Snowshoeing near Bansko

Bansko is mainly famous as the main and most modern ski resort in Bulgaria, visited by many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Actually Bansko is located between the main mountain ranges of the country – Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains. They’re all different as landscapes and offer different challenges for those who attempt them in winter. The number of activities one can practice here in winter is not limited to skiing only. We believe that those who visit the area miss a lot if they don`t try to go away from the hassle of the resort, even for a day. The best and easiest way to see the beauty of the winter mountains close by is the snowshoe walking.

While Pirin is a severe, steep mountain with rising up to 2914 meters slopes, the south sides of Rila are more gentle and easy for snowshoeing. Rhodopes are unique with their position between the higher mountains, with great views both to Rila and Pirin. The old villages, where people keep the same lifestyle as 100 years ago, are the other attraction in this range.

All of them are accessible from Bansko for a day only, thats why we developed our set of day trips:

Snowshoeing Day Trips from Bansko

 

• Ascent of Mount Bezbog in Pirin Mountains on snowshoes – this tour starts from a relatively high altitude – 2140 m – at the top lift station of the Bezbog chair lift,  40 min drive from Bansko. The ascent takes about 2 hours, while we gain +400 m of vertical elevation. The route is suitable for novices in snowshoeing and doable even if the snow conditions in the lower parts of the mountains are not good. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular and include all the Pirin Mountains, as well as much of Rila and Rhodope Mountains.

 

• Snowshoeing walk to Vihren Hut and Baykusheva Mura – easy walk, suitable for novices. It starts from the ski area of Bansko and goes further near the oldest tree in the mountains of Bulgaria – Baykusheva Mura – a 1300 years old conifer. Further we ascent to Vihren Hut at 1950 m. About 300 m of vertical ascent, 30 min away from Bansko.

 

• Snowshoeing around Ortsevo Village in Rhodope Mountains – many claim that this is the highest village in Bulgaria, located at around 1600 m above the sea. Beside the isolated area, not popular among the tourists at all, the village offers dramatic views towards Pirin Mountains. Easy treks, up to +300 m of elevation gain – suitable for novices and walks in leisure pace. About 1 hour drive from Bansko.

 

• Snowshoeing in Rila Mountains, above the small ski resort of Semkovo. The resort is located at about 1600 m. With around +800 m of ascent through the beautiful conifer forests we`ll reach the main ridge of Rila Mountains and enjoy the great views of the highest mountain range of the country. About 1 hour drive from Bansko, may include also visit to the Bears Sanctuary in Belitsa village.

 

• Ascent of Mount Hvoynati in Pirin Mountains on snowshoes – this trek is tougher, with +1000 m of elevation gain and goes through the valley of Bunderitsa and further up to the peak. Not suitable for novices or if you are not in very good shape. The views include a close by of the highest peak of Pirin – Mount Vihren,  and the sea of sharp jagged rocky edges of Pirin.

 

The cost of the trips is the guide`s daily rate plus any transport expenses  – you share this to the number of the participants and pay for a certified mountain leader, who will guide you and show you how to use the equipment. You’ll get the set (snow shoes – models TSL 226, TSL 325, and trekking poles) for free. All you need is a sandwich for lunch, some snacks and bottle of water or flask. Your ski equipment is not always the most suitable, but still will do the job for a day of snowshoeing. Its better to have a few thin layers of clothes on (the top one water/wind proof), rather than one heavy and thick layer. Important is not to forget your sun glasses, sun cream and sun hat, also warm hat and gloves. Please, consider that without proper shoes the tours wont be enjoyable for you at least to say – as you’ll spend most of the day out on the snow. The snowshoes fit to almost any boots, but ski boots, trainers or casual shoes are not suitable. You need walking boots that will guarantee you protection from the wet and will keep your feet warm.

If you have any additional questions or want to book a tour for a certain date, please use the button “Contact Us”. We usually respond to emails within a few hours – or you can give us a call or just text “snowshoeing” and we’ll call you back!