Ski resorts in Bulgaria. Which to choose? Photos and sights. Bulgariamountain skiing in Bulgaria Skiing resorts in Bulgaria
Ski Bulgaria is a European-class resort at prices much lower than similar ones, but located in Switzerland or Austria, various types of entertainment and, of course, fresh mountain air. Of course, the level of service here has not yet reached the desired perfection, but it is, let’s say, premature to expect Italian or French “heights” from the hotel business, which has recently begun its active development. Moreover, prices on Bulgarian slopes are much more moderate. This is a good place for beginners or intermediate skiers to come here. Local trails are suitable for family recreation.
The mountains in Bulgaria are noticeably lower than their “brothers” from other European countries and occupy about 30% of the entire territory. The highest peak is about 3000 m. The climate here is also different from the Alpine: in Bulgaria it is much warmer, and the skiing season usually lasts from December to February. The country's three mountain systems, Rhodope, Rila and Pirin, are the most famous holiday destinations.
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Rila mountain range
If you try to characterize this part of the Rila-Rodpa massif, the most accurate word would be “most”. Rila is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria with the country's oldest ski resort Borovets, a number of the world's most famous attractions, including the famous Rila Monastery, which is under UNESCO protection, and a fairly “mild” climate compared to other European mountains (the most the low temperature was around -11 °C).
Rila ranks sixth in the European mountain rankings, behind competitors such as the Pyrenees, Caucasus, Sierra Nevada and the Alps.
The highest point is considered to be Mount Musala, about 2925 meters, located on the territory of the Rila National Park, just next to the resort of Borovets and 80 km from the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Snow cover in the middle part of the mountains can reach two meters. In addition to fans of winter sports, those who want to heal also come here: local mineral waters have a pronounced healing effect.
Borovets
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Winter holidays are starting to gain more popularity around the world, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, borders between states are being erased; people can fly from one country to another (and return back) within just two or three weekends.
Secondly, the world is promoting sports, including winter sports, and a healthy lifestyle. Athletes and lovers of snow skiing can choose any country and mountain, depending on their desires and capabilities - the Alps, the Caucasus, the Tatras, the Apennines, the Urals, the Carpathians.
Bulgaria has become one of the most popular destinations for foreign trips to ski resorts for Russian residents. The similarity of the Russian and Bulgarian languages, the territorial proximity of the countries, the traditional friendship of the two peoples, relatively low prices for holidays - all this attracts thousands of tourists to Bulgaria in winter.
The best ski resorts in Bulgaria – which one is better?
There are quite a lot of ski resorts in Bulgaria. There are large ones with a rich history, and there are very young or small winter sports complexes that are just gaining popularity. The latter, for example, includes Dobrinishte in the Pirin Mountains (165 km from the capital), which in Bulgaria is considered not only a ski resort, but also a SPA resort with 17 thermal springs, where people come for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
When choosing where it is better to go on holiday to resorts in Bulgaria, keep in mind that at new, developing complexes prices for ski passes and hotel accommodation are set lower than at already promoted, popular resorts. This happens because the infrastructure there is only at the stage of development, and they need to compete with such resorts as Borovets, Vitosha, Pamporovo and Bansko. They are the main destination of the winter tourist flow.
Pamporovo
This resort is located in the Rhodope Mountains, more than 220 km from Sofia. From the 2016-2017 season, the neighboring young resort of Chepelare will join Pamporovo, and they will operate under the single name Pamporovo-Mechi Chal, with a common ski pass. Chepelare is located 6 km from Pamporovo and is the highest mountain town in Bulgaria, and its ski complex is the youngest.
The ski resort of Pamporovo is located in the south of the country, so winters here are mild, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below -7°C. The highest point of the resort is Mount Snezhanka (1926 m) with a TV tower on top, and its center lies at an altitude of 1650 m. The season lasts from December to early or mid-April, depending on the weather.
In total, Pamporovo has 8 trails with a total length of 17 km, with a height difference of up to 500 m. Gentle, green trails are suitable for beginners and athletes who are not confident in skiing. More experienced skiers try themselves on steep slopes, on blue and red slopes. And those who are confident in their strength and skills choose black trails or bumpy slopes, for example, “The Wall”.
Children train under the supervision of instructors or parents on children's slopes, snowboarders - in a snow park with a half-pipe and jumps. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can try their hand at 30 km of cross-country trails, while freeride fans descend on untouched snow from the top of Snezhanka. Cable cars are capable of lifting up to 8,500 people per hour uphill.
Now, to the slopes of the Pamporovo ski resort, 7 mountain trails of the Chepelare resort with a total length of more than 15 km and a cross-country ski trail with a length of 30 km are added.
Tourists usually come to Pamporovo through Plovdiv airport, which is 85 km away. You can stay in hotels built within walking distance from the ski slopes, or a little further. The choice of hotels is large, there are several dozen of them, so you can book a room to suit every taste.
Numerous restaurants, national taverns serving local wine, discos where ski parties and show programs are held. The excursion bureaus offer educational trips to the Museum of Speleology and the Ski Museum in Chepelare, to the Rila Monastery, to the original village of Shiroka-Lyka, to the “Wonderful Bridges” - rock arches on the Chernatitsa ridge.
Borovets
This large winter sports center is located much closer to Sofia, only 73 km. Borovets was opened at the end of the 19th century as a vacation spot for the royal family on the northern side of the Rila Mountain. Now it is developing at a rapid pace; hotels in the town can simultaneously accommodate up to 10 thousand guests. The center of the resort is located at an altitude of 1390 m, and the highest point in its vicinity is Musala Peak (2925 m) - the highest in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the former Stalin Peak.
The ski resort of Borovets in Bulgaria has become the venue for numerous international competitions in winter sports: biathlon, snowboarding, ski jumping and alpine skiing. The season lasts from November to April, the temperature during this period is -6°C, the snow layer reaches 1.5 m. All slopes are groomed daily by snowcats, many slopes have artificial snow-spraying devices, lighting for night skiing and protective nets at dangerous turns.
In Borovets, 25 trails of varying difficulty with a total length of more than 50 km are available for skiing: 7 green, 5 blue, 9 red, and 4 black trails have been prepared for the most experienced athletes. 12 lifts help tourists climb the mountain: rope tows, chairlifts and a cable car with closed cabins. In addition to downhill skiing, there are also trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and skating rinks for ice skaters.
The infrastructure of the Borovets ski resort is one of the most developed in Bulgaria. There are sports equipment rental points, as well as ski schools for adults and children. Instructors conduct individual or group lessons in skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping, and you can choose a Russian-speaking instructor. The town has shops, ATMs, pharmacies and medical centers.
The nature in the vicinity of the Borovets ski resort amazes everyone who comes to Bulgaria. Dense coniferous forests, numerous snow-capped mountain peaks and about 190 picturesque lakes. At excursion points you can choose a trip to the royal hunting residences, to the Rila Monastery, walking or skiing to the mountains and lakes, sleigh rides, snowmobiles, and helicopter flights.
Bansko
The ancient town in southwestern Bulgaria has become another resort on the list of places where it is better to go on vacation in winter. Almost the entire economy and infrastructure of Bansko is tied to serving tourists who come to the ski slopes at the foot of Mount Todorka (2746 m) in the Pirin massif, which is 160 km from Sofia. International alpine skiing competitions are held here. Research by some companies is called the resort of Bansko in Bulgaria is one of the most affordable places for winter holidays in the world (only prices were taken into account, not taking into account the quality of the holiday). In recent years, large amounts of money have been invested in its development.
The slopes in Bansko lie at altitudes between 2560–1100 m. There are 15 slopes for all levels of skiing: 6 for beginners, 7 for advanced skiers and 2 for experienced athletes. The total length of the descents is about 70 km. In addition, there are cross-country ski trails and a fan park with jumps for snowboarders. All ski areas are grouped into three zones. 12 chairlifts and rope tows and 1 gondola cable car with cabins for 8 people lift skiers to the beginning of the descent. The snow on the slopes is regularly compacted and leveled with snowcats. Powerful floodlights allow you to ride on some slopes until late in the evening.
The ski season in the resort of Bansko in Bulgaria lasts from December to April , the thickness of the snow cover reaches 2 m. The highest occupancy of hotels and ski slopes is observed during the New Year holidays; at this time it is recommended to book hotel rooms in advance. But even in the summer, tourists come to Bansko for mountain biking and hiking in the mountains. In the warm season, the natural views of the Pirin Mountains delight the eye, and your health can be improved at the local mineral springs.
Those who come to the Bansko resort in Bulgaria stay either in large city hotels or in small cozy family hotels. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of the city, you can get acquainted with Bulgarian architecture from the 18th century to the present day: with peasant houses built of natural stone, with an ancient church and modern buildings. You can have a snack while walking in small restaurants with low prices.
The only things better than mountains are mountains!
Where is the best place to relax in Bulgaria with children?
The most convenient in terms of accessibility is the Vitosha resort, which lies near the capital of Bulgaria, just 20 km from Sofia. This distance attracts not only foreign tourists who come here for a few days or weeks. Local residents also have the opportunity to come to the ski resort in just half an hour to an hour by their cars or by public transport. Unique nature, clean air, developed infrastructure of the sports complex and proximity to Sofia answer the question of where it is better for professional athletes or families with children to relax near the capital of Bulgaria.
The slopes of the resort on Mount Vitosha lie at an altitude of 2200-1600 m and are intended for beginner skiers and experienced athletes. The length of the ski slopes is 29 km (the longest is 5.2 km), the length of the flat ski tracks is 11 km. A comfortable climb up the mountain is provided by 12 lifts. The resort operates a school of instructors, where mentors with many years of experience teach children from 6 years of age and adults in group and individual lessons.
If the proximity of the capital of Bulgaria is not important for tourists with children, then the choice of where is the best place to vacation as a family becomes somewhat more complicated. The fact is that all the largest ski resorts in the country - Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets - are focused not only on professional sports, but also on family vacations. Therefore, the difficulty lies in the need to choose a suitable resort. Here we can only advise you to put together all the components of a comfortable holiday for a family: proximity to the capital or airport, prices for ski passes and children's entertainment, availability of places in those hotels where there are nannies or animators, etc.
Each of the above-mentioned resorts has all the conditions for the stay of children of different ages: children's beds and playrooms in hotels, children's menus and special chairs in cafes and restaurants, educational schools for children in sports complexes. Large hotels employ nannies who watch the children while parents play sports on the mountain slopes, and animators who entertain the children during the day or evening.
Since not all children can or want to ski, skate or snowboard, there are ice slides for them, from which they can have fun sliding down on sleds, ice skates or “cheesecake” tubing. Children's sports equipment is always available at rental points, including skis, skates, snowboards, boots, sleds and tubing.
When choosing the best place to vacation with children in Bulgaria, do not forget to check when is the best time to do it. A massive influx of tourists at all resorts is observed from Christmas until mid-January and in the first days of March, when Bulgarians celebrate the beginning of spring. A large number of athletes and vacationers, fireworks, noisy parties, queues for ski lifts and rental shops - children will not be very comfortable in such an environment.
How to become a skier
The Vitosha ski resort in Bulgaria is located on the slope of Cherni Vrah mountain at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level. It gained its popularity due to its unique location: tourists come here from all over the world to look at the beautiful landscapes, as well as lovers of active winter recreation - skiers and snowboarders.
The Borovets ski resort in Bulgaria is not only the oldest and most famous in the country, but also one of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe. A distinctive feature is that the price of the holiday is not high, but at the same time tourists receive not only high-quality service and friendly attitude, but also well-equipped trails, ice arenas for skating...
The Bulgarian ski resort Pamporovo is located in the south of the country. It is considered the best place for skiing: the sun always shines here and winters are quite warm. The resort is located in the very center of the Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of 1650 meters. And above it rises Mount Snezhanka (1900 m). Weather in Pamporovo The weather is never bad at the Pamporovo ski resort. To the local climate...
The ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria) is a mild and snowy winter, picturesque mountain landscapes, sunny days under the dome of a blue sky, the friendliness and hospitality of local residents and unique, delicious cuisine, the dishes of which simply must be tried in one of the restaurants.
This is one of the best ski centers in Eastern Europe and climatic resorts in Bulgaria. It is located in the southwest of the country, 160 km from Sofia and 110 km from Plovdiv, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, in the territory of the Pirin National Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The resort of Bansko, with a height difference of 930–2560 m, has modern Austrian equipment, fast, first-class ski lifts, well-groomed and safe trails of varying degrees of difficulty, the length of which reaches 75 km. The Banderishka Polyana ski area with its spacious slope is chosen by intermediate skiers and fans of cross-country skiing. Bansko has not forgotten about snowboarders: the resort has prepared a specially equipped fan park and a half-pipe equipped with the latest technology for them. Ski schools and kindergartens are also open here, staffed by highly qualified instructors, many of whom speak Russian.
Being one of the fastest growing Bulgarian resorts, Bansko attracts tourists with its varied evening and nightlife, lively atmosphere and plenty of entertainment - from exciting discos, clubs and bars to countless cozy restaurants with excellent menus.
The southernmost, sunniest and warmest resort in Bulgaria is Pamporovo. An actively developing ski center is located 260 km from Sofia and 83 km from Plovdiv, in the center of the picturesque Rhodope Mountains, at an altitude of 1650 m, at the foot of the Snezhanka peak, where a television tower is installed.
The resort is known for its ski and snowboard schools (including children's), which are considered one of the best in Europe. Pamporovo also has modern snowcats, snow cannons on prepared slopes with a total length of 25 km, a well-developed lift system (18 in total) and excellent conditions for athletes of different levels of training.
Among our compatriots, Bulgaria has long been perceived as a country of beach holidays with a rich historical heritage. In recent years, it is pleasant to see how much the range of tourism services offered in this country has changed and expanded. Along with the Black Sea resorts, ski resorts are gaining popularity.
Cozy old town. It is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. It is located on the territory of the natural Pirin National Park. The area is popularly known as a land of mirror lakes and dense forests. The city itself is interesting for its rich historical heritage. In the vicinity of the city there is a large ski resort, which attracts a large number of lovers of winter sports, both among Bulgarians and foreigners. Bansko is a modern complex equipped with trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
The resort has three skiing areas. Chalin-Valog is located at a low altitude. Its wide, gentle trails are great for beginners or amateurs. The second level, Banderishka Polyana, is replete with ski trails. The top of the complex is Shiligarnika. This is the territory for true professionals. Snowboarders can spend time and relax comfortably in Bansko. A special area is allocated for freerider jumps, which gives them room for creativity and serves as a guarantee of safety for other vacationers.
Many Bulgarian winter resorts have difficulties at the beginning and end of the season due to the lack of sufficient snow cover. The Bansko ski complex is equipped with modern European equipment that allows you to maintain the required snow level throughout the season. This is a significant advantage of Bansko over other Bulgarian winter resorts. Perhaps Bansko is not as popular among skiers as expected. But this can also be considered a positive point - the absence of a large concentration of vacationers on the slopes and queues at the ski lifts.
Vacationers in Bansko are not bored. There are no problems with choosing entertainment here. Ski joys, restaurants, bars and discos. For vacationers at the resort, there is the opportunity to visit spas offering treatment and health programs based on the use of mineral waters from local thermal springs.
Read our article on how to plan a trip to Bulgaria yourself.
This is one of the largest ski resorts in Bulgaria, in the center of the Rhodope Mountains. It is located 260 km from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv. Pamporovo is considered the sunniest of all Bulgarian winter resorts. The mountain slopes are covered with dense coniferous forests, and the air here is incredibly clean. All ski areas are located on the slopes of Mount Snezhanka (Snegurochka). The highest points of descent lie at altitudes from 1450 m to 2000 m.
There is enough space for everyone to ride here. Beginners settle down thoroughly on gentle and wide slopes. Professionals prefer to test their abilities on the difficult Stenata route, which has steep ledges. There are tracks for snowboarding and slalom lovers.
Ski schools are open at the resort. There are no age restrictions for students. Experienced instructors have a professional approach to both children and their parents.
There is never a dull moment on holiday in Pamporovo! Vacationers are offered numerous restaurants, whose chefs are ready to please tourists with dishes of national cuisine; along with them, the doors of cafes, night bars, and discos are open. A huge number of hotels of different levels are offered for accommodation (from economy options to luxurious five-star ones). Pamporovo is a Bulgarian ski resort, which is not inferior in terms of service and quality to its European counterparts.
Seven kilometers from the famous ski resort of Pamporovo and 70 km from Plovdiv is the small ancient town of Chepelare. It is little known among winter sports enthusiasts. Those who seek peace and want to retire in the lap of nature, enjoying the beauty of the landscapes of the Rodozh Mountains, often come here.
On the outskirts of the town, on the side of the mountain slopes, there is an area called Mechi Chal (Bear Peak). This is the resort complex itself, consisting of small hotels and cottages. The overall level of their service is low, since the resort was originally intended for low-budget holidays. It is worth noting that in Chepelare all vacationers are provided with a full range of priority services.
In addition to natural beauty and ski slopes, the region is rich in historical attractions. Those who wish can diversify their holiday by going on an excursion to Sofia, Plovdiv, Pamporovo. Tourists are invited to take a hike to the Rozhen Observatory, located 15 kilometers from the resort. During the ascent, you do not feel tired, since the main path runs among pine forests, where you can breathe easily and freely. At the end of the climb, a magnificent panoramic view of the Rodozh Mountains opens up.
Party-goers may be left disappointed on holiday in Chepelare. This is a minus! But they also have the opportunity, if desired, to go out for entertainment in evening or night clubs and discos in Pamporovo. That's a plus. Another positive aspect for a holiday at the resort is the absence of large crowds of tourists on the slopes and queues at the ski lifts.
The Vitosha resort is located in close proximity to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and is popular among local residents, so it is no coincidence that it is called the most “Bulgarian”. The Vitosha mountain range is part of the National Park. On weekends and holidays it is visited by residents of the city and surrounding areas.
The general ski area is small. The length of the longest descent is 2800 meters. Most of the park is suitable for family recreation. There are equipped ski tracks and specialized areas for sledding. Nature lovers have the opportunity to hike along the park's many trails. Extreme professionals, wanting to avoid mass gatherings of vacationers, climb to the peak of Mount Cherni-Vrah. From here virgin slopes open up for them.
In winter, competitions or festive events are often organized on Vitosha. New Year, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and St. Nicholas Day are celebrated especially vigorously at the resort. These are real holidays for the soul, body and stomach. But there is one drawback. There are so many people that it becomes difficult to drive on the slopes, and there is a huge queue at the ski lifts.
Vitosha is an excellent local resort where families with small children, elderly people and extreme sports enthusiasts relax.
In the very heart of the Bulgarian state there is a place called Uzana. This resort is still little known, so it can become a real discovery for vacationers with children and lovers of ecotourism.
The resort is located just 22 km from the city of Gabrovo, on the territory of the natural national park "Bulgarka". Uzana is one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. This is truly a piece of paradise. Centuries-old beech forests, oak groves. The peaks of Stara Planina rise above them. The air here is crystal clear. The park itself is protected by the international organization UNESCO and is included in the list of natural heritage. During the winter season, the resort prepares and offers 8 trails for vacationers. Their total length is no more than 3 kilometers. The longest, “red” - 1300 m. The rest are much shorter. For the convenience of vacationers, lifts operate.
