Vitosha Snowshoeing Adventure

~ Possible Itineraries ~
• An ascent of the highest peak: Mount Cherni Vruh (2290 m): this route starts from Aleko Hut at 1810 m above the sea. The hut is accessible by asphalt road and by the Simeonovo gondola lift. The ascent is generally smooth, with panoramas towards the Balkan Mountains, and finally, towards Rila Mountains to the south. The walk takes about 6h in total, with 500m of vertical ascent and descent. It is suitable for novices, without previous experience in snowshoeing or hiking given they are using adequate equipment (described in “What to bring”).
• Konyarnika Locality – Mount Cherni Vruh: this is not a circular walk but one that follows the highest parts of the mountain. The starting point near Konyarnika is located at around 1700m and accessible by car. We start ascending and follow a ridge with spectacular panoramas towards Rila Mountains and the lower mountains located west of Sofia. We climb the peak for about 3 hours with 600m of vertical gain. Descent to Aleko Hut and further down to Sofia.
• Aleko Hut – Reznyovete Area – Zheleznitsa Village: this route is not short, but the ascent is very little. We start from Aleko Hut and follow an almost flat terrain below the impressive Reznyovete Peaks, on the edge of the forest and above Bistrishko Branishte Reserve. Descent to Akademika Hut and further to the village of Zheleznitsa. Total time of the tour: about 5h, +200/-850m.

~ What to bring ~

Documents:
• Passport
• Local Insurance (included)
• Pocket money

Gear:
• Hiking boots – waterproof and warm, above the ankle, stiff sole
• Water and windproof jacket with a hood
• Water and windproof trousers
• Rucksack
• Warm hat, thin pair of winter gloves / mittens
• Thermal underwear, light down jacket or a warm fleece
• Sun protection – sun cream, sun glasses, sun hat
• Snowshoes and trekking poles (included in the price)
• Water bottle or, preferably, flask – 1/1,5l
• Snacks, lunch pack

~ About Vitosha ~
• Vitosha is the first Natural Park in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula (established in 1934).
• Ten of the Vitosha peaks are situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, as the highest of them is Cherni Vrah (2,290 meters). It rises in the central part of the mountain.
• Struma River springs from Vitosha. This is the longest river in southwest Bulgaria.
• The longest cave in Bulgaria – Duhlata Cave, 17 600m long, 53 meters deep, is located on the south side of Vitosha.