Skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria

[Last update 22.01.2021]
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Bulgaria? The Black Sea coast? The capital Sofia? There is much more you can experience through – high mountains, picturesque waterfalls, deep caves, bizarre gorges, the Danubian Plain, sandy pyramids, waterfalls, mountain lakes, etc. When it comes to nature – Bulgaria has it all. But now I am going to focus on one of the funniest winter activities – skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria. Read below to find information about the biggest ski resorts, prices, contact details and my thoughts.

Seven Rila Lakes
One of the most famous Bulgarian landmarks is the Seven Rila Lakes. Fascinating in the summer, the area is also a preferred spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The chair lift takes you up to the new and modern hut “Seven Rila Lakes”. A surface lift is situated right next to a huge plateau where skiing is a real pleasure. The slope that goes through the forest is around 4 km long and is appropriate for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders.Pros and cons:
+ The Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most affordable places in Bulgaria for skiing and snowboarding
+ The area isn’t as crowded as the big mountain resorts such as Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets
- The area is only appropriate for skiing and snowboarding when there is natural snow
- Snowmaking machines are not available
- Night skiing and snowboarding is not available
- A fun park is not available
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- One way ticket: 12 BGN
- Two-way ticket: 20 BGN
- Day ski pass: 35 BGN
- Half-day ski pass: 25 BGN
Prices (children, retired and invalids) 2020/2021:
Prices (children, retired and invalids) 2020/2021:
- One way ticket: 8 BGN
- Two-way ticket: 12 BGN
- Day ski pass: 25 BGN
- Half-day ski pass: 20 BGN
Working time:
Monday: 12:00 – 16:30
Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 – 16:30
Monday: 12:00 – 16:30
Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 – 16:30
Cabin lift desk phone number: +359884163479
Official website: http://www.rilskiezera.bg/
Note: Every last Monday of the month - technical maintenance all day!
Note: Every last Monday of the month - technical maintenance all day!

Vitosha
Sofia’s home mountain is the best destination for a quick city escape all year long. Overall there are 15 slopes. For beginners there are 4 green and 5 blue slopes, for advanced skiers and snowboarders there are 4 red and 2 black slopes. The main cabin lift will take you from the outskirts of Sofia up to the Aleko hut, where the so-called “Vitosha tulip 1” slope begins. The upper part is appropriate for beginners, while the lower part of the trail is very steep and often icy.
Pros and cons:
+ Vitosha is the nearest mountain to Sofia
+ Night skiing and snowboarding is available
+ Snow making machines are available
+ A fun park is available
+ A fun park is available
- There are 15 ski slopes, but only a few of them are available - “Vitosha tulip” 1, 2 and 3, Pomagalski and Mecha Polyana (Меча поляна)
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- One way ticket for the cabin lift: 12 BGN
- Two-way ticket for the cabin lift: 17 BGN
- Day ski pass: 40 BGN
- Half-day ski pass: 29 BGN
- Night skiing lift pass: 29 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- One way ticket for the cabin lift: 8 BGN
- Two-way ticket for the cabin lift: 12 BGN
- Day ski pass: 25 BGN
- Half-day ski pass: 19 BGN
- Night skiing lift pass: 4 BGN
Prices (students, retirees) 2020/2021:
Prices (students, retirees) 2020/2021:
- One way ticket for the cabin lift: 10 BGN
- Two-way ticket for the cabin lift: 15 BGN
- Day ski pass: 32 BGN
- Half-day ski pass: 24 BGN
- Night skiing lift pass: 29 BGN
Working time:
Cabin lift "Simeonovo - Aleko": 8:30 - 16:30
Lift "Dragalevtsi": 9:00 - 16:30
Cabin lift phone number: +359882111480
Cabin lift "Simeonovo - Aleko": 8:30 - 16:30
Lift "Dragalevtsi": 9:00 - 16:30
Cabin lift phone number: +359882111480
Official website: https://www.skivitosha.com/

Bansko
The famous Bulgarian ski resort is situated in the picturesque Pirin mountains. There are mostly visitors from Greece, Romania, Serbia and the United Kingdom. Bansko offers 18 slopes, 6 of them are blue and 2 orange for beginners, and 11 red and 2 black for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Snow machines cover 90% of the slopes. If you are experienced enough and you want to avoid the tourist crowds on the ski slopes, you can try off-piste ski touring. Bansko is one of the most frequently visited resorts and also one of the most pricey.
Pros and cons:
+ Big variety of easy and steep ski slopes
+ 100% working ski slopes during the whole season
+ Snowmaking machines are available
- Expensive ski pass
- Expensive food courts
- Too many tourists
- Night skiing and snowboarding is not available
- A fun park is not available
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 32 BGN
- Day ski pass: 70 BGN
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 54 BGN
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 54 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 21 BGN
- Day ski pass: 38 BGN
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 29 BGN
Prices (students, retirees) 2020/2021:
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 29 BGN
Prices (students, retirees) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 27 BGN
- Day ski pass: 62 BGN
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 48 BGN
- Half-day ski pass (after 12:30) - 48 BGN
Working time: Monday – Sunday 8:30 – 16:30
Cabin lift phone number: +35974984480
Official website: http://www.banskoski.com/en

Pamporovo
Situated only 85 km from the second largest city in Bulgaria Plovdiv, Pamporovo is a great ski destination. There are 18 slopes, 2 green and 6 blue for the beginners, as well as 5 red and 4 black slopes for the advanced skiers and snowboarders. Each slope begins from the highest peak in Pamporovo – Snezhanka (1926). It is said that even the Aegean Sea in Greece could be seen when the weather is clear. A few years ago one of the slopes - “The Wall” - was said to be the steepest slope in whole Eastern Europe.
Pros and cons:
+ Pamporovo is said to be the ski resort with the best slopes for beginners
+ Big variety of ski slopes with different difficulty
+ A fun park is available
+ Night skiing and snowboarding is available
+ Snow making machines are available
+ 1 lift pass covers 2 ski zones - Pamporovo-Mechi Chal
+ Close to the second biggest Bulgarian city - Plovdiv
+ 1 lift pass covers 2 ski zones - Pamporovo-Mechi Chal
+ Close to the second biggest Bulgarian city - Plovdiv
- Too far from the Bulgarian capital Sofia
- Too many hotels
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 20 BGN
- Day lift pass: 62 BGN
- Half-day lift pass: 47 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 12 BGN
- Day lift pass: 37 BGN
- Half-day lift: 29 BGN
Working time: Monday – Sunday 8:45 – 16:30
Phone number: 070017702
Official website: https://pamporovo.me/en/

Borovets
The first Bulgarian ski resort, also known as Chamkoriya until the mid of XX century, was built in 1896 by Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. In 1942 it was renamed to Borovets. The resort offers 25 ski slopes: 7 green and 5 blue for beginners, and 9 red and 4 black ski slopes for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Borovets is one of the most preferred Bulgarian ski resorts by Bulgarians. Read more about the conditions and the difficulty of the slopes here.
Pros and cons:
+ Big variety of ski slopes with different difficulty appropriate for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders
+ A fun park is available
+ Night skiing and snowboarding is available
+ Snow making machines are available
+ The nearest to Sofia big ski resort
- Overcrowded
- Overpriced
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 25 BGN
- Day lift pass for all lift facilities: 62 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for all lift facilities 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: 48 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for all lift facilities 12:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.: 40 BGN
- Night skiing lift pass: 30 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 15 BGN
- Day lift pass for all lift facilities: 36 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for all lift facilities 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: 28 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for all lift facilities 12:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.: 23 BGN
- Night skiing lift pass: 15 BGN
Working time gondola lifts see here
Information center phone number: +359889607000
Official website: http://www.borovets-bg.com/

Kartala
One of the youngest ski resorts is situated at the foot of the picturesque Rila mountain. The cabin lift is quite modern for the Bulgarian standards. Kartala offers 3 ski slopes, one main ski slope, Alpine ski slope, and a ski slope for beginners. Approaching the upper lift station, the surrounding view will blow your mind. The plateau on top of the mountain is appropriate for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The main slope is medium, and with enough amount of snow, this place is heaven.
Pros and cons:
+ A non-mainstream resort
+ Modern seated lift
+ Affordable prices
+ Ideal for freeriding
- A fun park is not available
- Snowmaking machines are not available
- Night skiing and snowboarding is not available
- The cabin lift works only when there is enough snow
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 10 BGN
- Day lift pass: 33 BGN
- Half-day lift pass: 25 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 8 BGN
- Day lift pass: 24 BGN
- Half-day lift pass: 16 BGN
Working time: Monday – Sunday 08:30 – 16:30
Information phone number: +359889500421
Official website: http://kartalaresort.com/

Bezbog
Also known as ski resort Dobrinishte, Bezbog is situated in the Pirin mountains. The place is great for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The ski slope is 5 km long and its upper part is appropriate for beginners, while the lower part is a challenge for the advanced. Hut Bezbog is a legendary spot. There is a lake behind it which is frozen all winter and is invisible under the snow. The area is extremely beautiful and quiet. One of the legends about this place refers to a Bulgarian village, where Dobrinishte resort is situated today. The locals heard that the Ottomans were about to conquer them so they started running and hiding in the mountain. Attracted by the mineral springs in the area, the occupiers decided to settle down here, though. The Bulgarians, hiding in the mountains, ran out of food, so they sent delegates to inform the Ottomans that they won’t accept Islam. The Ottomans got fiercely angry and they went into the mountains to search the hiding Bulgarians. When they found them, they killed them all and the lake next to the peak was filled with blood. The battle is said to have been so cruel that there was no God at this moment. Thus the name Bezbog.Pros and cons:
+ A non-mainstream resort
+ Long ski slope appropriate both for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders
+ Affordable prices
+ Ideal for freeriding
+ The longest cabin lift in Bulgaria
- The slowest cabin lift in Bulgaria
- A fun park is not available
- No artificial snow making machines
- Night skiing and snowboarding is not available
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 18 BGN
- Day lift pass: 35 BGN
- Half-day lift pass: 22 BGN
- Weekend lift pass: 66 BGN
Prices (children) 2020/2021:
- Two-way gondola lift ticket: 8 BGN
- Day lift pass: 18 BGN
- Half-day lift pass: 12 BGN
- Weekend lift pass: 34 BGN
Working time: Monday- Sunday 08:30 – 16:00
Information phone number: + 35974472120
Official website: http://hoteldobrinishte.com/

Osogovo fun park
Osogovo ski center is situated in Osogovo mountain, close to the capital Sofia. There are 2 areas - the upper one is for advanced riders and the lower one is appropriate for beginners. In my opinion, the upper slope is a black one, there is a surface lift going through the forest to get to it. There used to be a fun park in the lower part, but it is not longer mantained. The lower slope is easy and short - perfect for beginners.Pros and cons:
+ Affordable prices
+ Easy surface lift
- The ski slope is too short
- Night skiing and snowboarding is not available
- No fun park anymore
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Day lift pass for both ski slopes: 30 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for both ski slopes: 25 BGN
- Day lift pass only for the fun park: 25 BGN
- Half-day lift pass only for the fun park: 20 BGN
Prices (children):
- Day lift pass for both ski slopes: 20 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for both ski slopes: 18 BGN
- Day lift pass only for the fun park: 25 BGN
- Half-day lift pass only for the fun park: 18 BGN
Working time: Monday- Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
Information phone number: + 0898425307
Prices (adults) 2020/2021:
- Day lift pass for both ski slopes: 30 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for both ski slopes: 25 BGN
- Day lift pass only for the fun park: 25 BGN
- Half-day lift pass only for the fun park: 20 BGN
Prices (children):
- Day lift pass for both ski slopes: 20 BGN
- Half-day lift pass for both ski slopes: 18 BGN
- Day lift pass only for the fun park: 25 BGN
- Half-day lift pass only for the fun park: 18 BGN
Working time: Monday- Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
Information phone number: + 0898425307
These were the biggest and most popular ski resorts in Bulgaria. No matter where you go skiing or snowboarding, don't forget that safety is first. Bulgaria has 39 mountains and each of them is unique. There are numerous ski resorts, good weather and snow conditions and pretty affordable lift passes. If you are coming to Bulgaria I am sure you will have a lovely time here! Enjoy!
31 Comments
Супер е, Сани! Ще трябва да пробваме тази новата! И да добавяш и нови, и нови! Юхууу
ReplyDeleteСъс сигурност я пробвайте, ще ви хареса :))
DeleteМного ценна информация за любителите на зимни спортове у нас.Научих и интересни факти . Благодаря.
ReplyDeleteРадвам се, че статията е била полезна. Благодаря и аз!
DeleteПоздравления за труда. Само едно уточнение. На Безбог лифта НЕ работи само от понеделник до петък
ReplyDeleteЗдраейте. Благодаря за уточнението, по неясна причина съм написала от понеделник до петък. Проверено и поправено е - лифтът работи без почивен ден.
DeleteHelloStanislava!
ReplyDeleteHappy to find this lovely post!
Great places and photos !
No snow in Tunisia but it's raining!
Enjoy your week!
http://helenamybeauty.over-blog.com/2017/01/la-poudre-minerale-gosh-copenhagen-the-gosh-copenhagen-mineral-powder.html
Hello, Helena. Glad you like this post about Bulgarian ski resorts. Have a great week ahead!
DeleteYou're so lucky to live in a country where you have beaches and ski resorts at the same time. In Luxembourg we have neither... have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Anouk! It may not sound very modest, but I am lucky to live in a country like this. Have a great week too!
DeleteZdravei Sany!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, how I miss skiing in Borovets. My dad used to be a ski instructor in Borovets, so I've spend every winter season there. I really miss the snow, the fresh air and those incredible mountain views.
Haslajdavai se na snega i vesela 2017 godina ot men ❤ Radi
www.fashionradi.com
Здравей, Ради! Oh, how cool your dad used to be a ski instructor in one of my favourite ski resorts!
DeleteБлагодаря ти, весела 2017 и на теб!
Hello Sany and happy new year to you too! May it bring u lots of health, happiness and travels! I wish I was there, ur country seems more like a fairy tale during this time of the year, a true winter wonderland, just wow! Have a good week ahead, big hugs! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wishes, Lilli! Kisses and hugs!
DeleteWith all these amazing resorts, Bulgaria sounds like a veritable winter wonderland when it comes to winter sports and recreation. I hope you've been enjoying it as well as the season. Happy new year my dear Sany! wishing you good health, happiness and many fun new adventures in 2017! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rowena! I also think that Bulgaria is a good choice when it comes to winter sports and recreation. Hope your 2017 will be a great one!
DeleteWe had the opportunist to go skiing this winter but just didn't have the time for it and thought we wait for next winter so our little one will be 3. I think it'll be a better age for him to try skiing? The story about how the name Bezbog came to life is a sad one though. :-(
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Yes, why not, I am sure he will be a great skier one day. Kids have no fear and skiing is great fun for them.
DeleteСъбрала си много полезен списък и на мен така ми се пътува. Само че тази зима ми се налага да избягвам снега и студените температури, така че си стоя кротичко вкъщи :)
ReplyDeleteОх, кофти. И на мен сега ми се наложи да направя почивка от 1 месец, а така ми се кара...
DeleteHi Sany! First of all - I hope that you've started wonderful New Year, which btw will be filled with a joy and love. :) You did great job on this post - it's so informative, especially for someone who thought that Bulgaria is good destination for summer only, you showed there are a lot of activities, which can be done in your beautiful country as well :) From your list, I really liked Pamporovo ski resort, it looks magical :)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening, my dear friend!
it should be : a lot of activities, which can be done in winter, of course :)
DeleteHi, Ivonne! Hope that you had a great start of the year too. I am really glad you liked this post. Yeah, Pamporovo is one of the best Bulgarian ski resorts, and it's worth visiting :)
DeleteI have always wanted to go on a skiing holiday and all of these places look amazing to visit! I have to admit though I did have skiing lessons at an indoor ski slope here in the UK and I was terrible at it! I think I will need a little more practice before I start booking any holidays haha x
ReplyDeleteHaha, indoor ski slope sounds very interesting, we don't have (as far as I am aware) anything like this here.
DeleteI grew up snowboarding because I am not keen on skiing and really love it when we would go for February holidays! This is a great post and I will shre it with my co-worker friend who has Bulgaria on his holiday planning soon. Wonderful photos, Sany. Happy New Year as well, dear.
ReplyDeleteFASHION TALES
You must be very good at it then! Thanks for sharing the post, Madison. Happy New Year.
DeleteПрекрасна статия, Съни, ама бих поспорил за "модерния" лифт на Картала.
ReplyDeleteАко трябва да съм честна, написаното за него не беше обективно, затова отказвам да споря и приемам :) И като стана въпрос, кой от лифтовете можем да определим като най-модерният в България?
DeleteHey, it's good to see you again! I missed your content :)
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I'm not really a snow/ski person but the main reason is because I've never had an opportunity to really experience mountains in winter. Well, now I have the Pyrenees near but there was almost no snow :D Who knows, maybe I'll challange myself one day although I'm afraid I would be absolutely terrible in winter sports :D I really like how you covered the revelant ski spots in Bulgaria and I'm familar with all the names :)
Welcome back, Tijana! I am sure you'd enjoy skiing or even snowboarding, just try it ;)
Delete