Bulgaria's ski resorts: what, where and how?

Bulgaria has eight winter resorts in all; the best known of them are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.

Bansko

Bansko lies at an altitude of 936 m above sea level, is among the top 10 European ski resorts and is the most affordable of them. The resort operates from December to April. Bansko has 15 pistes for skiers of all categories, the total length of the pistes is 56 km and their altitude is 2000–2560 m. The maximum vertical drop is 600 metres. There is a kindergarten for children over 4 years old, a ski school, rental points and numerous cafés and taverns. Near Bansko lies the town of Melnik, well known in Bulgaria, but there is plenty to see at the resort itself: there are around 140 historical monuments here. The nearest airport is Sofia, 170 km away.

Borovets

The resort is located in the Rila mountains 70 km from Sofia at an altitude of 1350 m above sea level. It is Bulgaria’s largest ski resort in terms of piste length — 58 km. The season runs from mid-December to April. The maximum vertical drop here is 1210 m. The slopes suit skiers of varying levels of experience. The resort has 16 lifts, equipment rental and a ski school. Some pistes are equipped for night skiing.

Pamporovo

The resort is situated in the Rhodopes at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, 85 km from Plovdiv. More than 70% of the pistes are intended for beginners, and there are 14 slopes available to visitors in all. The length of the pistes is 20 km, the maximum vertical drop is 480 m. There are 18 lifts in operation, a ski school, numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, bowling and a swimming pool.

Vitosha

This is the highest-altitude resort in the country, located 1800 m above sea level. It has 6 slopes for skiing, and the total length of the pistes is 29 km. The vertical drop is up to 780 m. There are 12 lifts in operation. The resort suits skiers of all categories and operates from December to April. It is home to Bulgaria’s oldest ski school with experienced instructors. There is an equipment rental point, and the resort has restaurants, bars and night clubs. Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is only half an hour’s drive from the resort.

Dobrinishte

A relatively small resort for beginners and experienced skiers alike. It is located at an altitude of 850 m above sea level. There is one lift here. Four pistes with a total length of 7 km, maximum drop 950 m. There are ski schools, including for children; a rental point; a sports centre. Besides bars and restaurants, the resort also has 17 mineral springs, swimming pools, a sauna and a fitness centre. Sofia can be reached by car in 2.5 hours.

Malyovitsa

The resort lies at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level and 92 km from Sofia. There are three black pistes for experienced skiers and one for beginners. The total length of the pistes is 4 km. There is a rental point, as well as cafés, restaurants and a disco. The resort has a mountaineering museum. From here you can climb the mountain along a marked route.

Panichishte

A small resort suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers, an hour’s drive from Sofia at an altitude of 1400 m in the Rila mountains. 5 slopes. Five lifts are available to skiers. In the immediate vicinity of the resort is the balneological resort of Sapareva Banya, known for its hot mineral water geyser. The Rila nature reserve is also located here.

Chepelare

The resort is located 75 km from Plovdiv at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level in the Rhodopes. There are two slopes here, and the total length of the pistes is a little over 8 km. The maximum drop is 720 m. There is one lift in operation. The season runs from December to April. The resort itself is small and quiet, but lovers of night life can always head to the nearest large resort, Pamporovo, located 10 km from Chepelare. There, life is in full swing around the clock, so there is no chance of getting bored.

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