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Bulgaria wasn’t the first place we thought of when deciding on destinations.

Traveling full-time, we regularly check in with the family: what’s working, what needs to change, what do we want to try? Both our kids grew up in Brunei and had one big request: snow! Neither Jak nor I are big fans of the cold or had skied before, but we decided to give it a go

And this is how we ended up in skiing in Bulgaria.

If you’re wondering whether Bulgaria is the right spot for a family ski adventure, let me tell you: it absolutely is! I think- I’ve never skiied anywhere so have nothing to compare it to but our kids had an amazing time learning to ski in Bansko.

Our family flew to Bulgaria for a ski trip, landing in Sofia before continuing to the worldschool hub in Bansko. Here’s everything you need to know about skiing in Bulgaria with kids and everything you can do in Bansko with kids (besides skiing).

Why skiing in bulgaria is a great choice for Families

Unlike pricey resorts in Switzerland or France, Bansko is budget-friendly, family-oriented, and packed with enough beginner slopes to make first-timers feel right at home.

We also joined the worldschool hub in Bansko and signed the kids up for ski lessons. The opportunity for snow, skiing and community was an opportunity not to be missed.

Is Bulgaria Good for Skiing?

Yes! Skiing in Bulgaria offers the full alpine experience without the hefty price tag.

Bansko, along with other resorts like Borovets and Pamporovo, provides a range of slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as beautiful mountain views.

Skiing in Bansko made sense for our family for the worldschool community and value.

Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

Bansko is the crown jewel of Bulgaria’s ski resorts, especially for families. Other popular resorts include:

• Borovets: Known for its scenic pine forests, Borovets is another family-friendly choice.
• Pamporovo: Known as Bulgaria’s sunniest ski resort, Pamporovo is ideal for kids with gentle slopes and a relaxed vibe.
• Family skiing in Vitosha/​Aleko: Vitosha Mountains is great for families. Practice lifts, easy slopes, ski schools and a hill for sledging. Kids can also try the snowpark obstacles in the Burton Riglet Park.

Bansko’s advantage lies in its English-speaking ski schools, variety of beginner slopes, and well-organised facilities, making it an easy choice for skiing in Bulgaria with kids.

Where is Bansko, Bulgaria?

Tucked into the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is around a two-hour drive from Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. To reach Bansko, you can either fly into Sofia and arrange a private transfer or take a bus journey. The drive itself—filled with mountain views and snow-covered forests—is part of the adventure.

How to Reach Bansko, Bulgaria

• By Plane: Sofia Airport is the closest international airport to Bansko. From there, you can take a private transfer or bus to Bansko.
• By Car: The drive from Sofia to Bansko is approximately two hours. We opted to rent a car, which gave us more freedom to explore and made getting around easy. It’s a relatively easy and flat drive, mostly on a main road, except for the last twenty minutes, which are more winding with a single lane in each direction.
• By Bus: Regular buses connect Sofia to Bansko, making it an affordable travel option.

Renting a car in Bulgaria

We actually arrived in Plovdiv on a ridiculously cheap flight, so we took the train to Sofia and rented a car from Sofia Airport. It took just over two hours to Bansko. We stayed one night in Sofia on arrival and one night on the return trip.

Skiing in Bansko with Kids

Ski Schools and Kid-Friendly Instructors

Bansko has a fantastic selection of ski schools with English-speaking instructors trained to teach kids. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one lessons or group sessions, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your family’s needs.

Kid-Friendly Slopes

Bansko’s beginner slopes are perfect for children learning to ski. These gentle, well-maintained slopes make it easier for kids (and parents) to gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the instructors know how to keep the experience fun and stress-free.

Renting Equipment in Bansko

Renting ski gear in Bansko is easy and affordable, with packages available for kids and adults. Equipment rental shops are friendly, efficient, and offer a range of options for every skill level.

Best Time to Ski in Bansko

The best time for skiing in Bulgaria is December and March. Bansko’s ski season runs from December to March, with peak months in January and February.

But, if you want to avoid crowds, early December and March are ideal, offering excellent skiing conditions and fewer people on the slopes. Just check the snow reports first.

How Much Does skiing in Bulgaria cost?

One of the best things about skiing in Bulgaria is the affordability. For a family, the cost of ski passes, rentals, and even meals is far lower than in most European ski resorts. A full-day lift pass for adults costs around 70 BGN (about £30/$40 USD), while children’s passes are 40 BGN (about £17/$23 USD). Equipment rental starts at around 20 BGN per day for children.

What to Do in Bansko with Kids (Beyond Skiing)

Yes we came for the skiing in Bulgaria, but surprisingly Bansko is more than just a ski destination, offering a variety of family-friendly activities:

Horse Riding

Winter horse riding in Bansko is a unique experience, and the trails through snowy forests are breathtaking. We visited Konna Baza Kosherina, a charming farm with gentle horses and experienced guides. You can choose a short 15min horse ride or 30 minutes in the forest. It was pretty magical and very relaxing with all the snow.

Hot Springs in Bansko

Probably one of Bulgaria’s best kept secrets, naturally occuring thermal mineral pools. Second only to Iceland in terms of the number of hot springs.

The nearby villages of Banya and Dobrinishte (around 15 mins away) have natural hot springs perfect for a post-ski soak and this was definitely one of our favourite things to do in the evening.

Prices are generally affordable, around 10-20 BGN per person, and the warm waters are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

Some of our favourites were;

Izgreva: Outdoor thermal pool with separate kids area.

Villa Victoria: Outdoor thermal pool with separate kids area.

Regnum Banya: Outdoor pool, steam bath and sauna. Cheaper after 4pm

Alpha Thermal: The largest hot spring complex with 3 outdoor pools

Swimming Pools and Spas

Several hotels in Bansko have indoor heated pools, including children’s pools. Regnum Banya Thermal offers separate family pools and an outdoor thermal pool for a rejuvenating dip.

Ice Skating Rink

Bansko has a family-friendly ice rink close to the main gondola station, where kids can skate for a few hours and take a break from skiing.

High Ropes Course

Adventure-seeking kids will love the high ropes course, which is a great activity for building confidence and trying something new.

Sledging Spots

Bansko has dedicated sledging slopes, and sled rentals are available around town. It’s a perfect way to keep younger kids entertained.

Bear Sanctuary

The Bear Sanctuary, located behind Rila Fun Park, offers a one-kilometer tour of rescued bears. Kids under six enter for free, and tickets are around 10 BGN per adult. Tours are conducted from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Exploring Bansko Old Town with Kids

Bansko Old Town is full of charm and history, with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and cozy restaurants. Walk through the narrow lanes, visit Holy Trinity Church, and explore local shops and markets. It’s small so doesn’t take a huge amount of time but its worth wandering the small streets.

Where to Eat in Bansko with Kids

Bansko has a variety of family-friendly dining options, with both traditional Bulgarian fare and international cuisine.

Traditional Bulgarian Dishes

Try Shopska Salad, Kebapche (grilled meat), and Banitsa (a savory pastry). These dishes are hearty and kid-friendly, perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes.

Kid-Friendly Treats

Bulgarian comfort food includes stews, grilled meats, and bread-based dishes, ideal for little appetites. Local desserts like lokumki (Bulgarian Turkish delight) are always a hit with kids.

Worldschooling in Bansko

Bansko has become a hotspot for worldschooling families, especially those looking to combine outdoor activities with a flexible education. The Worldschool Hub Bansko  is a well established hub and families love it here for the global community, where kids make friends from all over the world and experience a new culture firsthand. 

Artic Terns Bansko

The Artic Terns community in Bansko organises meet-ups, events, and resources for worldschooling families. It’s a fantastic way for kids to make friends and for parents to connect with like-minded travelers. If you’re part of the worldschooling scene, you’ll find a supportive, friendly community here, ideal for making long-lasting connections and learning together.

Planning Your Trip: Tips for Families

• Packing Essentials: Dress in layers, and don’t forget gloves, hats, and waterproof gear.
• Staying Warm: Invest in quality snow gear and remember to pack extra socks and hand warmers!

Where to stay in Bansko

• Best Luxury  Hot Springs Medical and Spa
• Best Apartment: Marand Apartments
• Good Value for Money  VV Apartment Bansko

Is Bulgaria Good for Families?

Yes! Bulgaria’s ski resorts are perfect for families, with lots of kid-friendly facilities.

There are also lots English-speaking instructors and ski schools. It is a very budget friendly destination, and whilst the locals may not appear the friendliest, once they crack a smile, you have made a friend.

FAQs About Skiing in Bansko with Kids

What’s the Best Age for Kids to Start Skiing?
Most ski instructors recommend starting at age four or five, and Bansko’s gentle slopes make it ideal for young skiers. Our kids were 7 and 10 and still picked it up much quicker than the adults.

Are Ski Lessons Available in English?
Yes, many instructors in Bansko speak English.

Are There Non-Skiing Activities for Kids?
Yes! Bansko has a variety of activities for families beyond skiing, from horse riding to thermal baths.

Conclusion: Why Go skiing in Bulgaria?

Bansko is the perfect mix of affordability, family-friendly amenities, and a welcoming community. This was a pretty cool first experience of snow for our kids so I’m sure we will always have good memories of the place.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring Old Town, or connecting with the worldschooling hub, skiing in Bulgaria with kids offers an incredible winter holiday without breaking the bank.

Our Favourite family planning tools

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
• Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
• Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home). 
• Wise– Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
• ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
• Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
• 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
• TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget