Gorno ski resorts Bulgaria has traditionally been and, of course, remains one of the most popular and accessible for Russian winter sports fans. 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.
It should be noted 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.”
BULGARIA Alpine skiing in Bulgaria
Contrary to the popular saying in Soviet times that “a chicken is not a bird,” interest in Bulgaria is growing every year. However, the Bulgarians themselves are making certain efforts towards this: new hotels and ski lifts are being built, infrastructure and hotel facilities are being modernized, and the country itself is quite actively promoting itself on the Russian market. In particular, various ski resorts of this country -,,, and - are presented at leading tourism exhibitions with extensive stands.
There are several reasons for its growing popularity: low prices, the absence of a language barrier, proximity to Russia (in every sense), short flights, and the ability to put children and beginners on skis quite inexpensively. The bulk of tourists going to ski resorts in Bulgaria are those who are looking for economical skiing options, often young people and families with children. Of course, while Bulgaria cannot boast of hundreds of kilometers of smoothed slopes, a complete absence of queues or the latest lift systems. However, tangible changes in a positive direction occur every year.
Thus, construction work in Bansko, which irritated many tourists, is gradually coming to an end - in particular, the construction of several ski lifts has been completed.
Changes are coming at the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria -. JSC "Borosport" invested 9 million euros in new ski lifts at this resort, and this is only part of the funds that are planned to be invested as part of this program.
However, there are no ideal places to relax from all points of view, and when growing pains are superimposed on the negative background caused bad weather, the level of service or other reasons, the tourist returns dissatisfied. Disadvantages of resorts in Bulgaria:
– problems with snow (especially at the beginning and end of the season, more typical for Borovets);
– old or underdeveloped hotel base;
– low level of service;
– queues at the ski lifts, especially in high season;
– at some resorts – the need to travel to the ski lifts and back every day;
– not enough developed infrastructure on the slopes (lifts, piste markings, security, restaurants).
This year, noticeably more expensive ski passes (139 euros for 6 days in Bansko, 138 euros in Borovets) and increased prices for accommodation were added to the list of disadvantages. But even taking into account a slight increase in prices in general, Bulgaria still remains one of the most inexpensive ski countries, primarily due to cheap flights and low prices for food. A friendly and welcoming attitude local population to Russians, the opportunity to communicate in their native language, simple, tasty and familiar to Russians National cuisine and local beauties can more than compensate for possible shortcomings.
Visa to Bulgaria
The happy times when you could go to Bulgaria as if you were going to Turkey, alas, are gone - now you need a visa to visit this country. To complete it, a minimum of documents is required: a foreign passport with the personal signature of the owner (valid for 3 months after the end of the trip); 1 color photo 3.5 by 4.5; questionnaire with the personal signature of the tourist.For children under 18 years of age traveling with one parent (without parents), a notarized permission from the second parent(s) will only be needed at passport control at the airport. A more extensive package of documents, including proof of financial availability to live in Bulgaria, is required only when applying for an individual visa. As a rule, there are no problems with obtaining a visa; the official processing time is 7 working days after acceptance of the application or 3 working days when paying at an urgent rate.
Embassy of Bulgaria in Moscow
119590 Moscow, Mosfilmovskaya, 66 Information and consultations from 15:00 to 17:00 by phone: +7 499 143 62 30; fax: +7 499 143 62 13 Office hours: from 9:00 to 12:00 (except weekends)
The list of documents required for obtaining entry visas to Bulgaria can be found on the website www.bolgaria.ru
Please note the following points:
1. Consular and visa fees are paid in euros only
2. You must have all original documents and copies with you.
3. Bulgarian visas also give their holder the right to enter and stay in Romania, Croatia and Cyprus.
4. Bulgarian visas do not give their holder the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area.
5. Holders of valid double-entry and multiple-entry Schengen visas, long-term visas, as well as residence permits issued by Schengen countries do not need a visa for a short-term stay in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria to enter the territory of Bulgaria for a period not exceeding 90 days in one half a year
6. The visa fee is charged when submitting the application form and amounts to 35 euros for Russian citizens.
7. A free visa is provided for children under 6 years of age.
Flights to Bulgaria
The airports closest to the ski resorts in Bulgaria are Sofia and Thessaloniki (charter and regular flights flights). As a rule, charter chains from Moscow begin on December 30 and end on March 24.
Regular flight:
"Aeroflot" "Bulgaria Air" and " Nordwind Airlines"operate a total of 3 flights per week from Moscow to Sofia
Moscow – Sofia (Sh-2) Aeroflot, travel time 3 hours 15 minutes. Bulgaria Air operates combined flights with Aeroflot. It is also convenient to get to some resorts from Thessaloniki (Greece).
You can get to Bulgaria by train: direct Moscow-Sofia carriages (58 hours on the way) travel through Ukraine and Romania. You can travel somewhat cheaper with a transfer in Chisinau. In any case, a Romanian or Schensken transit visa is required. The distance from Moscow to Sofia is 2360 km. Trains depart from Kievsky station.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria
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Bulgarian geography
Almost a third of the country's territory is occupied by mountains with rocky peaks and forested slopes. The highest point - Musala Peak (2925 m) - is located in the Rila Mountains. The climate here is mild and even in the coldest January the temperature does not drop below -5.
The first ski resort was opened in Bulgaria in the 60s in the town of Borovets in the Rila Mountains. Today there are four main ski resorts in the country: Borovets, Bansko, Pamporovo, and Aleko-Vitosha.
Borovets
This largest ski resort in Bulgaria is located 72 km southeast of Sofia and 126 km southwest of Plovdiv. The resort is located at an altitude of 1350 m among a century-old coniferous forest on the slopes of the Rila Mountains. In the century before last there was hunting base Bulgarian kings. Now it is a modern resort with developed infrastructure. The ski season lasts from December to March, the snow cover reaches 1.5 m.
Ski slopes in Borovets are located in three areas. The first includes 8 tracks, mostly red, located in Sitnyakovo and Martinovi Baraki. IN lower parts The trails have sections for beginners. There are queues at the ski lifts leading from the resort during peak seasons. The Yastrebets area (highest point - 2383 m) includes several red slopes that end in blue slopes; you need to get to the lower lift station by shuttle. Markudzhik is the most highland region- offers 4 red slopes, one of them is FIS certified; in this part of the ski area there are only rope tows. The Rotata track (1240 m) with a height difference of 302 m is open to snowboarders.
Among the attractions in the vicinity of Borovets are the royal residence “Bistritsa”, the Rila Monastery of the 10th century and the most Small town Bulgaria, picturesque Melnik.
The newest and most fashionable Bulgarian ski resort is located 160 km from Sofia on the slopes of the Pirin mountain range. This is a pleasant combination of virgin nature and the atmosphere of an ancient town, which attracts with its 120 cultural monuments (the place is declared a UNESCO world natural heritage site).
Bansko: how to get there
The closest airport to Bansko is Sofia, it is located 160 km from the resort. You can also get there from Thessaloniki (Greece) - 220 km, about 3 hours. The journey from Plovdiv will take about 2.5–3 hours. The resort is surrounded by 87 mountain peaks and 150 lakes. The winter here is long but mild - the temperature in January rarely drops below 2–3 degrees below zero. Heavy snowfalls are frequent, the snow cover reaches two meters. The ski season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, best time- February. The total length of the pistes after the recent changes is 56 km, including 2 black pistes, 9 red and 4 blue pistes. Bansko is remembered for its atmosphere of a European town, many cozy shops - small national restaurants, numerous historical and cultural monuments. If possible, it is best to choose accommodation in four-star hotels that provide transfer to the mountain (about 10 km).
Pamporovo. This is the southernmost and sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. It is located 260 km southeast of Sofia and 72 km from Plovdiv airport. The resort is located at altitudes of 1450–1650 m in a forest area in the very center of the Rhodope Mountains. Co observation deck The TV tower offers a wonderful view of the Rhodope Mountains. According to legend, Orpheus was born in these places. Proximity to the sea and the barrier of the Rhodope massif guarantee a mild winter with bright sun and heavy snow from December to mid-April. The infrastructure of ski lifts is well developed here, and Pamporovo also has excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing. The resort is ideal for beginners, family vacation and snowboarders. The total length of the trails is 17.5 km (the longest is 3.8 km). From Pamporovo, excursions to Plovdiv, the Bachkovo Monastery and the Trigrad Gorge, where there is a cave with a huge underground waterfall, are possible.
Vitosha. This small resort located in the suburbs of Sofia, just half an hour's drive from it. Vitosha is known for the first ski school in Bulgaria, where professional instructors work. Compared to other resorts, Vitosha has enough small area skiing, but boasts a long track (2800 m), there are also gentle slopes for beginners and children.
In general, Bulgaria can be recommended to tourists without high expectations, beginners, families and young people, those who want to find inexpensive holiday at a reasonable price. Many ski hotels in Bulgaria have recently been reconstructed, generally correspond to their “star rating” and are designed in an alpine style. Private boarding houses are also common in the country.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria have traditionally been and, of course, remain one of the most popular and accessible for Russian winter sports enthusiasts. The 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, and the absence of a language barrier, a good choice inexpensive hotels and apartments, a minimum set of documents for obtaining a visa. Bulgaria is not only excellent ski resorts, it is also excellent wine, which you can try at these very resorts, it is the highest class service, it has mineral springs and the treatment of many diseases. In general, Bulgaria is a very interesting and multifaceted country. In the last few years, ski resorts in Bulgaria have begun to develop at a fast pace and many tourists have already appreciated their advantages.
Bansko is the most equipped resort.
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. The very fact that the resort is located on the territory of the Pirin National Park, which is included in the list world heritage UNESCO already makes Bansko incredibly attractive for tourists who appreciate the beauty and grandeur of nature. The Pirin mountain range of the same name as the park is headed by the highest peak Vihren (2915 meters), at the foot of which there are about 200 stunningly beautiful lakes. 56 km of prepared trails, 13 lifts. Decent skiing altitudes: 930 - 2560 m above sea level. The resort offers all opportunities for different categories of skiers. There is a special one for the little ones kindergarten, where kids will be taught to ride in a playful way. Beginners will be offered the services of Russian-speaking skiing and snowboarding coaches. As for the slopes, they are designed to meet the needs of skiers of different levels of skiing. A special pride in Bansko is the unique ski track, which goes 16 kilometers into the forest (virgin skiing). 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. It is divided into three 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. Bansko is interesting because it differs from other European ski resorts. It is a full-fledged city with thousands of residents, its own attractions, skating rinks, clubs, casinos, shops, bus stations and so on. The main attraction of Bansko is Old city, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has existed on earth for centuries. If you want a quiet, measured holiday, then you need to choose a hotel in the old part of the city. If you are a fan of more modern entertainment and relaxation. Then you need to settle in a new part of the city. There are nightclubs, restaurants, bars, discos and life there is vibrant day and night, regardless of the time of year. And it’s closer to the ski lifts there. In order to go skiing you don’t need to go anywhere, the ski lift up the mountain is right in the city, you can come by taxi from the old town or walk and end up on the ski slope. If you don’t want to spend money on a taxi or walk to the ski lift, then you can use the services of a ski bus, they drive like a minibus around the city and collect at stops who want to go to the ski lift, this pleasure costs 1-2 euros per person. In addition, many hotels provide ski bus services for their guests free of charge. And hotels in Bansko have one interesting feature– saunas. Hotels provide saunas to their guests free of charge, but to other tourists for a fee. After a great ride, Bansko offers you to relax in cozy local restaurants. They are called “mekhana” here. There are several hundred of them in Bansko! Or you can party in one of the city's nightlife establishments. Shopping lovers can buy goods in local sports stores much cheaper than in Russia.
Borovets is the oldest resort in Bulgaria
The resort is located closest to Sofia (73 km). This is also one of the best ski resorts in Bulgaria for those people who have been skiing for several years. There are practically no local residents there either; there is a small village next to the resort, where resort workers come from, but there are very few locals in the resort itself. This resort is designed for skiers only, there is very little off-piste entertainment, but there are slopes of a wide range of difficulties. 46 km of trails with an elevation difference of 1193 meters. The resort is universal for skiers and snowboarders. The season lasts from December to April. The resort's ski areas are divided into easy, suitable for training Sitnyakovo, as well as more difficult Yastrebets and Markudzhika. There are trails in Borovets with a length of twenty kilometers for those who prefer cross-country skiing, as well as serious springboards for jumping fifty and seventy-five meters long. 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. At the Borovets resort you will be greeted by the good-natured owners of 20 hotels of different levels and two cottage villages. Most hotels are located around the lower cable car stations. Free buses run from remote hotels to ski lifts. There are very few free services in Borovets hotels; there may be swimming pools, jacuzzi, saunas, but you will have to pay for everything else. The hotels in this resort are mostly 4-star, but if you wish you can find cheaper or expensive options housing. As for the prices at this resort, they are not very different from other resorts in Bulgaria.
Pamporovo is the most southern resort Bulgaria
Ski resort in the Rhodope Mountains, located at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, 85 km from Plovdiv. This resort is the southernmost in Bulgaria and has an essentially Mediterranean climate. Unlike Borovets, this resort has a homely feel. The Rhodope Mountains are densely covered with forests, and they are low and not rocky. These mountains in the resort area are absolutely passable, so this resort has a lot of trails for cross-country skiing, so if you don't like skiing, but rather long distance running, then this resort is simply made for you. In addition, it is at this resort that there is a very large ski school for children. Moreover, you can go here even with very young children, there is a so-called ski kindergarten and ski nursery, what does this mean, and this means that children under 4 years of age are taught to ski here. This resort is usually chosen by people who are not professional skiers. Basically, the slopes here are very simple, but you can immediately see that the slope at the resort is towards snowboarding. There are a lot of snowboard jumps here, there are sledding tracks here, in general, the tracks at this resort are very diverse and any tourist will find something suitable for themselves. 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. At the top of Mount Snezhanka there is a television tower, from which a magnificent view of the Mountain peaks. The resort's climate is characterized by fairly mild winters, with a lot of sunny days. The resort occupies a leading place among all ski resorts in Bulgaria in terms of the number of sunny days. For lovers ski holiday there are 37 km of trails with a height difference of 480 meters. (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. You can stay in Pamporovo in 5* hotels, 3* hotels, or in an inexpensive private guesthouse. After skiing, you can dance at the disco in the Pamporovo Hotel or the Perelik Hotel. The Rozhen Hotel has night club Race. Large hotels have their own swimming pools and billiard rooms. But of course there is no such active nightlife as in Bansko. We talked about the three main Bulgarian ski resorts. There are other resorts in Bulgaria - Chepelare, Vitosha, Dobrinishte. They are not so large, and mostly Bulgarians themselves ride there.
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.
One of the most popular destinations Bulgaria has become the main destination 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 is considered in Bulgaria 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 the resorts of Bulgaria, keep in mind that at new, developing complexes prices for ski passes and hotel accommodation are set lower than at already promoted ones. 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 ski resort of Pamporovo 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 resort center is located at an altitude of 1390 m, and highest point in its vicinity is the Musala peak (2925 m) - the highest in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the former Stalin Peak.
The Borovets ski resort 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. Rental points are open sports equipment, 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 budget places For winter holiday 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 observed in 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, coming for several days or weeks. Locals also have the opportunity to arrive at the ski resort in just half an hour or an hour in their cars or 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 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. Length ski slopes– 29 km (the longest is 5.2 km), the length of the flat ski track 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
Traditionally, it is believed that skiing should be done in the Alps– Swiss, Austrian or Italian. However, these resorts are now expensive due to the high euro exchange rate.
Therefore, as an alternative it is worth considering ski resorts.
The main, most visited of them are Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and Vitosha. Everyone can choose among them the one that suits their liking, affordability and interests.
Resort rating
Nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains old City Bansko– one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Europe and famous climatic resort Bulgaria.
The climate here is quite harsh, with short summers and long winters. This is the resort with the longest ski season, it lasts from December to May.
Skiers love it for its good dense snow and moderate winter temperatures - at the bottom, on average, about -2 °C, in the mountains up to -16 °C.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria - Bansko
The total length of the tracks is 65 kilometers, difficulty – from green to black. The longest route is 16 kilometers.
There are 17 marked trails, cross-country ski trails, all trails are illuminated at night (night skiing).
For snowboarders and extreme sports enthusiasts there is a Snowboard Park with a half-pipe - a snow half-pipe, where fans of snowboard tricks can demonstrate their skills.
The resort has a ski school with highly qualified instructors. Here, at the children's club Skiclub, even children from 4 years old are encouraged to ski.
Hotels. Bansko has hotels of varying star ratings, from the most expensive, ready to provide all-inclusive services, to small cozy aparthotels with several rooms.
Large hotels have their own spa and fitness centers, indoor swimming pools, children's clubs and areas with animators, and ski wardrobes. All of them are located close to the center of Bansko and close to the ski lifts.
There are small family mini-hotels. Some hotels provide business center services, conference rooms and lobby bars.
Excursions and entertainment. A tour of the historical part of Bansko will be very pleasant and educational.
In addition, from Bansko they organize excursions to the Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Sofia, to the Vanga Temple and to the village of Ognyanovo to the thermal spring.
Evening and night life The resort is in full swing - discos, bars and nightclubs will not let young people get bored, and cozy restaurants will shelter couples in love.
As additional entertainment, there is the opportunity to take horse ride or ride in a harnessed sleigh.
How to get there? You can get to Bansko by public transport from Sofia Airport (150 km) or by train from Plovdiv.
Borovets is the oldest and largest ski resort in Bulgaria— still remembers the 1981 and 1984 World Alpine Ski Championships. It is located on the slopes of the Rila Mountains, covered with dense coniferous forests.
Borovets has a mild climate with an average January temperature of about -5 C. The snow cover reaches one and a half meters, the air is saturated with the aroma of pine, which makes skiing doubly pleasant and useful.
The total length of the tracks is 28 kilometers, 23 marked trails, the most long route 12 kilometers.
There are tracks for beginners, for snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tracks with 75 and 50 meter jumps and biathlon tracks.
There is a ski school whose instructors conduct both group and individual lessons. Families with children are always welcome here. If desired, your baby will be put on skis.
And if parents want to enjoy skiing to their fullest, kindergartens and groups at the Samokov and Rila hotels are at their service.
Hotels. In total, there are 20 hotels and many cottage complexes of various levels and prices. There are new hotels, but they are adjacent to those that were built in the late eighties of the last century.
The old hotels are well renovated, but you won't find much luxury here. Each hotel has restaurants and bars, saunas and massage rooms and fitness centers.
Some hotels (4 stars) offer spa centers, gyms and bowling alleys. A ski wardrobe is available for a fee (not everywhere), and not all hotels have internet access in their rooms.
But, if you are more interested in skiing than hotel entertainment, then this resort is for you.
Excursions and entertainment. Excursions to Plovdiv, Sofia and Rila Monastery are organized. Helicopter rides with panoramic views of the surroundings of the Rila Mountains are very popular among tourists.
Tourists are also offered photo safaris on picturesque snow-covered slopes, horseback riding and ATV riding. In the evening you can have fun in bars, cafes and restaurants.
And, of course, fun ski carnivals are one of the main and favorite events of the resort.
How to get there? You can get there from Sofia - from the airport by bus (75 km) or order a transfer directly at the airport.
Pamporovo is the southernmost and sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. The mild climate and heavy snowfalls, covering the slopes with almost one and a half meters of snow, are due to the proximity Aegean Sea. It is located on the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains.
Season from mid-December to mid-April. This resort is ideal for families, beginner skiers and just a pleasant holiday in the mountains.
The slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. The total length of the tracks is 50 kilometers. Trails: green, blue, red, black.
18 lifts, 14 marked trails. The longest route is 3800 meters. There is a giant slalom track, 4 training tracks and 3 cross-country ski tracks.
Here is one of the best ski schools in Europe. Alpine skiing and snowboarding instructors teach skiing not only to adults, but also to children from 7 years old. There is a kindergarten at the school.
Hotels. Pamporovo hotels are represented in all categories - from 2 to 5 stars. All of them are located close to the slopes and ski lifts. 4 and 5 star hotels offer spa centers, baths - saunas and Turkish and fitness rooms.
Spa Victoria, located in the Perelik Palace 4-star hotel, provides mud therapy and thalasso treatments. The hotels provide free guarded parking. Almost everywhere there are rooms with a kitchenette.
Excursions and entertainment. Excursions to Plovdiv, Chepelary, Smolany, Bachkovo Monastery and the ethnographic village of Shiroka Laka are organized. Young people can have fun in discos and nightclubs.
Dishes of the famous Rhodopean cuisine, generously flavored with local raki and famous Bulgarian wines, can be enjoyed in 19 restaurants. Mekhana is a restaurant where you can listen to ethnic Bulgarian music.
Ski festivals, various competitions and giant slalom championships are held here constantly.
How to get there? You can get to Pamporovo from Sofia (230 km) by bus, although it is more convenient to do this from Plovdiv - the distance from its airport to the resort is only 75 km.
Vitosha is the highest ski resort in Bulgaria, located in the Cherni Vrah mountains in close proximity to Sofia in the territory National Park"Aleko."
Ski season is from December to mid-April. More than 50% of the slopes are intended for beginner skiers, 35% are pistes medium difficulty, the rest are difficult routes.
The total length of the tracks is 29 kilometers, the longest route is 5200 meters. There are 12 lifts, 11 cross-country ski trails.
The resort has the oldest ski school in Bulgaria, where children and adults are taught alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Hotels. The few hotels in Vitosha are represented mainly by two and three stars. But here you can acutely experience the local flavor by staying in one of the houses that are rented out by local residents.
Excursions and entertainment. The main natural attraction of Vitosha are the “stone rivers”. These are huge strips consisting of smooth rounded stones up to 2 kilometers high and about 50 meters wide.
From active entertainment It is worth noting paragliding and trekking.
How to get there? To get to Vitosha, you just need to get to Sofia and then to the resort by public transport.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria collect numerous rave reviews from tourists.
Among the advantages are low prices, well-developed tourist infrastructure, safe routes, excellent service and a warm welcome from local residents.
As an added bonus- excellent national cuisine and the ability to speak Russian - almost all the service staff speak Russian. All resorts are suitable for .
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