Bulgarian Ski Resorts
Ski Resorts
Thanks to more than 210 km of ski slopes in the winter resorts, Bulgaria became one of the most famous European winter destinations. Mountains cover one-third of its territory. The high ridges and the suitable climatic conditions are the prerequisites for a large amount of snow in the Bulgarian mountains. The December to April period is the best for winter activities.
What is typical for Bulgarian ski resorts?
The winter resorts have built international popularity thanks to the appropriate conditions for sports, modern facilities and beautiful mountain scenery.
The story of mountain tourism in Bulgaria started in 1896. The growing interest in skiing provoked the development of winter resorts in the country in the 60s and 70s. Borovets – then the oldest resort became larger – wider tracks and facilities were constructed. Many hotels and chalets have been built in Alpine style as Les Arcs, in the French Alps.
The hosting of major international championships became a tradition for the Bulgarian winter holiday points in the last 20 years. The global recognition of skiers, snowboarders, lovers of extreme winter sports has made Bulgarian ski resorts a favourite vacation spot.
Except for the winter activities, most holiday points have a centuries-old history, beautiful old houses and cheerful taverns, which have preserved their authentic appearance. Beautiful Bulgarian villages with preserved architectural monuments are there near Pamporovo. A town with a notable history – Samokov is close to Borovets. Cultural and historical heritage is an opportunity for a diverse vacation with new experiences.
All year round
As four-season destinations, mountain holiday villages have a wide choice of entertainment opportunities and complete relaxation during the spring, summer, and autumn. Wide varieties of outdoor adventures are active in the warm months. Experiences such as hiking and climbing, for example, bring a new look to the local nature. For simple accommodation, many huts are at disposal in the higher part of the mountain.
How to choose a ski resort?
There are three large and famous holiday places, as well as a few smaller areas, which are developing rapidly and draw the attention of tourists.
Due to the personal aim of the days off, there are several possibilities for winter fun around the Bulgarian mountains.
- skiing and snowboarding at first – in that case, major winter points are most suitable;
- winter activities plus nightlife – Borovets and Bansko;
- family-focused – Pamporovo and Chepelare;
- relaxation and SPA – calmer are the smaller areas such as Dobrinishte and Uzana, Razlog.
Another priority in the choice could be the difficulty of the traces. The main resorts have a diversity of tracks purpose – from beginner ones to the pro ones. The highest slopes start from 2600 m above sea level, with a maximum displacement of 1630 m. Modern chairs and gondola lifts serve all traces.
Almost five months throughout the year are proper for practising winter sports – from December to April. Most areas are equipped with machines to ensure quality snow cover.
Bansko
With its tracks located at an altitude from 990 to 2600 m, the newest and most modern vacation spot is nestled in the vicinity of Pirin mountain National Park, included in the UNESCO list of natural heritage sites.
Here is the first snowboard fun park in Eastern Europe, which is suitable for freestyle riding.
The training centres offer different services and courses for adults and children – both in groups or individually. Equipment rental is also accessible to guests.
A new, modern open ice rink is on disposal in the evenings.
Additional activities
- access to the highest Pirin peaks by helicopter;
- renting a sledge car;
- taking snowshoes for hiking;
- relaxing in one of the resort’s many SPAs.
Borovets
The resort is at the foot of Rila Mountain, close to the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula – Musala. The three connected ski areas – Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets and Markudjik – have 24 runways of varying difficulty, most with artificial snow. Eight tracks have illumination for night skiing.
In the high centre Markudjik, the snow cover reaches 2 m, and there are good conditions for extreme riding, ski touring and freeride.
Freestyle fans can enjoy two fun parks.
The Borokids child snow park offers activities for the little ones, as well as specialized training. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, tourists can drive a snowmobile.
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is the largest resort in the Rhodopes.
The tracks in the area are of varying difficulty, suitable for all ages and abilities – from green for beginners to black for professionals. The ski centres Malina, Studenets, Stoykite, Mechi Chal (Chepelare) are points with the highest concentration of tourists where lift facilities, the largest schools, lockers and restaurants are concentrated. They are a starting point to Snezhanka peak, where most of the ski slopes start.
The ski zones of Pamporovo and Chepelare already have a connection. The day lift passes are valid for both areas, and shuttle buses provide a link between them.
Over 15 schools with highly qualified instructors offer training to beginners and advanced tourists. A specified area for children (4 to 12 years) at the Malina centre allows the youngest to take their first steps in skiing with the support of qualified teachers and trainers.
The recently built Fun Park is getting popular among extreme skiers and snowboarders, and the half-pipe track and the pro-line host several prestigious competitions every year.
Bulgarian Capital – Sofia – also has to offer winter experiences because of its location at Vitosha foothills. The mountain has excellent conditions in its two ski sections. The city guests have the opportunity to enjoy even an experience on the night track.
What winter sports can you find?
Perfect conditions for hiking, skiing and snowboarding you may find in Rila and Pirin mountains. Basko is an ideal place for high-level snowboarding, freestyle, ski-running, etc.
The Rhodope Mountains with Pamporovo and Chepelare resorts are excellent for family fun. Also, Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Snow Park is functioning for further amusement for children.
Boiana-MG Team is happy to assist you with the best choice for you in finding the place, accommodation and activity for your ski holiday.