Last updated on February 2, 2026
Your guide to Osogovo Ski Resort
Picture this: you’re carving down pristine slopes with panoramic views stretching across Vitosha, Rila, Pirin, and on clear days, even Mount Olympus in Greece. The lift lines? Non-existent. The crowds? What crowds?
Welcome to Osogovo ski resort – Bulgaria’s best-kept secret that somehow remains blissfully under the radar despite having everything a skier could want.
Just 30 minutes from Kyustendil and 2 hours from Sofia, this hidden gem offers 7 diverse slopes, professional instructors, cozy local vibes, and prices that won’t make your wallet weep.
I still can’t figure out why more people aren’t talking about this place, but honestly? That’s part of its charm. Let me show you why Osogovo deserves a spot on your ski bucket list.
Disclosure:
- This trip was organized in collaboration with Kyustendil Municipality. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own.
- This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and book or buy something, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These resources will help you plan your trip to Bulgaria:
- Flights: I compare prices on Kiwi, Skyscanner, and Omio.
- Accommodation: I mostly book with Booking, Vrbo, and Agoda.
- Tours & activities: I plan with GetYourGuide and Viator.
- Transfers: If i need an airport pickups or a transfer, I’d go to GetTransfer.
- Car rental: I compare prices on LocalRent or GetRentACar
- Mobile internet: Use eSIMs like Saily.
- Travel insurance: I usually check HeyMondo (5% off) or SafetyWing.
Overview
Ski resort Osogovo isn’t among the most popular ski resorts in Bulgaria, and I honestly still can’t figure out why. Tucked high in Osogovo Mountain, it’s just a 30-minute drive (19 km) from Kyustendil – you simply climb above the city and suddenly you’re surrounded by beauty that feels like it should be crawling with tourists, but somehow isn’t.
You might hear people call it “Lyudmil Yankov” ski resort, which sounds official but is actually just the name of one of the main ski runs. The run itself is named after the famous Bulgarian alpinist and poet, which is a nice touch of local character.
This place has everything you’d want from a ski resort:
- Stunning panoramic views
- A ski school
- Ski wardrobe facilities
- A cozy tea house
- Diverse slopes with artificial snow
- And conditions suitable for everyone from tiny beginners to seasoned skiers.
Yet it remains something of a local secret, and not even all the locals seem to know about it. Most visitors tend to come from Sofia, since it’s only a 2-hour drive (120 km).
Personally, I’d be here every single weekend if I could, but living in Ruse means a 6-hour drive each way, which is a bit much even for my enthusiasm.
The panoramic views alone are worth the trip. From left to right, you can see Vitosha, Rila, Pirin, and Belasitsa mountains stretching across the horizon. On a particularly clear day, you can even spot Mount Olympus in the distance.
If you want to make a proper ski vacation of it, there are accommodation options nearby. But if you’re staying in Kyustendil, commuting up to the slopes for the day works perfectly well too.
Location | Osogovo Mountain, Kyustendil Region |
Distance from Sofia | 120 km |
Active season | December – March |
Working hours | 09:00 – 16:00 |
Night skiing | No, but equipment is available on Osogovo slope |
Altitude | 1575 m – 1838 m |
Peak | Kyunek, 1923 m |
Marked ski runs | 🟢/🔵 1.5 km; 🔴 3 km |
Lift system | 3 drag lifts |
Key slopes | 🔴/⚫ Osogovo, 🟢/🔵 Lyudmil Yankov |
Best for | Beginners, intermediates, families with kids, skiers, snowboarders, budget travelers, locals, couples |
Pros | No-crowds, affordable, snowmaking systems, varied slopes, amazing mountain views, local vibes, great instructors, rental shop, expansion plans |
Cons | Limited transport options, inconsistent information online, no night skiing, lower altitude |
Daily lift pass | ❖ Adults – €25 ❖ Children up to 12 y.o. – €20 ❖ |
*Osogovo ski resort in a nutshell
Osogovo ski map
Unfortunately, ski resort Osogovo doesn’t have a full-blown interactive ski map just yet (fingers crossed they’ll make it happen soon). But after spending some time there, chatting with the resort owner and the amazing ski and snowboard instructors, I managed to get the gist of how everything’s laid out.
Thanks to my wonderful personal assistant and drone operator, we managed to recreate a super basic ski map. It’s not exactly a work of cartographic art, but hopefully it’ll help you understand the resort and its ski runs a bit better before you arrive.
*The green/blue runs below the main road
*The red/black runs above the main road
Ski slopes
When I was heading to the resort and researching information online, I was left with the impression that there were only 3 ski slopes. Turns out I was very wrong – Osogovo has a full 7 slopes and is working on expanding even further! This is exactly why you need to travel and keep an open mind 🙂
Here are the slopes:
- Lyudmil Yankov slope (aka the small slope) – 400m (🟢/🔵), located right below the tea house and splits into 2 branches on either side of the drag lift. It’s beginner-friendly, though there’s a bit of red at the start of the left branch. This is where the fun park used to be, which unfortunately isn’t operational at the moment. You can still see 2 jumps standing on the left side though.
- Plaviloto slope – 500m (🟢/🔵), sits on the little hill across from the tea house and ski wardrobe (that’s also what the area is called).
- Snowboard cross track – a 500m cross-border track with twists and turns where the federation holds competitions. The cross track runs down the right side of Plaviloto slope if you’re actually on it (left side if you’re looking from the tea house).
*Plaviloto ski slope
- Kuma Lisa – 550m (🟢/🔵), this is a transition from slope to ski path. Starting from the rightmost point at the tea house, it heads down and right, loops around, and merges at the end of the other slopes leading to the drag lift.
- Osogovo slope (aka the big slope) – 1+ km (🔴/⚫), you can see this one from Osogovo hut while you’re still on the road. If you’re coming from Kyustendil, you’ll spot it first before continuing to the ski center. Standing at its lower end near the road, it’s pretty imposing and definitely intimidating for beginners like us. This is where they hold major competitions for veterans and advanced skiers. From the top, there’s an incredible panoramic view of different mountain ranges.
*Osogovo ski run
- 6S slope (aka the Old slope) – 700m (🔴), the first slope ever built in Osogovo Mountain. It used to be called “Old Slope” and had its own drag lift, though not anymore. It’s skier’s right on Osogovo slope (looking downhill); you get off the lift and head left from the middle of the main Osogovo slope. At the end, you can either return to the main slope and lift, or continue forward, stop at the asphalt road, cross over, and head to the ski wardrobe, tea house, and other slopes.
- Sheynarska slope – 1+ km (🔴), skier’s left from the top station of Osogovo slope. It makes a huge sweeping turn to the right.
*Sheinarska (your right), Osogovo (middle), 6S (your left)
There’s potential and plans to expand the resort with new slopes, lifts, and hotels.
There used to be a fun park, but it’s not currently operating. The structures are still there though, so hopefully with more visitor interest, the fun park will wake up again! The little jumps remain on the slope, so there’s still room for some fun.
There also used to be night skiing on the big Osogovo slope too. The equipment isn’t being used at the moment, but it could light up again for evening ski enthusiasts. Fingers crossed!
Keep in mind that sledding is not allowed anywhere within the ski slope areas. If you want the kids to sled somewhere safe, find a little hill as there are plenty nearby.
Ski center services
Ski & Snowboard School Osogovo
Super cool and calm teachers who explain everything really well. They’re very cautious but genuinely want to teach you at the same time. You’ll recognize them by their cute bright red outfits.
Our instructor was Pavel and I couldn’t be happier with him. I felt really safe even though I’m not a natural skier at all. He maximized our learning time so we could make the most of it. I would definitely love to continue learning more here!
We also met Angel, the ski center’s manager and main character. He is a true professional and super cool person. All the instructors are young and have great energy. They work with both children and adults, focusing on individual approach, safety, and fun.
The price for a ski/snowboard lesson is 30 euros per hour.
The ski & snowboard school offers individual lessons:
- Training with experienced and patient instructors
- Suitable for children and complete beginners
- Pleasant and motivating atmosphere on the slopes
Rental Equipment – Ski and Snowboard
Luckily, if you’re traveling from abroad and don’t want to lug all your equipment with you (assuming you’re not a professional who always brings their gear), you’ll find everything you need here.
There’s plenty of ski and snowboard equipment for both adults and children:
- Complete ski set – €15
- Complete snowboard set – €15
- Skis – €10
- Ski boots – €10
- Poles – €3
- Complete ski set for children up to 12 years old – €10
Tea House
The Alpine-style tea house is super cozy with classic wooden interiors and a beautiful view of the Lyudmil Yankov and Plaviloto ski slopes, as well as the mountain ranges across the way.
There’s a huge fireplace that’ll have you cooking in your own sauce and melting with pleasure after an intense training session. They offer various drinks and even food at very reasonable prices.
There’s also a terrace where you can enjoy the sunshine or watch people training below.
Lift system and passes
As of 31.01.2026 (fully opened resort):
Full day adults | Full day children (up to 12 y.o.) | Half day adults | Half day children (up to 12 y.o.) |
€25 | €20 | €20 | €15 |
*Price table for lift passes in Osogovo Ski Resort
Half day passes are:
- Morning from 09:00 to 13:00
- Afternoon from 12:00 to 16:00
They also work with Multisport cards.
Ski/snowboard lesson price is €30 per hour.
Pros
- Quiet and peaceful, especially during the week. You’ll have the slopes practically to yourself.
- That authentic local vibe that the big-name resorts lost years ago.
- The road up to the resort is well-maintained and cleared, so you won’t need a tank to get there.
- Osogovo Hut offers excellent accommodation right at the resort.
- A full 7 slopes with something for everyone – gentle runs for beginners and intermediates, plus challenging red/black slopes for professionals and competitors.
- Really good, patient instructors for both skiing and snowboarding lessons.
- Equipment rental available on-site, so you don’t have to haul your gear if you’re traveling light.
- The platter lift on Lyudmil Yankov slope moves slowly enough for beginners to learn how to use it without panicking.
- Expansion plans are in the works, so the resort keeps getting bigger and better.
- The location is exceptionally beautiful with breathtaking mountain panoramas.
- Snow machines ensure decent conditions even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
- Here’s something refreshingly honest: the staff actually adjusts lift pass prices based on what’s actually open. If part of the resort doesn’t have enough snow and certain slopes are closed, they lower the prices accordingly. Unlike bigger resorts that charge you full price whether you can access two slopes or twenty.
Cons
- No public transport access. You’ll need your own wheels or arrange private transportation.
- Limited accommodation options nearby, though they’re working on expanding this.
- The altitude here is a bit lower, which means there’s no guarantee of natural snowfall and the conditions for snow machines can be iffy.
- Night skiing used to happen on the big Osogovo slope, and they even tried it at the fun park. But due to insufficient visitor numbers, it’s not currently maintained. So, go there more often, people, and maybe they’ll bring back night skiing! 😂
- Information online is inconsistent, but they’re working on fixing this. Until then, follow Ski Resort Osogovo’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date info.
Who is it best for?
- Beginners and intermediates will feel right at home here, whether you’re a kid taking your first wobbly turns or an adult finally ticking skiing off your bucket list.
- The Osogovo slope is perfect for serious skiers looking for a proper challenge.
- Families with children, couples, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates a good view without fighting through crowds.
- Hiking enthusiasts will love it too as various tourist trails start from the nearby huts and hotels.
- It’s also a fantastic summer destination and a cool escape from the city heat. During summer months, they run adventure camps for kids aged 7-17.
Osogovo ski webcams
The resort has three webcams strategically positioned around the mountain. There’s one at the bottom station of Osogovo slope, one at the top station of Osogovo slope, and one that looks toward Lyudmil Yankov and Plaviloto runs.
The last one isn’t operational yet, but it’s expected to start functioning very soon, so don’t panic if you check it and see green slopes instead of snow.
Here are the webcam links:
- Osogovo slope (top station)
- Osogovo slope (bottom station)
- Lyudmil Yankov and Plaviloto (not yet operational, expected within 2 weeks)
Contacts and resources
- Ski & Snowboard School Osogovo – 0884998481 – Angel Angelov
- For updates – Ski Center Osogovo Facebook page
- Owner – Yavor Spiridov – 0898425307; 0889346498
- Email – ossogovosport@abv.bg
How to get to Osogovo ski center?
There’s no public transport (except Saturday/Sunday), so you’ll need to rent a car (I recommend using LocalRent or GetRentACar), come with your own, or arrange a transfer (e.g. via GetTransfer).
Where to stay?
- Osogovo Hut – the best option right at the resort
- Osogovec Guesthouses
- Hotel Trite Buki (The Three Beeches)
- Hotel Ruen
- Another option is to commute from Kyustendil if you prefer staying in town.
Exciting news: 2 new hotels are currently in development – one right on the ski slope (above the ski wardrobe and to the left of the tea house), and another on Osogovo ski slope in the immediate vicinity of Osogovo Hut. More beds coming soon!
Stef's local tips
🏡 Sleep at Osogovo Hut – stay at Osogovo Hut, you won’t regret it.
🍲 Eat at Osogovo Hut – if you’re just there for the day, definitely grab a meal at Osogovo Hut. The food is worth the stop.
👨🏻🏫 Go for the instructors – if you’re a beginner, absolutely try a lesson with an instructor. They’re really good and will save you from developing bad habits (and bruises).
🚙 Don’t rely on public transport – get a transfer with GetTransfer, or rent a car with LocalRent or GetRentACar
🅿️ 3 parking options – right in front of the ski school and tea house, plus 2 more parking areas in the direction of Osogovo Hut.
📸 Charge all your camera batteries – the views are stunning and you’ll want to capture everything.
😎 Bring sunglasses – the sun reflecting off the snow is no joke.
👺 Keep Dzahamala fest in mind – If you’re planning your ski vacation for early February, don’t miss “Dzahamala” – the National Masquerade Festival in Kyustendil!
👮 Don’t get stressed – border control can stop your car and check you on your way since you’re so close to the border.
🏰 Stop at Hisarlaka – on your way from Kyustendil, visit the Hisarlaka Fortress, an ancient late-antique/medieval fort perched above the town.
Would you go there as a beginner or advanced? Let me know in the comments and see you on the slopes!
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Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel blogger born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
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