Ski Holidays in Bulgaria

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Although Bulgarian ski resorts are a world away from Austria’s fast and modern lifts, France’s spectacular range of resorts or the chic, 5* luxury of many Swiss resorts, it’s a country with a lot to offer and is worth considering for groups looking for something off the beaten track.

With each passing season, Bulgaria’s ski resorts, their snow cannoning, piste bashing, accommodation options and nightlife improve further and further, making it a resort to visit now for a taste of something different and one to watch over the coming years. From December through to April, Bulgaria’s snowfall record is strong.

The three largest and most developed resorts are Borovets, Bansko and Pamporova, and they are worth consideration for the right group with a sense of adventure. There’s a wide range of other, smaller resorts, Vitosha, Chepelare and Malyovitsa to name but three, and overall the altitudes and snow coverage are good.

Borovets sits in the Rila mountain range at 1390 meters above sea level, with pistes going up to 2600 meters. It’s a busy, modern resort receiving a good level of investment year on year, and the accommodation options are decent. Modern snowmaking facilities, a good range of slopes and lively nightlife make it a respectable, up and coming resort to ski. There’s also a snow park as well, which over the last 4 seasons has grown in size and stature. The ski area is made up of 58 kilometres of piste and while the terrain does vary, it is best for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Bansko sits in the south west of Bulgaria near the Pirin mountain, and of all the Bulgarian resorts Bansko is the one with the richest history. Sitting at 925 meters with slopes going up to 2914m, the resort’s unique architecture, solid ski infrastructure and varied terrain make it a popular resort choice. Millions of Euros have been pumped in to Bansko to get the resort up to a level comparable to that found in other European countries. Today, Bansko offers the fastest and most modern lifts of all the Bulgarian resorts and accommodation options are wonderfully varied. The season here lasts longer than anywhere else in Bulgaria too, typically from mid December to mid May.

Pamporovo sits in the Rhodopi range, at 1650 above sea level. The slopes go up to 1926m and the ski area is the sunniest in Bulgaria with good snow coverage throughout the Winter season. Pamporovo’s gentle, non-threatening pistes and rolling hills make it an outstanding resort choice for beginner skiers, but it does have a few steep runs to challenge more advanced riders.