Backcountry Skiing in Bulgaria: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

While Bulgaria is not yet a household name for backcountry skiing, it certainly deserves to be. With plenty of mountain ranges covering the country, there are many incredible and diverse options for backcountry adventures. From single-day freeride trips to multi-day hut-to-hut expeditions, there is a lot to do for backcountry skiers of every level.

Aside from the aforementioned locations, Rila National Park is another great backcountry skiing spot. Heading to the slopes of Musala is a great way to enjoy some of Bulgaria’s most stunning scenery and get in some unparalleled backcountry runs.

Vitosha Mountain, right outside of Sofia, is another great backcountry skiing option for those visiting the city without many days to spend venturing far away. It is perfect for weekend warriors and business trips in which you have an extra day to sneak away.

Stunning scenery

Bulgaria’s mountain scenery is simply gorgeous and ski touring is a great way to see it. Snow-capped peaks jutting out over frosted evergreen forests run through a fair portion of the country. When you head into the wilderness on a pair of backcountry skis, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a postcard with incredibly beautiful winter scenery scenery as far as the eye can see.

The après ski scene

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to spend every moment of your ski holiday out on the slopes. When you’re not strapped into a pair of backcountry skis, check out Bulgaria’s incredible après ski scene. For example, Bansko has hundreds of bars, nightclubs and traditional restaurants offering local specialties (mehanas). There is no better way to spend your downtime than exploring the old cobblestoned streets of this UNESCO-protected medieval city.

Save some money

Unlike other European winter holiday hotspots, Bulgaria is incredibly cheap. Save plenty of money on everything from transport to accommodation and food to souvenirs when you visit. Guided trips range from €30 for a single day to €700 for an entire week. You won’t find as competitive prices in the Alps, Pyrenees or Scandinavia! While popular tourist spots may be a bit pricier, remote villages certainly are not.

During the winter Bulgaria is typically cold with plenty of snow. In the popular resort area of Bansko, the average winter temperature hovers around freezing with slightly higher temperatures in the spring. Throughout the whole ski season, there is plenty of snow with an average of 50 to 80 millimeters per month.

Any trip to Bulgaria likely begins with a flight into the Sofia International Airport (SOF). Many guides will opt to meet you in Sofia and provide transport to the start of the trip. Otherwise, buses connect the country and can be taken from the airport and the city center.

Bulgarian

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Lev (BGN). Euros are commonly accepted in tourist areas.

January to April