Ten Reasons You Should Snowboard In Bulgaria

So you are planning a snowboarding trip and Bulgaria is not on your list. Well, I am here to tell you exactly why it should be. As a former ski resort snob myself I used to laugh at the idea of snowboarding in Bulgaria, now all that has changed. Having been to snowboard at two of the largest Bulgarian ski resorts over the past few years I have learned a fair bit about what a Bulgarian snowboard trip entails. So come along with an open mind and maybe you too can add Bulgaria to your ski resort bucket list.

Purpose Built Resorts

Bulgaria has three main resorts; Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. There are more smaller resorts but it is likely that if you decide to head to Bulgaria to snowboard it will be to one of those three. The villages and facilities around these ski resorts are all purpose-built to make your stay as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. All the resorts offer hotels and apartments within walking distance of the slopes. Convenient shops will make it easy to find and collect your snowboard hire, with many of them operating drop off services in the hotels. The facilities are improving in Bulgaria all the time and the more popular it gets the more that money is reinvested into improving infrastructure.

At the major resorts of Bansko and Borovets the lifts are fairly fast (with the exception of the gondolas) and the terrain would be enough to keep most people entertained for the week. You will find a world cup downhill run at Bansko and well-constructed terrain parks. Bulgaria offers more than the basic facilities some people expect.

Easy Access

One of the major determining factors in choosing a holiday destination is the travel. Well, the journey to Bulgaria is simple and affordable. Airlines fly between the UK’s major airports and the Bulgarian capital of Sofia regularly throughout the winter with many offering great deals. Once at Sofia International Airport you will find short transfer times (just the 1 hour to Borovets) and a number of easy ways to transfer. Whether it be resort coach, self-drive, or the public bus system Bulgarian ski resorts are accessible with ease.

Awesome Value

It is impossible to argue against the value of a Bulgarian ski holiday. Let’s start with the true international comparison of value, the price of a beer. A beer in Bulgaria will cost you around £1.50 and when you compare that to the prices in; France, Switzerland, or even the more affordable Italy you will be laughing all the way to the bar. But value isn’t just found at the bar in Bulgaria. A week’s lift pass in Borovets will cost around £170 just £130 cheaper than at France’s 3 Vallees resorts. Additionally, you may not even have to worry about purchasing your lift pass as some holiday tour operators throw this in with the price of their half-board or all-inclusive board options. If meals are not part of your deal do not worry. Head out into town and you will be able to eat for around £10 per head, £15 if you want to share a bottle of wine. All in all, Bulgaria really does offer more for your money than most ski destinations.

Apres-Ski

There are a few places in the ski world that claim to have a great apres-ski environment, sadly some of them are too expensive to actually be able to indulge, Bulgaria is different. We have already discussed the price of beer, but when you can sample the local lager across lively bars, nightclubs, and music venues you are spoilt for choice. Yes, you may come across the stag/hen crowd in Bulgarian ski resorts but that doesn’t mean it’s not a family place. If the bars are not your scene, then head to the bowling alley, the cinema or enjoy the leisure facilities in the hotel. There is plenty of apres for everyone, however, you want to conduct it.

Bulgarian Culture

I was not planning to be sampling too much of the Bulgarian culture on my ski trips but I got sucked in. Bansko has an old town which is a UNESCO heritage site and its cobbled streets are home to a number of great local restaurants. I’ll get onto the food soon, but the Old Town is the place to go to sample local Bulgarian music (usually folk) and to wander through the medieval streets. It really leaves a different impression to the modern and bustling area around the gondola station.

Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian food is fantastic and really wasn’t what I was expecting. As discussed, the Old Town of Bansko is filled with plenty of fantastic places to eat. Borovets too has a number of restaurants where you can sample local meat and fish dishes accompanied by salads or side dishes. You can of course opt for the non-local food, with fast food and pretty much every western cuisine on offer…. but then you’d be missing out.

The final point on Bulgarian food, if you have opted for an accommodation option where food is included don’t let this handcuff you to your hotel. Most hotels provide a buffet spread but it can get a bit repetitive.

Perfect For Progression

Bulgaria is perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. First of all, it is cheap, so its less of a risk should you not like the activity (although this would never happen!!!). But more to the point is the affordability and quality of ski school lessons in Bulgaria. All of the resorts have a local ski school that delivers group and private lessons on a very affordable basis.

The terrain in Bulgaria is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates so you will be able to progress from green to blue runs fluidly throughout your first week. If you are a fast learner your progression won’t be stunted in Bulgaria, there are a number of red and black pistes that you can aim for or provide a further reason to return next year.

Photo Credit @antoniachekrakchieva

Other Activities

So you want to snowboard but you want more from your holiday. Well away from the skiing and snowboarding Bulgarian ski resorts have a number of activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. You can stay in the winter spirit with a trip to an ice-rink or a snowshoe excursion. Alternatively, you can take a day away from the cold by heading to the spa or getting locked into an escape room. With the addition or cinemas and bowling alleys, museums and galleries there is plenty to keep you occupied.

Welcoming Atmosphere

The Bulgarian people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I always tell the story of watching my football team lose a match one evening in a local bar. There wasn’t a person in the bar who didn’t buy me a drink or offer a word of condolence whilst I sat slumped in my bar stool. This attitude extends out of the bar, into the village and onto the slopes where the locals will be happy to assist you if you need help. In general, the Bulgarians seem happy that you are there which can not always be said in all ski resorts.

All-Inclusive Snowboarding

One of the reasons people like an all-inclusive beach holiday is the idea that you have everything you need paid for and organized before you go. The same can apply in Bulgaria with many tour operators and hotels offering all-inclusive and half-board deals. These can even cover your lift passes and ski lessons making the idea of a ski trip to Bulgaria absolutely hassle-free.

There are ten reasons why you should consider a ski trip to Bulgaria this winter. Is it on your hit list? Have you been before? I’d like to hear from you, so let me know down in the comments if you agree or disagree with this list and whether you will head to Bulgaria to ski in the future?