Skiing and Snowboarding in Bulgaria 2024-2025

Winter in Bulgaria is relatively mild, but the country is still among the leading ski holiday destinations in Eastern and Central Europe. The ski season's duration is about six months and the peak of it, of course, falls on the winter and New Year's holidays.

Bulgaria's Ski Season

The winter season opens in different places at different times. For example, the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko, usually starts actively welcoming guests in the third week of December. In the mountains, the first snowfall appears in November and may remain until April. You can happen to spot snow on the high peaks of Bulgarian mountains throughout summer. The ski season usually ends in April.

Top Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

Borovets (Rila Mountain), Bansko (Pirin Mountain), and Pamporovo (Rhodopes) are the three most popular resorts in Bulgaria. But you can also go skiing at the Vitosha resort. It only has a couple of ski slopes but is reachable from 30 minutes to an hour's drive from Sofia's center.

Borovets (Rila Mountain)

Borovets, one of Bulgaria's largest and most historic ski resorts, boasts over 120 years of tradition. From the expansive Rila hotel complex and charming village center, the Martinovi Baraki Express chairlift provides access to slopes catering to all levels of skiing and snowboarding. With 58 km of trails, Borovets offers a diverse range of winter sports activities, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, and leisurely winter hikes. The resort's 13 lifts ensure convenient access for all visitors.

Tickets

Daily Lift Passes start at 75 BGN for adults, 55 BGN for youth and seniors, and 45 BGN for children for a morning pass. Full-day passes are priced at 90 BGN for adults, 70 BGN for youth and seniors, and 55 BGN for children. Seasonal Lift Passes cost 1,700 BGN for adults, 1,200 BGN for children and youth, and 1,000 BGN for seniors. Weekday passes, valid from Monday to Friday and including night skiing, are priced at 1,000 BGN for adults and 600 BGN for children and youth.

Ski & Snowboard Packages vary due to duration, snowboard equipment rental, etc, and guests have a lot of options to pick from. Big Snowboard Package for two days, which includes snowboard equipment rental & snowboard lessons for two days / 2 hours per day (group), & lift pass cost 350 BGN for adults and 270 BGN for kids.

Bansko (Pirin Mountain)

Bansko is Bulgaria’s premier ski resort, recognized on the global stage for hosting world-class skiing and snowboarding competitions. As the country’s top-rated ski destination, Bansko has made a name for itself as an excellent venue for international races. On January 18 and 19, 2025, the resort will host two parallel giant slaloms in snowboarding, an event officially confirmed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Shortly after, on January 21st and 22nd, Bansko will also welcome the European Cup in the same discipline.

With 75 km of slopes and 14 lifts, Bansko caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The resort boasts a variety of runs, including scenic forest trails, extensive practice areas, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pirin Mountains and Pirin National Park.

Tickets

Pre-season sale on seasonal lift passes 2024-2025 started on October 1. The seasonal lift pass for Bansko Ski Area costs BGN 1700 for adults, BGN 1600 for students, and BGN 900 for kids, but only if you buy it by November 30, 2024.

Pamporovo (Rhodopes)

Pamporovo Ski Resort is nestled in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains and is renowned as the sunniest resort in Bulgaria. Winters here are mild, with around 120 sunny days during the season. The slopes are consistently covered with snow from December through April, ensuring an excellent skiing experience. The average temperature hovers around -3°C, offering perfect conditions for winter sports. Pamporovo has now expanded to include the Mechi Chal ski area in Chepelare and the resort is officially known as Pamporovo-Mechi Chal.

Pamporovo is also home to 15 highly regarded ski schools, which have flourished over the last decade. These schools employ professional ski and snowboard instructors, offering group and individual lessons for both novices and seasoned athletes alike.

Tickets

Ski passes are available for pre-sale until October 31, 2024. The Seasonal Lift Pass is priced from BGN 990, offering full access throughout the season. For those preferring weekday skiing, the Weekday Season Ticket is available from BGN 750.

Less-crowded Ski Destinations

Bulgaria is home to several lesser-known ski slopes that are well worth exploring. Govedartsi, Tsigov Chark, and other less popular destinations offer unique landscapes for skiing and snowboarding, often without the bustling crowds found at major resorts. For those looking to discover new spots, Uzana, Dobrinishte, Beklemeto, and Kom present fantastic alternatives for winter sports enthusiasts, each providing its own charm and peaceful atmosphere.

In recent years, tourism in Bulgaria has surged as infrastructure improvements and new lift routes continue to enhance accessibility. Artificial snow allows for increasing the duration of the ski season and improved conditions on the trails.