Lifts in Bulgaria 2026: Full ranking, length and tourist guide

Mountain tourism in Bulgaria is unthinkable without its “aerial” infrastructure. In 2026, our country will offer a colorful mosaic of cable cars – from ultra-modern high-speed facilities to Bansko to nostalgic but charming retro lifts in the Balkan Mountains, carrying the spirit of the past.

This article is not just a list. It is the most detailed guide and ranking of the lifts in our country. We will look at the technical parameters, the feeling of the ride, the hidden "traps" of the queues and the specifics of each resort. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, paraglider or just love the view from above, here you will find everything you need for your vertical adventure.

Category 1: “The Big Three” – The Giants of Winter Sports

We're talking about scale here. In these resorts, the lifts are not just an attraction, but a critical transportation system, transporting thousands of people per hour. The infrastructure is the largest, and the investments are in the millions of leva.

1. Bansko (Pirin) – The Technology Leader

As experts focused on the region, we can confirm: Bansko is the undisputed number 1 in terms of modernity and capacity in the Balkans. The system here was designed by the Austrian giant Doppelmayr and is maintained at a world-class level.

• Total number: 14 main lifts (plus numerous children's lifts and trails).
• The flagship: The cable car (gondola).
  • Length: 6233 meters (the second longest in our country).
  • Capacity: 8-seater cabins connecting the city with Banderishka meadow for about 25 minutes.
  • Role: This is the backbone of the resort. Without it, access to the high mountain is only possible by car along a narrow mountain road.
• High-speed seats:
  The lifts such as “Banderitsa 1 and 2”, “The plateau”" and "Shiligarnik" are of the latest generation. They are "detachable", which means that they reduce speed when boarding and disembarking for comfort, but move extremely fast along the route (up to 5-6 m/s). Most are equipped with protective helmets against wind and snow.
• Latest acquisition: The 6-seater lift "Shiligarnik", which significantly relieved traffic in the middle part of the mountain.

2. Borovets (Rila) – The Historical Aristocrat

The oldest resort in Bulgaria offers an interesting mix of history and modernity. The lift network here is strategically divided into several zones – Sitnyakovo (Center), Yastrebets and Markudzhik, allowing flexibility in different weather conditions.

• Total number: 13 facilities.
• Top facility: Yastrebets Gondola Lift.
  • Length: 4827 meters.
  • Elevation: An impressive 1046 meters – one of the steepest climbs.
  • Feature: The cabins are 6-seater, model of Poma, and offer a unique panorama of Musala Peak.
• The key player: The 4-seater “Yastrebets Express”. This is a fast lift that serves some of the best red runs in Bulgaria.
• Night riding: The elevators in front of the Rila Hotel (“Martinovi Baraki”) are illuminated and operate until late, creating a unique atmosphere.

3. Pamporovo & Chepelare (Rhodopes) – Solar Power

In recent years, the two areas have been united with a single lift pass, making them the third superpower of Bulgarian skiing. Here the concept is different – Pamporovo lacks a gondola, but the network of chairlifts is extremely dense and interconnected.

• Top facility (Chepelare): 4-seater lift “Mechi Chal”.
  • Length: 2700 meters.
  • Duration: 9 minutes.
  • Advantage: It serves one of the longest and widest tracks in Bulgaria, certified for international competitions.
• The heart of Pamporovo: The lifts “Studenets” (several parallel lines), “Snezhanka” and “Malina”. They are ideal for families as they are slower and easier to get on.
• “Two Bridges” Elevator: A key connection for moving between slopes without having to take off your skis.

Category 2: Urban and iconic lifts

These facilities often serve as an “elevator” between busy city life and the wild, making them a favorite for both summer tourism and a quick weekend getaway.

4. Vitosha (Sofia) – Closest to the clouds

Vitosha is the pain and pride of Sofia residents. The infrastructure is morally outdated, and modernization plans often get bogged down in bureaucratic and environmental disputes. However, the mountain holds an important record.

• The record holder: Cable car "Simeonovo - Aleko".
  • Length: 6270 meters – The longest cable car in Bulgaria!
  • Duration: About 30 minutes of panoramic travel over Sofia.
  • Condition: Working, but the cabins are old ("egg" type).
• Dragalevski lift: Unfortunately, this historic double chairlift has been discontinued and is awaiting its reconstruction.
• For skiers: “Vitoshka Tulip 1” and “Vitoshka Tulip 2” (seated) are the only ones that serve a serious riding area above Sofia and offer night riding with a view of the lights of the capital.

5. Sopot (Stara Planina) – Paragliders' Paradise

If you are looking for endless views, silence and a feeling of flying, Sopot is the place. The lift is open, which makes it preferred mainly in summer, spring and autumn.

• Type: Double-seat open-air lift (chairlift).
• Record: The longest passenger chairlift in the Balkans.
• Length: 3990 meters (divided into two parts with an intermediate station).
• Elevation: 832 meters.
• Purpose: This is a world-class paragliding destination. International competitions are held here, and the lift is the main means of ascent for pilots.

6. Sliven (Karandila) – Flight over the Blue Stones

One of the most romantic lifts in our country. It connects the city of Sliven with the Karandila area and the “Blue Stones” nature park.

• Length: 1895 meters.
• Travel time: 20 minutes.
• Feeling: The seats are open and low, literally passing over the rock phenomena. Ideal for photo shoots.

Category 3: Tourist pearls and hidden treasures

Outside of the big resorts, Bulgaria hides small "jewels" - lifts that serve specific chalets or natural landmarks.

Other important locations

• Beklemeto (Troyan): It mainly has ski lifts ("panichki") and short lines, but is a favorite place for families from Northern Bulgaria.
• Uzana (Gabrovo): The geographical center of Bulgaria. The lifts here are short, but the place is ideal for first steps in skiing (ski school).
• Kom (Berkovitsa): An increasingly popular area in Western Stara Planina with ambitions for development.
• Xilifor (Veliko Tarnovo): A small freight/tourist lift that operates on request or during events.

Types of lifts: What you need to know?

For the novice tourist, the terminology can be confusing. Here is a quick reference:

Prices and Practical Tips for the 2026 season

Lift ticket prices in Bulgaria vary significantly. While in Bansko a one-day ticket can exceed 100 BGN (current as of the 2025/2026 season), in places like Sliven or Sopot the price for a round-trip ticket is between 15 and 25 BGN.

Safety

Although many of the lifts (especially the double-chair lifts in smaller resorts) were built in the 1980s, they are subject to extremely strict state technical supervision. Before each season (summer and winter), complete inspections of the ropes and supporting poles are carried out.

Summary table for quick reference

Conclusion: Which lift to choose?

Bulgaria is a paradise for lovers of heights. Bansko wins the title for best ski infrastructure, Vitosha offers the longest gondola ride, and Sopot is unsurpassed for a summer panorama.

Your choice depends on your goal – whether you are looking for the adrenaline of the “black track”, the tranquility of a hut in Rila or a romantic walk over the Blue Stones. Whatever you choose, the mountain awaits you.