Freeride Week in the Bulgarian Backcountry (Ski-Touring in Rila and Pirin Mountains)

There is hardly a more exciting way to enjoy the winter outdoors than touring and skiing slopes covered with untouched snow. We offer you a tour with 6 days of winter adventures, that is going to reveal you the best freeride terrain Bulgaria has offer. Being one of the steepest and vastest mountain ranges of the country, Rila and Pirin mountains offer endless possibilities for ski descents that you will remember for a lifetime !

Day 1: Arrival and overnight in Sofia

Day 2: Touring and skiing in the Malyovitsa valley
An early 2 hour transfer takes us to the Malyovitsa valley, often defined as the cradle of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering, where we start the touring for the day and ski some of the many slopes the place has to offer. A late transfer takes us to a nearby Govedartsi village for overnight in local family hotel.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +1000m/-1000m

Day 3: Touring and skiing in the area of Borovets
Today we head to the nearby resort Borovets, where a gondola ride takes us to the heart of the resort area (2300m), from where we head to peak Musala (the highest in Bulgaria, 2925 m), and ski some of the slopes descending back to the resort area. Overnight at Govedartsi.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +600m/-1600m

Day 4: Touring and skiing in the area of the Seven Rila Lakes
Early transfer (2 hours) takes us to the area of Seven Rila Lakes, where a lift ride takes us deep into the mountain from where we ski back to the starting point of the day. A transfer takes us to Bansko, the biggest winter resort of Bulgaria, located at the footsteps of Pirin mountain, where we stay for overnight.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +400m/-965m

Day 5: Touring and skiing in the area of the Bezbog
Early transfer a lift ride takes us to the area of Bezbog from where we head to one of the most scenic regions of the mountain – the Valley of Tevno Lake. Depending on the conditions we stay for overnight in a shelter located in the middle of the valley or in a nearby hut.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +800m/-700m

Day 6: Touring and skiing in the area of the Tevno Ezero
Today we ski some of the many slopes in the region and head towards Vihren hut, lying at the bottom of the highest peaks of the mountain where we stay for overnight.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +1000m/-1000m

Day 7: Touring and skiing in the area of Vihren
Depending on the conditions we climb and ski down some the peaks in the region, returning to Bansko through the resort area. Overnight at a hotel in Bansko.
Approx elevation gain/descent for the day +1000m/-1900m

Day 8: Transfer to Sofia and departure

Price Includes: ► airport transfers on arrival and departure days as set by the itinerary (Day 1 and Day 8) ► accommodation on halfboard basis (breakfast and dinner): 6 nights in a family-run hotels (rooms with private facilities), and 1 night in a mountain hut (day 5) ► certified english-speaking guide ► all transfers and lift rides included in the program ► VAT and all local taxes.

Not Included: ►ski/backcountry touring equipment (rental possibilities available on request) ►flight tickets ►map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►tips ►drinks and meals outside the program ►personal expenses ►insurance ►airport transfers outside the tour itinerary

Other expences: ►single room supplement: 90 EURO ► airport transfers outside the tour itinerary: 15 EUR per transfer for vehicle 1-3 pax / 25 EUR for vehicle 4-7 pax
We recommend the trip in the period: January - March

Guide info:
Nikolay Pavlov is a mountain guide with a vast experience in the Bulgarian mountains as well as the European Alps and the Himalayas. Besides his guiding activities, Nikolay is also among the splitboarding pioneers in Bulgaria, being the first and only Bulgarian guide specifically certified for splitboard guiding. Whether with touring skis or a splitboard, Nikolay is always passionate for sharing his time in the mountain with other adventure seeking people.

Nikolay holds a Ski Instructor qualification Class C, as well as a Professional Mountain Guide UIMLA qualification. Tours and teaching classes could be tailored upon request, according to the needs of the clients.
 

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