Ski Tour in Rila and Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria

Join us on an exhilarating 7-day ski tour through the breathtaking Rila and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, guided by an experienced UIMLA-certified ski instructor. Prepare to be captivated by stunning alpine vistas, powdery snow-covered slopes, and cozy mountain chalets as you traverse these enchanting landscapes.

Private

7 Days

Feb - May

High

Intermediate

Description

The Rila mountains and the Pirin mountains in Bulgaria are both incredible, beautiful mountain ranges. It is a treat to visit and explore just one of them. However, on this 7 day adventure, you will have the opportunity to explore both of them!

Also, because this is a ski touring trip, you will get to enjoy the trill of skiing on descents from the tops of some truly fantastic peaks. Those mountains include Mount Malyovitsa (2,729m), Mount Musala (2,925m), Mount Todorka (2,746m) and Mount Polezan (2,851m).

Each mountain range has a long list of unique highlights. And because there is so much to see and do, the days will be long. Some days will see us skiing for nearly 7 hours. Thus the need for participants to be in good physical condition. And while the terrain is accessible, there can be some challenging spots, especially in the peaks. So participants should also have some previous ski touring experience.

Just a few of the highlights you will get to enjoy on this trip include:

The village of Govedartsi
The Rila seven lakes
Borovets ski resort
Bunderitsa valley
Bansko ski resort
Bezbog hut
Sofia
Pirin national park

There is an abundance more of great things to see during this amazing ski touring week. And while it will be tiring, we have no doubt that in the evenings, when you are relaxing and resting in one of the wonderful hotels where we will be staying, you will be more than satisfied.

So if you would like to spend a week enjoying and exploring the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges of Bulgaria, just send us a request. It would be our pleasure to guide you on this week long ski tour.

If you are looking for a shorter trip, we also offer a 1 day free ride skiing trip in the resort town of Bansko.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Lifts tickets

Price details

The price includes transfers to and from Sofia, along with accommodation, half board, and lift tickets. Participants should have appropriate safety equipment such as probes, shovel and beacon, as well as proper skiing equipment that includes touring skis, ski touring bindings, with ski/walk mode and brakes or straps, climbing skins, ski crampons, poles, and ski boots. All of this equipment is available for rent in Sofia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Govedartsi (1,200m)

Participants will transfer from the Sofia airport to the village of Govedartsi, at the Rila mountains, where we will spend the night in a local hotel.

Day 2: Mount Malyovitsa (2,729m)

Today, we will spend approximately 7 hours scaling Mount Malyovitsa before returning to the hotel at Govedartsi for the night.

Day 3: Borovets ski resort and Mount Musala (2,925m)

Today we will transfer to the Borovets ski resort, where we will take a gondola ride to an altitude of 2,360 metres. After that we will ascend Mount Musala and ski back down to Borvets, before transferring to Panichishte, where will spend a night in a local hotel.

Day 4: Rila seven lakes

Today we will take a lift to the Rila Lakes hut, and from there, we will ski around the beautiful seven lakes area before returning to Panichishte, where we will spend the night in the same hotel.

Day 5: Bansko and Mount Todorka (2,746m)

Today we will take a 2 hour transfer to the resort area of Bansko. From there we will take a ski lift to an altitude of 2,550 metres before scaling Mount Todorka before skiing back down to Bansko, where we will spend a night in a local hotel.

Day 6: Mount Polezan (2,851m)

Today we will take a 30 minute transfer to the Bezbog chair lift. From there we will take the lift to the Bezbog hut, and proceed up Mount Polezan before skiing back down to Bansko, where we will spend the night in the same hotel as the previous evening.

Day 7: Sofia

Today we will take a 2.5 hour transfer back to Sofia, where you can spend time exploring the city, depending on when your flight departs.

Details

More info

Participants should bring the following items with them: rucksack (35-45L), water and windproof jacket and pants, rain cover, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves, water bottle (1.5L), travel liner (optional), torch, personal first aid kit.

Meeting point

Sofia

FAQs

What is the difficulty level of this Ski Tour in Bulgaria?

This ski tour expedition is for experienced skiers who are in good physical condition. Some days involve skiing for up to 7 hours, and there can be some challenging spots, especially in the peaks.

What kind of ski touring experience do I need?

You should have some previous ski touring experience before traversing to the Rila and Pirin mountains. This means that you should be comfortable skiing in all types of snow conditions, including powder, and you should be able to use ski touring equipment safely and efficiently.

What is included in the trip?

The trip includes all accommodations, meals, transportation, and ski touring guide services in the Rila and Pirin mountains.

What is not included in the trip?

The trip does not include airfare, travel insurance, or personal expenses.

What time of year is the best for ski touring in the Rila and Pirin mountains?

The best time for ski touring in the Rila and Pirin mountains is from December to April. However, the exact conditions can vary depending on the year.

What kind of weather can I expect on the Rila and Pirin mountains?

The weather in the Rila and Pirin mountains can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of conditions. Be sure to pack layers of clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen.

What kind of accommodations will we be staying in?

We will be staying in a variety of accommodations in Bulgaria, including hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts.

Do you offer shorter trips in Bulgaria?

Yes, I also offer a 1-day free ride skiing trip in the resort town of Bansko.

Will I be able to rent equipment?

You will be provided with a list of recommended ski touring equipment, which you can rent if needed.

About the guide

Top

4.7

(27)

Tour Operator

Top Guides is an adventure travel company founded by three UIMLA-certified mountain guides Lyuben Grancharov, Dimiter Samounev, Alexander Serafimov. In 2016 we started as an association between certified local mountain guides united by the idea to ease and enrich the travelers’ outdoor experiences in Bulgaria.

Nowadays we are a leading tour operator specialized in authentic and tailored active tours throughout Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Turkey and Georgia.

We offer a wide-range of activities: hiking, trekking, rock climbing and mountain biking, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ski touring and off-piste skiing.

All our guides are certified, experienced and passionate about their job and will guide you with a smile and care through the wild beauty of the Bulgarian and the Balkan mountains.

Languages

Russian | English | Bulgarian

Certificates

UIMLA

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