Ski season off to a snowy start on Bulgaria’s Vitosa and Borovets
The anticipated start of the ski season on Bulgaria’s Vitosa and Borovets was met with unexpected challenges this week, as heavy snowfall and power outages delayed and disrupted operations.
Vitosa: Snow-bound and plunged into chaos
Vitosa, Bulgaria’s popular ski destination, was hit by a significant snowstorm on Wednesday, leaving two access roads to the ski slopes closed on Thursday. Despite the season’s official opening, trails remained unplowed hours before the start. Both of Sofia’s municipal bus lines to the mountain were temporarily suspended.
The Vitosa Ski Association announced via social media that the road past Dragalevtsi was closed by police for cleaning, with around a meter of snow accumulated. A kilometer-long traffic jam was reported between Dragalevtsi and the Aleko hut, according to BNR.
With the last lift on Vitosa closed, the only ways to reach the ski pistes were by car or bus, adding to the chaos.
Borovets: Power outage darkens ski prospects
Meanwhile, neighboring Borovets ski resort found itself without power. The resort announced that the "Bulgarian Electricity Company" (BEH) had promised to restore supply around 2 pm.
MyBorovets, a Borovets accommodation provider, alerted its social media followers that due to the power outage, the ski zone would remain closed on Thursday, with night skiing also canceled. However, they hoped for better conditions the following day.
As the winter sports season begins, both resorts are urging skiers and snowboarders to check for updates before heading to the slopes, given the potential for further disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
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