Skiing is one of the most gratifying adventure holidays you can embark on, combining the adrenaline thrills of bombing down powder slopes with the unparalleled vibe of the apres-ski. From family affairs to full-luxury chalet experiences, ski holidays really are a best-in-class option for a winter getaway whoever you are. And this winter, you might be struggling for inspiration as to your next ski destination.
Bulgaria isn’t the first destination that pops to mind when thinking about booking a holiday at all, let alone booking a skiing getaway. However, this diminutive nation is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and also with regard to ski holidays – as evidenced by the following four incredible resort destinations that thoroughly deserve your consideration.
1. Bansko: The Most Popular Bulgarian Ski Resort
First, we’ll start with one of the most popular destinations in Bulgaria for skiing – Bansko. This resort destination sits to the north of Pirin National Park, in Bulgaria’s south-west; its first impressions are of provincial chalets and sparse landscapes, within which the more you’ll find as your stay extends.
Bansko skiing is like nowhere else in Bulgaria, even if only for the relative consistency of its slopes’ snow coverage. Bansko’s routes are incredibly accessible and incredibly fun, and its après-ski scene could accurately be described as vibrant. Come here for a well-enjoyed and well-attended mountain experience that combines sociability with peerless views.
2. Borovets: Bulgaria’s Oldest and Largest Ski Resort
Though Bansko enjoys a large cache of winter visitors each year, and is always well-attended as a result, it is by no means the largest resort in Bulgaria. That accolade goes to Borovets, which is also, incidentally, Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort.
This magical destination, with its century-plus of skiing heritage, resides on the northerly edge of the Rila Mountains, benefiting from their steep and capacious slopes. There’s something for everyone here, but intermediate or advanced skiers will find the most succour on the slopes to which Borovets enables access. Borovets is also close to Sofia, Bulgaria’s stunning and storied ancient capital city, making this resort destination an especially excellent choice for weekend trips.
3. Pamporovo: The Sunniest Ski Resort
Pamporovo lies in south Bulgaria, well to the south-east of Bansko and Borovets; it is found at the foot of the Snejanka Mountain, in Smolyan Province, and is one of the best places to go for a hit of summer with your winter travails.
This is because Pamporovo is quite well-known for its sunny weather, a reputation enshrined by the naming conventions of one local hotel (“Sunny Hills”). Not only this, but Pamporovo also offers relatively easy-going slopes, making it the perfect choice for families with young children, or simply those enjoying their first ever skiing holiday.
4. Chepelare: The Hidden Gem
Last but by no means least, welcome to Chepelare – a lesser-known hidden gem ensconced (again) in the Smolyan Province, this time offering access to the Mechi Chal mountain. This is the place to go if you want to swerve the ‘riff-raff’, being a relatively undervisited resort with a great deal going for it.
The slopes are just as good, if not better, than those of more popular resorts. Given its hidden gem status, you can also take your time taking in the various landscape-borne pleasures this place has to offer.
