EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAYS

BULGARIA

Capital: Sofia Currency: Lev Language: Bulgarian

Time: GMT +2 Telephone Code: 00 359

Bulgaria is located in Southern Europe. Bulgaria is diverse in climate and landscape and is enjoyed from the Balkan Mountains to the coast of the Black Sea. Bulgaria is rich in history and has existed in Europe for more than 13 centuries and links the East and the West.

Bulgaria hosts many interesting historical sites including being the home to the oldest tree located in the village of Granit. This Oak tree is estimated to be about 1,650 years old.

Bulgaria is also the home to the longest mountain range; known as the Balkan Mountains.

Bulgaria skiing has become more popular in recent years.

The highest peak in the Balkan region is Moussala that rises to an altitude of 2,925m above sea level and is said to have been climbed by King Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Bulgaria has 3 major ski resorts and several smaller ones that utilize the diverse nature of the country.

Bulgaria’s number one ski resort is Bansko and has the most modern and finest ski center of all Bulgaria’s resorts.

Located at the North East foot of the Pirin Mountain just below the most beautiful part of the mountain, Bansko resort prides itself on its beauty and luxurious hotels.

Bansko has the best snow fall and longest ski season in Bulgaria running from mid December to mid May and ensures the fun doesn’t stop with 44 snow cannons! Bansko’s highest run is 8,530 feet and has a total run length of over 40 miles.

Although Bansko only offers one expert run; however, there is plenty of fun for everyone all day and all night with lighted runs.

One of Bulgaria’s largest and most developed ski resort is Borovets and is located on the Northern slopes of the Rila Mountains.

Borovets is the oldest winter resorts and its history dates back to 1896. Borovets, on average, has snow coverage from December to April but also has 14 snow cannons just to ensure a full ski season.

Borovets’ highest ski area is 8,398 feet, a total length of 36 miles of runs with the longest run being over 7 miles.

All of the runs are divided by the level of difficulty and can be enjoyed by beginning, intermediate and expert skiers.

Pamporovo sits in the heart of the Rhodopi Mountains and considered the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria.

Pamporovo boasts 120 sunny days on average during the ski season of December to April and is thought to be more suited to beginners due to its gentle slopes; however, there are slopes for every ski level. The highest ski area in Pamporovo is 6355 feet.

Lift Information

Bansko offers 1 gondola lift, 5 four seat chair lifts, 3 anchor type tow lifts, 2 single tow lifts and 10 baby drags. Borovets provides the uphill skier with 2 high speed quad chair lifts, 10 surface ski lifts, a few baby drag lifts and a six seat gondola. Pamporovo provides 5 chair lifts and 9 drag lifts with the total capacity of 8600 persons per hour

Types of Accommodation

Lodging in Bansko is diverse with over 3000 beds available in 4 and 5 star hotels, chalets and private villas. These hotels rank among the best in Bulgaria and offer beauty and fitness centers as well as spa services. Borovets offers at least one 5 star luxury villa with specialty packages and services available. Pamporovo has fewer lodging available but boasts a 57 unit deluxe resort with mountain views and most modern conveniences. There are many choices when staying in Bulgaria, nearly all guaranteed to lead to a fun filled ski adventure. There are great ski deals to be had, do your research and you could pick up a great ski deal.

Cross Country Skiing

The cross country ski trails are available throughout Bulgaria. The most popular resorts have cross country trails including the Bansko which has one cross country ski trail that is a little more than 3 miles long. Borovets has 4 cross country ski trails that total about 11 miles in length and the Pamporovo has 3 runs with a total length of 24 miles. If cross country skiing is your passion Bulgaria is a haven to create your own trails.

Best Ways to Get There

Transportation to any of the resorts in Bulgaria is offered in shuttle services and car rental services. Shuttles run from the airports and hotels; however, reservations are advised. There are some great deals on air travel if you look around.

Après Ski

Not only is there great sking in Bulgaria but Bulgaria is ready come night fall with fantastic Après Ski. Entertainment is available until early morning in the Bansko nightclubs, discos and taverns. The Borovets offers disco and bars, cafes and nightclubs and has been considered by many to be the most interesting resort for their nightlife. Pamporovo offers Après ski for the young and old with events being scheduled regularly.

Want to take a break from the slopes? Visit one of the nearby towns for its rich history and quaint coziness.