Ski touring in Bulgaria offers a unique blend of comfort, efficiency, and enjoyment. Thanks to well-developed ski resorts and cable car infrastructure, many ascents begin high up in the mountains—saving energy and maximizing downhill time. These lifts take us close to the ridgelines, turning most days into freeride-oriented adventures with less uphill effort and more focus on the descent.
Accommodation is based in cozy valley hotels that provide all modern comforts, including wellness facilities such as pools and saunas, perfect for post-ski relaxation and recovery. The terrain allows for a combination of backcountry skiing and piste descents in the lower sections, making this a perfect trip for those who enjoy powder turns without extreme physical demands. After skiing, enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere, excellent food, and plenty of time to unwind.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Bulgaria offers a unique and surprisingly undiscovered playground for ski touring. Expect breathtaking alpine scenery, generous snow coverage, and a relaxed rhythm far from the crowds of the Alps. The Rila and Pirin mountain ranges are home to dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and ideal ski touring terrain, with the added benefit of cable cars that lift us to over 2,000 meters—saving energy and maximizing the downhill.
This tour combines high-quality skiing with cultural highlights. From the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery to charming mountain towns like Bansko, you’ll encounter both natural and architectural beauty. Accommodations are based in comfortable valley hotels, offering access to wellness facilities and great local cuisine—perfect for unwinding after a day on the snow.
Since ski touring is still not widely practiced in Bulgaria, we’ll often have the slopes to ourselves. In fact, snowmobiles are a more common sight in the national parks than fellow ski tourers. The terrain is flexible, with summit and descent options on all aspects, meaning we can adapt our plans based on weather and snow conditions. While Musala (2,925 m) and Vihren (2,914 m) are key highlights, our guides will also lead you to lesser-known but equally rewarding peaks—ensuring a memorable, varied, and uncrowded ski touring experience.
Meet your guide at Sofia Airport and transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1,200 m), nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. Accommodation in a comfortable hotel for two nights.
After a short drive to 1,730 m, begin your ski touring ascent to the summit of Mount Malyovitsa, passing Malyovitsa Hut and Dears Lake. Enjoy a scenic descent along the valley back to the starting point.
Duration: ~7 hours | Elevation: +1,000 m / -1,000 m
From Borovets ski resort, take the Yastrebets gondola to 2,360 m and begin the climb to Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans. Ski descent all the way to Borovets (1,300 m). Afterwards, transfer to Panichishte (1,400 m), with a relaxing stop at the thermal pools in Sapareva Banya.
Duration: 4–5 hours | Elevation: +600 m / -1,600 m
Take the chair lift to Rila Lakes Hut, located beneath the iconic Seven Rila Lakes. Ascend to the main ridge, ski near the lakes, and descend through forests back to the valley. Overnight again in Panichishte.
Duration: ~6 hours | Elevation: +400 m / -1,000 m
Transfer to Bansko, Bulgaria’s most developed ski resort. Take the lifts to 2,550 m, ascend the ridge of Mount Todorka, then ski down through the Bunderitsa Valley all the way to town.
Duration: ~3 hours | Elevation: +200 m / -1,800 m
A short transfer takes you to the Bezbog chairlift, which brings us to 2,240 m. From here, ascend to Mount Polezan, one of the highest peaks in the Pirin Mountains, followed by a long ski descent through Damyanitsa Valley back to the Bansko area.
Duration: ~6 hours | Elevation: +610 m / -1,900 m
Early start for the ascent of Mount Vihren, the highest peak in the Pirin range. Accessed from the Bansko ski area, this is a demanding but rewarding final tour. Return to Bansko for your last night.
Morning transfer (approx. 2.5 hours) to Sofia Airport. Depending on flight time, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the capital. End of program.
