Almost every tourist knows what to do and where to relax in Bulgaria in the summer. But what to do there outside the beach season and especially in winter? ATOR Bulletin offers several ideas for an unforgettable trip to Bulgaria at this time. And it's not just alpine skiing!

BUY A SKI TOUR TO BULGARIA

Bulgarian winter is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders and mountain sunbathers. The most popular ski resorts - Bansko, Borovets And Pamporovo. The snow in the mountains of Bulgaria is as sparkling and snow-white as in the Alps. And prices for accommodation, lifts and rental of ski equipment are several times lower. In addition, all instructors and most of the staff speak Russian.

Ski resorts in Bulgaria are distinguished by a high level of service and relatively low prices compared to other European resorts. The quality of the trails meets international standards, and the infrastructure is no worse developed than in expensive Swiss resorts. World biathlon competitions are held on the slopes of the Borovets ski resort, and the ski school is recognized by British operators as the best ski school in Europe.

Another feature of Bulgarian ski resorts is the proximity of attractions. For example, the Bansko resort is located on the territory of the Pirin Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. And in the city itself there are many historical and cultural monuments, temples, churches and museums with unique collections.

When it comes to accommodation in the mountains of Bulgaria, the choice here is huge. On the territory of just one resort, Pamporovo, there are 25 hotels of various price categories and several dozen chalets. Every year new hotels appear on the territory of all resorts. In addition, hospitable local residents offer tourists apartments and small houses for rent in the private sector. Almost all ski resorts in Bulgaria are equipped with kindergartens, where children are not only looked after, but also taught to ski.

Any ski resort in Bulgaria offers a variety of entertainment for every taste and budget: cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, spa treatments, horseback riding, helicopter rides. Each resort tries to attract tourists with some special “tricks”.

In Pamporovo there is a bathhouse at an altitude of 2000 meters with a panoramic platform. In Bansko you can take a course of balneological procedures, take radon and sulfur baths, or relax in open-air thermal pools. Borovets offers tourists not only skiing, but also spa treatment for bronchial asthma, nervous disorders and other ailments. The most important thing is that any ski resort in Bulgaria pleases tourists with soft, comfortable weather with temperatures not lower than minus 5 degrees and abundant snow cover.

Information	Borovets http://www.borovets-bg.com/	Bansko http://www.banskoski.com/ru	Pamporovo https://pamporovo.me/bg/
Season	December-April	December-May	December-April
Distance from Sofia
Length of trails
Total number of tracks	13 red 4 black 18 slopes for snowboarders 35 km cross-country ski track	7 red 9 km cross-country ski track	7 red 5 green 34 km cross-country ski track
Height of tracks
Number of lifts
Kindergarten
Additionally	Snowpark 2 springboards A fitness center Indoor pool Horseback riding Helicopter flights 10 restaurants and 10 bars	Snowpark Restaurants, bars, nightclubs Shopping Thermal pools Spa centers	Fan park with jumps and half-pipe Cafes, restaurants, bars, night clubs Thermal pools

GO ON EXCURSIONS - FOR EVERY TASTE

The mild climate of Bulgaria allows you to comfortably explore during the non-beach and winter seasons and there are many attractions available to visit all year round. During the low season, the flow of tourists is reduced and you can calmly, without fuss, inspect and photograph architectural and natural masterpieces.

Locals especially recommend visiting the giant Rila mountain range, located near the ski resort of Borovets. Here you can see the highest mountain in Eastern Europe - Musala Peak (2925 m) and admire the beauty of the glacial Rila Lakes. You should definitely visit the main shrine of Bulgaria - Rila Monastery, which contains the relics of John of Rylsky, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” and many ancient icons. This active monastery is spread over an area of ​​almost 9,000 square meters. m.

If you want something very large-scale and spectacular, go to the medieval Baba Vida Fortress in the city of Vidin, on the banks of the Danube. The observation deck offers an amazing view of the river and rocky beach. The fortress is a working backdrop for filming films, of which more than 50 have already been filmed here. Historical theatrical performances are often held here. During the winter period (October 1-March 30), the fortress gates are open to tourists daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

In late autumn and spring we recommend visiting and Krivus- a medieval Bulgarian fortress built in the 10th century. It is located in the southern part of the Rhodope Mountains, about 2 km northwest of the village of Bashevo, Kardzhali region and is located on a high hill surrounded by the waters of the Arda River.

The entrance, the thick fortress wall, which reaches 5 m in height, and defensive towers are well preserved from the power of the former fortress. The best preserved is the inner fortress (citadel), whose walls rise almost 6 m in height. Interestingly, water entered the fortress through an underground tunnel that reached the river. Once upon a time there was an old church here, located in the central part of the fortification, but only ruins remained from it.

There are also many natural attractions in Bulgaria that are worth visiting during the non-beach season. This "Wonderful Bridges"- natural rock arches in the Rhodope Mountains, (near Belogradchik), bizarre geological formations "Belogradchik Fortress", rock "Elephant"(near the town of Devin).

Also interesting are such fantastic weathering formations as "Petrified Wedding" near the town of Kardzhali, "Driven Stones"(near Varna), rock grottoes "Reseles Dolls"(near the city of Cherven-Bryag), etc.

ENJOY THE SPA-HOLIDAY IN BULGARIA IN WINTER

After a busy excursion program or skiing, tourists can recuperate and relax at the thermal resorts of Bulgaria. You can sunbathe and swim in Bulgaria in winter, only at this time, instead of the sea, tourists are offered to plunge into hot pools with mineral water. In total there are about 700 mineral springs in Bulgaria. The balneological thermal resorts of Bulgaria are an excellent place for recovery and relaxation all year round, but only in winter can you experience the incredible delight of temperature contrasts. Mineral water in open-air pools warms up to +40 degrees, while the air temperature can drop to minus 15.

One of the most popular thermal resorts in Bulgaria is located in the area Sapareva Banya is a small town 90 km from Sofia. Here is the only thermal geyser in the Balkans with a water temperature of +103 degrees. Of course, tourists are not offered to plunge into boiling water. For wellness treatments there are many swimming pools with thermal water at a comfortable temperature. The entire territory of the complex is divided into men's and women's zones. There are also communal pools for families. Guests can take therapeutic, relaxing or massage baths. Undergo mud therapy, massage, manual therapy, light therapy and acupuncture procedures. According to doctors, by undergoing a course of balneological procedures, you can cure cardiovascular diseases, stop many inflammatory processes, and get rid of depression and stress.

Another famous SPA resort in Bulgaria - Velingrad. There are 80 mineral springs with water temperatures ranging from 22 to 90 degrees. They say that the magnificent landscapes of Velingrad have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and the local thermal water cures many ailments.

At the resort Devin in the Western Rhodopes, mineral water contains sodium bicarbonate and fluorine, does not have a specific odor, so it can be drunk. In sanatoriums and SPA centers in Devin, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and digestive systems are treated. In winter, there is transport from here to the famous ski resort of Pamporovo.

Resort Hisar not far from Plovdiv it is famous for its healing mud, clean mountain air and mild climate. There are 22 mineral springs here, which were discovered back in the days of Ancient Rome. Hisar has many SPA hotels and balneological clinics offering thalassotherapy, seaweed wraps, acupuncture, physiotherapy and specialized diets. Almost all diseases are treated here, including infertility.

Sandanski- the most famous resort in Bulgaria for the treatment and prevention of bronchial asthma. According to statistics, 75% of patients are completely cured of asthma after visiting local health resorts. There are 20 thermal springs with water containing large amounts of silicon, fluorine and, in smaller doses, lithium, strontium and boron. The temperature of the springs is from 42°C to 81°C, the water is clear and odorless, so it can be consumed internally. Sandanski resort is considered the warmest and sunniest; the sun shines here 300 days a year. There are three balneological complexes in the region, offering the maximum range of therapeutic and health procedures. Prices at medical resorts in Bulgaria are comparable to holidays in Mineralnye Vody or Essentuki, and the quality and level of service are much higher.

EXPERIENCE GASTRONOMY AND WINE OF BULGARIA

Hospitable Bulgaria boasts not only an architectural heritage, but also a rich history of winemaking and luxurious gastronomy. You can enjoy this side of Bulgaria everywhere and always - be it a SPA resort, excursions or a ski holiday.

Bulgarian cuisine is distinguished by its diversity and taste. It is characterized by salads, flour products, stews, as well as specific dishes that can only be tasted in a certain region of the country. Many dishes are prepared according to ancient recipes, passed down from generation to generation for centuries on end.

The most characteristic products for which Bulgaria is famous throughout the world are yoghurt and white cheese in brine. Under different guises they are always present on the Bulgarian table.

One of the most common and favorite snacks in the country is a layer cake - banitsa. It is made from dough with different fillings - feta cheese, spinach, rice, meat, etc.

Various types of soups are popular in the country. For example, you can try ripe bean soup with incredible taste in the area of ​​the village of Smilyan in the Rhodope Mountains. Original recipes for fish soups can be found in coastal settlements on the Black Sea and the Danube.

As second courses, cutlets, kebabs, kebabs, sausages, etc., cooked on a grill, are usually served on the table. In Bulgaria, a variety of stews and dishes are prepared in clay dishes - Chomlek, Kavarma, Kapama and others.

In Bulgaria they make many types of meat sausages and smoked delicacies. The most famous among them is sujuk. It is made all over the country, but the most ancient traditions have developed in the region of Gorna-Oryakhovitsa. A smoked delicacy close in popularity to it is “Bansky Elder”, named after the mountain town of Bansko. And in the area of ​​​​the city of Elena and this part of the Stara Planina mountains you can taste the so-called “Elensky ham”, which is made from salted pork

One of the signature dishes of Bulgarian cuisine is cheverme - a whole lamb roasted on a spit. Most often this dish can be found in the Rhodope Mountains, although it is often made in other parts of the country.

All these delicacies go well with good wine, and Bulgaria is famous for its wines and their taste. This is facilitated by both the unique climate and characteristic soils, as well as some local grape varieties: gamza (Northern Bulgaria), wide Melnik vine (in the area of ​​​​the cities of Melnik and Sandanski), dimyat (around Varna, Shumen and Stara Zagora), Mavrud (Plovdiv , Pazardzhik, Asenovgrad), red misket (Straldzha and Sungurlare), ruby ​​(Plovdiv and Septemvri) and pamid (Pazardzhik, Pamidovo and Plovdiv).

By the way, in the center of winemaking - the city of Pleven there is a Wine Museum. It features the country's largest collection of old wines: more than 7 thousand bottles aged from 30 to 90 years. In total, the museum has more than 6,000 varieties of wine, any of which can be tasted and bought. The Wine Museum is located in the picturesque Kailyka Park: with fascinating canyons, lakes and many historical museums. If you plan to spend several days here, you can rent a room in a hotel complex on the territory of the complex.

So, let’s summarize: during the non-beach season and in winter, you can and should go to Bulgaria for an active ski holiday, an exciting excursion program, excellent gastronomy and therapeutic SPA treatments. Many tourists combine all these three directions and get a unique vacation in this country in terms of impressions and effect, which they definitely want to repeat.

Winter holidays are starting to gain more popularity around the world, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, borders between states are being erased; people can fly from one country to another (and return back) within just two or three weekends.

Secondly, the world is promoting sports, including winter sports, and a healthy lifestyle. Athletes and lovers of snow skiing can choose any country and mountain, depending on their desires and capabilities - the Alps, the Caucasus, the Tatras, the Apennines, the Urals, the Carpathians.

Bulgaria has become one of the most popular destinations for foreign trips to ski resorts for Russian residents. The similarity of the Russian and Bulgarian languages, the territorial proximity of the countries, the traditional friendship of the two peoples, relatively low prices for holidays - all this attracts thousands of tourists to Bulgaria in winter.

The best ski resorts in Bulgaria – which one is better?

There are quite a lot of ski resorts in Bulgaria. There are large ones with a rich history, and there are very young or small winter sports complexes that are just gaining popularity. The latter, for example, includes Dobrinishte in the Pirin Mountains (165 km from the capital), which in Bulgaria is considered not only a ski resort, but also a SPA resort with 17 thermal springs, where people come for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

When choosing where it is better to go on holiday to resorts in Bulgaria, keep in mind that at new, developing complexes prices for ski passes and hotel accommodation are set lower than at already promoted, popular resorts. This happens because the infrastructure there is only at the stage of development, and they need to compete with such resorts as Borovets, Vitosha, Pamporovo and Bansko. They are the main destination of the winter tourist flow.

Pamporovo

This resort is located in the Rhodope Mountains, more than 220 km from Sofia. From the 2016-2017 season, the neighboring young resort of Chepelare will join Pamporovo, and they will operate under the single name Pamporovo-Mechi Chal, with a common ski pass. Chepelare is located 6 km from Pamporovo and is the highest mountain town in Bulgaria, and its ski complex is the youngest.

The Pamporovo ski resort is located in the south of the country, so winters here are mild, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below -7°C. The highest point of the resort is Mount Snezhanka (1926 m) with a TV tower on top, and its center lies at an altitude of 1650 m. The season lasts from December to early or mid-April, depending on the weather.

In total, Pamporovo has 8 trails with a total length of 17 km, with a height difference of up to 500 m. Gentle, green trails are suitable for beginners and athletes who are not confident in skiing. More experienced skiers try themselves on steep slopes, on blue and red slopes. And those who are confident in their strength and skills choose black trails or bumpy slopes, for example, “The Wall”.

Children train under the supervision of instructors or parents on children's slopes, snowboarders - in a snow park with a half-pipe and jumps. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can try their hand at 30 km of cross-country trails, while freeride fans descend on untouched snow from the top of Snezhanka. Cable cars are capable of lifting up to 8,500 people per hour uphill.

Now, to the slopes of the Pamporovo ski resort, 7 mountain trails of the Chepelare resort with a total length of more than 15 km and a cross-country ski trail with a length of 30 km are added.

Tourists usually come to Pamporovo through Plovdiv airport, which is 85 km away. You can stay in hotels built within walking distance from the ski slopes, or a little further. The choice of hotels is large, there are several dozen of them, so you can book a room to suit every taste.

Numerous restaurants, national taverns serving local wine, discos where ski parties and show programs are held. The excursion bureaus offer educational trips to the Museum of Speleology and the Ski Museum in Chepelare, to the Rila Monastery, to the original village of Shiroka-Lyka, to the “Wonderful Bridges” - rock arches on the Chernatitsa ridge.

Borovets

This large winter sports center is located much closer to Sofia, only 73 km. Borovets was opened at the end of the 19th century as a vacation spot for the royal family on the northern side of the Rila Mountain. Now it is developing at a rapid pace; hotels in the town can simultaneously accommodate up to 10 thousand guests. The center of the resort is located at an altitude of 1390 m, and the highest point in its vicinity is Musala Peak (2925 m) - the highest in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the former Stalin Peak.

The ski resort of Borovets in Bulgaria has become the venue for numerous international competitions in winter sports: biathlon, snowboarding, ski jumping and alpine skiing. The season lasts from November to April, the temperature during this period is -6°C, the snow layer reaches 1.5 m. All slopes are groomed daily by snowcats, many slopes have artificial snow-spraying devices, lighting for night skiing and protective nets at dangerous turns.

In Borovets, 25 trails of varying difficulty with a total length of more than 50 km are available for skiing: 7 green, 5 blue, 9 red, and 4 black trails have been prepared for the most experienced athletes. 12 lifts help tourists climb the mountain: rope tows, chairlifts and a cable car with closed cabins. In addition to downhill skiing, there are also trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and skating rinks for ice skaters.

The infrastructure of the Borovets ski resort is one of the most developed in Bulgaria. There are sports equipment rental points, as well as ski schools for adults and children. Instructors conduct individual or group lessons in skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping, and you can choose a Russian-speaking instructor. The town has shops, ATMs, pharmacies and medical centers.

The nature in the vicinity of the Borovets ski resort amazes everyone who comes to Bulgaria. Dense coniferous forests, numerous snow-capped mountain peaks and about 190 picturesque lakes. At excursion points you can choose a trip to the royal hunting residences, to the Rila Monastery, walking or skiing to the mountains and lakes, sleigh rides, snowmobiles, and helicopter flights.

Bansko

The ancient town in southwestern Bulgaria has become another resort on the list of places where it is better to go on vacation in winter. Almost the entire economy and infrastructure of Bansko is tied to serving tourists who come to the ski slopes at the foot of Mount Todorka (2746 m) in the Pirin massif, which is 160 km from Sofia. International alpine skiing competitions are held here. Research by some companies is called the resort of Bansko in Bulgaria is one of the most affordable places for winter holidays in the world (only prices were taken into account, not taking into account the quality of the holiday). In recent years, large amounts of money have been invested in its development.

The slopes in Bansko lie at altitudes between 2560–1100 m. There are 15 slopes for all levels of skiing: 6 for beginners, 7 for advanced skiers and 2 for experienced athletes. The total length of the descents is about 70 km. In addition, there are cross-country ski trails and a fan park with jumps for snowboarders. All ski areas are grouped into three zones. 12 chairlifts and rope tows and 1 gondola cable car with cabins for 8 people lift skiers to the beginning of the descent. The snow on the slopes is regularly compacted and leveled with snowcats. Powerful floodlights allow you to ride on some slopes until late in the evening.

The ski season in the resort of Bansko in Bulgaria lasts from December to April , the thickness of the snow cover reaches 2 m. The highest occupancy of hotels and ski slopes is observed during the New Year holidays; at this time it is recommended to book hotel rooms in advance. But even in the summer, tourists come to Bansko for mountain biking and hiking in the mountains. In the warm season, the natural views of the Pirin Mountains delight the eye, and your health can be improved at the local mineral springs.

Those who come to the Bansko resort in Bulgaria stay either in large city hotels or in small cozy family hotels. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of the city, you can get acquainted with Bulgarian architecture from the 18th century to the present day: with peasant houses built of natural stone, with an ancient church and modern buildings. You can have a snack while walking in small restaurants with low prices.

The only things better than mountains are mountains!

Where is the best place to relax in Bulgaria with children?

The most convenient in terms of accessibility is the Vitosha resort, which lies near the capital of Bulgaria, just 20 km from Sofia. This distance attracts not only foreign tourists who come here for a few days or weeks. Local residents also have the opportunity to come to the ski resort in just half an hour to an hour by their cars or by public transport. Unique nature, clean air, developed infrastructure of the sports complex and proximity to Sofia answer the question of where it is better for professional athletes or families with children to relax near the capital of Bulgaria.

The slopes of the resort on Mount Vitosha lie at an altitude of 2200-1600 m and are intended for beginner skiers and experienced athletes. The length of the ski slopes is 29 km (the longest is 5.2 km), the length of the flat ski tracks is 11 km. A comfortable climb up the mountain is provided by 12 lifts. The resort operates a school of instructors, where mentors with many years of experience teach children from 6 years of age and adults in group and individual lessons.

If the proximity of the capital of Bulgaria is not important for tourists with children, then the choice of where is the best place to vacation as a family becomes somewhat more complicated. The fact is that all the largest ski resorts in the country - Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets - are focused not only on professional sports, but also on family vacations. Therefore, the difficulty lies in the need to choose a suitable resort. Here we can only advise you to put together all the components of a comfortable holiday for a family: proximity to the capital or airport, prices for ski passes and children's entertainment, availability of places in those hotels where there are nannies or animators, etc.

Each of the above-mentioned resorts has all the conditions for the stay of children of different ages: children's beds and playrooms in hotels, children's menus and special chairs in cafes and restaurants, educational schools for children in sports complexes. Large hotels employ nannies who watch the children while parents play sports on the mountain slopes, and animators who entertain the children during the day or evening.

Since not all children can or want to ski, skate or snowboard, there are ice slides for them, from which they can have fun sliding down on sleds, ice skates or “cheesecake” tubing. Children's sports equipment is always available at rental points, including skis, skates, snowboards, boots, sleds and tubing.

When choosing the best place to vacation with children in Bulgaria, do not forget to check when is the best time to do it. A massive influx of tourists at all resorts is observed from Christmas until mid-January and in the first days of March, when Bulgarians celebrate the beginning of spring. A large number of athletes and vacationers, fireworks, noisy parties, queues for ski lifts and rental shops - children will not be very comfortable in such an environment.

How to become a skier

Thanks to its developed ski resorts, Bulgaria is an attractive place not only for a beach holiday, but also for a winter holiday. Below we will look at a kind of rating of the most popular Bulgarian ski resorts.

1. Bansko

It is the best ski resort in Bulgaria. It is divided into tThree ski areas, depending on the degree of difficulty. If Shiligarnika is offered for exploration to those who feel confident enough on skis, then Chalin-Valon is specially equipped for beginner skiers, and Banderishka Polyana will appeal most to fans of cross-country skiing. The total length of the trails is 56 km. The season in Bansko lasts from November to April, during which time, in addition to the main activity for which everyone comes to ski resorts, you can visit local attractions - museums, monasteries and an ancient town. For those who are slightly tired from skiing on high mountain trails, relaxation is offered in the form of a visit to local healing springs. Bansko is quite loyal to tourists and offers many hotels, restaurants and quiet cafes with local flavor.

2. Borovets

This is the oldest and, accordingly, the largest of the Bulgarian ski resorts. You can get to it by bus or by personal transport from Sofia. For the convenience of everyone, free buses run between hotels and ski lifts. The resort's ski areas are divided into easy, suitable for training Sitnyakovo, as well as more difficult Yastrebets and Markudzhika. In Borovets there are twenty-kilometer-long trails for those who prefer cross-country skiing, as well as serious jumping hills of fifty and seventy-five meters in length. In addition to skiing entertainment, those interested are offered a tour of the local beautiful lakes, as well as mountain peaks, accompanied by experienced guides. For lovers of selfies and Instagram, there is a special entertainment - a photo safari.

3. Vitosha

To get to this place you need to spend twenty-five minutes in the lift. Mount Vitosha is the highest ski resort and also a national park in Bulgaria. The main season here takes place in December and January, but for everyone it lasts until April. Four and a half thousand meters is the total length of all the trails located in the resort. The longest slope reaches almost three thousand meters. Accommodation at the resort is provided by several local hotels with a decent degree of comfort, as well as rented housing from local residents - rural houses and even huts, for lovers of extreme pastime. During the season, the local administration organizes carnivals to please visitors, so in between exploring the next snow-covered slope, you can take part in one of the celebrations in order to get acquainted with the culture and flavor of the local residents.

4. Pamporovo

Pamporovo - excellentBulgarian resort for ski holidays with a mild winter climate and a lot of sunny days during the season. More than two dozen hotels open their welcoming doors, while those hungry for the slopes flock to the local slopes, which total 25 km in length (plus 30 km for cross-country skiing). As many as four slopes are equipped specifically for those who have decided to take up skiing for the first time and do not feel entirely confident on snowy roads. However, the resort administration has not forgotten about confident users - Mount Snezhanka is suitable for those who are already stable on skis and confidently roll down the mountain slopes, while professionals can test themselves on the Stenata track. In addition to the main activities, which are skiing, Pamporovo offers a variety of shopping outlets in the central hotel "Perelik", as well as excursions to nearby cities and settlements, including ethnic villages and castles with monasteries.

5. Dobrinishte

Twelve kilometers from Bansko there is another good ski resort in Bulgaria, which, in addition to skiing, also offers visitors many spa treatments - this is Dobrinishte. With a total length of seven kilometers, there are four main routes with varying degrees of descent steepness, length and inclination. In addition, Dobrinishte is ready to teach the basics of skiing to beginners, even children - there are several ski schools. Mineral springs and the Bezbog National Park are what surround the resort. And the main focus in the form of alpine skiing is accompanied by entertainment in the form of many restaurants and establishments with local cuisine, which everyone should try, as well as bars, cafes and nightclubs - for those who are not ready to break away from the bustle of the city for a long time.

6. Chepelare

This is the youngest of the Bulgarian ski resorts, but this does not mean at all that it does not provide worthy competition to its older and experienced comrades. Three hundred sunny days a year – isn’t this the main attraction of Chepelare? Seven ski slopes together give a total length of twelve kilometers. The trails are equipped for both beginners and those who are professional skiers. A ski school and cross-country trails are a worthy addition to the slopes. Comfortable hotels in the Chepelare resort are ready to accommodate a sufficient number of people, but if you need entertainment besides skiing, you will need to go to the nearest large settlement. This place is designed for those who come to ride.

Bulgaria can give winter sports fans a lot of positive emotions and adrenaline. It is famous for its large number of ski resorts with slopes of varying difficulty and well-developed infrastructure. Each complex has its own zest and features.

The undoubted advantage of a holiday on the mountain peaks of the country is its low cost and the absence of problems associated with ignorance of a foreign language. Many resorts offer slopes for children, which allows for a wonderful vacation for the whole family. A pleasant climate and sufficient snow cover will certainly please guests of the ski resort in Bulgaria. The most popular resorts that we will meet today are shown on the map.

Three of the best ski resorts in Bulgaria

Ski resorts in Bulgaria have reached European levels. The hotel business has not yet approached the level of Italy or France. But even the old bases from the Soviet period offer comfortable living conditions.

The mountains of Bulgaria are more suitable for children, beginners, and skiers with some skiing experience. They are inferior in height to European hills. The maximum height reaches three thousand meters. List of the most popular and largest ski resorts:

The maximum height of the mountains reaches three thousand meters.

Bulgarian ski resorts on the map

The ski resorts we are getting to know today are indicated on the map.

List of smaller ski resorts with descriptions and prices

Bulgaria has several more ski resorts, less significant in size and popularity. These include:

• Vitosha,
• Dobrinishte,
• Chepelare,
• Panichishte.

Vitosha

Mount Vitosha has a clear advantage over others due to its favorable geographical location. It is enough to drive ten kilometers south of the country's capital to find yourself at a ski resort. In addition, it is the highest in Bulgaria and is included in the territorial boundaries of the Aleko National Park.

Weather

The skiing season lasts about four months (December – April). The average air temperature reaches minus six degrees, but the weather tends to change frequently. The snow cover is sufficient for comfortable skiing (up to one and a half meters).

Description

The descent routes are up to thirty kilometers long. They are located at an altitude of 1600 to 2300 meters. Half of the pistes are suitable for beginner skiers, two thirds for advanced skiers and one third for advanced skiers. The longest of them is just over five kilometers. Eleven kilometers of ski tracks have been created for cross-country skiing.

Twelve lifts take passengers to the top, which are divided into three zones. Each is serviced by a separate company, which is why you have to purchase different tickets. The highest point in the country (the Aleko ski resort) is transported by ski lift in twenty-five minutes.

On weekends there are always a lot of people in Vitosha, as residents of the capital come to ride. The resort's ski school is the oldest. Forty experienced teachers work here.

Prices

A one-day ski pass for a double Romanski lift costs 13 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. In the period from one to four in the afternoon, prices are slightly lower (eight and five euros, respectively). It takes passengers to the mountain peak in just fifteen minutes.

Dobrinishte

A colorful settlement with a rich history, seventeen mineral springs, located near Pirin Mountain. From this resort, Bansko is only six kilometers away, and the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is one hundred and sixty kilometers away.

Near Dobrinitshe there are two alpine farmhouses (Gotce Delchev and Bezbog), where guests are offered comfortable accommodation. In addition, the chalets have everything you need for skiing.

Weather

There is snow at the resort for several months: from December to April. The height of the snow cover reaches one hundred and twenty centimeters. The lowest daytime temperature drops to minus six degrees.

Description

The length of the four ski slopes is seven kilometers. They are suitable not only for beginners, but also for ski aces. The most interesting trails, more than three and a half kilometers long, are located between the alpine houses.

The longest descents (more than five thousand kilometers) with a height of more than two thousand meters are connected by an elevator with double seats. Its capacity is up to five hundred people per hour.

Dobrinishte boasts the presence of several ski schools:

• for children;
• for beginner athletes;
• for advanced training.

Prices

An unlimited number of climbs for three days for adults will cost approximately twenty-five euros, a ticket for one day costs eight euros.

Chepelare

The Chepelare ski complex is located in the Rhodope Mountains. Plovdiv airport is seventy-five kilometers from here. The large ski resort of Pamporovo is just ten kilometers away. It is popular due to its low prices and the possibility of families with children.

Weather

Snow falls on the mountain slopes in December and remains until April. The number of sunny days per year here is the largest and reaches three hundred.

Description

Chepelare has the longest track in the country (5200 meters). The total length of the ski slopes is almost twelve kilometers. A lift with double seats takes skiers to the top of Mechi-Chala-1 in just seventeen minutes. Its capacity is five thousand people per hour. There are also several additional lifts.

The ski resort is divided into three ski areas:

• Swords-Chala-1– used for international sports competitions. Has a “black” level. Its length is just over three thousand meters, its width is fifty meters, and the height difference reaches seven hundred meters.
• Swords-Chala-2(Tourist) – difficulty level “green-red”, length more than five thousand meters, width twenty-five meters.
• Running track- length thirty kilometers, height one thousand three hundred meters above sea level. Adjacent to the biathlon track.

In the central part of the ski complex there are special tracks for children. Inexperienced skiers have the opportunity to study at a ski school.

Chepelare has the longest track in the country (5200 meters).

Prices

A one-day ski pass for adults costs 20 euros, for children aged eight to twelve years – 12 euros. A three-day ticket costs 52 and 30 euros, respectively. For six days of using the lifts, adult skiers will pay 94 euros, children – 51 euros.

Panichishte

The ski resort, surrounded by centuries-old pine trees, is located on the Rila Mountains. It is advantageously adjacent to the balneological resort of Separeva Banya, famous for its healing mineral waters, which have the highest temperature in Europe. Sofia is only an hour's drive from the resort.

Weather

The ski season opens in December and closes in March. The snow cover is from a meter to one and a half meters high.

Description

The ski resort and sports center offers the most reasonable prices to its guests. The level of the trails is very varied. There are slopes for children, beginners and professionals:

• Bekyara– length is almost half a kilometer, served by a lift with a capacity of three hundred people per hour;
• Agena– four hundred meters long, equipped with a towing lift, intended for children;
• three hundred and four hundred meter tracks, on which the towing lift operates;
• with free-ride descent— length is almost a kilometer;
• for cross-country skis– length half a kilometer;
• toboggan– length is a little more than a kilometer.

In Panichishte you can rent all the necessary sports equipment and ask instructors for help.

Prices

The cost of a ski pass per day is five euros.

2761 October 25, 2016

Ski resorts in Bulgaria have traditionally been and, of course, remain one of the most popular and accessible for Russian winter sports enthusiasts. The upcoming season will be no exception.

“The undoubted advantage of ski resorts in Bulgaria, in addition to the low cost, is the presence of slopes that both beginners and children can ski on,” says Dimitar Tsonev, general director of the Solvex tour operator. “In addition, there is no language barrier in Bulgaria, which is also a big plus.”

Bansko

One of the main ski resorts in the country is Bansko, located 220 km from Sofia. “Bansko appeared on the map of ski resorts in Bulgaria in the early 90s,” says Dimitar Tsonev. “Significant investments have been made in the resort, making it a leader in the country.”

Now there are hotels of various levels in Bansko, so the resort is suitable for any tourists. In addition to hotels, you can rent apartments at the resort, which will be convenient for family tourists. The descents begin at an altitude of 2560 thousand m. There are routes of different difficulty levels.

The ski slopes are located south of Bansko, on the spurs of Mount Todorka. Near the top station of the lift there is the only Halfpipe in Bulgaria. Bansko is famous for its longest and snowiest season, which lasts from December 15 to May 15.

Tour operator Solvex will deliver tourists to Bansko on regular flights of Bulgarian Airlines (Bulgaria Air) and Siberia Airlines (S7) via Plovdiv. The journey from Plovdiv will take about 1 hour.

Note that in 2014 Bansko was recognized as the most inexpensive ski resort in the world.

Borovets

The oldest ski resort in Bulgaria is located closest to Sofia (73 km). It is in the capital of Bulgaria that flights of tourists heading to Borovets arrive.

The ski season starts in December and lasts until the end of April. The height of the slopes is from 1.4 thousand m to 1926 m. The gentle relief of the mountains makes the Pamporovo ski areas convenient for beginner athletes.

Starting from the new season, the resort will annex the Mechi Chal district: buses will run between districts at intervals of 15 minutes. Ski passes will be valid for the entire combined resort.

Chepelare

72 km from Plovdiv and just 10 km from Pamporovo is another ski resort in Bulgaria. Chepelare is located among the Rhodope Mountains and is surrounded by pine forest.

The resort has a new lift that will take tourists to the top of Mechi Chal in 9 minutes. The Chepelare trails are open from December to April. Prices at the resort are lower than in Pamporovo and Borovets.

“Last summer, the Russian tourist flow to Bulgaria increased significantly. Since the beginning of the year, the number of Russians choosing Bulgarian resorts has increased by about a quarter, said Katya Zhekova, tourism attaché at the Bulgarian Embassy. “We also look at the upcoming winter season with great optimism and are preparing to receive a significant number of Russian tourists.”