Pamporovo faces winter tourism risks due to landslide

The mountain resort of Pamporovo faces significant logistical challenges ahead of the winter season due to a massive landslide that destroyed part of the main road connecting Smolyan to the resort. While the state has secured over 9 million euros to construct a 108-meter, two-lane bridge over the landslide zone, the timeline for completion remains uncertain.

Currently, access relies on an emergency route that local authorities and hotel operators warn is highly precarious. There are concerns that the path could become impassable following the first snowfall or during heavy precipitation. Stefan Prisadov, CEO of Pamporovo AD, noted that the situation has already contributed to a 12-14% decline in summer bookings due to uncertainty regarding accessibility.

Local officials are working on mitigation strategies, including limited asphalt paving of the emergency route and proposals for a lower bypass road. For the upcoming winter, tourists will be required to use alternative routes through neighboring settlements.