Vitosha, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's highest resort on Mount Vitosha, overlooking Sofia, The north-facing aspect and elevation of up to 2290m makes for a reliable snow record, but the slopes are not especially rewarding and being only 10km from Sofia, it can get very busy at weekends. Accommodation in the city is cheaper than by the slopes, but on the mountain they are cheap, but basic. Should you wish to stay in the fascinating city, a gondola provides slope access directly from the Simeonovo suburb and the views of the city are excellent. It's an ideal resort for beginners and early intermediates, especially because the ski school is said to be excellent, with 40 instructors fluent in many languages and with the longest tradition of teaching in Bulgaria. One run, the 2.8km long Vitoshko Lale, is steep enough to challenge experts plus there is an approved FIS downhill course. There are 3 main lift areas in Vitosha, each one of them has a different company operating it and a separate (cheap) lift pass is required for each area. A suggestion is to start with the Romanski lift company; it covers the largest area.

Resorts close to Vitosha include: Borovets (44 km), Malyovitsa (47 km), Bansko (90 km), Chepelare (144 km), Falakro Oros (152 km),