The Rhodope Mountains
The Rhodope mountain range is located in the south-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula; its highest summit is Mount Perelik (2,192 m). The nice climate coupled with other factors is favourable for the development of tourism. The microclimate thus established enables a thick snow cover to be preserved for a long period of time – a veritable paradise for skiers. 15 of the areas have been declared nature reserves, some of which are under UNESCO’s protection. Numerous mineral springs take their source from the mountain. The highest and most well-known peaks in The Western Rhodopes are also here: Shirokolashki Snezhnik – 2188 m, Golyama Syutkya – 2186 m, Malak Perelik – 2147 m, Golyam Persenk – 2091 m, Batashki Snezhnik – 2082 m, Malka Syutkya – 2078 m, Malak Persenk – 2074 m, and Prespa – 2000 m. Picturesque gorges, rock phenomena, lakes and unique landscapes attract thousands of tourists to visit the mountain during all the seasons. Many of the villages have been declared architectural monuments.
The Perelik Project - sustainable development at all stages!
The motto of the resort: “Beautiful nature, satisfied tourists!”
The “Perelik” project is aiming at sustainable development at all stages of its realisation. After the finalisation of it there will be:
- 200 km of ski tracks
- 65 ski lifts
- 2 Golf courses
- Aqua Park
- Biathlon, stadium, Adventure Park & play zone for children
- Equestrian centre
Fly-through video of the Perelik mountain ridge and surrounding peaks:
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The idea to build a mountain resort at the foot of Mount Perelik, the highest peak of the Rhodope Mountains, refers back to a time - 47 years ago. The impressive Project “Perelik” is the new modern face of Bulgarian tourism. This is proved by the use of the best contemporary architectural and construction practises as well by the combination of the authentic Rhodope architectural style and the most up-to-date and environment-friendly technologies. The resort will be the greenest on the Balkans.
As early as the year 2008 the building of a new, all-year-round mountain complex resort will start. It will be situated only 10 km far from the town of Smolyan, over a total area of 22 square kilometres. This project will include the Smolyan villages of Stoykite, Gela, Solishta, Stikal and Mugla. December 2008, “Perelik” will welcome its first visitors with 22 km of ski runs, 11 lifts, ski storage and rental facilities, ski schools and an unique snow park on an area of 35,000 m2.
The “Perelik” Project is developed by private capital and the Smolyan Municipality with the guidance of the consultants and architects Dianeige and DGA/Diener Guirard Architecture.The participation of the Smolyan Municipality guarantees the reconciling of the investment interests and the needs of the regional economical development.
The project has been designed by “DGA / Diener Guirard”, represented by Mr. Pierre Diener- urban architect, and “Dianeige”- consultants for the design and the construction of many environment-friendly mountain complexes in France and all around Europe. He provides services to leading companies in tourism such as Pierre&Vacances, Club Mediterrannee, American Marriot Group. DGA has been awarded the design of the first European eco-village Belle dune and the holiday complex Center Parks – Lac de l`Ailette in Picardy.
Sustainable development
The concept of “sustainable development” is basic to the project: economical growth, taking into regard both the people and the natural resources of the unique Rhodope Mountains. This enables us to create best conditions for enjoying a direct contact with the nature, for sport and tourism while at the same time preserving an ecologically clean environment.
During the very first season in the next year the guests of the resort will be able to see how man and nature can coexist without disrupting the ecological balance.
A. How
- One main architectural code and generally low buildings density, usage of natural materials, stone and wood, preservation of the authentic Rhodope architecture
- There are only 4 restaurants (tea houses), medical and information centres in the high parts of Perelik region (over 1,600 meters) where the ski runs of different lengths and difficulty levels take their starting point
- No new roads will be built, there is only the rehabilitation of the existing road planned and strengthening to prevent landslides
- Bio-fuels are used
- The project is fully consistent with Natura 2000
- 20 hectares of land near Soskovcheto Natural Reserve have been donated to the reserve with the aim to increase its territory
B. Why
- The ski runs will be designed mostly on meadows on the peaks, bare or deforested tracks or ravines and their width will be reduced upon entry in forests
- 2,000 new trees will be planted on every hectare of the territory
- Full recovery of the nature in the built-up areas, regrassing of ski runs with local grass sorts, forwarded usage of alpine pastures
- Turfs shall be kept and further planted on the parts covered with matgrass
- An alpine golf course on the ravines below Perelik Peak
- The wood shall be transported by use of animal power and a rope tow
- The lakes shall save water in the summer which can be used in emergencies to extinguish fire
- The artificial snow systems are state-of-the-art and are actually fire hydrants
Distance from
Sofia International Airport – 210km
Plovdiv International Airport – 65km