A total of around 200 kilometres of pistes await winter sports enthusiasts with a wide range of interests in Bulgaria. The ski resorts are very well developed and are the perfect location for a winter holiday with the whole family, with friends or even with your partner. Almost 90 ski lifts take guests to the starting points of the individual pistes. Bulgaria is therefore a real paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, visited by skiers, snowboarders, hikers and nature lovers every year. SnowTrex has researched and presents the 10 largest ski resorts in Bulgaria.
The 10 largest ski resorts in Bulgaria at a glance
| Ski resort | Piste kilometres | Highest point |
|---|---|---|
| Borovets | 58 km | 2.560 m |
| Bansko | 48 km | 2.560 m |
| Pamporovo | 43 km | 1.926 m |
| Vitosha-Sofia | 20 km | 2.290 m |
| Mechi Chal-Chepelare | 13 km | 1.873 m |
| Panichishte | 9 km | 2.272 m |
| Bodrost/Kartala | 5 km | 2.350 m |
| Dobrinishte | 5 km | 2.236 m |
| Malyovitsa | 4 km | 1.970 m |
| Uzana (Узана) | 3 km | 1.350 m |
Overview: All ski resorts in Bulgaria
1. Ski resort Borovets
Slopes: 58 km
Altitude: up to 2,560 m
The Borovets ski resort is the largest ski resort in the country and has plenty to offer skiers and snowboarders. A total of 58 kilometres of pistes await visitors. There are 13 lifts to the summits and the highest point of the ski area is at 2,560 metres. The Borovets ski area is made up of the Markidjik, Yastrebetz and Sitnyakovo ski areas. The Borovets ski area impresses with its modern four-seater chairlift and a spacious six-seater gondola lift.
The Borovets ski resort has been in existence for over 120 years and is a destination for numerous winter sports enthusiasts every year. There is also plenty to experience off the slopes. Among other things, it is worth taking a closer look at the charming centre of Borovets.
2. Bansko ski resort
Slopes: 48 km
Altitude: up to 2,560 m
The second largest ski resort in Bulgaria is called Bansko. It is located in the so-called Blagoevgrad Oblast. A total of 48 kilometres of slopes can be explored here on skis and snowboards. The highest point of the ski resort is a whopping 2,560 metres above sea level and there are 14 lifts available to transport guests up the mountain in comfort. The resort has been extensively renovated and refurbished in recent years and now shines in new splendour. One of the highlights of the Bansko ski resort is certainly the 6-kilometre-long eight-person gondola lift, which takes tourists to another ski resort called Bunderishka. Cross-country skiers also get their money’s worth around the ski resort, with a total of around 8 km of trails. These are partly groomed for classic and partly for skating style. There are also many great and varied winter hiking trails in the region, where you can admire the picturesque landscape and breathtaking mountain panoramas. It is therefore not surprising that the Bansko ski resort enjoys great popularity among winter sports enthusiasts even beyond the borders of Bulgaria.
3. Pamporovo ski resort
Slopes: 43 km
Altitude: up to 1,926 m
The Pamporovo ski area is very varied and has plenty to offer winter sports enthusiasts with a wide range of interests. Skiers and snowboarders have a total of 43 kilometres of pistes at their disposal for varied descents. Guests can reach the top with 13 lifts and the highest point of the ski centre is at 1,926 m. One of the things that makes a skiing holiday in the Pamporovo ski resort special is the many days of sunshine. During the ski season, Pamporovo has an average of 120 days of sunshine. This puts it in first place among the sunniest ski resorts in Eastern Europe.
The Pamporovo ski resort is well developed and there are slopes for all ages and skill levels. This means that both experienced winter sports enthusiasts and beginners get their money’s worth here. While children and beginners can learn their first turns on a total of 26 kilometres of blue and green pistes, advanced and professional skiers have the opportunity to put their skills to the test on the red and black pistes with a total length of 17 km. If there is not enough snow in the Pamporovo ski area, this is not a problem either, as around 120 snow cannons ensure the best possible piste conditions. Other highlights of the ski resort include a large half-pipe and a floodlit piste, which can also be used late at night and provides unforgettable memories for young and old alike.
4. Vitosha-Sofia ski resort
Slopes: 20 km
Altitude: 2,290 m
Winter sports enthusiasts who want to experience an unforgettable time in the snow in a very special atmosphere should take a closer look at the Vitosha – Sofia ski resort. A full 20 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes await visitors here. Winter sports enthusiasts can reach the top with 15 modern and comfortable lifts. The highest point of the Vitosha-Sofia ski area is 2,290 metres above sea level. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a unique view of the valley and the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Hiking enthusiasts are also in good hands in the region around the Vitosha-Sofia ski area, as there are numerous picturesque and beautifully laid out hiking trails waiting for them.
5. Mechi Chal-Chepelare ski area
Slopes: 13 km
Altitude: up to 1,873 m
Around 13 kilometres of varied pistes await visitors to the Mechi Chal-Chepelare ski area. There are also almost 4 km of ski routes for adventurous winter sports enthusiasts. The Mechi Chal-Chepelare ski area is known and loved not least for its perfectly groomed trails and slopes and the highest point of the ski area is at 1,873 metres.
The Mechi Chal-Chepelare ski resort is located in the so-called Smolyan oblast, which lies in the south-western part of the country. With the help of a shuttle bus, which runs regularly, guests can reach several other ski resorts in just a few minutes. In Mechi Chal-Chepelare itself, all winter sports fans get their money’s worth, regardless of age and skill level. For the youngest winter sports fans, there is also a children’s lift where they can learn winter sports in a playful way and, if desired, with professional help from the local ski instructors.
6. Panichishte ski area
Slopes: 9 km
Altitude: up to 2,272 m
The Panichishte ski resort is also a very popular ski resort in Bulgaria. It comprises a total of 9 kilometres of pistes and has the right slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. This applies to snowboarders as well as skiers and tobogganists. The ski resort is located in the Kyustendil Oblast and boasts a beautiful natural backdrop. The highest point of the resort is an impressive 2,272 metres above sea level.
All slopes can be reached quickly and easily with two lifts. There are also several picturesque hiking trails that lead through the snow-covered landscape. There is also a children’s piste with a length of around 200 metres and a 5 km cross-country ski trail. Families with children will also have a wonderful time on the toboggan run in the ski area.
7. Bodrost/Kartala ski area
Slopes: 5 km
Altitude: up to 2,350 m
In the Bodrost/Kartala ski area, all guests can enjoy a wonderful holiday in the snow. There is so much to experience on and off the slopes that there is never a dull moment. The pistes have a total length of 5 km and are perfectly prepared and groomed. This means that all the conditions are in place to spend an unforgettable time in a wonderful winter landscape.
The highest point of the resort is at 2,350 metres. From here, visitors have a fantastic view of the snow-covered surroundings. In the ski area itself, there are slopes for all ability levels to choose from, so that every winter sports enthusiast will find the right descent.
8. Dobrinishte ski resort
Slopes: 5 km
Altitude: up to 2,236 m
The Dobrinishte ski resort is located in the Bodrost/Kartala oblast and, with its 5 kilometres of pistes, is ideal for extensive winter holidays. Both snowboarders and skiers will find perfect conditions here. They can reach the top with the help of four very powerful lifts. The highest point of the ski centre is at an altitude of 2,236 m. Beginners and families with children in particular get their money’s worth in the ski area, as most of the pistes are easy to moderately difficult. The manageable size of the ski area also means that children can tackle one or two runs on their own, while parents can enjoy some time together without the risk of the little ones losing their bearings in the ski area.
The resort is only about 7 kilometres from Bansko. This is a small, quaint mountain village that often serves as a starting point for wonderful hiking tours through the nearby Pirin National Park. This all goes to show that there is much more to Dobrinishte than just skiing and snowboarding.
9. Malyovitsa ski resort
Slopes: 4 km
Altitude: up to 1,970 m
The Malyovitsa ski resort is one of the most popular winter sports resorts in Bulgaria. A total of four kilometres of pistes await visitors here at a maximum altitude of 1,970 m. As these are quite varied, all guests will find the right slopes here. This applies to professionals and beginners alike. The lifts are modern and powerful, making it easy to reach the starting points of the varied slopes.
Nature lovers who want to explore the special and unique region on foot can look forward to beautifully designed hiking trails. There are multi-faceted routes of all levels of difficulty, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque nature awaiting hikers and walkers. Families with children will also get their money’s worth here, as there is plenty on and off the piste for the youngest winter sports enthusiasts.
10. Uzana ski resort
Slopes: 3 km
Altitude: up to 1,350 m
The tenth largest ski resort in Bulgaria is the Uzana ski resort, which boasts 3 kilometres of pistes. These are perfectly groomed and are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The ski resort is located at the foot of Mount Ispolin and geographically in the centre of Bulgaria. Beginners and advanced skiers will find slopes to suit their abilities. Some of the slopes are also suitable for adventurous descents on sledges. Fun that will not only put a big grin on children’s faces.
Guests can obtain the necessary winter sports equipment from the local ski hire shop. There is also plenty to experience away from the pistes in the region around the Uzana ski resort. For example, there are some beautifully designed winter hiking trails that lead through the unique landscape. The highest point of the resort is 1,350 metres above sea level.
Bulgaria is certainly not known as the winter sports destination par excellence. Nevertheless, the country has a lot to offer winter sports enthusiasts. Modern lifts, varied pistes and charming villages make for a skiing holiday in Bulgaria that leaves nothing to be desired.
FAQ about the largest ski resorts in Bulgaria
Which is the largest ski resort in Bulgaria?
The largest ski resort in Bulgaria is the Borovets ski resort, which has 58 kilometres of pistes at altitudes of up to 2,560 metres.
How many ski resorts are there in Bulgaria with more than 15 kilometres of slopes?
There are a total of four ski resorts in Bulgaria with more than 15 kilometres of pistes. These are the ski resorts of Borovets (58 km), Bansko (48 km), Pamporovo (43 km) and the Vitosha-Sofia ski resort (20 km). All the resorts listed are very varied and have a lot to offer their visitors.
Which ski resort in Bulgaria has the highest altitude?
First place for the highest ski resort in Bulgaria is shared by 2 ski resorts. The Borovets ski resort and the Bansko ski resort are both located at altitudes of up to 2,560 metres.
Which ski resort in Bulgaria has the greatest difference in altitude?
The Bulgarian ski resort with the greatest difference in altitude is the Bansko ski resort, which is located in the Blagoevgrad Oblast. The lowest point of the area is at 990 metres and the highest at 2,560 metres. The difference in altitude is therefore 1,570 metres.
Which ski resort in Bulgaria has the most lifts?
The ski resort in Bulgaria with the most lifts is the Vitosha – Sofia ski resort. A total of 15 lifts are available here, taking guests quickly up to altitudes of 2,290 metres.
