Bulgaria has been focusing on the development of the tourism sector for several decades. So far, the ski area is not so in demand by foreign tourists, but in vain. Small towns that have become resorts combine the possibilities of a quiet family vacation and the adrenaline of skiing on the slopes. The service does not yet reach the high Western European level, but its quality is constantly improving. As for the rest, the guests will have a lot of positive impressions.
Resorts like Bansko and Pamporovo are crowded during the season, and you need to book hotels within their boundaries in advance. There are also very small recreation areas, for example, Malevitsa: there are few trails, they are short, suitable for beginners, so there are not many tourists here. In the summer, these resorts for the most part continue to work, slightly changing their specialization.
The main ski resorts in Bulgaria
List of the most popular ski resorts in the country.
Bansko
The town is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The architectural beauties date back mainly to the 18th-19th centuries, while the infrastructure is modern. Pensions and hotels are designed primarily for family vacations. Local restaurants offer a wide selection of wines and national cuisine. The territory of Bansko is included in the lands of the Pirin National Park. Here is the longest ski season in Bulgaria.
Borovets (Chamkoria)
Located on the slope of Rila Mountain. The area around is wooded, which gives the rest an additional flavor. The resort was founded as a royal hunting ground. Over time, the area of Borovets expanded. Modern lifts, equipment rental, hotel complexes, high-level service are the distinctive features of the resort. Former professional athletes also work as instructors on the tracks.
Pamporovo
The southernmost ski resort in the country. Built at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level in the Rhodope Mountains. The ski season lasts from December to April. The winter is mild with fluctuations: snowfalls give way to rains. The total length of ski tracks, including racing tracks, is 65 kilometers. In the summer, the resort continues to operate as a typical suburban holiday destination. There are thermal springs and balneological centers nearby.
Dobrinishte
The translation of the name is “good things”. The mountain air, beautiful natural landscapes and the charm of the Bulgarian countryside have attracted travelers here for a long time. And since 2007, another reason to look into Dobrinishte has appeared - the ski area. The length of the tracks is about 40 kilometers. There is an opportunity to go slalom. At the resort, you can also improve your health from natural sources and visit the spa.
Chepelare
A young resort, founded 8 kilometers from Pamporovo. The cross-country trails are about 30 kilometers long, the downhill trails are shorter - about 13 kilometers. The main attraction of Chepelare is the caving museum, organized directly in the cave. There are several 3 and 4 star hotels in the town. It is also possible to rent a separate small house. Excursions to the "Wonderful Bridges" are popular.
Panichishte
It is located near the Separeva Banya balneological resort and its famous hot mineral spring. Panichishte trails are suitable for children and beginners. The hotels have a fitness center, spa, tennis court, a minimum set of standard entertainment. In addition to the slopes, there are toboggan and cross-country ski trails. One of the local attractions is Elenite, the oldest restaurant in the area.
Vitosha (Aleko)
Located on the territory of the national park of the same name. The main part of the complex is built on the eastern slope of the Cherni-Vrykh mountain. The longest track is more than 5 kilometers long. Gondola and chair lifts are used to transport skiers to the top. In summer, a children's camp opens nearby, many hotels operate, and guides lead city tours.
Semkovo
The resort is located on the slope of the Rila Mountains. An old pine and spruce forest surrounds a large natural meadow on which the complex is built. 4 of the 7 available tracks do not require any special skills for skiing. There is a ski school and equipment rental. Tours to thermal springs start from Semkovo, and groups for mountain climbing are also gathered here. Nearby there is a nursery for bears who were rescued from careless owners.
Malevitsa
The mountain of the same name rises above the resort. Maleovitsa was founded in the middle of the last century as a base for the training of instructors and athletes. 4 short runs are suitable for beginners and those looking to ski in solitude. Only one hotel is open during the season. There is a possibility of placing a sports and training base, but there is no tourist service. These places are a gathering point for climbers and mountain hikers.
Kulinoto
Occupies the northern part of the Pirin Mountain. The resort is surrounded by a century-old beech forest. The first "handicraft" track here in the 80s of the last century was built by local residents on their own. Now several slopes of varying difficulty are professionally equipped. There are two lifts in operation. Kulinoto continues to be completed and developed. Ambitious plans are related to the restoration of the Roman road and the lengthening of the routes.
