The majority of foreign tourists that visit Bulgaria to ski often come through Sofia airport.

They then jump on their transfer and head for up to three and a half hours to their chosen ski resort, often driving, without knowing, right past the lift station on the southern part of Sofia's ring road less than 10 minutes from Terminal 1.

So why do visitors to Bulgaria ignore Vitosha and Sofia in general?

Tour operators - Often employ young and inexperienced staff as reps to look after their guests. More often than not these people probably spent the summer season before coming to Bulgaria on some island in the Med making sure their summer clients get as drunk as possible. Their first pick-up at the airport is usually only the second time they have been to Sofia so it is hardly fair to expect them to know about the opportunities that lie just outside the planes window when their guests land.

Expense - Most tour operators do seem to offer excursions to Sofia for day trips, shopping, etc. But charge €35-50 per person for the privilege. Why would a family of four spend up to €200 for a day trip when they have already paid for their lift ticket in their chosen resort?

Lack of marketing - On behalf of the ski station operator (in this case, ULEN, the same guys that run Bansko). In time this will surely come but recently there has been much opposition to the developments made to the ski infrastructure at Vitosha (mainly from the environmental lobby) so maybe the operator is just bidding their time.

Tour operators...again - Your average rep lives on his salary and parties on his commission. He or she has spent the first few weeks in Bulgaria signing contracts with the bars and restaurants in his "base" resort to enable his company to bring guests to these businesses in return for a fee. These agreements do not exist in Sofia so why should he loose money by letting his guests know about Vitosha and Sofia?

What does this mean?

All of the above means several things.

1. 1. Vitosha is bigger (in terms of ski runs) and higher than Pamporovo. Did we mention cheaper too?
2. 2. The slopes on Vitosha, because only the locals know about them, tend to be very quiet during the week days.
3. 3. Lack of international tour operators in Sofia means lack of commissions needing to be paid by business owners. This means the very best restaurants in Sofia are on average 30% cheaper then even the "just average" diners of say Borovets.
4. 4. Sofia is a capital city - This means you have a much wider choice of accommodation and how much you pay for it. We have found excellent hostels with apartments with rates from less than €10 per night. You can also go mad and blow your money at any one of the cities five star hotels for considerably more.
5. 5. Did we mention Sofia is a capital city? - Again, more choice to you! Sofia has everything from shooting ranges to huge shopping malls as well as a multitude of other leisure facilities. In comparison almost everything is cheaper in Sofia than any of the "Big Three" ski resorts.

So should you try Vitosha?!

Duuuuuuhhhhhhhhh.... YES!

Vitosha is one of the Balkans best kept secrets. And if you are flying in or out of Sofia to visit another resort, take our advice and spend the night you arrive or the day before you leave in Sofia and ski the hill that towers above it!

Not only will you usually find very quiet slopes (mid-week), your ski hire will be cheaper in Sofia and you have the whole city to play in after you finish. And if you need any more convincing, you can break your journey in half before arriving at resort or at home.

Ski Vitosha, you know you want to!

Download the Ski & Snowboard Guide to Vitosha here!

Its Free!