A new ski resort is to be built close to the south western Bulgarian city of Blagoevgrad.

On 25 July, the citys Mayor Lazar Prichkapov helped to start construction of the ski centre, which is located in the Kartala area, about twenty kilometres from Blagoevgrad.

The centre will have over 30km of ski tracks, with ski lifts and other facilities. Several hotels will be built with over 1,500 beds. In order for the resort to function, however, the municipality will have to contribute around €600,000, for improving the water supply and sewage system. The investment would be well worth it, locals believe, as once the resort is up and running it could quickly turn into a major tourist destination.