5 minute read
Ski Bulgaria
By Tess De Klerk
In recent years, Bulgaria has garnered a reputation for cheap alcohol and cheap stag-dos but this ancient land has much more to offer visitors. Bulgaria bridged the east to west trade routes for centuries and its complicated past presents a fascinating history; from UNESCO protected caves to striking Soviet architecture and everything in between but it is her majestic mountains that I’ve appreciated most. For many people, skiing in Europe means the Alps but Bulgaria, as a ski destination, should certainly not be overlooked. Roughly 30% of Bulgarian land territory is made up of mountain ranges and with its southerly location the winter days extend several hours of sunlight. Skiers are therefore able to enjoy longer hours of skiing compared to more northerly European countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. It is also rapidly gaining popularity as a budget-friendly alternative to winter sports destinations such as France, Switzerland or Austria and although not as polished as its five-star counterparts it does offer plenty of mountain charm. Expect a combination of tradition and modernity with quaint mountain villages, rustic taverns serving hearty food as well as modern skiing facilities and plenty of clubs and bars where apres-ski will cost you around half of what it would in the Alps.
WHERE TO SKI IN BG?
Bulgaria has over 20 ski resorts but only a hand full are geared for tourists. Here we take a look at the top three which are all ideal for beginners and intermediates as they have great value ski schools combined with a selection of easy nursery slopes and exciting improver runs. You’ll be spoilt for choice with accommodation ranging from eco cabins to four-star spa hotels fed by their own mineral springs.
BOROVETS
Roughly 70km south of the capital Sofia lies Borovets, Bulgaria’s longest-established and liveliest winter sports resort. Set in an expansive pine forest in an area that was once royal hunting grounds reserved for the Bulgarian kings, now forming part of the largely unspoilt Rila National Park. The scenery is breathtaking, easily comparable to the Alps, but be prepared for raucous groups of students as it is the most ‘commercial’ of the resorts and has a cheap and cheerful vibe.
SLOPES: 58 km (blue: 24 km red: 29 km black: 5 km) ELEVATION: 1300 m- 2560 m SKI LIFTS: 13 NIGHT SKIING: Yes Snowcats available
AVERAGE CHARGES ACROSS THE RESORTS
n Five-day lift pass + equipment hire:
Adults - £170. Kids - £100 n Two-day tuition for 2 adults (ski or snowboard): £104 n Seven nights inc breakfast at a three-star hotel: from £229 for a double room. n Seven nights inc breakfast at a 5 star hotel an average cost of £1100 per double room. n A hearty meal plus a glass of wine at the local mexanas cost around £12.
PAMPOROVO
Pamporovo is the most laid-back and sunniest of the resorts. It is said to have 120 days of sunshine during the ski season. Gentle weather and soft, curvy slopes nestle in the fairytale-like Rhodope mountain, 70km from Plovdiv airport. The attractive, sheltered forested setting, non-extreme mid-winter temperatures, and child-friendly purpose-built facilities mean that Pamporovo is widely regarded as Bulgaria’s best ski resort for families, improving novices and early intermediates. You’re less likely to find stag dos and the like here and the mexanas (traditional taverns) serve excellent food and homemade wines.
SLOPES: 29.6 km (blue:17.6 km red: 6.5 km black: 5.5 km) ELEVATION: 1620 m - 1926 m SKI LIFTS: 13 NIGHT SKIING: No
BANSKO
Bansko is a favourite of free riding, off-piste skiers because it has the steepest and most dangerous slopes in Bulgaria. It also offers the most ski terrain (over 75km) of the three resorts and features on the World Ski Circuit. Plenty of great ski schools and beginners and nursery runs to learn on. It is located in the scenic Pirin Mountain, 160km from Sofia, and is the biggest and most up-to-date ski resort in Bulgaria. Bansko is a sizeable town, of around 10,000 inhabitants, which can trace the roots of its community as far back as the 10th century, and the traditional stone-built dwellings and historic inns huddled at the heart of its old town retain this proud heritage alongside the continuing development of Bansko into a modern, year-round mountain resort. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town is a nice cultural diversion from skiing and the town offers a buzzing nightlife with a large selection of bars and restaurants.
SLOPES: 48.2 km (blue: 20 km red: 24.5 km black: 3.7 km) SKI ROUTES: 8.1 km ELEVATION: 990 m - 2560 m SKI LIFTS: 14 NIGHT SKIING: Yes
HOW TO GET THERE
Ryanair, EasyJet and Bulgaria Air fly directly from Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow to Sofia and Plovdiv. Flights take around three hours and start from £35 return during ski season (Jan - April)
SO, SHALL I BOOK?
Bulgaria is a great choice for those wanting to learn to ski or snowboard and also for mixed-ability groups looking to ski together but if you’re an expert skier needing ample adrenaline-fuelled black runs then you might be disappointed. The Bulgarian mountains are breathtaking and it is a destination where you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck but if you are a luxury-lover looking for designer shops and Michelin-starred restaurants, then you might be better off sticking to the Alps.
