The Most Beautiful Ski Destinations in Bulgaria

The slopes of the Bansko ski resort are set between 900 and 2,600 m (2,952 and 8,530 ft) with a view of the rugged rocky peaks of Pirin Mountain and the imposing Todorka Peak dominating the skyline. A total of 75 km of marked ski trails of all levels of difficulty will ensure a constant change of the views and an opportunity to improve your skiing skills.

A big part of the mountain is included in Pirin National Park, part of the Man and Biosphere UNESCO program and one of the three national parks in Bulgaria. Pirin is famed for its beautiful glacial lakes and remote chalets perched on rocky heights. A winter visit to Bansko is not complete without a hike along any of the marked winter trails or a snowshoeing day trip.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko | © Petko3/WikiCommons

While Pirin is predominantly rocky, the Rhodope Mountains are curvier and covered in more forests. The snow-capped pine trees make for an impressive backdrop while skiing in Pamporovo, the winter resort with the most sunny days in Bulgaria. Almost all trails start from Snezhanka Peak and freestyle enthusiasts will enjoy the Fun Park and the only halfpipe in Eastern Europe with a height of 3.8 m (12.5 ft).

One additional treat during your stay at Pamporovo is a cup of hot chocolate at the panoramic café on the top of Snezhanka Television Tower (2,019 m/6,624 ft altitude).

Pamporovo, Bulgaria

Pamporovo | © Dave Usher/WikiCommons

Borovets was the first ski resort in Bulgaria, and today it’s one of the biggest and fast developing winter sports areas in Bulgaria. Pine woods dominate the landscape, and it’s no surprise that thename of Borovets can be literally translated as “Pine forest.” With a total of 58 km (36 mi) of marked ski trails and a lot of snow in the winter, Borovets has perfect conditions for hosting international competitions, both in alpine style and for biathlons.

Borovets, Bulgaria

Borovets | © Nikolai Karaneschev/WikiCommons

Chepelare is a small town in the Rhodope Mountains located just 8 km (5 mi) from Pamporovo. A total of 20 km (12 mi) ski tracks start from Mechi Chal Peak where a tea house and a chalet can be found, too. There are plans for Pamporovo and Mechi Chal to be united in a single ski zone in the coming years, with lifts connecting the ski slopes of the two ski resorts.

Mechi Chal, Chepelare, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is lucky to have a high mountain just a 30-minute drive out of the center of the city, both in summer and winter. There are two lifts to take skiers and hikers up to Aleko Hut and the ski zone – a cabin lift from Simeonovo district and a chair lift from Dragalevtsi district. Both beginners and advanced skiers will find slopes suitable to their skills with a view from above over the whole city of Sofia and amazing sunsets over the mountain.

Ski track Vitoshko Lale, Vitosha, Bulgaria

Vitosha Mountain in winter | © Kaloyan Raev/Flickr