Ski touring (backcountry skiing) in the Rila and Pirin Mountains (8 days)

Day 1: Sofia – Govedartsi
Arrival at Sofia Airport. Meeting and transfer to Govedartsi village in Rila Mountains.
Day 2: Govedartsi – Mount Malyovitsa – Govedartsi (6-7hrs; + 1000m/-1000m)
A 30min transfer takes us to the trail head at Malyovitsa resort. From there we start climbing up along the valley of Malyovitsa River, past Malyovitsa hut, into direction of the peak of the same name (2729m a.s.l.). From there we ski down all the way down to Malyovitsa resort and eventually return to our accommodation in Govedartsi.
Day 3: Govedartsi – Mount Musala – Panichishte/Sapareva Banya (5hrs; +600m/-1600m)
Another 30min transfer takes us to the oldest Bulgarian ski resort – Borovets. We board the cable car to its upper station at Yastrebets Peak (2360m a.s.l.). From there we start skiing into direction of the highest peak on the Balkans. Before the last last stage just before the summit we remove the skis and attach them to our backpacks (crampons may have to be used here depending on the snow condition). Then we climb using a fixed steel rope. The climb itself does not require previous climbing experience. After a short break at the top, enjoying the stunning in clear days panorama, we descent all the way down to Borovets resort (if snow cover at the lower parts of the mountains is not enough, we will have to use the lift again). From Borovets resort we head for Panichishte resort for two nights (or the nearby Sapareva Banya village) in another part of the Rila Mountains.
Day 4: Panichishte/Sapareva Banya – The Seven Rila Lakes – Panichishte/Sapareva Banya (6hrs; +400m/-1000m)
One of the most famous areas of the Rila Mountains expects us today. Frozen and covered with a thick layer of snow, the region of the Seven Rila Lakes is stunning in its winter colours! It is also one of the favorite destinations for ski touring day trips from Sofia. We take the chairlift to Rila Lakes hut, where the trail begins. Then we climb to the so called Lakes’ Peak, and descend all the way down to the lower lift station (incl. some skiing among the trees in the lower parts of the mountain). Time permitting, we can opt for a treat in the thermal pools of Sapareva Banya just before dinner.
Day 5: Panichishte/Sapareva Banya – Rila Monastery (UNESCO) – Bansko
Transfer to Rila Monastery (UNESCO) – one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bulgaria. The monastery is the largest and most significant Bulgarian Orthodox Church establishment. The 20m high walls shelter impressive cloisters, a church, and a chapel with unique murals and museum collections. In the afternoon we will pay a visit to the thermal pools of Banya village or Dobrinishte resort (both near Bansko at the foot of Pirin Mountains). Dinner will be carried out in a local tavern. Three nights are planned for Bansko, our base for touring the Pirin Mountains.
Day 6: Bansko – Mount Polezhan/Mount Bezbog – Bansko (5-6hrs; ascent/descent may vary based on weather conditions)
A 30-40min transfer from Bansko brings us to Gotse Delchev hut above Dobrinishte resort. There starts the chairlift for Bezbog hut (2240m a.s.l.). This is setting off point for many of the backcountry skiing trails in Pirin. Again depending on the snow conditions we will either go for Mount Bezbog or Mount Polezhan (or both), potentially descending through Demyanitsa valley on the other side of the summits all the way to Bansko (or the Bansko ski zone). If snow conditions do not allow for this long descend, we will make series of ascents and descents in the area of both peaks, which provide some of the best panoramas towards the rough sea of rugged peaks of the Pirin Mountains.
Day 7: Bansko – Mount Todorka/Mount Hvoinati/Mount Vihren – Bansko (5-6hrs; ascent/descent may vary based on weather conditions)
Depending on the snow and weather conditions we will decide on spot which option to take today. Lifts may be used if we need to get to the foot of Mount Todorka. The descent to Bansko from the peak of the same name may involve some skiing among the trees in the lower parts of the mountains. The trailhead for the other two options in the upper Gondola lift station – Bynderishka Poliana (at 1650m a.s.l.). From there we start skinning up to Vihren hut, and further up to either Mount Hvoinati, or to Pirin’s highest summit – Mount Vihren. If the “ski road” from Bynderishka Poliana is operational, we will descend all the way down to Bansko resort. (5-6hrs; ascent/descent may vary based on weather conditions)
Day 8: Bansko – Sofia
Transfer to Sofia (2,30hrs drive). Sightseeing the main sites of interest in the city center (time-permitting). Afternoon transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.