Bulgaria World Cup ski runs 'illegal'

Alpine Skiing World Cup events in Bulgaria's southern resort of Bansko use illegal ski runs and break international regulations, a coalition of nature groups said Friday. "With close to 40 percent of the ski runs in Bansko being illegally built and operated, many fear this event has cast a shadow over the reputation of the FIS (International Ski Federation)," the For The Nature group said in a statement. "The ski run on which the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup is being held this weekend is also built in breach of concession regulations," it added. Checks by Bulgaria's environment and waters ministry last October showed that Bansko operator Yulen had expanded the 99.5 hectares (245 acres) of ski runs in its concession contract by another 65 hectares of state land. But Environment Minister Nona Karadzhova said she "sees no reason to shut the ski runs" and suggested changes in Yulen's contract, allowing it to pay for the expanded runs. For The Nature however warned Friday that even if operating, Bansko "should not have been awarded the Alpine Ski World Cup." The resort is located in the Pirin national park, a UNESCO nature heritage site, it added, The coalition was recently backed by the international environmental group WWF in pressuring the government to withdraw planned forestry legislation changes relaxing rules on building ski runs and facilities in protected areas. Bansko is hosting this weekend the women's World Cup downhill and super G after last weekend's men's giant slalom and slalom events.