Winter holidays in Bulgaria are a good alternative to traditional European resorts. The country is located close to Russia, the locals understand the Russian language, and the traditional Bulgarian hospitality will allow you to have a good rest. However, before the trip, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the main ski resorts in Bulgaria – their location, maps of slopes, services.
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Features of winter holidays in the country
In the country, almost 2/3 of the territory is occupied by mountain ranges. This made it possible to create modern ski bases with a developed infrastructure. Here you can practice classic skiing, snowboarding, freeride. There are many natural reserves and parks in Bulgaria, which are located next to the camp sites. Many resorts have snow groomers and snow cannons. For lovers of cross-country skiing, complex and simple routes have been developed.
The weather conditions are comfortable for skiing. The temperature in winter almost never drops below -10°C. Humidity is average, in the mountains it is much lower. The lowest temperatures are observed in February. If you plan to relax during this time, it is recommended to bring warm clothes with you.
Ski season highlights:
- The route starts in December and ends in April.
- The transport network is developed, sports complexes can be reached by bus, train, or by car.
- There are healing springs in Bulgaria, and many spa salons have been built on their basis. It offers medical and cosmetic procedures. They work in winter.
- Prices are lower than European ones.
For a comfortable stay in the ski resorts of Bulgaria there are rental equipment, equipment. A network of ski schools has been developed. Training programs for children and adult tourists have been developed. For the safety of vacationers in each sports complex there are medical stations, rescue teams work.
Bansko
The sports base is located in the southwestern part of the country. The Bulgarian ski resort Bansko is located at the foot of the highest mountain – Vihren. The distance from Sofia is 170 km, you can get to the tourist complex by regular bus, suburban train or by car. There is a rental shop for ski equipment and equipment. There is a ski school.
The popular ski resort of Bansko has three areas for skiing – Banderishka Polyana, Chalin-Valog, Shiligarnika. For beginners, it is recommended to visit Chalin-Valog, there are training slopes, trails with blue and green markings. Shiligarnika has the longest track, the length of which is 3 km.
General description of the hostel:
- The maximum height is 2600 m.
- Elevation difference – 380 m.
- Number of tracks – 14.
- Lifts – 4 rope tows, 6 chairlifts and 1 funicular.
- Price ski-pass for 1 week – 173 Euro. The cost of 1 lift is from 15 Euro.
Several freeride routes have been developed here, which are located on the Banskoy ridge. For trips to them, you can rent a snowmobile or a helicopter. There are several good hotels and inns operating on the territory of the Bulgarian ski resort Bansko. You can rent small guest houses.
Base Borovets
Ski resort Borovets is the oldest winter sports base in the country, established in 1903. It is also the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria. The main skiing and snowboarding trails are located on the slopes of Rila Mountain. Nearby is a higher peak – Musala. Its peak is at an altitude of 2925 meters above sea level. It is heavily used for freeriding.
There are three slopes for skiing – Markudzhik, Sitnyakovo-Martynov barracks, Yastrebets. On the first one, the most difficult tracks are made, marked in black. Experienced athletes train here. In Yastrebets there are slopes for intermediate and experienced skiers, there are several blue routes. For beginners, it is recommended to stop on the slopes of Sitnyakovo-Martinovi Baraki.
About the winter resort Borovets:
- The maximum height of the route is 2620 m.
- Height difference – up to 1139 m.
- The maximum length of the descent is 1.3 km.
- There are routes for cross country. They comply with FIS requirements.
- A snowboard park has been created, you can ride “cheesecakes”.
For children there is a training slope, there are entertainment areas. The snow park offers entertainment for young and adult guests of the ski resort in Bulgaria. You can order excursions around the territory of the national reserve.
Ski pass prices start from 18 Euros. The cost of a subscription for a week is from 210 Euros. For guests who arrive without their own ski equipment, there is a rental office. The price of one standard set is from 30 Euro.
Vitosha Sports Complex
Vitosha ski resort is located in the oldest natural park in Bulgaria. It is located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. The Sofia Cup competitions are periodically held here. There are two ski areas – “Aleko” and “Vitosha Tyulpan”. For the first time, routes for mountain and cross-country skiing have been created. Most of the slopes are located above the forest, which makes it possible for really fast skiing. There are several trails for cross-country skiers, the total length of the route is 29 km. Lots of freeride. On the Blue Trak training track, which is marked in green on the slopes map of the Vitosha ski resort, school classes are held.
About the sports complex:
- The maximum height is 2290 m.
- Made 14 tracks – three blue, one red, 2 black.
- The cross-country ski trail is 11 km away.
- The snow park is open.
- There are 13 lifts and one gondola with panoramic windows.
The cost of a ski-pass is from 12 Euro. You can buy a weekly subscription for 340 Euros. At the rental of ski equipment and equipment, basic sets are offered from 40 Euros. Ski passes are discounted for students and children.
Camp site Pamporovo
This ski resort in Bulgaria is located in the Rhodope Mountains. This is the southernmost winter sports complex in the country. It is convenient for beginner skiers, as the terrain is very gentle. Snow groomers and snow cannons work to maintain the tracks. There are many training slopes here, experienced athletes will be bored. A feature of the camp site is a developed infrastructure. There are many night clubs, discos, training centers. Entertainment programs are often held.
The Pampovo ski resort is located near the Snezhanka mountain. Its height is 1926 m. The temperature in winter rarely drops to -5 degrees. At the same time, the thickness of the snow cover can reach 1.4 m. The Pampovo ski complex has equipment rental points, hotels and hotels are located on the territory. For accommodation, you can rent a guest house.
About the ski complex in Bulgaria:
- The maximum elevation is at an altitude of 1956 m.
- Made 12 descents.
- You can climb to the top on rat and drag lifts.
- Prices for ski – pass – from 12 Euro.
You can order food or a ski trip in the local park, rent snowmobiles. Every year, the folklore festival “Rozhensky Gathering” is held here. On to choose hotel Perelik (Perelik 4*) or Orpheus (Orpheus 4*). Various restaurants and bars serve national Bulgarian cuisine.