Chepelare ( ) is the principal town in Chepelare Municipality, part of Smolyan Province in Southern Bulgaria. It is situated in the central part of the Rhodopes, on the banks of Chepelare River. Chepelare is a popular winter resort with one of the longest ski runs in Southeastern Europe. It is located near Pamporovo, one of the biggest Bulgarian ski resorts. As of December 2009, the town had a population of 5,412. Bulgarian National Statistical Institute - towns in 2009
The town is known for the only ski and snowboard factory in the Balkan Peninsula. The factory cooperates with the ski brand Atomic Skis. Chepelare is also the birthplace of biathlete Ekaterina Dafovska, Bulgaria's only Winter Olympics gold medal winner. The local Sports School provides good conditions for young winter athletes.
Climate table:
The natural rocky phenomenon Marvelous Bridges is located near Chepelare.
Honour Chepelare Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Chepelare Town.
See also Bogutevo, a village in Chepelare.
References
External links Official Tourism website of Chepelare: in English and Bulgarian Municipal website of Chepelare: in English and Bulgarian
Informational Short information about Chepelare in German Information in English and Bulgarian