Bulgaria
Bulgaria has many popular and picturesque skiing resorts.
Bulgaria is bordered by Romania, Serbia, Republic of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey.
Bulgaria is an excellent location for those skiing for the first time or for those who want to try something a little different.
Bulgaria is also an excellent location for those who do not wish to ski but just wish to enjoy the tranquil scenery and experience the well preserved historical and cultural heritage.
Geography of Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a diverse landscape ranging from the Alpine snow-capped peaks in Rila, Pirin and the Balkan Mountains to the mild and sunny Black Sea coast. from the typically continental Danubian Plain (ancient Moesia) in the north to the strong Mediterranean climatic influence in the valleys of Macedonia and in the lowlands in the southernmost parts of Thrace.
The mountainous southwest of the country has two alpine ranges, Rila and Pirin. Further east stands the lower but more extensive Rhodope Mountains. The Rila range includes the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, Musala, at 2,925 metres (9,596 ft), the long range of the Balkan mountains runs west-east through the middle of the country, north of the famous Rose Valley. Hilly country and plains lie to the southeast, along the Black Sea coast, and along Bulgaria's main river, the Danube, to the north. Strandzha is the tallest mountain in the southeast. Few mountains and hills exist in the northeast region of Dobrudzha.
Ski Season in Bulgaria
The skiing season in Bulgaria is from around mid December to mid April although in Bansko it can run as late as May.
Bulgaria has an unusually variable and complex climate. The country lies between the strongly contrasting continental and Mediterranean climatic zones.
Bulgarian mountains and valleys act as barriers or channels for air masses, causing sharp contrasts in weather over relatively short distances. The continental zone is predominant, because continental air masses flow easily into the unobstructed Danubian Plain.
The continental influence, stronger during the winter, produces abundant snowfalls ideal for skiing.
