Ski resorts in Bulgaria

Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are the three majour resorts in Bulgaria. However several hidden gems also provide beautiful mountain scenery and basic ski equipment.

Ski resorts in Bulgaria

The largest and most developed ski resorts in Bulgaria are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.

Read details on all Bulgarian ski resorts below:

Borovets is the biggest international mountain resort in Bulgaria. It is located at 1350 above the sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m), on the Northern slopes of Rila mountain among age-old pine woods, at the foot of Mousala peak (2925 m) the highest one on the Balkan peninsula. Borovets is easily accessible, being at a distance of 70 km from Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and 126 km from Plovdiv...more

Pamporovo is a modern ski resort in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain, the mountain of the mythical singer Orpheus. It is the most southern skiing resort in Europe. It is the sunniest Bulgarian mountain resort with wonderful snow throughout the whole season. Pamporovo is situated on 1650 m above the sea level at the foot of peak Snejanka (1926 m). It is 240 km far from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv...more

Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2500 m above sea level. Bansko is the new Bulgarian ski resort, recently discovered by the foreign skiers and tourists, but well known in Bulgaria. Bansko provides a superb combination of virgin nature of the Pirin mountain and the atmosphere of the ancient Bulgarian small towns. Bansko is not only a resort but also a beautiful historic spot...more

Vitosha is on 1800 m above sea level, and only 10 km far from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. This is the highest ski resort of Bulgaria. The mountain is good for skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer. It is easily accessible both in the winter and in the summer but its weather is very changeable. In Vitosha there are two biosphere preserves - Bistrishko Branishte and Torfeno Branishte. The highest peak of Vitosha is Cherni Vruh (2290 m). The main skiing area is under it...more

Chepelare is on 1100 m above sea level, a small Bulgarian town in Rhodopi mountain, very near Pamporovo. The nature is beautiful, old pine trees, green meadows (in the spring) and deep snow slopes in the winter. The longest ski run in Bulgaria you can find in Chepelare. The skiing infrastructure is basic, but OK, a 2-chair lift with total length of 2471 m and capacity of 600 persons reaches the top of the mountain to Chala peak (1873 m), where the starting points of the ski runs is located, for just 17 minutes....more

Malyovitsa is on 1700 m above sea level. Malyovitsa is about 40 km far from Borovets, but is much smaller resort than Borovets. Nevertheles, the nature in the resort is beautiful. It is situated within the Malyovitsa part of North-Western Rila mountain. A road connects it to the Govedartsi village (13 km) and to the town of Samokov (27 km). There are several ski runs and ski sports infrastructure within the region. The accommodation facilities are not very well developed here...more

Tsigov Chark is located in the Western part of the Rhodopi mountainis, some 8 km from the town of Batak and 24 km east from Velingrad. The resort is situated nearby the artificial lake of Batak. The average altitude is 900-1100 meters above sea level. The resort is both suitable for snowsports in the winter and summer holidays (near the lake can be put a caravan or a tent). The new piste Tsigov Chark offers good conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The average drop is around 100 meters, which make is suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers...more Semkovo is a mountain resort located in Rila mountains, about 17 km from the town of Belitsa. The resort is surrounded by pine forest and offers good opportunities for snowsports and mountain tours in the summer. One of the local attractions here is the Park of the dancing bears. There are few hotels and other accomodations in this resort: Chalet Semkovo, Hotel Rila, hotel Bor, as well as few BB's owned by Bulgarian univeristies (mostly for students)...more

Dobrinishte village is only 6 km south of Bansko is the village of Dobrinishte (final station on the narrow gauge line from the town of Septemvri). It is one of the largest villages in the country with a population of over 3000 inhabitants. There are 17 mineral springs with water temperature between 30 and 43?C, as well as a big mineral public bath. There are a number of private hotels in the village as well as a House of Tourism...more

Panichishte is located in Rila mountain, near the town of Separeva Banya (also a spa resort), and not very far from the town of Dupnitsa. This is not only a ski resort, but also a sports and recreation centre for various sports. Available at the resort are the following pistes: Bekyara: length of 470 m, equipped with a tow rope with a capacity of 280 people per hour. Base located directly across from Restaurant Eleniite. Ajdena: ski slope of 400 m and tow rope with a capacity of 250 people per hour. Includes the children's "Baby Ski Run". Cross-Country track: located just below the Dry Lake training area. This run will soon be equipped with shooting platforms for biathlon training...more

Uzana site is a real discovery. A place huddled among venerable oak forests, known as the geographic enter of Bulgaria just 22 kilometers away from the town of Gabrovo. The small and modest mark that shows the real center of the country is a real attraction for the tourists in this small paradise site. The small hotel- “Geographic center” is full of tourists all through the year. The tourists can also stay at the other 6-7 hotels scattered in the region and providing good conditions for relax among the quiet and calm atmosphere of the mountain. Read more about Uzana here.

Kulinoto is a site in the northern part of Pirin Mountain, at the valley of “Kulina” river (affluent to Elovica River). It is 1400 meters above the sea level. The resort is huddled in venerable beech forest. Kulinoto is 12 kilometers away from Razlog and just 2 from Predela site. It is locally popular as a place for rest and recreation for the people of Razlog and neighbouring villages. One ski run was made there with the voluntary labour of the local people somewhere in the 1980's. There are two "Pomagalski" type of drag lifts serving the run. There are also a couple of small restaurants. Two grooming machines are maintaining the snow. The place is some 1220 meters above sea level. The highest point of the run is approx. on 1600 meters altitude. Because the place is not very high the snow usually lasts until mid March. More about Kulinoto read here

Berkovitsa One of the future plans for development of winter tourism in Bulgaria belongs to the cozy and picturesque municipal of Bercovitsa. It is now a fact that the western parts of the Balkan mountain range are trying to catch up with the other winter resorts. The mayor of the town announced that the priority development of the tourism is written in the strategy of Berkovitsa municipal. According to the plans a cabin lift will be constructed from Berkovitsa to Kom zone which is about 16 kilometers east from the town. At the moment the zone offers one ski piste with a drug- lift and three tourism bases with a total number of 100 beds. The plans of the municipal are to make the piste twice as large and to recover some old pistes so that the total length of the ski pistes will become 15- 20 kilometers. Read more about the resort here. 

     
  • Jayne Gay From England
    Sent on 25 January 2015
    Just got back from Bansko what a fabulous week. A party of 6 which includes our daughter's aged 20-24 and the night life for them was great. No long queues, food good and we cannot wait for next year!
  • Tim From Uk
    Sent on 31 December 2013
    Just got back from a weekends skiing. No fresh snow and only a few slopes open. We had a great time, the ski hire food and lift passed are all very reasonable and beer at under ВЈ2 a pint you can't go wrong. Just be careful as the slopes get busy and fast in places. Practice lots on the lower slopes before you take the chair lift up, its a long run down. There are another 2 bigger runs that are much wider and longer and only a 3k free shuttle bus away from the centre. Have fun
  • Hans From Netherlands
    Sent on 05 March 2012
    Try the delicious food of snackbar JOY in front of the gondola! They serve western and traditional Bulgarian food and make delicious pizzas. When the sun is shining and you sit with a cold beer on their terrace there is no better place in Borovets!
  • steve chambers From wales
    Sent on 08 February 2012
    thanks all had a wonderful 1st snowboarding holiday with my family Pamporovo was a excellent place for snowboarding and the locals were great and very helpful.....
  • emanoil viorel From romania
    Sent on 07 January 2012
    RUSINE,RUSINE,RUSINE V-AM TRIMIS N COMENTARIU DESPRE VACANTA MEA LA BEST WESTERN FLORIMONT SI NU L-ATI PUBLICAT PENTRU CA ERA NEGATIV.PACAT CA-I ACOPERITI PE MAGARII DE ACOLO,UNDE ESTE DEONTOLOGIA PROFESIONALA?NU UITATI CA IN ROMANIA AVEM MULTE FORUMRI DE TURISM,AM POSTAT SI ACOLO BATJOCURA DE LA BEST WESTERN FLORIMONT,VA PIERDETI CREDIBILITATEA.PACAT,PACAT,PACAT. DECI SINTETI DE ACEEASI FACTURA CU CEI DE LA BEST WSETERN FLORIMONT-BORDEL
  • Steve Evans From England
    Sent on 20 December 2010
    Come to Borovets for the second time with my wife and two young chhildren, even better than we remembered. Lots of snow, great ski runs. Last year we spent most evenings in katina corner bar which this year has changed its name to Snow Inn, the only place in the resort to get a real full english breakfast with real sausage and black pudding. friendly staff Zac, Danny and Paul speaking fluent english. Definetly reccomend calling in and trying for yourselves Nazdravey (cheers) Steve and family
  • Owen From UK
    Sent on 15 April 2010
    This year we went to Bansko, having twice previously been to Borovets and have to say it was very good. Stayed in Hotel Lion which was very good and the food was better than I'd had in Borovets. I'd recommend going later in the season as we had some friends go in mid Feb and the queues were horrendous for the only gondola up to the main ski area whereas we never had to wait. Ski equipment is all newer and they did a great job of piste bashing each night.
  • pamela tierney From ireland
    Sent on 09 March 2010
    Just home from a 2nd year in Borovets skiing and another fab time we had me my hubby my cousin and her boyfriend his brother and wife also (beginners) me and my cousin and our fellas had the same instructor as last year George Yarev fantastic he is totally patient kind hearted and fun. Snow was not as good as last year but we learned on new type of snow it was tough but still enjoyable. Stayed in Samokov hotel which is all u need bed and decent food bar is cosy hot chocolate and cocktails are great! Cant wait to get back next year !!! And as last year i was crying on way home loved it truly totally recommend it and of course our instructor Georgi.
  • Phil Bateman From UK
    Sent on 20 February 2010
    I have just come back front my first ski holiday in Bulgaria at Pamporovo resort. I prepared by spending 4 days at Escape, but nothing could have prepared me for the fitness I needed to spend a week skiing at this wonderful resort. I have learned so much, enjoyed great scenery and ski runs. The snow and facilities are great and the Pamporovo team of instructors are highly competent and sensitive to each skiers needs. The "King" gave me great confidence and by the end of the week my fitness levels had improved to allow me to enjoy without the pain. Great value for money and a new passion for me at 55 years old, lifes full of surprises!
  • Roger Dench From UK
    Sent on 10 February 2010
    Went to Bansko last week in Jan 10...Fantastic stayed at the Perun (opposite the Loin) halfboard - the outdoor pool was a god send (really warm) and great for kids, they couldn't get enough of the old "snow angles" before leaping back in. The food at the hotel was good and have no complaints, the buffet style works very well the variation at breakfast and dinner meant there was nothing the same, and it was hot. 3 Lev for a large beer and 5 for a wine. Shuttle bus runs every 15 mins which we always caught at 9 am. Cues at the gondola were 10-15 min though we were always at the top station by 10 am ready for lessons. Instructors (Boris & Zlatin) were fab. Looks like most of the construction work has now finished (just a couple of shells left to be seen). Snow cover was excellent and the runs were well groomed.
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