Ski Bulgaria
Put simply, go skiing in Bulgaria if you are looking for something different, that's away from the Alps, is culturally intriguing but also not to too far away most people's comfort zone. The country is very affordable for most of the ski travelling public and has several superb ski resorts including the well-known Bansko & Borovets close to the capital of Sofia. Snow quality is generally good throughout the mountains in Bulgaria, but average annual snowfalls are only in the realms of 3 to 4m per winter (as best as we can ascertain), so perhaps Bulgaria is not the greatest powder seekers destination. For those seeking long runs on-piste and some fun after dark, skiing Bulgaria might be for you. Away from the mountains, a rich history & culture (with requisite ancient cathedrals, fortresses, monasteries & museums) is more than enough to satisfy the 'rainy day test'!
Bulgarian Ski Resorts
Bulgaria has around 22 ski areas, but most are quite small. The exceptions make the country worth the visit, and all are within a few hours of the airport. Bulgaria's premier ski resort is Bansko, and for good reason. Huge skiable vertical of 1,540m, reliable snow, great slopes, modern lifts, a lively town at its base and affordable. Bansko's high alpine zone has amazing off-piste freeride potential if one is lucky to be there in fresh snow.
The second largest ski area is Borovets, just over an hours drive from Sofia. Different is character to Bansko, its forested surrounds and high alpine nevertheless provide excellent on-piste skiing on 1,235m of vertical, fantastic alpine ski-touring around the 2,925m Musala peak & occasionally some super freeride powder in the trees.
The other resort of note is only 10 min south of central Sofia, the Vitosha/Aleko - Sofia ski resort rises to 2,270m above the city. The ski lifts serve 20km of runs over a healthy 740m skiable vertical. Whilst the lifts are reputedly very slow, Vitosha is probably worth a look if wanting to stretch the legs whilst staying in Sofia.
[AdListings Filter="Bansko Packages"]
Travel to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is in Eastern Europe and part of the Balkans region. The country borders Greece to the south, the Black Sea to the east, Romania to the north and Serbia & North Macedonia to the west.
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is the main gateway to the country via its international airport. Sofia is around 1,055km south-east of Innsbruck and over 2,00km south-east of London. Sofia (SOF) international airport receives direct flights from most major (& numerous minor) European airports, plus a number of UK & Middle Eastern origins. The airport is a base for several budget airlines, making flight connections to Bulgaria incredibly affordable. A flight from London to Sofia takes about 3hr. The airport is only 6 km from Sofia's compact city centre. The major ski areas are all within 2¼hr drive or less of the airport, so transfers are simple, but you could just as easily rent a car and drive yourself. Borovets is the closer of the 2 major resorts to Sofia, about 70km drive south of the city, whilst Bansko is around 160km drive, also the to the south.
Sofia Accommodation
As with visiting any nation for the first time, a night or two in the capital is always worth it. Sofia is no exception, and the beauty is it won’t break the bank! Centrally located 5-star & boutique hotel accommodation is fabulously affordable and tends to be within walking distance of the sights. Some of better options on both quality & price include the Adella Boutique Hotel, 5 Vintage Guest House, Hyatt Regency Sofia & InterContinental Sofia. There are a host of other excellent alternatives.
Search & book accommodation in Sofia.
Sightseeing
As with all ski destinations in Europe (well most anyway!), there is always a lot more to do than just snow stuff. In Bulgaria it is no different. In Sofia there are all the usual historic, cultural & culinary distractions of a large European city. Away from the capital one could visit Plovdiv to wander one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. This is a must for history buffs and lovers of winding, cobbled laneways lined with incredible, pastel coloured architecture. Other locations of note within a few hours of Sofia include the 12th century Tsarevets Fortress & the 10th century Rila Monastery (located in a deep valley between Borovets & Bansko ski resorts …… so no excuses not to visit!)
Reasons to Ski & Snowboard Bulgaria
There are a host of reasons to go skiing & snowboarding in Bulgaria. Here a few of the better ones:
- Its different - not the Alps;
- Adventure - discover ski areas & mountains you never knew existed;
- Value - Bulgaria provides a great value ski holiday destination;
- Social - visiting Bulgaria during winter assists the local economy & people;
- Fun - the après ski scene can be alot of fun in Bulgaria;
- Distance - it’s not far to travel there & once in country, everything is close;
Go next season because you'll only be one year older if you don't (thanks Warren). See your there:)
Review
The Powderhounds will try to visit Bulgaria next season. More information will come after our visit. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how the European ski resorts compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.
Follow Powderhounds Europe on Instagram to see where we are currently skiing. Follow our main Powderhounds page on Facebook to stay in touch with up-to-date info, tours, and discussions.
