Skiing in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is blessed with magnificent mountain scenery and an excellent climate for both summer and winter tourism. In the winter, the mountains are covered with deep, crisp snow which is ideal for skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. The three most famous resorts are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, although there are numerous other, smaller ski resorts.

Bansko

Bansko is probably the most famous ski resort in Bulgaria, and has been the target of large-scale investment in recent years. It is situated 925 m above sea level. Situated in the Pirin mountains, Bankso offers both a traditional atmosphere and a large collection of sophisticated and luxurious hotels and apartment complexes. The ski pistes are 2000-2500 m above sea level. Bankso is about 90 minutes' drive from Sofia airport, and can also be accessed easily from the airport at Thessaloniki in Greece.

Borovets & Malyovitsa

Borovets is the largest international ski resort in Bulgaria. It is situated 1,350 m above sea level. This beautiful resort is surrounded by pine forests on the Northern slopes of the Rila mountain. It has retained the unique charm of its Bulgarian buildings and has a friendly and cozy atmosphere. The highest pistes are 2600 m above sea level. Borovets is the most accessible of the large ski resorts, as it is only 70 km from Sofia.

Malyovitsa (Govedartsi) ski resort is about 40 km from Borovets. It is 1,700 m above sea level and it offers several ski slopes in attractive surroundings. The ski slopes are 13 km from the village of Goverdartsi and 27 km from the town of Samokov. It is close to one of the most picturesque lakes in Bulgaria, Lake Strashnoto. Malyovitsa ski resort is approximately 75 km from Sofia, which makes it one of the most accessible winter resorts. The resort is not yet very developed, but as part of the Super Borovets project, it is likely to be the focus of a large amount of investment.

Pamporovo & Chepelare

Pamporovo is smaller and less well-known that Bansko or Borovets, but it is an attractive and well-equipped ski resort, situated in the Rhodopi mountains. Pamporovo is the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria and yet it has ample snow all through the ski season. The resort is situated 1,650 m above sea level. The resort offers beautiful views of Snejanka mountain. Pamporovo is 85 km from Plovdiv and approximately 240 km from Sofia.

Chepelare is a less well-know ski resort in the Rhodopi mountains, very close to the international ski resort of Pamporovo. It is 1,100 m above sea level. Chepelare has the longest ski slope in Bulgaria, but the resort is undeveloped and is used mainly by Bulgarian skiers. The resort is situated in picturesque countryside with pine forests and pretty villages nearby. Chepelare is approximately 220 km from Sofia and 70 km from Plovdiv.

Vitosha

Vitosha ski resort is the most accessible of all the ski resorts in Bulgaria, being just a few minutes' drive from Sofia. It is also the highest - the main ski pistes are situated below the highest peak (Cherni Vruh, which is 2,290 m above sea level). Vitosha is famous for its interesting rock formations, including the Moreni or "Stone Rivers" and the Zlatnite Mostove "Golden Bridges". Vitosha offers large ski slopes, many of which are coated with powder snow, and is excellent for all winter sports.

Further information

Social Bookmarking