Ski touring in Bulgaria, Rila and Pirin national parks

DAILY PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival in Sofia with international flight. Collection of the rental vehicle. Transfer to Samokov, in the northern part of the Rila National Park (about 60 km) and then to nearby Borovec 1350 m. Overnight in hotel or guesthouse.
Day 2
Borovec is the second largest ski resort in Bulgaria after Bansko, with excellent off-piste possibilities. With possible partial use of the lifts, there are several ski mountaineering tours of interest, with peaks at altitudes of approximately 2800 m,  that can be combined in the same day. The most attractive goal remains the classic climb to Mousala 2925 m, the highest peak in the country, with possible descent (for skilled skiers) of Devil’s couloir on the north-east side. Overnight in Borovec.
Day 3
Short transfer to Goverdatsi and then to the small ski resort of Mecha Polyana 1730m. Ascent to the Malyovitsa refuge, well known by  rock climbers in summer. Depending on the conditions, we can opt for the classic  ascent of  Malyovitsa 2729 m, a characteristic and particularly slender peak, or the Malka Malyovitsa 2698 m with optional descent of the Chimney couloir, or else the Golyam Kupen 2731 m via the steep north side. west. Overnight in Borovec.
Day 4
Short transfer to the Rilski Ezera chairlift, then with skins to the splendid 7 Lales amphitheater. Ascent to the summit of Otovitsa 2712m, with optional descent of the steep “Steve Wonder” couloir on the northeastern side of the mountain. Overnight at the 7 Lakes refuge at an altitude of 2196 m.
Day 5
Nice traverse to reach the famous Rila Monastery, located at 1146 m in the middle Rila valley. This large 10th-century building, declared a Unesco heritage site, is worth a visit without haste. In the meantime, we will have organized the transfer of the car left the day before in Rilski Ezera. Overnight in hotel or guesthouse in the valley.
Day 6
Transfer of less than 2 hours to Bansko, on the northern edge of Pirin National Park, the most important ski resort in Bulgaria, featuring an attractive old town and thermal pools. We climb Mount Todorka 2712 m, with possible approach by ski lift, then a nice descent on the north-west side to the Vihren refuge 1950 m where we spend the night.
Day 7
Ascent and descent of the splendid summit of Vihren 2914 m, second elevation in Bulgaria after Mousala, descent into the valley with return to the starting point of the day before. Overnight in hotel or guesthouse in Bansko.
Day 8
Transfer to Sofia (about 150 km), return of the rental vehicle and flight back to the country of residence.

*** VARIANTS OR EXTENSIONS ***
In relation to the snow conditions of the mountains and the access roads, and the needs of the participants, many alternative or multi-day trips can be made, in particular from Bansko:
> Monte Kutelo 2908 m, a characteristic pyramidal peak with various descent lines, including steep ones,  and Hvoinati 2690 m;
> Bezbog 2645 m and Polezhan 2851 m, in the eastern area of ​​Pirin, with ascent from Goce Delcev (partly by chairlift), and possible traverse to Dobrinishte;
> a unique spot for lovers of couloirs: west side of Strajite ridge (Bezbog – Polejan area);
> freeride days – off-piste skiing with use of the lifts, in Bansko and / or Borovec;
> Rila and Pirin raid in 6 days: Rilski Ezera – 7 Lakes refuge – Rila Monastery – Mont Tsarehureh – Bodrost – Mont Ismailitsa – Predela – Iavorov refuge – Kamenitsa 2726 m – Vihren refuge – Banderitsa 2633 m – Sandansky refuge – Golina 2633 m – Melnik

*** OTHER SKI MOUNTAINEERING PROGRAMS IN THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES ***
> Greece: ski touring in the national parks Vikos, Pindos, and Olimpos.

-> CONTACT US
to request a customized program or for ski mountaineering trips to other areas of Bulgaria, or to neighboring countries including Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Romania.