The mountain teaches, sport builds: Pamporovo supports the young generation of skiers and snowboarders

Skiing brings numerous benefits for the health and overall development of children: it improves physical endurance, coordination, and balance, builds discipline, independence, and confidence. At the same time, it encourages an active lifestyle and a love for movement in nature. Time spent in the mountains also has a positive effect on the mental well-being of young people, teaching them responsibility, concentration, and respect for the natural environment.

Preserving the ski tradition in the Rhodope Mountains is of key importance not only for the health and development of children, but also for the long-term future of the region. Young people who today take their first steps in skiing can tomorrow realize themselves as instructors, competitors, mountain guides, or specialists in the tourism sector. In this way, the love for the mountains and winter sports naturally becomes a driver for the development of the local economy and a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of winter tourism. With this very goal, and as a continuation of the established tradition, Pamporovo AD, in partnership with the Municipality of Smolyan and the Municipality of Chepelare, has launched again this year an initiative aimed at promoting winter sports among local children and youth.

In the period from March 20, 2026, until the end of the winter season, students studying in schools within the territory of the two municipalities have the opportunity to use free lift passes for the Pamporovo ski zone. Interest in the initiative is extremely high, with over 350 students already having registered participation and taking advantage of the opportunity provided.

The initiative aims to give more children the opportunity to come into contact with winter sports and to spend more time in the mountains, thereby encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle from an early age. In order to ensure the safety of children and youth, a restriction has been introduced on the use of the most difficult terrains. Access to the black slopes on the northern slopes, as well as to the facilities lift 5 “Malina - Snezhanka” and lift 7 “Dvata mosta,” is not permitted.

Alongside this initiative, during the current season Pamporovo is also participating in the national program “Learn to Ski,” organized by the Bulgarian Ski Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Education and Science. The program concludes on March 26, 2026, and aims to provide children with their first practical contact with winter sports, with around 350 students trained in Pamporovo this season. On the final day of training - March 26—a closing event will be held with a friendly competition among the best- performing children from the past weeks. Forty students will participate, ten of whom will be awarded symbolic prizes for their performance, effort, and progress. The event will give children the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and to mark their progress on the slopes in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. For yet another year, with the support of the Bulgarian Ski Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the initiative contributes to more and more children learning basic skills in winter sports.

In parallel, from March 23 to March 27, a new edition of another initiative also took place “Skiers and Snowboarders for the Future”, a natural continuation and expansion of last year’s pilot campaign “Skiers for the future.” The initiative is once again implemented with the support of the Association of Ski Schools in Pamporovo, Pamporovo AD, as well as the municipalities of Smolyan and Chepelare, which this year are joining forces to provide free lift passes for students from the region, equipment, and training. For the second consecutive year, ski wardrobes and ski schools in the resort are providing completely free equipment for children, as well as lessons, and in 2026 the initiative already includes not only skiing but also snowboarding. This expansion is precisely the reason for renaming the campaign to “Skiers and Snowboarders for the Future”.

As early as the first day, interest significantly exceeded expectations. More than 82 children from Smolyan and Chepelare joined the training, which began in the area of Studenets hut. Over 20 ski schools took part in the initiative, providing instructors and the necessary human resources for conducting the activities. A new element this year is the active participation of snowboard instructors - more than four specialists began training with over a dozen children who chose snowboarding as their first contact with snow sports. As part of the campaign, specially branded signal vests have been provided for the children, ensuring their safety on the slopes. The training sessions are held between 14:00 and 16:00, when conditions in the resort are most suitable, the slopes are calmer, and instructors can give full attention within the two training hours.

Through such initiatives, Pamporovo AD, in partnership with the municipalities of Smolyan and Chepelare and the Association of Ski Schools in Pamporovo, consistently invests in the future of the region by creating real opportunities for children to discover the joy of movement, the freedom of the mountains, and the inspiration of winter sports. As part of its long-term social commitment, the company develops a sustainable policy in support of local communities, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle among young people. Through initiatives that expand access to sports, support educational and training programs, and are implemented in close cooperation with local institutions, Pamporovo AD contributes not only to the personal development of young people, but also to establishing the Rhodope Mountains as an attractive and sustainable destination for living and tourism.