Ski holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria

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Bulgaria is a stunning nation located in the eastern half of the Balkan Peninsula. It is famed for its Black Sea coast, but is also home to traditional villages reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Hikers and other adventurers will delight in the rugged and mountainous interior, and history buffs can enjoy exploring the country’s Roman ruins.

Although still seeing fewer tourists than the neighbouring countries of Greece and Turkey, tourism in Bulgaria is steadily rising, drawing in visitors with the country’s opulent mosques, serene villages, fancy churches, and an enduring folklore tradition. The winters can be bitterly cold but provide excellent snow for Bulgarias major ski resorts from mid-December to mid-April.

Borovets ski resort is situated just 73kms from the capital, Sofia. Borovets is the oldest and largest of the Bulgarian ski resorts and sits beneath Moussala (2,923m), the highest peak in the country. The resort has twice held alpine skiing World Cup events. The idyllic town of Borovets offers good shopping, restaurants and accommodation. The skiing here takes place in three areas: Borovets, Yastrebets and Markujika.

The pistes at the resort cover 40kms and also have facilities for night skiing. An efficient system of 11 lifts takes skiers to their destination. Cross-country skiers will find an excellent 15-kilometre trail (just two kilometres from the resort), along with a world-class biathlon track.

Pamporovo ski resort is situated in the Rhodopes Mountains, 85kms from Plovdiv, Bulgarias second-largest city. The most southern ski resort in Europe, Pamporovo has a unique Mediterranean climate and is the sunniest of the Bulgarian resorts. However, at a height of 1,650m, the resort still has good snow cover throughout the season. This purpose-built resort is set just below the Snejanka peak (1,926m) and boasts a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

There are 25kms of pistes at Pamporovo and off-piste skiing is also available. The nursery slopes are good for beginners and tuition in English is available at the ski school. Six chairlifts and 13 draglifts keep waiting times to a minimum. Nine restaurants are located on the slopes, and the restaurant at the TV and radio tower on Snejanka peak (reachable by chairlift) is especially charming. Après ski at Pamporovo is lively with many bars, pubs and discos.

Visitors can catch a connecting flight to Sofia International Airport; while buses and trains are the easiest way to get to Bulgaria from Europe and Turkey. A regular car ferry crosses the Danube between Vidin and Calafat in Romania. Crossing the Friendship Bridge from Romania to Ruse in Bulgaria is also possible. For Pamporovo resort, you can fly to Plovdiv as well.