These days, Sofia residents have been enjoying the snow and the good conditions for winter sports on Vitosha Mountain. Winter returned in early February with a modest snow cover and low temperatures that allowed the snow making machines to work. At the moment, several runs in the lower part of the mountain are open. At the end of last week, Vitoshko Lale 1 - one of the most popular ski runs, was also opened. After the recent snowfalls, it is expected that the rest of the facilities will also start working, Eva Paunova, a representative of "Vitosha Ski", managing part of the ski facilities in the mountain, has told the BNR.

"Last year we were able to start on time. In January, Lale 1 run, the night skiing and many more facilities were already working,” Paunova says. “At this time of the year, the slopes were already open in the upper part of the mountain. But  this winter has been very bad for winter sports on Vitosha so far. There were no significant snowfalls and the temperatures were high, which made everything difficult. But we hope that from now on the season will continue normally."

There are many people in the mountain these days. Its snow-covered paths have been a magnet for Bulgarians, foreigners, skiers, snowboarders, children with sleds, Sofia residents, tourists, etc. "They come to take advantage of all this natural wealth that we have near Sofia", Eva Paunova says and adds:

"The conditions in the high parts of the mountain do not allow opening some of the runs, but the good news is that the Vitoshko Lale 1 run, one of the longest and the place where the night skiing also takes place, is now accessible and can be used by the advanced skiers. It is served by the Vitoshko Lale 1 lift, with a length of 1,400 m. The run itself is about 2.5 km long. We have opened an outdoor center which, in addition to skiing, also offers other interesting services, such as ski touring. One of the most popular routes is from Aleko Hut to Cherni Vrah summit. At the top you can drink a cup of tea and from there you can ride back to Aleko. It's a pleasant 2-hour-long winter walk."

The most convenient and fastest way to reach the slopes in the mountain is by the Simeonovo cable car. One should keep in mind that its day off is Monday and people should check the weather conditions, as the facility does not work in strong wind. The ski area near the Aleko hut is also accessible by car. Very soon, the Vitosha snow park will also open. It is designed for freestyle skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The park also has a special training area for beginners, Eva Paunova says and adds:

"Vitosha Snowpark is located in the Mecha Polyana area, which is served by its own facility - a moving walkway that greatly facilitates the ascent of skiers and snowboarders. The park has 6 features and is aimed at freestyle disciplines. It is quite attractive, especially for young people. There are rails, tubes, boxes, etc…”

See also:

• Snowbiking to make its debut at Vitosha Winter Fest 2022

• Mount Vitosha in autumn

Editor: D. Grigorova

English: Al. Markov