The 11 Best Winter Days Out in Bulgaria

1.Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $144Our pick

Travel from Sofia into Rila Mountains National Park, ride a chairlift to 2,150 meters, snowshoe toward the Kidney lake, then soak in Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools. An English-speaking mountain leader provides equipment and instruction. The private tour includes hotel pickup, but chairlift and spa fees cost extra.

“In advance of the tour, we sent multiple Viator messages, wrote an email, and called the provided number 5+ times. We did not select a pickup point because we were already going to be in Rila and wanted to meet there, so we asked where would be best to meet the local guide. No one responded to any of these inquiries, no one reached out to us via the phone number I provided, and so ultimately my husband and I did not go on this tour. (Despite having paid for it!) We had a great day in Rila by ourselves, but there was absolutely no communication from the vendor which…”

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2.The Best of Bansko: Magical Snowshoeing Adventure & SPA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $124Top rated

From Bansko, an English-speaking guide such as Dobrin, Filip, Wolfgang, or Dobrev takes you into Pirin National Park for up to five hours of snowshoeing. Equipment and poles are supplied, routes can suit the group, and the day ends with naturally heated mineral pools in Dobrinishte. Some routes may use a gondola or chairlift, at extra cost.

“This was very unique and fun hike!! The snow and forest are truly beautiful and the guide Dobrev was very nice and explained everything to us and provided a lot of info! The booking was fast and easy, and the hot pools at the end perfect after a cold walk!”

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3.Borovets Ultimate Snowmobile Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $32

Follow an experienced guide from Hotel Rila2010 through snowy Borovets Forest for about an hour. You ride your own or share a snowmobile, stop for mountain views, and receive equipment and instruction. Tours run hourly from 9 am to 6 pm. If snow conditions fail, the activity switches to quad biking.

“I'm sure I was one of the first ones on the snowmobile for this season. And it was great. Enjoyable, very kind guides, excellent machines. Wonderful e-guide for the area that I could use after the trip. Thanks and have a great winter season!”

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4.Seven Rila lakes-Snowshoeing with Waterfall and Hot Mineral pools

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Travel from Sofia into Rila National Park for a guided winter hike from 1,800 to 2,500 meters, using snowshoes and a cable car. Guides such as Velko, Veselin, Marin, Iva, and Miran adjust the route to weather and ability. Finish at Kotvata’s hot mineral pools, with transport, drinks, and snowshoes included.

“We had an amazing trip! Ves was a great guide and took good care of us. The hike was intense but one of the most gorgeous experiences we’ve seen.”

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5.Pamporovo Ultimate Snowmobile Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $32

Set out from Stikal near Pamporovo for a one-hour snowmobile ride through the Rhodope forests toward Perelik, the region’s highest peak. An instructor leads the route while another guide closes the group. Your snowmobile and helmet are supplied, with a short photo stop at a scenic viewpoint. Arrange your starting time in advance.

“Quite sure I was one of the first ones on the snowmobile for this season In Pamporovo. And it was truly amazing. Very enjoyable, nice guides, excellent and prepared snowmobiles. I shall come back again for sure!”

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6.The Best of Sofia: Magical Snowshoeing Adventure in Vitosha & SPA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $103

Join guide Dobrin for a flexible snowshoe hike in Vitosha Natural Park, with routes for beginners and experienced walkers. Expect mountain views, frozen waterfalls, old pine forests, and about three hours on snowshoes, followed by an optional hour in the hot mineral pools at Korali. Equipment and transport are included, but spa entry and food cost extra.

“Had a blast trip. The entire trip was perfect. Dobrin, our guide is very knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure everything was perfect. We hiked in the snow for around 3 hours and Dobrin emanated to show us all the good spots.”

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7.Snowshoeing day trip to Mount Bezbog in Pirin Mountains

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $527

Leave Bansko at 8 a.m. for a 45-minute ride to the Bezbog chairlift, then snowshoe from 2,240 meters to Mount Bezbog’s summit. The two-hour ascent gains 400 meters and suits beginners with a guide, snowshoes, poles, lift ticket, transfers, and insurance included. Guides such as Mitko and Lyuben are associated with the local team.

“I was part of winter mountain trip to Polezhan in Pirin. The highly professional guide, the friendly group, and the awe-inspiring views all contributed to an unforgettable hike. We were blessed with wonderful weather and unforgettable viewsRead more”

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8.The Ultimate Snowmobile Adventure – 7 Rila Lakes & Panichishte

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $31Best value

You ride a powerful snowmobile with an English-speaking instructor in the Panichishte area near Bulgaria’s Seven Rila Lakes. Choose 30 minutes, one hour, two hours with lunch, four to five hours, or an advanced Extreme rider option. Fuel, helmet, goggles, and an area e-guide are included. Hotel pickup is not provided.

“I was probably among the first to have the activity and use the fresh snow. Very well-maintained snowmobiles, excellent guide and scenic route. Would come back again for sure!”

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9.Full day Snowshoeing tour to Bezbog peak 2645 m in Pirin Mountains

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $189

Leave Bansko at 8 AM for a private snowshoe hike to Bezbog Peak. After a 40-minute transfer and chairlift ride to 2,240-meter Bezbog Hut, your English-speaking UIMLA guide, such as Gery or Vania, teaches you the basics before the 1.5 to 2-hour climb. Snowshoes, poles, lift tickets, and hotel pickup are included.

“Great way to mix it up and spend a day doing something else on the snow. The guide, Vania, was very knowledgeable and did an excellent job of teaching the basics of walking with snowshoes.”

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10.The Best of Borovets: Magical Snowshoeing Adventure in Rila & SPA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $278

Join guide Dobrin for a flexible snowshoe outing in Rila National Park near Borovets. You may see frozen lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and old forests while using provided snowshoes and poles. The mountain portion suits beginners, and the day ends with optional hot springs at Sapareva Banya.

“Highlight of our holiday, amazing day spend with Dobrin, must do activity to see the real beauty of Rila Mountains in the snow. Dobrin is extremely knowledgeable of the area and enthusiastic about the experience. He is very patient, letting us go at our own pace and stop reRead more”

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11.Private Winter Day Trip to the Rila Mountain

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $57

Leave Sofia at 9am with a private driver-guide such as Simeon or Simo and reach Rila Mountain in about 90 minutes. Choose two activities, including Borovets skiing, a ski-doo ride, the cabin lift, Tsari Mali Grad fortress, or a spa visit. Transport is included, while activity fees, food, and equipment cost extra.

“Amazing experience, our driver Simon so sweet and spreads positivity with his smile, amazing tour so worth it :) even if it wasnt so much snow as expected it was still spectacular”

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