Borovets

Bulgaria experienced a remarkable surge in winter tourism from December 1, 2023, to March 25, 2024, with a total of 1.8 million tourist check-ins recorded across the country. Among these, Bulgarian tourists dominated the scene, comprising 1.3 million of the total arrivals.

The tragedy occurred in the ski resort of Borovets - The unfortunate Greek was skiing with three other friends - The skiers were off the slope

A Greek skier died after a group of skiers was hit by an avalanche at Bulgaria's Borovets Ski Center on the northern slopes of Rila mountain range on Monday, Bulgarian media reported.

As the winter season unfolds, Bulgaria's popular winter resorts, Borovets and Pamporovo, are witnessing a surge in foreign visitors, with a notable presence from Britain and various Balkan countries. Both resorts are currently experiencing high occupancy rates, with Bulgarians forming the second-largest group of tourists.

Italy has emerged as the new budget-friendly ski destination in Europe, surpassing Bulgaria in affordability, as per a recent study conducted by British travel agencies, revealed by DPA.

Borovets, the renowned Bulgarian skiing destination, officially kicked off its winter season, marking the opening of the Sitnyakovo skiing center. Maria Sheynova, Borovets Marketing Director, expressed the resort's readiness and emphasis on meticulously preparing the slopes for visitors.

As the winter chill settles in, Bulgarian mountain resorts are eagerly preparing for the upcoming ski season. Anticipation mounts as all ski areas aim to open around mid-month, hinging largely on temperature and snow availability, crucial for artificial snow production and track maintenance, as highlighted by specialized website TravelNews.bg.

Simeon II of Bulgaria at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid in June 2016. Photo: EPA/FERNANDO ALVARADO

The court found that Bulgaria breached their rights by imposing a ban on any commercial exploitation of forestland owned by the siblings. The court said it found that the Bulgarian authorities "failed to justify the broad measures it had instituted to protect the forestland".

From yesterday in Pamporovo, and  Borovets new, lower prices of passes and tickets for the facilities in the two winter resorts come into force.

The national weather service forecasts another day when the temperatures will be rather spring-like than typical of the winter, between 13°-18°C. It will be predominantly sunny, with high broken cloudiness, but occasional rains are expected in some regions, as thunderstorms are possible again in southeastern parts of the country by midnight. Light to moderate southeastern wind.