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Ski Holidays in Bulgaria
Often named as the best-value place for a bargain, Bulgaria ski holidays are best for great value and especially for beginners learning to ski. With plenty of terrain to keep you entertained all holiday, and some of the most budget friendly resorts and lift passes in the world, Bulgaria delivers cheap and cheerful holidays, with some of the liveliest après ski in Europe.
- Flight Time
- 3 hours
- From London
- Nearest Airports
- Sofia, Plodiv
- Time zone
- GMT + 2 hour
- Language
- Bulgarian
- Currency
- Bulgarian Lev
- Ski Season
- Dec - April
Bulgaria Ski Stats
Overall: Bansko
Why Go Skiing in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is home to over 130km of varied and refreshingly uncrowded slopes across its’ three best known resorts of Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets, where beginners have plenty of space to practise their turns and powder hounds don’t have to compete to make new tracks. With high altitude resorts like Borovets and Bansko having pistes above 2,000m, Bulgaria promises some of great quality skiing and good snow conditions throughout the winter.
But that’s not all Bulgarian ski holidays have to offer. In classic mountain taverns known as Mehanas the friendly locals serve up hearty traditional meals and under the striped canopies of piste side umbrella bars you can share a convivial drink or two. In the traditional Bulgarian thermal spas you can experience total relaxation. Bulgaria ski holidays have it all, but often at a fraction of the price of the larger alpine skiing nations like France, Austria and even Italy, with many package deals coming in at under half the price of similar hotel star ratings in Switzerland.
WHERE TO BOOK YOUR SKI HOLIDAY IN Bulgaria
The Balkan Mountain Range runs through Bulgaria and it is home to three awesome and yet very affordable ski resorts. You can find everything from lively après-ski for party animals in Pamporovo, to the charming old medieval town of Bansko for picture perfect relaxation and cosy resorts with welcoming restaurants for families like Borovets. Whatever ski holiday you have in mind, Bulgaria will have a resort to match both your tastes and your budget.
We’ve ventured across the Bulgarian Balkans exploring everything they have to offer and compiled our findings to bring you the best guide to Bulgaria’s ski resorts. Whether you’re seeking the best slopes for off-piste adventures or are more interested in finding the most Instagram-able resort with the prettiest surroundings, our top recommendations here will help you. Read our guide and call us for advice and help booking the Bulgaria ski holiday of your dreams.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR SKI RESORTS IN Bulgaria
The most popular destinations for a Bulgarian ski holiday are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.
Bulgaria Ski Resort Guide
Overall Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria
The biggest and best Bulgarian ski resorts are Bansko and Borovets. Both ski destinations have received bucket loads of investment in recent years, meaning they have fast and well connected ski lifts as well as miles of well-groomed slopes. Mother Nature has also blessed these resorts with north facing and relatively snow-sure slopes and often sunny conditions. Beyond the piste, Bankso and Borovets both offer lively après ski, cosy accommodation and blooming beautiful mountain views.
Best Après Ski in Bulgaria
If you have any fears that a Bulgarian ski holiday means missing out on awesome après ski then cast them aside. Borovets is the party capital with many stag and hen do’s flocking here for the cheap local beers, happy-hour cocktails and all night raving. We love the uber-friendly Bobby’s Bar and make sure to try a few shots of Rakia, a traditional fruit-based brandy with some serious kick. Bansko also has a fab après scene with pubs like JJ Murphy’s for a relaxed pint, and joints like Happy End for dancing way into the night. Bulgaria après ski is as good as any (and half the price) if your gang are basically their own entertainment. For more infamous party venues like the Folie and the Moose, you might pick somewhere more famous for après ski in France or Austria (ask SNOman for recommendations!).
Top Snow Sure Resorts in Bulgaria
Bansko holds the crown for most snow-sure resort in Bulgaria. It has lifts up to a lofty 2,560m and a high proportion of north-facing slopes meaning snow tends to stick around even in sunny conditions. When natural snow is thin on the ground, the resort has plenty of snow canons to compensate, which cover 90% of the pistes. For the best snow conditions, head to Bansko in January which is usually when the resort receives the bulk of its’ snowfall.
Family Friendly Bulgarian Ski Resorts
Low prices, gentle runs and English-speaking ski schools make Bulgaria a fantastic place to bring the brood. The variety of slopes in Pamporovo is perfect for families, with the PLC ski school helping to get everyone feeling confident on the slopes. We recommend the Snowpark for little daredevils and challenging descents like The Wall for more advanced skiers. Borovets is another great option for family friendly skiing in Bulgaria with quality ski schools, wide slopes, merry restaurants, and plenty of ski-in, ski-out accommodation to make life a breeze.
Bulgaria for Group Ski Holidays
With a fantastic mix of terrain, buzzy après joints aplenty and seriously affordable prices, Bulgaria is a no-brainer for groups skiing on a budget. In Bansko, there’s everything from gentle blues like The Plato to fast and feisty off-piste under the Mosta lift so all abilities are really well catered for. There’s also great group activities off the slopes like ice-skating, snowmobiling, and paintballing, not to mention all sorts of revelrous (is that a word? It is now) drinking establishments from pubs with live music to late-night karaoke bars. For a laid back group ski holiday, Pamporovo is great with lots of intermediate level slopes and plenty of pubs for a drink and a laugh. Bulgaria is a place to take your group if you don’t need huge kilometres of piste.
Food on Bulgarian Ski Holidays
Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is a flavourful mix of Balkan, Slavic, and Mediterranean influences. Served in hearty portions and made with warming spice blends, the food here is the perfect sustenance after an exciting day on the slopes. Tuck into a steaming bowl of kavarma (a clay pot stew of meat and local veg) or snack on a Banitsa (a sumptuous cheese filled pastry) and wash it all down with a glass of syrupy and fruity rakia. For picky eaters, classic ski fuel like chips and pizza can also be found across Bulgaria’s resorts, whilst restaurants like Five M in Bansko and Alpin Restaurant in Borovets offer exquisite fine dining at unbelievably low prices.
Best Bulgarian Ski Resorts for Beginners
Pamporovo welcomes beginners of all ages with wide nursery slopes for finding your ski legs and long, gentle runs for steady progression. Pamporovo’s PLC ski school is famed for its quality tuition and friendly, English-speaking instructors who have you confidently exploring the scenic routes in no time. Beginners are also well catered for in Bansko where there’s 22km of beginner slopes – likely as much as any beginner will need in one trip.
Best Bulgarian Ski Resorts for Intermediate Skiers
Bulgaria is good for intermediate skiers who don’t need to ski huge mileage, with an enjoyable medley of easy, medium and hard slopes across resorts. Bansko is a top choice thanks to its difficult blue trails from the Mosta lift, which are great for a steady transition into red-run territory. It’s also home to satisfyingly long descents like the Bunderitsa slope. Borovets has an entertaining range for intermediate piste with winding tree-lined runs in Yastrebetz and shorter speedy slopes in the Markoudjik area.
Best Bulgarian Ski Resorts for Advanced Skiers
Bulgaria’s ski resorts are best suited for beginners and intermediates but there is still some fun to be had for experts. The black slopes of The Tomba, Tomba's Sleeve and Chalin Valog in Bansko combine a fun challenge with magnificent views. In Borovets, experts can enjoy cruising through the fresh powder in the Markoudjik area or get some thrills from the steep, sharp Fonfon slope. For advanced skiers looking for exhilarating slopes at cheap prices, Italy is a fantastic alternative.
Best Off-Piste Skiing in Bulgaria
The high altitudes of Bansko and Borovets supply fluffy powder for fantastic off-piste skiing and it’s not uncommon to get this awesome freeride terrain all to yourself. Hire a guide in Borovets to explore the powder fields and steep descents of Pirin National Park. In Borovets, you can carve fresh tracks through the trees or head to the Mussala Ridge with a guide for deep powder bowls and challenging couloirs. Just like ski school, a ski guide is massively cheaper here and well worth of for both safety and knowing the secret spots.
Best Snowboarding in Bulgaria
With lots of fun parks and reassuringly few pesky T-bars, Bulgaria is a snowboarder’s paradise. In Bansko, freestylers can hone their skills on the famous Snow Park that was built for the 2006 Burton AM tour and the wide slopes are ideal for cruisy carving. The fun-park in Pamporovo is kitted out with kickers, tabletops, pipes, king rails, and plenty more to keep boarders busy. Borovets also has an awesome Snow-park with a halfpipe, super jumps and rollers plus there’s plenty of powder up in the Markoudjik area for fans of truly scenic freeriding.
Pettiest Bulgarian Ski Resorts
For truly spellbinding surroundings head to Bansko. This charming medieval old-town is nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountain in a UNESCO World Heritage site and has managed to retain a rustic, traditional feel. There’s plenty here that will have you reaching for a camera, from the majestic views of the mighty Todorka peak to the intricate wood carvings on the Virgin Mary Church in the village centre which date back to the 6th Century.
Best Ski Holidays in Bulgaria on a Budget
Bulgaria is the home of incredible budget-friendly skiing, with both Borovets and Bansko appearing in the top ten cheapest resorts in Europe year after year. A 6 day lift pass plus a week’s worth of kit hire, lessons, drinks and lunch on the slopes of Borovets is estimated to come to as little as £553.98 and Bansko won’t be much dearer costing around £641.62. For the best priced packages and offers take a look in our ski deals and save extra pennies on your next trip.
Hotels take centre stage in Bulgaria with a fantastic range to choose from. There’s traditional and modern, basic and lavish, half-board and all inclusive plus everything in between. Best of all, you can enjoy a relaxing hotel experience in Bulgaria without breaking the bank.
There isn’t an abundance of the classic style ski chalet but if this is what you are hankering for we can help you find the best alternative. There’s log cabins and timber-framed villas which give this traditional mountain escape feel as well as a few houses which have been transformed into self-catering homes by independent suppliers.
A very popular option among clients on the tightest budgets, staying in an apartment offers a homely sole-occupancy feeling and it can also be the cheapest option. They come with a kitchen for self-catering but with so many options for affordable and delicious eating out, you may find you never bother to use it!
Biggest Ski Areas in Bulgaria
The resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are also Bulgaria’s biggest ski areas. Whilst they all offer stunning natural scenery and a welcoming atmosphere, these ski areas each have a unique appeal.
Whilst these ski areas aren’t as vast as some of those in France and Switzerland, their smaller size shouldn’t be a turn off. Being more compact makes Bulgaria an inviting destination for beginners and easier for groups to find each other and meet up throughout the day. If your group has wildly differing budgets, skiing in Bulgaria can often ensure the whole gang can afford to go.
With 70km of piste, Bansko is the biggest ski area in Bulgaria. It’s also home to the country's longest run, the 16km long descent from Todorka peak. Located in the high altitude Pirin Mountains, this ski area is also one of Bulgaria’s most snow sure. View Bansko ski holidays.
Not far behind Bansko in size, Borovets is the proud home of 60km of slopes. It’s made up of three main zones Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets, and Markudjik which offer visitors a fantastic range of slope. View Borovets ski holidays.
Slightly smaller with 37km of piste, Pamporovo suits short breaks and attracts beginners with its sunny climes and relaxed atmosphere. Set in the scenic Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo’s gentle slopes make this ski area ideal for beginners. View Pamporovo ski holidays.
BEST TIME TO GO ON SKI HOLIDAY TO Bulgaria
Ski Conditions & Snow Record
The main ski season in Bulgaria runs from mid-December to the start of April and you can experience some great snow conditions in this period. Both Bansko and Borovets have lifts going above 2,500m and even Pamporovo is a relatively high altitude resort reaching 1,926m. All three destinations also benefit from north-facing slopes meaning the snow stays in better condition even on sunny days. To get a good idea of snow conditions for a particular time of year, check out Bulgaria’s Snow Report. If you’ve booked your holiday and your trip is coming up, you might like to have a look at Bulgaria’s Snow Forecast to see what snowfall is in store.
Bulgaria Ski Deals & Last Minute Holidays
Bulgaria is already one of the cheapest European ski destinations and with our range of Bulgaria ski deals you can save even more on your trip. We have offers to help you save on ski hire and lift passes as well as whopping discounts on convenient package holidays.
Since Bulgaria is less renowned than some of the bigger named destinations, a brilliant holiday can often be found even at the last minute. Discover our selection of last minute Bulgarian ski holidays and be cruising through snow-capped trees before you can say kakva sdelka (what a bargain)!
Bulgaria ski resorts FAQ:
You can ski Bulgaria from the middle of December. Much like its European counterparts, the start of the season can be patchy, so skiing closer to Christmas or beyond will increase the reliability of snow conditions.
Bulgaria has 3 main places to ski:
- Bansko - The largest of the ski areas with about 75km of piste and a well-rated ski school. The town is sizable and has several high standard hotels for a touch of luxury.
- Borovets - Tree-lined slopes and approx. 58km of piste are a playground for beginners and developing skiers. Borovets is lively too; it is famous for its nightlife - without breaking the bank.
- Pamporovo: Smaller (about 36km of piste) and quieter than the others. Better suited to those without ski experience and those not looking for lively apres.
Bansko has been voted the 'Best ski resort in Bulgaria' at the World Ski awards every year since 2013.
Bulgaria is really accessible for beginners as it lacks the sheer vertical drop you get in France, Austria and other European resorts. Each of the main resorts has its own draw for beginners:
For early season, consider one of the 2 larger resorts - Bansko or Borovets. Snow conditions improve in the latter half of December, and in Bansko, there are good snowmaking facilities.
Throughout January you will get consistent conditions, so it's a great time to go for a larger resort with more terrain to discover, like Bansko. Historic snow depth is about 68cm at the summit through the month of January in Bansko.
Snow conditions will typically be great in February. If you're travelling in a high traffic week (like the UK half term) then the larger resorts of Bansko and Borovets have newer, higher capacity lift systems (don't expect French or Austrian efficiency though)
March, particularly later in the month, tends to be the swansong for Bulgarian skiing. The resorts don't have the high altitude you find in the larger European resorts, nor the glaciers. With that in mind, Bansko with it's near 80% snowmaking coverage is the best bet. Failing that Borovets also has 60% snowmaking coverage and the resort itself is higher (1350m elevation to Banskos 925m elevation).
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