SNOWSHOEING ADVENTURE IN BULGARIAN MOUNTAINS

As a country with a continental type of winter and average of 2-3 meter snow cover in the ranges, Bulgaria is emerging as great destination for all type of winter mountain activities. Rila and Pirin – the highest ranges in the country, offers some amazing walks and views to its alpine sceneries, pointed peaks with average altitude over 2500 m. and green valleys. Winter is maybe the best season for mountaineering. The alpine ranges of Rila and Pirin offer the best opportunities for an unique ski adventure of bright sun, sparkling white snow, green pine forests and blue skies. All that, combined with the warm evenings by the fireplace in some small family hotels and huts, hidden in the mountain woods, turns it into a great experience.

Day 1. Arriving at Sofia airport and meeting with the group guide. Transfer (1.30 h.) to the Rila mountain range and the region of the Seven Lakes. A chairlift will take us to the “Rila Lakes” hut, at an altitude of 2100 m. above sea level, where we will have our overnight. Dinner in the hut.

Day 2. Start – 2100 m.; Highest point - 2729 m.; Finish – 1960 m.; Time – 7 h.
Breakfast. Today we will ascent through the Seven Lakes to the “Razdela” high pass and then follow the main ridge to the famous Malyovitsa summit – the symbol of alpinism in Bulgaria. Some amazing views are in store for us. Next we will ski down from the summit to the “Malyovitsa” hut at 1960 m. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

Day 3. Highest point – 2704 m.; Finish – 1670 m. Time – 6 h.
Breakfast. We will start with an ascent to the famous “Scary lake”, from where we will admire the most alpine part of Rila mountains. Our way will lead us to the Popova Kapa (2704 m.) and Lopushki (2698 m.) summits, from where we will ski down straight to the “Mechit” mountain hut, situated deep in the pine forests. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

Day 4. Start – 1670 m.; Highest point – 1670 m.; Finish – 1120 m. Time – 1 h.
Breakfast. Today we will start on the ski down from “Mechit” hut to the Govedartsi village, where our transport will be waiting for us. Next is a transfer (3.30 h.) to Bulgaria’s most popular winter ski resort – Bansko. Chance for some skiing in the Bansko ski area (optional). Accommodation in a nice family hotel in the old town. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5. Start – 2230 m.; Highest point – 2851 m.; Finish – 1895 m. Time – 7 h.
Breakfast. It is time to visit the Pirin range. Short early transfer (30 min.) from Bansko to a nearby chairlift, which will take us to “Bezbog” mountain hut at 2230 m. From here we will start or ski tour – ascent to Polejan summit at 2851 m. Some of the best views to winter Pirin range can be enjoyed from here. Next is almost a kilometre long ski descent down to “Demyanitsa” hut, where we will accommodate. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6. Start – 1895 m.; Highest point – 2712 m.; Finish – 1745 m. Time – 7 h.
Breakfast. Today we will ascent to the Todorka summit. The route takes us through the beautiful terrain of forests, lakes and rocky pointed peaks. From the 2712 m. high summit we will ski down to the popular Vihren hut. Next is a short ski descent to the road, from where by a short transfer (20 min.) we will return to Bansko. Same accommodation like in day 4. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7. Breakfast. Chance for some skiing in the Bansko ski area (optional). Transfer (2.30 h.) to the capital city Sofia. Departure from Sofia airport.

Price includes:

All the accommodations, mentioned in the program
All the dinners, mentioned in the program
All the breakfasts, mentioned in the program
The tickets for chairlifts
All the transportations
The instant assistance of a licensed, english speaking mountain guide

Price does not Include:

All the drinks, during dinners
All the lunches
All specialized equipment, needed for this tour
Tickets for museums and historical monuments
Tips and personal expenses

Minimum/maximum participants: 4 to 18

Tour difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: People with good “off the track” ski experience in good shape;