Bulgaria is a Balkan state located on the western coast of the Black Sea. Thanks to the mild southern climate, diversity of landscape areas, rich history and hospitality of the Bulgarian people, this country has long been considered one of the best tourist destinations in Europe .
In recent years, interest in Bulgarian ski resorts has been growing all over the world. The development of winter sports is facilitated by the presence of vast mountainous areas here, occupying the entire southern and western parts of the country. Here, in the Rhodope Mountains and Stara Planina, there are several world-class winter resorts, with developed infrastructure and good technical equipment.
The development of skiing in the mountainous regions of Bulgaria is facilitated by mild but snowy winters. The average January temperature in the country as a whole is +2°C, and the thickness of the snow cover in the highlands sometimes reaches 1.5-2 meters. Snow cover on mountain slopes sufficiently thick for skiing lasts for 130 days, until late spring.
Among the advantages of tourist Bulgaria is the good transport accessibility of its ski resorts. Due to the small territory, getting to any point in the country from international airports, of which there are several, is not difficult. Travelers will also be pleasantly surprised by local prices, which are sometimes several times lower than in Western European resorts of a similar level. Below we will take a closer look at several of the ski resorts in Bulgaria that are most popular among international tourists.
Bansko
The ski center of Bansko is located in the vicinity of the ancient town of the same name, which is 150 km from Sofia . Thanks to this, tourists vacationing here will be able not only to go skiing, but also to get acquainted with the traditional architecture of Bulgaria, its history and culture.
The resort is located in close proximity to Mount Vihren, which rises 2.9 km above the surrounding area. The surrounding areas of Bansko are part of two national parks – Pirin and Rila. The town of Bansko began to develop as a resort area at the beginning of the twentieth century, serving as a favorite vacation spot for Bulgarian bohemians – artists, poets, and writers.
Ski slopes appeared here quite recently, but have already gained great popularity among winter recreation enthusiasts. This is facilitated by a long season, lasting until the end of April, and stable snow cover, in some years reaching two meters in thickness.
All routes are equipped with modern equipment, including cable cars with a total length of 7 km and a capacity of 3 thousand people per hour. Over 85% of all ski slopes are covered by an artificial snowmaking system. In total, there are three separate skiing areas: Chalin-Valog, the easiest with a starting point at an altitude of 1.4 km, Banderishka-Polyana with a starting altitude of 1.6 km, perfect for lovers of average skill level. The most difficult slopes are located on the Shiligarnika slope, including the almost 3-kilometer Tomba descent, considered one of the best in the country. The quality of the local slopes can be judged by the fact that they were chosen to host one of the stages of the annual World Cup among alpine skiers.
Bansko has its own ski school and kindergarten, where parents can temporarily leave their children in the care of nannies and animators. At the bottom of the cable cars there is an equipment rental point with 3.5 thousand sets for nordic skiing and 670 for snowboarding. There is an extensive freeride zone in Bansko for extreme sports fans. You can get here by rented all-terrain snowcats or by landing from a helicopter. For giant slalom fans, the resort has a separate 5-km-long Banderitsa run.
How to get there?
The resort is 170 km from Sofia, and 190 km from Plovdiv, and there are several ways to get to Bansko from these main cities in Bulgaria. The most convenient option for a foreign traveler to get to Bansko is to order a transfer service from the nearest international airport. From Sofia, regular buses to Bansko leave from the Central Bus Station several times a day, and the journey time is about 3 hours (you can book tickets for this route on Busbud or Omio). It will be cheaper to travel by train, but in this case you will have to change in the town of Septemvri to a narrow-gauge railway going to Dobrinishte via Bansko. Three trains run along it per day, so it is possible that you will have to wait here for some time.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 1570 m
- Resort altitude – 990 – 2560 m
- Length of running tracks – 9 km
- Length of ski slopes – 56 km
- Number of tracks – 21
- “Blue” – 8 units, 28.1 km
- “Reds” – 11 units, 24.5 km
- “Black” – 2 pcs., 3.7 km
- Lifts – 13 (1 gondola, 8 chairlifts, 4 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 35€ /19€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Borovets
Borovets is the oldest of the Bulgarian winter resorts, located 70 km from Sofia at the foot of the country’s highest peak, Mount Musala (2.9 km). It was founded back in 1896 under the name Chamkoria as an elite resort for the royal family and nobles close to it.
Local trails with a total length of almost 50 km are perfect for all categories of athletes. There are downhill runs of all difficulty levels here – from simple gentle slopes to extreme “black” slopes. All of them are served by snow groomers and mechanical lifts with a total capacity of up to 11.2 thousand people/hour.
There is a ski school in Borovets, where both adults and children can learn the basics of the art of downhill skiing on snowy slopes. It is staffed by 150 trainers with international certification. Despite the abundance of snow in this area, the slopes are equipped with an artificial snowmaking system of 14 generators. For fans of snowboarding and freestyle skiing, the resort has built a large snow park with 18 slopes of varying difficulty with a total length of up to 40 km.
There are jumping hills in Borovets, one of which is 75 meters long and the second 50 meters long. Fans of cross-country skiing will be able to stroll around the area at the foot of Musala – there is an 18-kilometer cross-country ski track. Borovets also has a developed hotel infrastructure, including luxury hotels and budget hostels. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes serving national dishes and the best varieties of local wines.
How to get there?
The easiest way for foreign tourists to get to Borovets is from the international airports of the Bulgarian capital and Plovdiv, the second largest city in the country. If you order a transfer , you will have to travel about an hour and a half from Sofia, and 2.5 hours from Plovdiv.
Also, from the Sofia bus station “South”, regular buses depart every half hour to the town of Samokov, which is 12 km from the ski center. From this small ancient town to the village of Borovets there are minibuses at intervals of 15 minutes.
Intercity buses and minibuses also run from Plovdiv, from the Southern Bus Station to the resort. Another option for getting to Borovets from international airports is to rent a car in Sofia. In this case, you should take the Trakia highway – A1-E80, all the way to Kostenets. Here we turn left onto the E82 highway, which goes past Dolneya Bani straight to Borovets. The length of this route exceeds 120 km and will take less than 2 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 1237 m
- Resort altitude – 1323 – 2560 m
- Length of running tracks – 18 km
- Length of ski slopes – 46 km
- Number of tracks – 27
- “Green” – 6 pcs., 11 km
- “Blue” – 8 units, 7 km
- “Reds” – 9 units, 21 km
- “Black” – 4 pcs., 7 km
- Lifts – 12 (1 gondola, 4 chairlifts, 7 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 32€ / 18€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Vitosha
Vitosha is a ski center located not far from the Bulgarian capital. In this regard, vacationers will not have any problems with either transport accessibility or an après-ski vacation. Vitosha is only 10 km from Sofia, so tourists can stay in one of the capital’s many hotels , as well as visit Sofia to get acquainted with the culture and history of Bulgaria, or relax in local bars and clubs. But this also has its negative side: on weekends, Vitosha experiences an influx of winter recreation enthusiasts from the capital, so there may be queues at the lifts.
In general, this is a very modern and cozy small resort, with about 30 km of trails of varying difficulty and separate areas for freeride. All of them are located on the slopes of Mount Cherni Vrah in the altitude range from 1.6 to 2.2 km – according to this indicator, Vitosha is considered the highest mountain resort in Bulgaria. A big plus is the excellent climate – the average January temperature here is -6°C, and the height of the snow cover reaches one and a half meters.
There are a sufficient number of restaurants and taverns, bars and nightclubs, making it a comfortable après-ski holiday. In the vicinity of the village there is a flat ski track, and there are routes for hiking in the picturesque surroundings. The oldest ski school in all of Bulgaria operates in Vitosha, with a staff of 40 instructors, and there is also a ski equipment rental point.
How to get there?
Vitosha is located north of the Bulgarian capital: the resort is no more than ten kilometers away from Sofia. Therefore, getting here will not be difficult – for this you can use regular public transport, or take a taxi directly from the airport or train station.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 640 m
- Resort altitude – 1650 – 2290 m
- Length of ski slopes – 29 km
- Number of tracks – 13
- “Blue” – 7 units, 15 km.
- “Reds” – 4 units, 10 km
- “Black” – 2 pcs., 4 km
- Lifts – 12 (2 gondola, 5 chairlifts, 5 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 18€ / 11€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Malovitsa
The Malovitsa resort is located 40 km from the popular winter recreation center Borovets, and 90 km from the capital of Bulgaria. It differs from Borovets in its calm and cozy atmosphere. The resort is located in the spurs of the Rila Mountains, between the towns of Govedartsi and Samokov at the foot of Mount Malovitsa, 2.7 km high. This area enjoys the well-deserved love of travelers all year round: in winter, fans of alpine skiing come here, and in summer, climbers, rock climbers and hikers come here.
Today the resort has 9 downhill slopes with a total length of 4 km, among which there is even one “black” slope for experienced skiers. In Malovitsa there is also the Hristo Prodanov Mountaineering Training Center, named after the famous Bulgarian athlete who managed to conquer Everest. It houses an interesting Mountaineering Museum with a rich exhibition telling about this sport.
Vacationers will be able to visit numerous attractions located in the vicinity of Malowice. First of all, this is the ancient Rila Monastery, as well as glacial mountain lakes. The most picturesque of them is Lake Strashnota, which has not without reason earned the reputation of the most beautiful body of water in Bulgaria.
How to get there?
The Malovitsa resort is located about 90 km from the Bulgarian capital. It is located between the towns of Samokov and Govedartsi. They can be reached from Sofia by intercity bus departing from the Southern Bus Station: Transport runs to Samokov and Govedartsi daily, and from them you can get to Malovitsa by taxi. An easier option is to book a transfer directly from Sofia International Airport to the resort hotel.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 457 m
- Resort altitude – 1509 – 1966 m
- Length of ski slopes – 4 km
- Number of tracks – 9
- “Blue” – 5 units, 1.8 km.
- “Reds” – 3 pcs., 1.5 km
- “Black” – 1 piece, 0.5 km
- Lifts – 5 rope tows
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 13€ / 8€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Dobrinishte
Dobrinishte is a relatively small ski resort, perfect for lovers of a relaxing, leisurely holiday. It is located in the spurs of the Pirin ridge, five kilometers from the popular ski center of Bansko, at an altitude of 850 meters. Dobrinishte became famous as a resort town back in the 20th century, but alpine skiing began to develop here only in the 2000s. Thanks to this, the resort is equipped with the latest infrastructure that meets all international standards.
In total there are 7 km of ski slopes with a slope of 22 to 30%. All of them are equipped with a system of mechanical lifts capable of serving up to 500 people. at one o’clock. Among skiers, Dobrinishte is best known for its longest piste in all of Bulgaria: its length is 4.7 km. This resort area is also famous for its mineral springs and balneological hospitals.
In general, Dobrinishte is a young and dynamically developing ski resort. There are a sufficient number of hotels and private apartments, cozy restaurants and taverns with national dishes, bars and night clubs.
How to get there?
There are several ways to get to Dobrinishte:
- By rail. In this case, you will have to take the train to the city of Septemvri, and then transfer to a narrow-gauge railway going straight to Dobrinishte. True, trains run along it only a few times a day, so you will have to wait a while.
- Taxi or airport transfer. In this case, the journey will take about 2.5 hours.
- From the Bulgarian capital you can get to Dobrinishte by regular bus, which goes to the neighboring resort town of Bansko, which is only 6 km from Dobrinishte.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 1089 m
- Resort altitude – 1150 – 2239 m
- Length of ski slopes – 7 km
- Number of tracks – 3
- “Blue” – 1 piece, 4.7 km
- “Reds” – 1 piece, 1.3 km
- “Black” – 1 piece, 1 km
- Lifts – 4 (1 chair lifts, 3 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 18€ / 9€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Chepelare
Chepelare is a winter resort 220 km from Sofia and 75 km from Plovdiv, in the middle of the Rhodope Mountains. The resort village is located at an altitude of 1.1 km in an area characterized by fairly mild, but at the same time snowy winters. The entire tourist infrastructure of Chepelare meets international standards: there are cable cars, snow machines, hotels and restaurants.
In total, there are a dozen trails equipped with mechanical lifts with a throughput capacity of 2 thousand people per hour. You can climb to the highest point of the resort, located at 1.8 km, using a chairlift in just 9 minutes. During a trip on it, vacationers are treated to unusually picturesque views of the mountain slopes and the valley lying at their foot.
In the village of Chepelare there is the only ski museum in the country, opened here in 1998. Those who wish can go on a walking or skiing excursion in the surrounding area, visiting the main natural attractions of the area.
How to get there?
The closest international airport to Chepelare is Plovdiv. The distance from it to the resort by highway is 75 km. 7 km from Chepelare is the town of Pamporovo, which is reached by buses from Sofia and Plovdiv. From the Bulgarian capital the journey will take about one and a half hours. You can also book a transfer from Sofia or Plovdiv airport, or use a taxi.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 718 m
- Resort altitude – 1155 – 1873 m
- Length of ski slopes – 12 km
- Number of tracks – 10
- “Green” – 2 pcs., 5.6 km
- “Blue” – 4 units, 2.5 km.
- “Reds” – 4 units, 3.9 km
- Lifts – 3 (2 chairlifts, 1 rope tow)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 30€ / 18€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is one of the most popular winter recreation centers in Bulgaria. It is located 260 km from Sofia and 85 km from the second largest city in the country – Plovdiv. In the immediate vicinity of Pamporovo, just ten kilometers away, there is another popular ski center – Chepelare. So, vacationers will be able to try the trails of both winter centers, evaluating and comparing them with each other. Located in the very south of the Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo is not for nothing considered the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. The snow cover here reaches a thickness of up to 1.4 meters by mid-winter, and the air temperature in January rarely exceeds -3°C.
Pamporovo has earned its reputation as an ideal place for a family holiday with children. The child will be able to master skiing here at a local school under the guidance of experienced mentors. The local ski school, staffed by 50 experienced coaches, is not without reason considered the best in all of Bulgaria.
In Pamporovo there are safe, gentle slopes for beginners, and steep routes that can cause an adrenaline rush even in experienced skiers. Among them is the winding slope “Big Slalom” with a large slope, created specifically for extreme sports enthusiasts. To create comfortable skiing conditions during spring thaws, Pamporovo has 80 snowmakers. One of the tracks, “Stenata-2”, is equipped with artificial lighting and is open for skiing after sunset until 22-00.
The real pride of the resort is its modern fan park, certified by the international federation FIS. There is the largest half-pipe in Eastern Europe, big air, roller skates, slides and other devices for practicing acrobatic figures. The resort has 9 ski equipment rental points, and also has all the conditions for an après-ski holiday. There are over 20 restaurants, cafes and snack bars in Pamporovo, where travelers can enjoy excellent local cuisine. The resort has night bars, discos, a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool with a sauna.
How to get there?
The closest international airports to Pamporovo are located in Sofia and Plovdiv. Travel time by car from Plovdiv, which is 72 km from Pamporovo, will be 1 hour 45 minutes, and from the capital’s airport (230 km) – about 3 hours 30 minutes. Also, from the central station of Sofia 6 times a day, from 8-00 to 18-00, regular buses depart along the route Sofia-Plovdiv-Asenovgrad-Chepelare-Pamporovo. The duration of the trip will be about 4 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 306 m
- Resort altitude – 1620 – 1926 m
- Length of ski slopes – 37 km
- Number of tracks – 21
- “Green” – 5 pcs., 10 km
- “Blue” – 4 units, 11 km
- “Reds” – 8 units, 10.6 km
- “Black” – 4 pcs., 6.6 km
- Lifts – 19 (1 gondola, 5 chairlifts, 13 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 32€ / 19€
- Season duration : from mid-December to early April
Panichishte
Panichishte is a resort village located 25 km from the city of Dupnitsa and 80 km from Sofia. It has been developing as a ski center over the last decade, and has earned its reputation as a quiet place for family holidays. There are 4 tracks in total, three of which are quite suitable for fans of intermediate and beginner levels, and one is quite difficult and steep. There are also separate slopes for tobogganing and a 950-meter virgin slope for freeriders. There are 5 km of cross-country skiing trails in the vicinity of Dry Lake, and ski equipment rentals are available at the resort.
Vacationers are attracted here by the cozy atmosphere, high level of service and affordable prices. But a special role in the tourist attractiveness of Panichishte is played by the unusually beautiful surrounding nature, untouched by modern civilization. The main attraction of the resort is the hot mineral springs and a huge geyser. It throws a jet of boiling water at a temperature of +103°C to a height of up to 18 meters every 20 seconds. Based on these springs, a balneological hospital operates in Panichishte, thanks to which tourists can not only exercise here, but also improve their health.
Other activities at the resort include hiking and skiing in the surrounding area. There is a large sports complex in Panichishte with a fitness room, grounds for football, volleyball, and basketball. There is also an indoor swimming pool and a tennis court, where competitions of various levels are regularly held.
How to get there?
The resort village of Panichishte is located 10 km from the town of Sapareva Banya. There is a regular bus service from Sofia, which is 80 km away. In this case, the travel time will take about an hour.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 300 m
- Resort altitude – 1100 – 1400 m
- Length of running tracks – 5 km
- Length of ski slopes – 2.5 km
- Number of tracks – 4
- “Blue” – 3 pcs., 1.5 km
- “Black” – 1 piece, 1 km
- Lifts – 5 rope tows
- Day ski pass in high and low season – 5/5 €
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 5€ / 5€