Ski enthusiasts won’t miss in the winter in Bulgaria. The mountains here are available for every taste and the prices are even lower than in neighbouring countries, so Bulgaria has long been a place of pilgrimage for lovers of ski holidays.
A total of are eight winter resorts in Bulgaria, the most famous ones are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.
Bansko
Bansko is situated at an altitude 936 m above sea level; it is included in the top 10 European ski resorts and is the most affordable of them. The resort operates from December to April. In Bansko 15 trails for skiers of all categories, the total length of the routes is 56 km, and their height is 2000-2560 m. Maximum elevation difference is 600 metres. There is a running kindergarten for kids over 4 years old,
a ski school, rental centers, plenty of cafe and tavernas. Near Bansko is famous Bulgarian town of Melnik, but the resort has much to offer: there are about 140 historical monuments. The nearest airport is in Sofia, 170 km.
Borovets
The resort is located in the Rila Mountain, 70 km from Sofia at an altitude of 1,350 m above sea level. This is the biggest Bulgarian ski resort; the total length of trails is 58 km. The season lasts from mid December to April. The maximum elevation difference here is 1210 m. The slopes are suitable for skiers of different level of preparedness. The resort has 16 ski lifts, a running rental of equipment, a ski school. Some tracks are adapted for the night skiing.
Pamporovo
The resort is located in the Rhodope Mountains at 1650 m above sea level, 85 km from Plovdiv. More than 70% of trails are for beginners. There are 14 slopes for the facilities the campers. Length of trails – 20 km, the maximum elevation difference is 480 m. There are 18 ski lifts, a ski school, a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs, a bowling, a pool.
Vitosha
It is the highest resort in the country, located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level. It has 6 slopes for skiing, and the total length of the routes is 29 km. The maximum elevation difference is 780 m. 12 ski lifts are running. The resort is suitable for skiers of all categories; it operates from December to April. Here is the oldest in Bulgaria ski school with experienced instructors. There is a rental of equipment; the resort has restaurants, bars, nightclubs. Bulgaria’s capital Sofia is only in half an hour drive from the resort.
Dobrinishte
It is a relatively small resort for beginners and experienced skiers, located at an altitude of 850 m above sea level. There is running one ski lift. There are four trails with a total length of 7 km, the maximum elevation difference 950 m. There are running ski schools, including for children; rental and sports centres. The resort in addition to bars and restaurants has 17 mineral springs, swimming pools, a sauna, and a fitness center. Sofia can be reached in 2.5 hours by a car.
Maloviza
The resort is at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level and at 92 km from Sofia. There are three black runs for experienced skiers and one for beginners. The total length of tracks is 4 km. There is a rental center, as well as cafe, restaurants, disco. The resort has an Alpine Museum. From here you can climb the mountain on the marked route.
Panichishte
It is a small resort, suitable for both beginners and for more experienced skiers, an hour’s drive from Sofia at an altitude of 1400 m in the Rila Mountains. It has 5 slopes. There are five ski lifts for skiers. In the immediate vicinity of the resort is a balneological resort of Separeva Banya, famous with hot mineral water geyser. Here is the natural reserve of the Rila.
Chepelare
The resort is 75 km from Plovdiv, at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level in the Rhodopes. There are two slopes, and the total length of trails is a little over 8 km. The maximum elevation difference is 720 m. There is only one ski lift. The season lasts from December to April. The resort itself is small and quiet, but nightlife lovers can always go to the nearest major resort of Pamporovo, located 10 km from Chepelare. There life abounds in vitality around the clock, so bored will not succeed.
