Bulgaria is rapidly becoming a very popular destination for skiers and boarders world wide. It is renowned for its spectacular scenery, first-rate slopes, the history and culture of the country and the fact that it is more affordable than other European ski destinations in the Alps and Pyrenees. The country has a vast range of ski slopes located in 3 mountain ranges; Pirin, Rila and Rhodope. It is well known for its variety of slopes to suite skiers and boarders of all levels, in its numerous resorts. The ski resorts in Bulgaria offer a wide variety of summer activities as well, catering for all year round holiday makers.

Bansko

Bansko is the newest and most developed of the ski resorts in Bulgaria with the best snow record and longest snow season (15 Dec – 15 May). It is situated at the foot of the Pirin National Park between the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges. Bansko has numerous slopes based around a beautiful old town that was traditionally famous for it school of Orthodox icon painting. The town attracts tourist in the winter and summer months and is located 2 hours drive from Sofia. On the Northern slopes of the Pirin Mountain, above the town, you can find the two main ski resorts - Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika. Bansko caters for all levels of skiing and boarding with lots of nursery slopes to choose from for the novice skiers. The town has a cross country track with a total length of 5km, as well as a 3km Rollbahn track, 2km distance from the town centre. Skiers are able to test their technique in the Shiligarnika region of Bansko which is home to slalom and grand slalom courses offering lots of variety for skiers. Bansko has an excellent ski school, lots of ski rental services and a rescue service that is available 24 hours per day. For Après ski, Bansko has available a wide range of old-style pubs and taverns, restaurants, clubs and coffee shops in the old town, where you can try the native cuisine and delicacies.

Borovets

Borovets is the oldest resort in Bulgaria and was originally the site of a hunting lodge for the Bulgarian Royal Family. Skiing started here as long ago as 1896 and it developed into a popular ski resort in the 1970’s after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Borovets is at an altitude of 1350m above sea level on the Northern slopes of the Rila mountain range at the foot of Mount Moussala, in a pine forest 73km from Sofia. The ski runs of various difficulties are suitable for all ranges from beginners and intermediate, to advanced or expert skiers. The slopes and runs are maintained in perfect condition and are designed with international markings and multilingual signs. The resort has a ski machine for milder ski conditions, 2 ski schools, 10 ski rental services and ski patrol 24 hours a day. There is a host of activities for non skiers to do, such as Tobogganing, swimming, billiards, table tennis and bowling, to name a few, with a fitness centre and spa on site. Borovets is home to a large choice of night-life including numerous bars, clubs and discos. There are lots of specialist ski evenings including a ski carnival and ski award ceremony. For those seeking culture, the Bulgarian folklore evenings are not to be missed.

Pamporovo

Pamporovo is one of the smaller ski destinations in Bulgaria and can be located 85km away from the attractive old town of Plovdiv. It is a beautiful resort situated in the centre of the Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of 1650m above sea level, 260km from the capital Sofia. Pamporovo is home to 9 hotels with 1500 beds; it has one of the best ski schools in Europe and a ski-kindergarten for the children. The climate in the winter is mild with a Mediterranean influence and there is no real threat of avalanche. The resort is recommended as a good place for both beginner and experienced skiers. There are 17.5km alpine tracks with various grades of difficulty, 34km long-distance running tracks, 5 chair lifts and 13 tows with a total capacity of 8500 persons per hour, as well as a mountain rescue service open 24 hours per day. For après ski, Pamporovo has an abundance of great places to eat out, drink and party. Restaurants cater for all tastes, offering traditional Bulgarian food, British pub grub, pizza and pasta, as well as vegetarian cuisine. For the skiers and boarders who love to party, Pamporovo has a lot to offer, every bar, pub and disco has a unique style and atmosphere.