Ski Touring in Bulgaria
Ski through Bulgaria's staggering Rila and Pirin Mountains on this 8-day guided adventure
Guided
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.
Browse all ski touring tours on 10Adventures, or see more Self-Guided Europe tours.
Trip highlights
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Rila
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Malyovitsa
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 594 m of ascent, 959 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Malyovitsa
- Distance:
- 6.5 hours, 557 m of ascent, 1,506 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hut near Rila
- Distance:
- 6.5 hours, 934 m of ascent, 1,334 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Bansko
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hut near Pirin
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 261 m of ascent, 956 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Bansko
- Distance:
- 7 hours, 817 m of ascent, 965 m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Opt to spend your last morning exploring the slopes of Bansko before travelling 2.5 hours back to Sofia airport for departure.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!
Inclusions
Included
- 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 for 6 nights along the tour are included.
- Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour.
- 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’
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Travellers love 10Adventures
View all
FAQ
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.
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.
All guides are UIMLA certified mountain leaders.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included, you can also add lunches to your tour package during the booking process.
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.
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.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends in Sofia Airport.
Your group can be up to 18 people.
Yes! Please refer to ‘Optional Extras’ for more details. Please make sure to let us know in advance to guarantee availability.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to travel to Bulgaria for this ski touring trip is from mid-January to mid-April.
Why book Ski Touring in Bulgaria with 10 Adventures?
Custom Guided Trips
Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!