The Wordrobe delves into three of Bulgaria’s best ski resorts, highlighting what makes them great choices for your next ski trip
If you’ve never considered Bulgaria as a holiday destination before, it’s worth taking a closer look. Tourism from the UK to this Balkan nation is on the rise, and it might be of particular interest to skiing enthusiasts.
Bulgaria is home to some stunning mountain ranges which also offer excellent modern ski facilities, making it a fantastic alternative to some of the more traditional Alpine resorts. Below, we’ll look at three of the country’s best ski resorts, highlighting what makes them great choices for your next ski trip.
Bansko
Bansko is widely regarded as Bulgaria’s premier ski resort, consistently named the best in the country. Nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko skiing is best suited to beginner or intermediate skiers, with 75 km of groomed runs suitable for all experience levels.
The resort boasts top-notch infrastructure, with advanced snowmaking technology that ensures reliable coverage throughout the season and a modern lift system.
Away from the slopes, Bansko boasts a vibrant après-ski scene. The town is dotted with traditional mehanas (taverns), where you can enjoy Bulgarian cuisine and local wines, while there’s a healthy selection of bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment.
Borovets
Bulgaria’s oldest and second-largest ski resort is an ideal destination for beginners and experienced skiers alike, and it’s also a breeze for travel as it’s only a 90-minute transfer from the capital city of Sofia.
The picturesque Rila Mountains play host to a wide variety of slopes, including challenging black runs and off-piste areas that’ll do the trick for advanced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Borovets’ après-ski scene is lively, with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can unwind after a day on the slopes, but it’s also a great place to discover a range of non-ski activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides. Then, when the sun goes down, you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene, with the local clubs and bars offering live music, DJ sets, and themed parties.
Pamporovo
This resort in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains is renowned for its sunny weather and gentle slopes, making it an excellent choice for families and novice skiers. Its 37 km of slopes have a focus on beginner and intermediate runs but also include some more difficult pistes for advanced skiers, including its most fearsome challenge, known only as The Wall.
Pamporovo is well-equipped with the modern ski lifts and amenities you’d expect from a top-tier resort, and it’s home to a full 15 ski schools, so it’s a great place to learn or improve your skills. The requisite array of bars, restaurants, and discos means you’ll be covered no matter your après-ski tastes, too.
