Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Overview
Discover the relatively unknown snowy mountain ranges coating Bulgaria on this ski touring adventure. Most avid skiers and snowboarders in Europe flock to the Alps when the weather flips to cold, but Bulgaria’s alpine ranges—Rila and Pirin—offer an outstanding tours for those that want to try something different.
Expect to encounter sheets of spotless snow as well as Bulgarian wonders such as the Seven Lakes and a variety of stunning views from a collective of summits on this guided ski tour. The warm fires and coziness of quaint family hotels and huts tucked deep in the backwoods will envelop you while the stars dot the sky every evening.
Ski Touring in Bulgaria Overview
Discover the relatively unknown snowy mountain ranges coating Bulgaria on this ski touring adventure. Most avid skiers and snowboarders in Europe flock to the Alps when the weather flips to cold, but Bulgaria’s alpine ranges—Rila and Pirin—offer an outstanding tours for those that want to try something different.
Expect to encounter sheets of spotless snow as well as Bulgarian wonders such as the Seven Lakes and a variety of stunning views from a collective of summits on this guided ski tour. The warm fires and coziness of quaint family hotels and huts tucked deep in the backwoods will envelop you while the stars dot the sky every evening.
Discover Bulgaria’s alpine ranges—Rila and Pirin—which offer an unspoiled ski touring.
Marvel at the views from atop Malyovitsa, Musala, Popova Kapa, Lopushki, Polejan, Todorka summits.
Spend your evenings in cozy, warm huts or family hotels that evoke an authentic experience that lines perfectly with your outdoor expedition.
Relax your muscles in a steaming mineral hot pool in Sapareva Banya partway through your guided ski tour.
Trip map for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Sofia to Rila
Meet up with your guide at the Sofia airport before travelling 1.5 hours to the Rila mountain range, which is home to Bulgaria’s natural masterpiece: The Seven Lakes. Relax in a hotel in Rila, nestled in the woods, and enjoy a traditional meal in the evening.
Malyovitsa Summit
Begin your day with a chairlift to Rila Lakes hut, followed by an ascent by the Seven Lakes towards the Razdela high pass. Meander along a ridge to the Malyovitsa summit. Marvel at the views before hopping on your skis and gliding the mountain range to the “Malyovitsa” ski resort, where you’ll spend the night.
Mount Musala
Let Bulgaria’s unchartered territory envelop you on Day 3. Start your day by travelling 30 minutes to Borovets ski resort before embarking on a 25-minute gondola ride to Bulgaria's highest peak: Mount Musala (2926 metres). Admire the valley of glacial lakes and ridges below. After, hop on your skis and fly down a 1500 metre descent that will take you back to Borovets. Travel back to the hotel in Malyovitsa, where you’ll consume a hearty dinner.
Popova Kapa and Lopushki Summits
The adventure begins with an ascent to the dark blue, ever-so mysterious Scary Lake. Next, you will travel to two different summits: Popova Kapa and Lopushki. Once you reach the highest point of today’s journey, Lopushki (2698 m), you will enjoy a great descent to a pick-up location. Transfer to your hotel.
Bansko
Today will have you slipping on your swimsuit rather than your ski boots. Relax your sole muscles in a hot mineral pool in Sapareva Banya before transferring 3.5 hours to Bansko, a charming ski resort tailor-made for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Feel free to go on a gentle ride when we arrive. Stay overnight in a nice hotel in the old town.
Pirin range
It’s time to explore the Pirin mountains, home to a vast collection of glacial lakes. After a brief 30-minute transfer from the ski resort to a chairlift, you will travel up to the “Bezbog” mountain hut. Meander up a little over 600 m to the Polejan summit. Soak in the landscape blanketing the land below before skiing down to the Demyanitsa hut, where you will stay for the night.
Todorka summit
Wind through a concoction of natural scenery: forest, lakes, and staggering peaks. Once you reach the highest point—2172 m—you will ski to the ever-so-popular Vihren hut, which was built between 1939-1941. After stopping here, embark on a short descent to the street and hop in a car for a short 20-minute ride back to Bansko.
Back to Sofia
Opt to spend your last morning exploring the slopes of Bansko before travelling 2.5 hours back to Sofia airport for departure.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Enjoy your own private ski tour through the Bulgarian Mountains! Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room (except for night 4 and night 6, where only dormitory accommodation is available):
- Guided Groups of 2-3: $2,175USD
- Guided Groups of 4-5: $1,425USD
- Guided Groups of 6+: $1,275USD
What’s included for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Meals
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included. You can also add 5 picnic lunches to your tour package when booking (please see the ‘optional extras’ for pricing).
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Tickets for chairlifts
- Licensed English-speaking mountain ski guide
- Taxes
Not Included
- Lunches
- Ski equipment
- Drinks during the meals
- Tickets for museums and historical monuments
- Personal expenses and tips
- Insurance
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Accommodation for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
These hand-picked accommodations will have you staying in rustic, cozy huts and hotels throughout Bulgaria's Ski Adventure. Some huts stand in a remote location, making it possible to only provide the essentials: running water, electricity, and food. Expect to stay in dormitory rooms in the huts and double bedrooms in the hotels.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Please note that single rooms are not available on nights 4 and 6.
Frequently asked questions for Ski Touring in Bulgaria
How hard is Bulgaria's Ski Adventure Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You need to be in good shape and have experience ski touring, where you ascend the mountain on your skis.
What is Ski Touring?
Ski Touring is a growing winter sport, where you ascend the mountains under your own power, and then ski down. It is more risky than traditional skiing as you are skiing down through avalanche terrain, and special care must be taken.
What type of guides lead Bulgaria's Ski Adventure Tour?
All guides are UIMLA certified mountain leaders.
Do I need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on Bulgaria's Ski Adventure Tour?
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included, you can also add lunches to your tour package during the booking process.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance. If you already have one, make sure it covers winter sports, such as ski touring.
How do I get to Sofia to start this tour?
Book a flight landing in Sofia Airport. This airport has connections with several major cities in Europe, including London, Munich, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Vienna, and others.
Is Bulgaria's Ski Adventure Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Where does Bulgaria's Ski Adventure Tour end?
The tour ends in Sofia Airport.
How big can my group be?
Your group can be up to 18 people.
Can I rent ski equipment for this tour?
Yes! Please refer to ‘Optional Extras’ for more details. Please make sure to let us know in advance to guarantee availability.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Bulgaria?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Bulgaria?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Bulgaria for this tour?
The best time to travel to Bulgaria for this ski touring trip is from mid-January to mid-April.
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