Ski Vacation in Pamporovo Bulgaria
The gentle ski slopes of the Rhodopi mountains, with over 120 days of sunshine in winter, state-of-the-art snow machines, world class ski school, and a thriving apres-ski party scene, are an ideal spot for beginners to learn ski. Combine the trip wtih a few days in historic Sophia or the Trigrad Karst region on the Greek border – this is an ideal family vacation destination for winters.
Trip Highlights
- Begin your trip in the capital city of Sofia, soaked in history and culture and a mecca for foodies – it’s contemporary cuisine has a unique mix of Balkan and Mediterranean influences – try the Rakia – the national drink of Bulgaria. Take a day trip to the Vitosha Mountain, just 30 minutes away, and immerse yourself in beautiful forest walks, and stunning views of the snowy Cherni Vrah Peak
- Head out to the Rhodopi mountains, only 3 hour drive from Sophia, for a week-long immersion programme in skiing – you will get the skis, poles, boots, lift tickets and training for 4 hours a day – perfect introduction to an amazing sport!
- Enjoy the numerous apres-ski parties and vibrant night-life of the town or try your hand at snowmobiling or dog-sledding
- Head south toward the Greek border, and spend time in the Trigrad region, the biggest karst region of Bulgaria, with a network of over 150 underground caves. Take a scenic drive through the Trigrad Gorge, or take a horseback ride through the country side.
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require Bulgarian Visa for visiting the country. It is NOT a part of Schengen, however, if you have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria as a tourist. US & UK passport holders do not require visa.
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 7 days for this itinerary, which will include a 4-day Ski School package, leaving you 3 days to explore other parts of the country.
Best time to visit
Snow conditions can vary each year but Ski season usually starts end November, and runs through mid-March.
ski lessons, ski experience, apre-ski parties and night life, scenic drives
Did you know
- In 1976, UNESCO declared the ancient Bulgarian calendar as the most accurate in the world
- At the Bulgarian Christmas Eve table, the dishes are an odd number and they are all vegan. Prior to Christmas, Bulgarian Christians fast for 40 days. The Christmas Eve celebration is the culmination of the fasting. 40 days prior to Easter it is also fasting time.
- On January 6th, the celebration of Saint Joan and the Epiphany, a Bulgarian custom involves a priest, throwing a cross into the freezing waters of a river or a lake. Single men (!) jump in to retrieve the cross. The man who captures the cross is believed to be rewarded with good health and happiness
- In the mountainous parts of Bulgaria near the borders with Turkey and Greece, locals still practise a ritual called nestinarstvo. Men and women enter a state of trance, then walk and dance on burning ashes
- An unexplainable communications fact about Bulgarians is that they shake they heads for yes, and nod for no
- Bulgarians are spill water in front of their houses for success. When a member of the family leaves home on a special event, the other members of the family spill water in front of the doorstep as he or she leaves. They then wish him or her that “his/her success boat floats in calm waters” (roughly translated). This is the Bulgarian equivalent of wishing someone to “break a leg”.
