporovo bulgaria and it's super cheap. Leaves next week includes all ski hire lessons self catering and flights.

I have zero idea what I'm doing never been skiing but fancy going for it. My dh thinks I'm nuts and adamant it's a no.
Shall I just book it. Can it be that bad?! Anything I should know before I book it. Other than maybe I am nuts

Well you’d need to do a lot of shopping for clothes quickly. Dh has skied in Bulgaria once and said never again, there’s a reason it’s cheap. But think he’s been spoilt by nice French resorts.

How old are the kids, because small kids....or indeed any beginner won’t want to ski all day. So what’s in the resort to do after the morning lesson?

How old are your kids?
Do they have suitable clothing? Or would you be able to get suitable clothing in time?

Hated Bulgaria. Never ever again it nearly killed the ski experience for me.

TKMax for ski clothes, or borrow from friends.
Book it!

6 yo very sporty and just a go for it dc.
We have all snow gear for dc as went lapland last year and all fits. I have snow boots. All ski gear boots/skis + lessons included.

I have to get everything plus dh we can afford this and have a variety of outdoor stores in town so will pop down today to see what's available (decathlon mountain warehouse etc)

Why no to Bulgaria? Happy to be put off as dh almost annoyed you considering this but he won't actually give me a reason

How is your fitness? Skiing puts a much higher than expected strain on your leg muscles (calf and quads especially); which could make the holiday pretty miserable if you’re not used to it or built up for it. (In fairness, the lessons are structured that if you have enough breaks it shouldn’t be too bad)

The other thing to consider is that your DH doesn’t want to, so potentially you are going to end up with a very grumpy DH over Christmas - learning to ski is pretty frustrating with a lot of falling over and also being stuck on the bunny slopes while people are whizzing around you looking at the more amazing vistas. If you combine this frustration with the fact that he didn’t really want to go anyway; it may lead to a fairly shit Christmas.

@Volluto ok thanks why? Not that I'd have an idea why

Decathlon or mountain warehouse for clothes

We have a super cheap trip to France self catering in a fab resort driving. This is better!

Is there any snow?

I've been skiing in Bulgaria and you couldn't pay me to go back.

We went to Bulgaria. I loved it. Wasnt as cold as I thought it would be.

Actually dh said he will only go if he can have lessons as well. I want to go so dc can learn but now he's demanding lessons too but doesn't like the idea of Bulgaria I think

As a minimum You’d all need:
Thermal base layers
Fleece mid layer
Good quality coat and salopettes
Gloves
Ski socks
Buff
Goggles

Possibly sunglasses or sun cream

Warm clothes to be worn in the resort when skinning is finished for the day.

I’ve never been skinning in Bulgaria before so can’t comment on that.

My experience was limited snow so icy. Poor piste bashing. Drag lifts. Awful food.
Admit 6 yrs ago it may have changed.

@Dyrne my dh grumpy grinch all the time so I tend to override with great success with regards to holidays.
I don't want to upset him too much though but he's very sporty. If anything I'll be the marshmallow on skis...

Thanks @Volluto doubt that much has changed tbh

X post - seen your update about the gear and child’s age. I’d say go for it.

I have just checked on snow-forecast.com and snow is not predicted there in the next week. Nothing at the moment. Could be disapponting and may account for the very cheap price.

Go for it. The DC will love it.
A colleague, virgin skier, went to Bulgaria and loved it.

@TrickyD good point! Actually it is first week of jan getting myself in a muddle. but obviously not that long off

Just check they have snow in the resort. If they do then book it and go. (People dislike Bulgaria because the slopes are more suited to beginners....which you are.....and they are snobby about food....it will be fine). Share the link so I can dream about taking mine. Have a fabulous time. (Skiing at Xmas is so much fun).

So the people all saying they'd never go skiing in Bulgaria again STL haven't said WHY!
That's what the op wants to know!

Haha we are the most tight frugal family you could ever meet. Crap food a specialty if we can stomach Reindeer and cabbage delights of lapland last year, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Will check snow report now

Horehound I think if you are an experienced skier and are more used to the 3 valleys Etc, you’re probably going to find Bulgaria shit in comparison. If you’re a beginner you won’t necessarily notice in your first week.

I agree with others to look at the snow forecast and history of snow at the time you’re going - if it’s shit snow you’ll have an even more rubbish time and probably never convince your DH to go again!

I'm honestly thinking worst case we end up building Olaf's all week... well not sure now. Bulgaria's not exactly on list of dream locations without snow...