Mr. Ahtapodov, how do you assess the development of Malyovitsa in recent years?

The difference is huge. Only a few years ago, many of the facilities were not operating, while today Malyovitsa is once again a place where there are children, training sessions and competitions. In recent years, our club’s training has taken place almost entirely there. This is no coincidence. It is clear that there are people who are investing not just money, but also the desire to bring life back to the resort. Last year, we organized an international freestyle snowboarding competition, which placed Malyovitsa on the international calendar. This means that we are no longer talking only about a local resort, but about a place that is beginning to be recognized outside Bulgaria as well. This is the beginning of a tradition, and it is precisely such traditions that develop sport.

The institutions have stopped the modernization of the ski lift. How does this affect sport?

Extremely negatively. All over the world, winter resorts modernize their infrastructure. This is a natural process. We had already been discussing the next step for Malyovitsa — the construction of a modern snowpark. We have a completed technical project and the necessary expertise. At the moment, we have even been invited to build a similar park in Greece — a country that most people associate with the sea, not with winter sports.

It is paradoxical that while other countries are investing in winter tourism, we risk stopping the development of a place with decades-long traditions. And let us be clear — we are not talking here about new hotel construction, although that is not reprehensible either when done in a balanced way. We are talking about the modernization of existing facilities built decades ago. We are talking about safety. We are talking about better conditions for children. We are talking about the development of sport.

There are opinions that nature should be better protected…

As someone who works with children in the mountains every day, I can say one thing — no one values nature more than the people who live with sport. We first teach children to respect the mountain. Only after that do we teach them to snowboard. If we see an action that truly harms nature, we will be the first to oppose it.

But when existing infrastructure is modernized in compliance with all legal procedures, this is not a threat to nature. It is an opportunity for more children to practice sport safely. Without modern infrastructure, there is no way to develop winter sports.

Why is Malyovitsa important for Bulgarian snowboarding?

Because it is already part of the map of Bulgarian and international freestyle snowboarding. In 2025, together with Malyovitsa Ski, we organized the Samokov Cup and the Malyovitsa Cup. These are competitions that attract clubs from across the country. When a place begins to host such events, it is no longer just a resort. It becomes a sports center. And this must be developed.

What would you say to the institutions?

Let them look at Malyovitsa through the eyes of the children. Behind every training session stand families, clubs, coaches and years of work.

The publicly available information shows that the modernization is being carried out after the relevant permits have been issued. If there are administrative issues, they must be resolved quickly and professionally, without wasting valuable time.

The worst thing that could happen is for this momentum to be interrupted. Because when an investor is ready to invest in sports infrastructure, this is an opportunity for the entire region. I believe that the state and business can be partners when it comes to children and sport. And one more thing — we are not the only club supporting the development of Malyovitsa. When freestyle snowboard clubs, ski clubs, coaches and sports organizations stand behind a cause, it means that it is important for the future of Bulgarian winter sports.

Malyovitsa is already moving forward. We must not take it backward.

Interview by Dimo Hristov