5 best skiing resorts in Bulgaria

Bulgaria in Eastern Europe is an increasingly popular and cost-effective alternative to the Alpine ski resorts that can not only become overcrowded, but also make a big dent in the wallet. With runs that offer challenges for the advanced skier as well as courses suitable for beginner and intermediate levels, Columbus Direct gives us a rundown of the best ski resorts in Bulgaria will point you in the right direction for your ideal winter break.

Bansko

Centred around an original attractive mountain village, Bansko in the Pirin Mountains has now become the most developed ski resort in Eastern Europe. From small beginnings in the 1980s, a blend of the old and new offers an eclectic skiing experience suited to the whole family. Accommodation is mainly focused on rental apartments that offer good quality accommodation within easy reach of the Gondala that provides the only way up the mountain. The Gondala takes you to mid-mountain area at 1725m, and then a network of lifts offer the possibility of going on to the highest point at 2560m. The mountains are the classic shape to offer the best in skiing experiences. For restaurant dining and après ski nightlife, head on into the centre of Bansko where the party begins with the first snow in mid-December and wraps up around May.

Borovets

Tracing its history back to the 19th century, Borovets is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria. Situated on the side of Bulgaria’s highest mountain, Mount Moussala, the resort offers runs that are mainly in the medium to difficult category; although beginners will be able to find easier runs to hone their skills on. For the cross-country ski enthusiast there are 35 kilometres of cross–country runs. Borovets is on the Northern side of the Rila mountain range and within easy reach of the capital city of Sofia which has the nearest airport. Three, four and five star accommodation is available as well as a wide choice of self catering rental apartments. Not short of nightlife, Borovets has plenty of restaurants, bars and discos to keep the visitor entertained well into the night.

Pamporovo

Due to its location in the pine-clad Rhodoppe mountains, there is very much an Alpine feel to the Bulgarian ski resort of Pamporovo. One of the newer resorts, Pamporovo has become increasingly popular and has expanded accordingly in terms of both size and the level of facilities. The skiing pistes tend to run out from the summit of Mount Snezhanka and are rated intermediate and difficult. There is also a beginners run known as the tourist track which descends 2.4 kilometres from the summit. For off piste and cross-country enthusiasts, the 24km of tracks present many opportunities to test their skills. Clubs, bars and restaurants provide plenty of entertainment and nourishment for those that have enough energy left to venture out into the crisp Bulgarian night.

Chepelare

Boasting the longest ski run in Bulgaria, Chepelare is an authentic Bulgarian mountain resort situated in a small valley in the heart of the Rhodoppe mountains. 72 kilometres from Plovdiv and just 10 kilometres from Pamporovo, the area has outstanding natural beauty with the beautiful Chepelare river running through the town. The skiing infrastructure has been upgraded with a modern high speed quad lift capable of taking 2000 people per hour the 2700 metres from Chepelare to the Mechi Chal peak in just 9 minutes.  The ski runs are mainly in the intermediate to difficult categories but the resort also offers a lit piste in the centre of town for children and beginners.

Vitosha

Vitosha is actually the highest ski resort in Bulgaria and yet it is only 10km from the Bulgarian capital city of Sofia. Vitosha offers six ski runs accessed by a number of chair and drag lifts as well as a Gondala that starts from the outskirts of Sofia and ascends to Aleko near the top of the mountain. Difficulty levels vary with the green ski run being the easiest and the Vitoshko Lale the most difficult. Heavy snow starts in mid December and remains stable until spring. The terrific advantage with this resort is that you can combine your skiing adventure with the cosmopolitan facilities of a capital city like Sofia.