Borovets Ski Resort Guide
Borovets in the Rila mountain range is a family-focused ski resort that makes skiing affordable. With modern facilities including some resort-style luxury hotels within walking distance of the pistes, Borovets could be what you are looking for. There are plenty of reasons to visit Borovets with more terrain than rival Bansko, alongside night skiing and cross-country trails, Borovets packs a punch without needing to spend too many £££.
BOROVETS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Borovets my first impression was one of surprise. Honestly, before heading to Bulgaria I was probably a bit of a ski snob leading to French alps or nowhere kind of attitude. The facilities in Borovets were much better than anticipated and this is the trip that really opened my eyes to the rest of the worlds ski hills. When walking around the resort and looking at the Borovets hotels, you could see that everything was a good standard.
BOROVETS SKI AREA
Borovets has invested to improve its lift system and improve uphill times, although its gondola is still antiquated. This is a small compromise to make for access to the largest number of pistes in Bulgaria. Strangely Borovets is split between two distinct ski areas, the slopes near the Rila Hotel and the slopes by Yastrebetz Gondola. The highest point of the resort is reached via the gondola with pistes at 2550m that allow you to ski down to the base area at 1300m. Strangely the cross-country courses can be found at the top of the resort with trails to 2900m.
The beginner’s area is situated near Hotel Rila, and as such is also the base for the ski school. The slopes here are mellow and are surrounded by restaurants, bars and hotel facilities. As you progress you will head to the Sitnyakovo chairlift that offers a little more challenge. This area is quite small but is enough to get you started. The Sitnyakovo chairlift also remains open for night skiing throughout the season.
If you are looking to explore further then head to the Yastrebetz gondola. From here you will be able to explore two main sections, at the top Markudjik and lower down Yastrebetz. The Markudjik ski area has another small beginners area with mellow slope serviced by a magic carpet and poma. You can also access some blues and a short black that will take you to the gondola’s mid-station. The Yastrebetz area offers the most challenge with some decent red runs that offer some decent vertical drop. If you want to stay in this area it is easy to lap via the Yastrebetz Express, a high-speed quad that ensures you can continue to get plenty of laps.
There is little challenge in Borovets for advanced skiers or snowboards with less than 10% of the piste map dedicated to black runs. There is some off-piste but unless the conditions are prime it can be best avoided. Skiing in the trees can be a bit of a disappointment with some forestry needed to make them truly skiable.
The Borovets ski map below gives a good overview of the accessible terrain throughout the ski resort. The layout of Borovets ski resort can be tricky if your group has varying abilities as you may find yourself split between distinct areas.
Borovets Ski Resort Piste Map
SEASON DATES
The ski season in Borovets runs from December through to April although snow quality and coverage can suffer in early and late season. It is getting better with improvements to snow-making facilities. The lower slopes especially can suffer and late season operations are moved to the top of the gondola. You can check the Borovets weather by accessing the Borovets ski webcam which is a good way to check the slopes before leaving your hotel.
BOROVETS LIFT TICKETS
Further discounts are available on Borovets lift tickets with family passes available at 20% discount. To check the latest pass prices click here
Below are my ratings for Borovets ski resort. All categories are scored out of five with higher scores being better. The only exception is crowds, a higher score in this category means the resort is busier. These scores are based of my experiences in the resort and I’d love to hear your views and experiences in the comments.
TRAVEL TO BOROVETS
WHERE IS BOROVETS
Borovets ski area is the located in the Sofia Province in the Rila Mountain Range. Close to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia travel to Borovets is fairly straightforward.
GETTING TO BOROVETS
From the UK low-cost airlines fly fairly regularly into Sofia (don’t get done by baggage fees). Flights to Sofia are regular and affordable from UK airports. A Sofia to Borovets ski resort airport transfer is 1hr. Most people book their Bulgaria ski trip through a travel company that will be on hand to organise your transfer. You can also fly into Plovdiv but your transfer time will be longer.
Search for flights here
SELF DRIVE
If you do not have an organised transfer then self-drive is possible with hire cars available in the airport arrivals area.
Search Car Hire Here
TAXI TO BOROVETS
Taxi or private hire is also available from Sofia airport but be sure to pre-arrange this with an agreed price. On our trip we used Get Transfers to find the best priced airport transfer for our group. Search Below.
HOW LONG IS THE TRANSFER TO BOROVETS?
The transfer time between Sofia International Airport and Borovets is 1 hr by coach although during busier periods this can take longer.
BOROVETS ACCOMMODATION
Borovets ski resort offers a range of hotel and accommodation options. Most hotels in Borovets are well placed offering decent services with swimming pools and spas. The food at the hotels can be hit and miss but if you need to eat out there are plenty of options that won’t harm your budget. I stayed in Hotel Rila which is a large hotel directly opposite the main slopes.
You can find great deals on accommodation in Borovets with 5* hotels offering half board options for between £500-£600pp.
BOROVETS PROS
Borovets offers great value for money European skiing
Getting to the resort is easy with plenty of options from Sofia and a short transfer time.
The Rila mountains are stunning and Borovets offer some beautiful views
The ski school provides a good service at low prices (please tip your instructor)
Borovets has a lively nightlife
Borovets has more terrain than other Bulgarian ski resorts
Borovets hotels are well placed for the slopes
BOROVETS CONS
Limited off-piste available
Borovets ski area is small when compared to large French / Swiss resorts
The Borovets gondola to Yastrebets from the base is long and slow!
BOROVETS GALLERY
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN BOROVETS
Borovets can be more than the average ski holiday with plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. Great for days you just fancy a rest or as an addition to your trip consider the following Borovets activities.
Spa Day
Nothing says relax more than a spa day. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders with tired legs there a plenty of options for spa days in Borovets. The appeal is obvious, being sat inside a warm sauna or jacuzzi whilst everyone else is out in the cold will make your friends jealous. In Borovets, most hotels have spa and pool facilities, with the larger hotels offering treatments. A massage in Borovets is likely to set you back around £30
Tobogganing
Always a hit with the kids tobogganing can make a great evening activity. Sledges are available from the local bars which can be a risky combination! This can be a perfect way to wear out the younger members of the group while you sit back and enjoy the views.
Hot Springs
Known for its thermal pools Bulgaria has plenty of hot springs. This is a great activity for soaking weary muscles and helping recovery for your next ski day. Visiting the hot springs is possible during the day or in the evening so you do not need to miss out on any slope time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Borovets good for skiing?
Hopefully, I have already answered this question but just in case you need more convincing the answer is yes. Borovets offers good skiing and snowboarding at low prices. You will find 58km of pistes, which mostly suit intermediate skiers. You will not find lots of off-piste or steep runs in Borovets but the terrain will suit most people. If you are looking for more challenging terrain in Bulgaria than consider a trip to Bansko or if you are a beginner consider Pamporovo.
Which is better Bansko or Borovets?
This is ultimately down to opinion and will vary from person to person. For me, there isn’t too much difference in the actual skiing between Bansko and Borovets. Bansko does have a world cup run which offers more challenge than anything you will find at Borovets, but Borovets offers more terrain. Away from the slopes both Bansko and Borovets have a lively nightlife. I like that you can get away from this in Bansko with a trip to the old town, a Unesco heritage site. In the Old Town, you will find restaurants and bars that are quieter and set in a beautiful setting. The closer you get to the gondola in Bansko it gets more modern and more nightlife oriented. Borovets also has a good nightlife scene, but you will find the hotels in Borovets offer great entertainment for kids with games rooms etc.
Where to eat in Borovets?
Borovets has a number of restaurants conveniently placed near the base of the slopes. If you like Mexican food then check out Mamacita’s which has decent reviews. Most holidays in Borovets include half-board accommodation so if you want to stay in your hotel then food is already sorted.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Borovets is a resort that I am happy I visited. As a intermediate it was great for me and my friends who were learning to ski. The ski school did a great job and we all improved significantly. I visited as a student and the value could not be argued with. We had full board, including ski hire and lift passes for less than some French Alps 6 day lift passes. I would not recommend it for the more advanced skier or snowboarder as you may feel it lacks challenge.
DISCOVER BOROVETS
Bansko Ski Resort Guide
Bansko holds an international reputation that stakes a claim to be Bulgaria’s premier ski resort. Offering something different to rival Borovets, Bansko is split distinctly into two areas; the modern village and the UNESCO heritage site of Old Town. In recent times Bansko has seen investment and improvement in facilities on and off the ski hill that makes it a worthwhile ski destination on a budget. Skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria are underrated and great value compared to large-scale European resorts. This ski resort guide will cover everything you need from the Bansko piste map to the best time of year to visit Bansko, let’s drop in.
BANSKO FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Being my second trip to Bulgaria to snowboard I had some prior expectations for my trip to Bansko. Bulgaria is known for being a cheap ski holiday destination but that often goes in hand with the attitude that the experience cant be good. That's just not the case, with Bansko offering enough terrain to keep beginners and intermediates occupied without breaking the bank. Going to Bansko as an experienced snowboarder I was worried that there might not be enough challenge to keep me interested. The FIS course was certainly fun and there was some really nice red graded trails.
BANSKO SKI AREA
Bansko ski area has a total of 48km of pistes making it a decent size for a weeks ski holiday. Around 10km from the base of the gondola and the town you will have to endure a 30-minute gondola ride to reach the slopes at Bundarishka. Installed in 2003, the gondola still feels dated and ambles it’s way up to 1635m. At the top of the gondola, you will find some restaurants a beginners area and lifts to whisk you around the rest of the resort. Fortunately, the chairs run faster than the gondola so you should be able to get your laps in.
The more confident will want to head towards Todorka and Banderitza chairs. These lifts will lead you to some brilliant red graded pistes. Head here first thing in the morning to make the most of the grooming. The Tomba is the only notable black piste in Bansko. If you are looking to venture off-piste you may be disappointed. There isn’t much within the confines of the resort and you may wish to book a ski-touring excursion. However, it is not all bad news. Bansko beginner reputation tends to scare away interested freeriders so when the conditions are good you can have it all to yourself.
Intermediates skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the Bansko terrain the most. There are plenty of interesting blue runs that will fill you with confidence to try the reds. Wide pistes are a theme at Bansko and make cruising about really fun. The highlight has to be the long 16km piste from Todorka Peak to the base area.
Beginner terrain makes up about 40% of the skiable runs in Bansko. This makes Bansko the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The local ski schools in Bansko are excellent and offer more affordable packages then French or Swiss ski resorts. Learning to ski or snowboard in Bulgaria is a good way to gain confidence without breaking the bank.
The Resort
Bansko town offers a large town with a choice of accommodations. Choose from large spa hotels or self-servicing apartments. Bansko hotels are good value with half-board options if you want an easy holiday. The resort is known for its apres-ski with Bansko nightlife attracting the stag/hen crowds. It is worth keeping this in mind as the parties can last into the early hours. Luckily if that isn’t your thing Bansko has plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. The resort is also home to a number of decent restaurants where eating out will not cost a premium.
The Old Town
Offering a different pace the cobbled streets of Bansko Old Town seem a world away from the fluorescent streets and bars surrounding the ski centre. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bansko’s Old Town has a special feel. Its Bulgarian Renaissance houses that line the backstreets offer a charm not found elsewhere in Bulgaria. The Holy Trinity Church is exquisite in design and noticeable by its tall bell tower is a symbol of Bansko’s history.
The Bansko ski map below gives a good overview of the resort. The highlight has to be the 16km blue run from Todorka Peak back to the base of the gondola. This is one of the longest runs I have snowboarded and it is such a good way to end the day. Bansko slopes cover 48km.
Bansko Ski Resort Piste Map
SEASON DATES
Snow cover in Bansko is good with snow from December until April. The upper slopes generally stay in a decent condition throughout the season, however, if help from snow-making is required, Bansko has those facilities. The best time to ski in Bansko is January through March where the conditions are the most stable.
HOW MUCH IS A LIFT PASS IN BANSKO?
Further discounts are available on Bansko lift tickets with family passes available at discount. To check the latest pass prices click here
Below are my ratings for Bansko ski resort. All categories are scored out of five with higher scores being better. The only exception is crowds, a higher score in this category means the resort is busier. These scores are based on my experiences in the resort and I’d love to hear your views and experiences in the comments.
TRAVEL TO BANSKO
Where is Bansko
Bansko ski area is located in the Pirin mountain range around 160km from Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia. The transfer to Bansko is around 2 hours.
Getting To Bansko
From the UK low-cost airlines fly fairly regularly into Sofia (don’t get done by baggage fees). Flights to Sofia are regular and affordable from UK airports. A Sofia to Bansko ski resort airport transfer is 2hrs. Most people book their Bulgaria ski trip through a travel company that will be on hand to organise your transfer.
Self-Drive
If you do not have an organised transfer then self-drive is possible with hire cars available in the airport arrivals area. Car rental is easy but the journey can be more stressful. Fair to say in Bulgaria the overtaking can be hairy at times so if you are wanting ease… take a transfer.
Taxi
Taxi or private hire is also available from Sofia airport but be sure to pre-arrange this with an agreed price. The is a Bansko App that allows you to book taxi transfers in advance. The earlier you book the better the price you will get. Private transfers will cost around €120 for the round trip.
Public Bus
The most affordable way to access Bansko is on the public bus service from Sofia. A ticket will cost you 15BGN and you have two departure points. For up-to-date departure times check here
How long is the transfer from Sofia to Bansko?
The transfer time between Sofia International Airport and Bansko is two hours by coach although during busier periods this can take longer.
BANSKO ACCOMMODATION
When considering Bansko accommodation you have plenty of choices but make a smart decision. If you don’t want to be involved in the apres scene search for accommodation that is further away from the gondola base area. It is here that the noise can be loud and may disrupt your sleep. Although staying in a Bansko hotel near the ski lifts gives you prime access to the gondola in the morning.
The Bansko hotels have decent facilities with pools or spas commonplace. Hotel food in Bulgaria is a bit basic but there are plenty of places to eat out if you fancy a change. That being said, a Bansko hotel all-inclusive option makes for a hassle-free holiday. All-inclusive in Bansko can include; food, ski hire and lessons so look for these deals.
If you would prefer the self-catering experience then consider staying in an apartment with many conveniently located for the gondola and restaurants.
BANSKO PROS
Incredible value as a European skiing holiday
The ski school offers a good service at low prices (please tip your instructor)
Bansko has a good apres ski scene
Bansko has 48km of pistes which should suit most people for a weeks holiday
BANSKO CONS
Longer transfer time then Borovets
Bansko ski area has little for advanced skiers or snowboarders
The 30-minute gondola from the base area gets tedius.
Other Activities In Bansko
When booking a ski holiday It is always worth considering what other activities are available locally. Bansko doesn’t disappoint with plenty to do and see should you fancy a day off the snow.
OLD TOWN
Already mentioned but worth repeating, Bansko’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. More relaxed than the area around the gondola, head into the Old Town for a stroll around the cobbled streets. Unique houses and interesting matsurev’s (restaurants) will keep you occupied.
SPA DAY
Bulgaria is home to over 800 natural mineral springs so it’s fair to say Bulgarians know a thing or two about relaxing. Taking a trip to the spa in the evening is the perfect way to recover those weary muscles for another day of snowboarding. Most Bansko hotels will be able to arrange for you to receive a spa treatment with the luxury hotels hosting good facilities.
ICE SKATING
Ice skating in Bansko is the perfect winter evening activity. Bansko’s Ice rink is located on Pirin St in the centre of town. Tickets cost 12BGN for a two-hour ticket. Including skate hire.
ESCAPE ROOM
If you are hoping not to leave Bansko just go and hide out in one of the escape rooms. Found at Aparthotel Lucky Bansko and open to hotel guests and visitors there are two escape rooms to try. Prices vary depending on how many people are in your team. There are two themes, the Egypt room and the Hacker room. Let me know if you got out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Bansko good for skiing?
This is probably the most common question and comes up because of the low cost holidays to Bansko. Cheap holidays doesn’t mean bad holidays, just a different experience. Honestly, I really enjoyed visiting Bansko. Would I go back.. probably not. That is only because I feel like I have seen it now. I know families who go to Bansko each year and it is more than ideal for their needs. The 48km of pistes is ample terrain for a ski holiday and Bansko town has everything you need.
Which is better Bansko or Borovets?
This is ultimately down to opinion and will vary from person to person. For me, there isn’t too much difference in the actual skiing between Bansko and Borovets. Bansko does have a world cup run which offers more challenge than anything you will find at Borovets, but Borovets offers more terrain. Away from the slopes both Bansko and Borovets have a lively nightlife. I like that you can get away from this in Bansko with a trip to the old town, a Unesco heritage site. In the Old Town, you will find restaurants and bars that are quieter and set in a beautiful setting. The closer you get to the gondola in Bansko it gets more modern and more nightlife oriented. Borovets also has a good nightlife scene, but you will find the hotels in Borovets offer great entertainment for kids with games rooms etc.
Are Bansko Lift Tickets Cheap?
Normally one of the biggest expenses on a ski holiday, lift tickets in Bansko are very reasonable. A 6-day Bansko ski pass will cost £180 for adults. That is £100 cheaper than a 3 Vallees 6-day lift ticket.
Is Bansko Snow Sure?
Bansko’s upper slopes are high enough to maintain good snow coverage throughout the season. The season runs into April with the best conditions found in January and February. Bulgaria and therefore Bansko tends to receive less snow than the Alps but combat this with extensive snowmaking.
How Much is Beer In Bansko?
The standard measure of how expensive a destination is can always be related to the cost of a pint. In Bansko, a beer costs 3BGN or £1.35 for a pint which represents decent value. This price can get even better with many bars offering happy-hours deals as the lifts stop turning. The Happy End is a good place to start and finish your night with live music.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bansko is a destination that ticks a lot of boxes. The terrain is big enough to keep most people occupied although advanced riders may want more. As a beginner, there is plenty of reason to go to Bansko with a good ski school, cheap ski hire and nice blue terrain to progress onto. Intermediates will probably love Bansko the most with the majority of terrain being blue or red graded runs. Bansko is a ski destination that offers it all but at a fraction of the cost. why not?
DISCOVER BANSKO
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, but 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 RESORT
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?
Bulgaria Country Guide
Looking for an awesome destination without breaking the bank? Well, Bulgaria has long been a ski destination that allows you to stretch those pounds a little further. This has made Bulgaria a popular destination with families and students which has cultivated an environment that is a mix of family activities and après ski bars. It used to be the case that a trip to a Bulgarian ski resort would be looked down on in some circles, but this is ridiculous as Bulgaria provides a great all round ski experience.
SNOWBOARDING IN BULGARIA
There are plenty of interesting places to go skiing or snowboarding across Eastern Europe but Bulgarian ski resorts are ahead of their neighbours. Attracting an international clientele, Bulgaria has warmly welcomed travellers to its resorts with the promise of cheap Bulgarian snowboarding holidays. Flights to Bulgaria are easy from most destinations with international flights into the capital Sofia and Plovdiv. Bulgaria of some of the best snowboarding in Europe for beginners but shouldn’t be considered as just beginner resorts. Bansko hosts FIS ski races and challenge can also be found at Borovets.
Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo offer the best skiing in Bulgaria with the former being the main highlight. The largest resort Bansko is an eclectic mix of a traditional old town and a more modern mix of bars. The resort of Bansko offers the best terrain in Bulgaria and has hosted FIS events on its slopes. Borovets is another good option with Pamporovo being well suited to families. All three resorts are low altitude so can suffer from poor snow in the early and late season but plan a trip for January and February and you should be fine. Bansko snow conditions tend to be decent with snowmaking across some of the terrain.
A massive selling point for Bulgarian ski resorts is the affordability of their lift passes and ski schools. I can vouch that the instruction received at Borovets was great service and cheap as chips. With this in mind consider tipping your instructor if you enjoyed the lesson. The terrain in Bulgaria is not going to be expansive but Bansko’s 50kms of trails will keep most occupied for a week’s trip. Try to avoid school holidays as this can lead to large lift queues around the resort, especially for the gondolas at the base on Bansko and Borovets.
Accommodation is improving and all resorts offer hotel options on a full board or all-inclusive options extending your savings further. If you do not have meals included I wouldn’t worry as it is really cheap to eat out in the Bulgarian ski towns which is a pleasant change from the Alps. Adding to the affordability are the cheap flights available with low-cost airlines into the capital Sofia (make sure to calculate baggage charges before booking). From Sofia, the transfer is simple and is normally available on a package through a tour operator. I have also taken a taxi to Bansko from Sofia and that was reasonable and easy to book.
BULGARIAN POSTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SKIING IN BULGARIA
Is skiing in Bulgaria any good?
Simple answer, yes. Bulgaria makes for a really good ski trip as long as you go in knowing what to expect. Bulgaria has three main ski resorts; Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, there are smaller resorts but these will be the most appealing to visit. In Bansko and Borovets you will find good skiing and snowboarding, especially for intermediates. There is a world cup run in Bansko that shows they have challenging ski terrain in Bulgaria but it is on a smaller scale. The Pirin mountains are beautiful in their own right but do not expect to be surrounded by 3000m or 4000m peaks.
When can you ski in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian ski season runs from December to April with the season starting around the middle of December. The main resorts in Bulgaria do make use of snow cannons which can prolong the season into early/mid-April but the best conditions will be found in January and February. If possible I would try to avoid any school holiday period whilst skiing or snowboarding in Bulgaria as you will experience serious crowds at these times.
Which is the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria?
Borovets ski resort is the largest ski resort in Bulgaria with nearly 60km of runs. Bansko does however offer more challenging terrain. Pamporovo is the smallest of the main Bulgarian ski resorts and is well suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders.
How much is a ski pass in Bulgaria?
Much cheaper than in other parts of Europe would be my best answer. A 6-day lift pass in Bansko would set you back around €190 compare, which is less than my friends paid to ski in the 3 Vallees for 3 days. Another interesting factor is that most package holidays to ski in Bulgaria include lift passes. This can make an extra saving on your holiday and be a great reason to visit Bulgaria to ski.
BULGARIA GALLERY
ABOUT BULGARIA
Why Visit Bulgaria
Are you looking for something different from the same tired ski destinations then a Bulgarian ski holiday might just be the change of pace you are looking for. Perfect for families who want to learn on the cheap, Bulgarian ski resorts offer some interesting all-inclusive packages. Although the peak weeks can be pretty hectic visiting outside of these times can offer quiet slopes and good terrain. The views from the resorts of Bansko and Borovets are pretty stunning with the Pirin and Rila mountains providing a great backdrop.
Ski Season Dates In Bulgaria
The snowboard season in Bulgaria runs between December and April but can be pretty touch and go in the early and late weeks. If you want to play it safe opt of a trip during January or February as these are the best months to visit.
Mountain Ranges In Bulgaria
When you consider that 1/3rd of Bulgaria is covered in mountains it is easy to see why mountain sports are so popular in the country. The Rila Mountains are the highest in Bulgaria and the 6th highest range throughout Europe. The highest summit in the Rila Mountains is Musala at 2925m. The Pirin Mountain range is also host to ski resorts in Bulgaria. The Pirin Mountains are home to brown bears which have led to the area being protected under national park status. If you like bluebird days then the proximity of the Pirin Mountains to the Mediterranean should get you excited.
The altitude of Ski Resorts In Bulgaria
Bansko Ski Resort 1100m-2500m
Borovets Ski Resort 1350m -2550m
Pamporovo Ski Resort 1450m - 1926m
Capital City Of Bulgaria
Sofia situated in the west of Bulgaria is the capital city. Well worth adding as an excursion or stayover when visiting Bulgaria, Sofia has over 2000 years of history that reflectins invasions from the; Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and Soviets. Modern-day Sofia has a bustling nightlife and affordable accommodation making it an appealing city break destination.
Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski - Photo Credit @inedelchev
Languages Spoken In Bulgaria
The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Don’t worry if you do not possess any Bulgarian language basics as you will be fine with English.
Currency Used In Bulgaria
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev as their currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted so it is better to exchange cash on arrival in Bulgaria. Weirdly some prices are shown in Euros however this is more in an effort to allow Europeans to easily negotiate the exchange rates. When comparing the Bulgarian currency to GBP you will find that your pounds go pretty far in Bulgaria. At the time of publishing £1 = 2.23 Lev.