This section is designed to give the beginner, or neophyte of one or two years, the secrets on how to get equipment and advance into that next echelon of skiing -- the intermediate.

The First Day

The bus picks you up in Pamporovo village drops you at the door of Ski centre 2.

You're greeted with an multitude of people all looking for boots and skis. You think it chaos, but within a matter of minutes you're fitted out with boots and skis. Make sure your boots fit snugly and tightly. This is probably the most important piece of equipment. You use your boots to direct and turn. Don't wear two pairs of socks. If you're prone to the cold, wear smartwool socks. If you've forgotton any gear there are lots of ski shops around and the cost of the gear is reasonable. Every evening you dropp your skis in your allocated spot and they're there for you the following moring and every morning for the rest of your stay.

Skiing is a personally challenging sport. It doesn't matter if you don't know what ski goes on what foot. Nobody does on the first day. And remember, the bar is always fun (here nobody knows how good of a skier you are).

1. Try on the boots. Make sure they fit. Contrary to what they say, they're not supposed to hurt. This one piece of equipment can make all the difference.

2. Beginner skis should not be higher than your shoulders.

3. Ask for a freshly sharpened and waxed pair of skis.

4. Get poles with hand straps.

Clothing:

Staying Warm and Dry Dress comfortably.
A word of advice for the beginner before the first outing -- clothing makes the person. Wear clothes that waterproof. You are going to spend a little time on the ground, and it's not very dry. And, if it's going to be snowing, you need goggles. Inversely, if it's sunny, bring your "slick-daddy" sunglasses. Consider wearing some long johns that are made from materials that wick perspiration away from the skin. You won't need to wear trousers over them, just the skiing pants.

Ski clothing is a work of technological wonder. Every year manufactures come out with better fabrics and color schemes. The one important thing to consider when purchasing is weatherability. Look for fabrics that breathe, yet won't allow the perspiration to stay on the skin. A good polypropylene undergarment should be the first consideration, while the outer garments should be lightweight so you can layer additional clothing if needed. If it's hot out, you can simply take off the under layering sweater and the outer shell will be enough. But inversely, if it's cold, the adding of undergarments can give the needed warmth.

Make sure the clothing is breathable. Most of the cheaper winter clothing on the market is made of waterproof material that will act like a weight-reduction rubber sweat suit making you break into an immediate sweat. That sweat will make the body cold and damp thereby effectively ruining your ski day. Socks should be warm, but not thick and heavy. Pants should not be tucked into the boot. Remember, the shin needs to be pushed against the cuff of the boot for control, and if the pant leg is bunched into the boot, the result will be pain and blisters.