Bansko guided freeride ski and snowboard tour

Experience Bansko and its amazing freeride skiing together with Nikolay, a Bulgarian certified mountain leader and an expert on the Pirin and Rila mountain ranges.

Nikolay Pavlov

Nikolay Pavlov

Details

Trip Duration

1+ day

Mountain Range

Pirin

People per Guide

5 people

Trip Level

Intermediate

Offer Period

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Type of Trip

Private

Highlights

Enjoy freeride skiing and snowboarding in one of the best spots in Bulgaria.

Contemplate stunning landscapes and discover the variety of terrains.

Take a ride according to your level of experience.

Join me for one or several days of freeride skiing and snowboarding in Bansko, the best spot in Bulgaria to enjoy real powder snow.

Bansko is a city and a winter sports center located at the base of Mount Pirin in Bulgaria. It’s located at 925 meters asl. You’ll find in Bansko a lot of untouched powder ski runs because this place is not yet well-known among the freeride and snowboarding community.

Apart from the quality of the snow, you’ll find amazing landscapes and also a large diversity of terrain. There are different options for off-piste: tree skiing and some wide-open slopes, as well as some large slopes accessible after a hike.

The exact terrain we choose will depend on your level: we will start with some easier lines and then we’ll decide which slopes to take according to the weather, snow and your abilities/preferences.

I have started snowboarding here in the 90′ and since 2004 I’ve been guiding my friends and clients to all the secret powder spots around Bansko.

We can plan together one or several days of freeride skiing and snowboarding outside the pistes, using the lifts and going down where very few people go.

We can even mix freeride with some ski touring / splitboarding in the Pirin and Rila mountain ranges, for one or several days.

I will take max 5 people with me. I like guiding small groups because it’s safer but also because we can do more in one day. If you are a larger group, I will ask a colleague of mine to join us.

Skiing and snowboarding off-piste in Bansko is suitable for all levels, for beginners as well as experienced riders.

The season goes from January till May. For several years, March has been the best month for powder snow here.

If you plan to come to Bulgaria next winter and if you want to have an amazing off the beaten tracks ski experience, get in touch with me. I’ll be happy to guide you in Bansko and let you enjoy a great time in the Pirin mountains.

I also lead an introductory splitboarding course in the area. Check it out!

Price per person

Group of 1

130 EUR

Group of 2

65 EUR

Group of 3

55 EUR

Group of 4

40 EUR

Group of 5

35 EUR

Group of 6

35 EUR

Group of 7

35 EUR

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price does not include ski or avalanche equipment. You can rent beacon, probe and shovel for 10 euros per day. The food included in the price is a small energy pack.

Cancellation Policy

Other details

Skill level required

Intermediate

Fitness level required

Fit

Meeting point

We can meet in Bansko directly. One option to get here is with a private transfer from the airport in Sofia or other pick up point. This costs 60 euros one way and I can arrange it for you. Another option is by public transport by bus. Some companies start from the Central Bus Station, others start from Ovcha Kupel Bus Station. The cost of the ticket is between 7 to 9 euros.

Accommodation

If you are looking for an accommodation during your stay in Bansko, I recommend you to stay in Strakova-Kashta hotel

More info

- Ski and snowboard equipment can be rented in Sofia and Bansko. I can help you with that. But sizes are limited so it's much better to come with your own equipment.

- You can also rent Avalanche Safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe).

- You must have your own insurance. We will discuss about this point when you get in touch with me.

- I can help you arranging transfers, accommodation, lift passes for the Bansko ski area.

About the Guide

Nikolay Pavlov

Mountain Leader

I started snowboarding when only a few people were doing it. At the time, it was just an emerging sport. We used to experiment modifying our equipment by hand. We didn't know about first lines or powder days, we were simply having fun and enjoying amazing snow.
As things got more serious, I gained experience and learned more about the mountains. I found so many new possibilities!
From the mountains, I learned how to enjoy with just the essentials, to travel lightly and to cherish the company of a friend on the snow. But I also learned responsibility and learned from my mistakes.
This passion led me in 1994 to the Himalayas, where the beauty of the scenery and the amazing peaks were almost overwhelming. In summer, I started exploring the mountain and in this way I discovered climbing.
All of this inspired me to become a professional. Now I have a Ski Instructor Qualification Class C, a Professional Mountain Leader UIMLA Qualification and in 2009 I became the first Bulgarian snowboard guide. Since 2017, I'm a snowboard Instructor qualification Level “3” and international ISIA.

Certificates

UIMLA

Certificates

UIMLA

Languages

English
Bulgarian
Russian

Languages

English
Bulgarian
Russian

Residence

Bansko

Residence

Bansko

What People are Saying about Nikolay Pavlov

18 reviews

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

This is our second time with Nikolay and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend!!

Red Hodgkinson

Nikolay Pavlov is an experienced guide with intimate knowledge of the terrain and conditions in Bansko. A great half day trip with two summits on a very short notice. Additionally good company to ride with.

Perttu Prusi

Nikolay is an awesome guide who is clearly very experienced. We planned to climb+ride Todorka in late January but due to snow storms and high winds we had to postpone the trip. However as soon as the conditions had improved and the avalanche risk was manageable Nikolay called me to say its game on for tomorrow if that works for me. We had an awesome day riding and I learnt so much from Nikolay about Avalanches, exposure and climbing. Would definitely recommend! Cheers!

Jake English

One of the best powder days skiing of my life! An amazing combination of couloirs, tree runs and open powder fields all accessible by lifts. Nikolay is a great guide who judged the abilities of the group and chose routes to suit everyone! Highly recommended trip, excellent value for money!

George McNally

We picked the perfect day. The off-piste was was incredible and Nikolay was informative, extremely knowledgable and professional. We felt safe at all times as Nikolay was in constant comms with others on the mountain and the tour was managed to minimise risk of avalanches. Will happily book via Explore Share again. Thanks.

Chris Newnham

Both Nikolay and the other guide with us (apologies for forgetting his name) were highly qualified and experienced. They found us the best conditions available and made sure we had a good time while staying safe.

Neil Robertson

Good guide! Friendly, safe and made the best day out of the current conditions. This day was for sure the high light of our week in Bansko. Thanks!

Agnes Johansson

Niki is a great guide we would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to go off piste.

Dale rowe

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Cornelia Kropp

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Julie Finch

Niki was a great guide for ski-touring. He was very clear and supportive in the preparation of the trip (itineraries, ski renting, hotel, taxis). When we finally met in Bansko, after 5 minutes I understood we were in good hands. He was indeed very much secure and adapting to our needs. He knows everybody in the place, always aware of the good spots and very keen to let you discover his region. He also turned to be an excellent guide for after-ski activities. He puts all his energy to ensure your experience will be unforgettable, which he greatly succeeded.

Tanguy

Very nice experience with Niki and Yavo. We did not have the best snow conditions but Niki was able to find very good skying and mountaineering spots in this area that he knows better than anyone. He also took care of most aspects (airport transit, ski rental, etc), which made this 3 days trip very efficient ! For the after-ski, Bansko and the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities. I\'ll definitely come back shortly.

Jonathan

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

This is our second time with Nikolay and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend!!

Red Hodgkinson

Nikolay Pavlov is an experienced guide with intimate knowledge of the terrain and conditions in Bansko. A great half day trip with two summits on a very short notice. Additionally good company to ride with.

Perttu Prusi

Nikolay is an awesome guide who is clearly very experienced. We planned to climb+ride Todorka in late January but due to snow storms and high winds we had to postpone the trip. However as soon as the conditions had improved and the avalanche risk was manageable Nikolay called me to say its game on for tomorrow if that works for me. We had an awesome day riding and I learnt so much from Nikolay about Avalanches, exposure and climbing. Would definitely recommend! Cheers!

Jake English

One of the best powder days skiing of my life! An amazing combination of couloirs, tree runs and open powder fields all accessible by lifts. Nikolay is a great guide who judged the abilities of the group and chose routes to suit everyone! Highly recommended trip, excellent value for money!

George McNally

We picked the perfect day. The off-piste was was incredible and Nikolay was informative, extremely knowledgable and professional. We felt safe at all times as Nikolay was in constant comms with others on the mountain and the tour was managed to minimise risk of avalanches. Will happily book via Explore Share again. Thanks.

Chris Newnham

Both Nikolay and the other guide with us (apologies for forgetting his name) were highly qualified and experienced. They found us the best conditions available and made sure we had a good time while staying safe.

Neil Robertson

Good guide! Friendly, safe and made the best day out of the current conditions. This day was for sure the high light of our week in Bansko. Thanks!

Agnes Johansson

Niki is a great guide we would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to go off piste.

Dale rowe

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Cornelia Kropp

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Julie Finch

Niki was a great guide for ski-touring. He was very clear and supportive in the preparation of the trip (itineraries, ski renting, hotel, taxis). When we finally met in Bansko, after 5 minutes I understood we were in good hands. He was indeed very much secure and adapting to our needs. He knows everybody in the place, always aware of the good spots and very keen to let you discover his region. He also turned to be an excellent guide for after-ski activities. He puts all his energy to ensure your experience will be unforgettable, which he greatly succeeded.

Tanguy

Very nice experience with Niki and Yavo. We did not have the best snow conditions but Niki was able to find very good skying and mountaineering spots in this area that he knows better than anyone. He also took care of most aspects (airport transit, ski rental, etc), which made this 3 days trip very efficient ! For the after-ski, Bansko and the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities. I\'ll definitely come back shortly.

Jonathan

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

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Rila Seven Lakes

Pirin National Park

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