WEEKLY SKI LESSONS

Weekly group ski lessons are conducted from Monday to Friday for a minimum of 4 people in a group.

According to the different skills, we have prepared two packages – “Beginners” and “Intermediate“.

The other important criteria, when signing up for a group training, is the age of the participants, as we have distinguished two age groups – ‘’Ski kindergarten” (4-6 years) and Children (7-18 years).

The duration of the package depends on your choice – it can be from 1 to 5 days. We recommend the 5 day package as the most effective. Training takes place on consecutive days during weekdays (Monday-Friday).

SKI PACKAGES

Package BEGINNERS is suitable for future skiers who are absolute beginners or have had 1-2 trial lessons. The training takes place mainly on the Ophelii ski-slope and you start using the facilities on the first day of the course.

Depending on the age, the participants are divided into three groups – “Ski kindergarten” (4-6 years), Children (7-18 years) and Adults (18+). The maximum number of the participants in the group is according to the age characteristics: for “Ski kindergarten” it is up to 5 children, for “Children” and “Adults” – up to 6-8 people.

The ski package includes:

4 hous ski training with a ski teacher

Ski pass for the course

Ski equipment (ski, poles and boots)

Transfers from Sofia to Ophelii and back

Mountain insurance

Hot tea

From the 2023/2024 season, we also offer the option of a hot lunch in partnership with the Ophelii Gorski Dom Hut.

*If the client or the person registered on his behalf has an allergy to certain foods or particularities in the diet, he must inform “Machirski sport”.

Package INTERMEDIATE is suitable for skiers who have completed several courses, have basic skills and want to upgrade them. This package covers the elements of Class A: connected arcs with a snowplough, basic turn coarse and fine shape, up to and including parallel skis. Training takes place on Ophelii and Vetrovala ski slopes. Depending on the age, the participants are divided into three groups – “Ski kindergarten” (4-6 years), Children (7-18 years) and Adults (18+).

When signing up for this package, it’s important to specify whether you’re riding a plough, for example, or switching to parallel skis. If you are not sure what your (or your child’s) skills are, you can send us a video 🙂

The ski package includes:

4 hous ski training with a ski teacher

Ski pass for the course

Ski equipment (ski, poles and boots)

Transfers from Sofia to Ophelii and back

Mountain insurance

Hot tea

From the 2023/2024 season, we also offer the option of a hot lunch in partnership with the Ophelii Gorski Dom Hut.

*If the client or the person registered on his behalf has an allergy to certain foods or particularities in the diet, he must inform “Machirski sport”.

SKI PRICES

 

Ski packages “Beginners” и “Intermediate” (ski slopes “Ophelii” and “Vetrovala”)

Prices:

  • 5-day ski course – 695 BGN
  • 4-day ski course – 615 BGN
  • 3-day ski course – 485 BGN
  • 2-day ski course – 370 BGN
  • 1 day ski lessons – 190 BGN

Prices include:

4 hours of ski training with ski teacher

Ski pass for the lifts of Machirski Sport on ski slopes “Ophelii” and “Vetrovala”

Ski equipment – ski, poles and boots

Transfer Sofia – Vitosha – Sofia

Mountain insurance

Hot tea


DISCOUNTS:

  • Discount for second course/second family member – 5%
  • Discounts for third and each subsequent course / discount for third family member – 10%
  • Family package* (two parents and two children) – 10% of the four packages

*Depending on the level of riding and the age of the family members, there is a possibility that the training will be conducted by one teacher. There is a possibility to pay twice.

  • Friend discount – 5% with a minimum of 3 children enrolled (applies to all three packages). Discounts apply when packages have the same performance period on consecutive days (Monday-Friday) or consecutive weekends
  • Discounts cannot be combined and are only valid for 4-, 5- and 6-day courses.

BOOKING

1. Booking a lesson

Booking a ski/snowboard lesson from Machirski Sport Ltd. is made from Monday to Thursday; 09:00 am – 06:00 pm. 

Reservation requests are accepted with a completed reservation form on our website.

Before making a reservation, carefully familiarize yourself with our General Terms and Conditions.

Upon confirmation of the reservation, you will receive a Contract, which you must return signed and to a full prepayment.

In order to book ski/snowboard lessons with a Bulgarian speaking group, the participant must have a good understanding of Bulgarian language. If the participant does not understand or speak Bulgarian, he/she has to book private ski/snowboard lessons with an English speaking teacher.

2. Payment

Full payment must be made up to 10 days prior to the start date of the selected course in one of the following ways:

  • by bank transfer – with wire transfer to the bank account of Machirski Sport: 
    • Bank account (in BGN): Machirski Sport Ltd., Bank: DSK Bank, IBAN: BG09 STSA93000001434 073, BIC: STSABGSF
    • Bank account (in EUR): Machirski Sport Ltd., Bank: DSK Bank, IBAN: BG32 STSA 93000021476478, BIC: STSABGSF
  • by debit/credit card – we will send you a payment link to your email or via message on your phone by myPOS and you will land on a secure payment gateway, where you can enter your card details and complete the payment process.

*If the payment is done by a company bank account, please send us company details in order to issue an invoice. 

**In the absence of payment up to 10 days before the start date, the reservation is cancelled.

If the participant is under 18 years old, his/hers parent/guardian is required to inform Machirski Sport of any behavioural characteristics and illnesses of the child.

3. Transfer

The shuttle bus transfer is included in the package price only with an advance booking through our reservation form. When booking, the Customer chooses which of the specified stops he/she will use for boarding and alighting. The shuttle bus departs from NS “Vasil Levski” at 08:15/08:30 and stops at the following locations:

  • “SHELL” stop – bus stop after the Shell gas station on “Bulgaria” blvd. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “Gotse Delchev” bus stop – bus stop after the intersection of “Bulgaria” Blvd. and “Gotse Delchev” Blvd. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “BILA” stop – bus stop after the intersection of “Bulgaria” Blvd. and “Todor Kableshkov” St. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “Skiorka” stop in Boyana district – bus stop after the intersection of Panoramamen and Belovodski roads in Boyana district (08:45 am/03:45 pm) . With the “ADVANCED” package, the “Skiorka” stop is replaced by the “Dragalevtsi” stop.

With the “EXPERT” package, the departure is only from ‘’Vasil Levski’’ National Stadium  at 07:45 am.

It is desirable for the Customer to wait at 08:30 am at the stop of his choice on Bulgaria blvd. The shuttle bus runs later, but cannot stay at the stops and wait for late customers. On the way back, the stops are located on the opposite side, in the direction along the center, again after the intersections. The shuttle bus arrives at “Vasil Levski” NS at 04:15 – 04:30 p.m.

In case of an unforeseen situation, you can inform us at +359 886 050 066.

4. Insurance 

The mountain insurance is included in the package price only when booking in advance an advance booking through our reservation form. The insurance policy is concluded with Euroins AD and covers up to BGN 1,000 for medical and rescue expenses. In case of an insurance event, the Customer must contact “Machirski Sport” immediately. “Machirski sport” can refuse to insure a client and is not responsible for an insurance event that occurs if the client has not provided correct personal data (three names, social security number).

A cancellation insurance can be purchased upon booking for an additional fee. The insurance is concluded within 5 days of payment and no less than 10 days before the start date of the service. We recommend using Cancellation Insurance as it has cover in case you become ill and cannot take advantage of the training course. The price of the insurance is determined according to the package you have chosen and its start date – you will receive information about it after making a request through our website. Estimated amount – about BGN 15. Please note that this type of insurance is only eligible for people with a Bulgarian citizenship or with a certificate of long-term residence in Bulgaria.

5. Personal equipment and clothing

When registering, children with personal ski/snowboard equipment are accepted after the parent guarantees its suitability and reliability, for which he/she  signs the General Terms and Conditions and a consultation has been made with a representative of “Machirski Sport” regarding the size and suitability of the equipment. For beginners, the size of the skis/snowboard should not be higher than the learner’s chin. Personal equipment must be labeled.

Course participants must be dressed in appropriate winter clothing.

It is desirable that the outfit be in two parts – a jacket and trousers, to allow easy undressing (on the bus, at the base, outdoors) and for children it should also include:

  • Children should wear ¾ socks (thermo) or pantyhose. Wearing short socks, thick woolen socks or more than one pair of regular socks is NOT recommended.
  • Children’s winter gloves can be single-fingered, but NOT knitted.
  • A helmet or winter hat to cover the ears.
  • Children’s backpack with a label with the child’s name, address and phone number of the parent.
  • A spare pair of socks, gloves and an extra t-shirt (a pair of underwear for the little ones).
  • Sunglasses with high UV protection, mask type recommended.

Children should be pre-slathered with sunscreen (SPF +15), but not moisturizing.

Scarves, ties, hanging accessories are DANGEROUS!!!

6. Lift ticket

When signing up for the “Beginners” and “Intermediate” packages, the package price includes a ski pass for use of the facilities managed by “Machirski Sport” on the Ophelii and Vetrovala ski slopes. “Advanced” and “Expert” packages do not include a lift pass. “Machirski sport” is not responsible and does not refund funds for purchased cards in case of suspension of use of the facilities due to bad weather conditions, accident or other force majeure circumstances. “Machirski sport” is not responsible and does not reimburse funds in the event of an obstacle to the conduct of the ski or snowboard training course, caused by the suspended use of tow and lift equipment owned by “Machirski sport” or another lift operator.

7. Organization of training

Group ski/snowboard lessons are 4 hours a day – two hours before lunch (10:00 am – 12:00 pm), a 45-minute lunch break and two hours after lunch (01:00 pm – 03:00 pm).

Clients should bring a small thermos/bottle with water and a dry food pack. During the lunch break, customers are offered free hot tea and are required to bring a reusable jug or cup.

8. Catering

Catering requests are only possible for ski and snowboard packages on ski slope Ophelii. The catering is provided by “Gorski dom Ofeliite” hut and includes soup, main course, bread and dessert and is consumed at the bases of Machirski sport.

Catering requests are made and paid no later than Thursday each week to the following email: reservations@machirski-sport.com.

Prices:

Children up to 15 years old – BGN 14.00
Children over 15 years old and adults – BGN 20.00

A request made can be canceled no later than Thursday (for the Saturday-Sunday courses) or until Sunday (for the weekly courses). In case of cancellation within a shorter period, the amount paid is not refunded.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. The customer can cancel the entire course or only a part of the course without paying a penalty up to 10 days before the start of the course by sending an email to: reservations@machirski-sport.com
  2. In case of cancellation less than 10 days before the start date of the course, 70% of the package price is refunded.
  3. The customer can postpone the start of the selected course for another period up to 5 days before the start date of the service, in writing to email reservations@machirski-sport.com. The final date until which the client can postpone a course is 31/03/2024. After this date, funds are not refunded.
  4. If the client withdraws from the course after the start date/ does not appear on a relevant day of the course/ suspends training during a day of the course, regardless of the nature of the reason, funds are not refunded.
  5. The customer has the right to transfer his rights and obligations under the contract to a third party by notifying “Machirski Sport” in writing at least 5 days in advance to the following email: reservations@machirski-sport.com. Depending on the specifics of the selected type of course, an additional payment may be required from the third party.
  6. Funds are refunded until the end of the 2024 Season, after providing a receipt and/or invoice/payment order.
  7. A Cancellation insurance can be purchased upon booking for an additional fee. Insurance can be concluded up to 5 days after payment and no less than 10 days before the date of the ski course.
  8. The customer undertakes to comply with the safety rules on the slopes of the ski centers “Ophelii”, “Vetrovala”, “Aleko” and Borovets.

Rights and obligations of Machirski Sport

  1. Machirski Sport can change the starting date of the lessons, if the conditions for conducting the course are not appropriate. Machirski Sport is obliged to coordinate the change with the client, as the new dates of the course have to be agreed with the Client. If the Client is unable to complete the course in the new period, the amount paid for the course will be refunded.
  2. Machirski Sport can change some of the dates of the course, after its beginning, if the conditions are not appropriate. The new dates should be coordinated with the Client. If the Client is unable to complete the course in the new period, the amount paid for the course will be refunded. Amounts will be refunded by the end of season 2024.
  3. In the event that the minimum number of participants required for the implementation of a given course has not been collected, “Machirski Sport” must inform the Client, no later than 24 hours before the start date, offering alternatives. If the client does not accept any alternative, “Machirski Sport” will refund the amount paid in full.
  4. Machirski Sport is not responsible for lost/forgotten or stolen items. If a Client loses/forgets an item, he/she has to inform Machirski Sport within 24 hours. The Client has to provide Machirski Sport with exact information for the brand, model, colour of the lost possession, so Machirski Sport team can try to find it.
  5. Machirski Sport is not responsible for a violation of the ski/snowboard school’s work schedule due to a problem with the cleaning or passability of the Sofia-Vetrovala-Ophelia road; Sofia – Aleko, Sofia – Borovets resort as well as in case of accidents related to the power supply.
  6. Machirski Sport may suspend the provision of services to a Client whose behavior endangers the health and safety of other Clients; violates the safety rules of the slopes of the ski centers “Ophelii”, “Vetrovala”, “Aleko”, kk Borovets. and creates conditions for accidents. In this case, “Machirski sport” does not owe a refund for the unused part of the service.

CLAIMS

  1. The customer has the right to complain about any non-compliance of the service with the agreed.
  2. The complaint is submitted orally or  written 14 days from the date of the failure or inadequate performance.
  3. When submitting a complaint, the Customer indicates the subject of the complaint, his preferred way of satisfying the complaint, the amount of the claimed amount, and a contact address. When submitting a claim, the Customer must attach the documents on which the claim is based: receipt or invoice; protocols, acts or other documents establishing the non-compliance of the service with the agreed.
  4. Acceptance of complaints is carried out during all working hours in the commercial outlet where the service was ordered or by email: office@machirski-sport.com. When presenting, “Machirski sport” describes the complaint in a register, and the Client is issued a document containing the date, the number under which the complaint was entered in the register, the type of service and the signature of the person who accepted the complaint.
  5. When the Tour Operator satisfies the claim, it issues a certificate to that effect, which is drawn up in two copies, and obligatorily provides one copy to the user.

 

OTHER CONDITIONS

For breach of contractual obligations of either party, the provisions of the Law on Obligations and Contracts and the Bulgarian legislation shall be applied.

 

Last update: Dec 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SKI LEVELS & PACKAGES:

  • I am an absolute beginner / I have 1-2 trial lessons / I have completed a course a few years ago, but since then I have not skied – for you or your child the “BEGINNERS” package is suitable. The training takes place mainly at the “Ophelii” ski slope, Vitosha mountain.
  • I’ve done one course last season/ I’ve done 3 five-day courses in the last three seasons/ I’ve been riding for 2-3 seasons but I can’t tell what level I’m at/ I’m skiing on a snow plough/ I’ve ridden many years ago but I want to remember – for you or your child, the “INTERMEDIATE” Package is suitable. The package covers all elements from connected arcs with a snowplough, basic turn coarse and fine shape, up to parallel skis, inclusive. The training takes place on the “OpheliI” and “Vetrovala” ski slopes, Vitosha mountain (the transfer to the Vetrovala slope is at the discretion of the ski instructor and according to the conditions of the slope)
  • I ski for 20 days in the last 2-3 seasons / I ski with parallel skis on blue, red and black slopes without worry / I have already skied this season – we recommend the “ADVANCED” package. It is suitable for children aged 7+ and adults who want to improve their riding technique, try different terrains and gain more confidence in their skills under the guidance of experienced teachers and coaches. The training takes place at the “Lale” ski slope,  Vitosha mountain.
  • I have been skiing for 20 days in the last 2-3 seasons / I ski with parallel skis on blue, red and black slopes without any worries, I have already skied this season – we recommend the “EXPERT” package, which we implement in Borovets, Rila mountain. The training is intensive, and the main goal is to work on riding technique and its improvement. Participants will try different terrains, practice dynamic carving, short rhythmic turns and riding in deep snow (if conditions are available) under the guidance of experienced teachers and coaches. The training takes place on all tracks in the  Borovets ski resort, Vitosha mountain, in partnership with the “Samokov” hotel.

SNOWBOARD LEVELS & PACKAGES:

  • I am an absolute beginner / I have 1-2 trial lessons / I have taken lessons a few years ago, but I haven’t been riding since then – the “BEGINNERS” package is suitable for you. The training takes place mainly at the “Ophelii” ski slope, Vitosha mountain.
  • I have done one course last season / I have 3 five-day lessons in the last three seasons / I have been snowboarding for 2-3 seasons, but I don’t know what level I am / – we recommend the package “INTERMEDIATE” covers the elements of class A: basic turn with rotation, high relief turn up to and including switch riding. The training takes place at the “Ophelii” ski slope, Vitosha mountain.
  • I’ve been boarding 20 days in the last 2-3 seasons on blue and red tracks without worry – for you we recommend the “ADVANCED ” package. It is designed for snowboarders who have past beginners classes, mastered the up unweighted turn and switch riding, as well as anyone who confidently descends blue, red and black runs. The package is also suitable for people who want to improve their riding technique, try different terrains and acquire new skills under the guidance of experienced teachers and coaches. The training takes place at the “Lale” ski slope, Vitosha mountain.

Booking a ski or snowboard course is done by filling in a reservation form.

Upon confirmation of the reservation, you will receive a Contract, which you need to return signed and to make a full prepayment.

In order to book ski/snowboard lessons with a Bulgarian speaking group, the participant must have a good understanding of Bulgarian language. If the participant does not understand or speak Bulgarian, he/she has to book private ski/snowboard lessons with an English speaking teacher.


The reserved lessons must be 100% prepaid in order to confirm your or your child’s participation up to 10 days before the start date:

  • By bank transfer – with wire transfer to the bank account of Machirski Sport: 
    • Bank account (in BGN): Machirski Sport Ltd., Bank: DSK Bank, IBAN: BG09 STSA93000001434 073, BIC: STSABGSF
    • Bank account (in EUR): Machirski Sport Ltd., Bank: DSK Bank, IBAN: BG32 STSA 93000021476478, BIC: STSABGSF
  • By debit/credit card –  we partner with MyPOS system which will send you a payment link directly to your email address or as a message on your phone. You need to click on the link, enter your card details and confirm the payment.

If you make a payment from a legal entity, it is necessary to send us company details in order to issue you an invoice.


The ski or snowboard training is a total of 4 hours a day: 2 hours before lunch (10 am – 12 pm), a 45-minute lunch break and 2 hours after lunch (01 – 03 pm).


If you want to use our transfer with a shuttle bus, you need to request this when booking for the relevant course. The transfer is included in the package price only with advance booking.

When registering, you must choose from which stop you/your child will get on and at which you/your child will get off:

  • Starting stop – “Vasil Levski” stadium – you need to be there at 08:15 am. The bus leaves at 08:30 am
  • “SHELL” stop – bus stop after the Shell gas station on “Bulgaria” blvd. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “Gotse Delchev” bus stop – bus stop after the intersection of “Bulgaria” Blvd. and “Gotse Delchev” Blvd. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “BILA” stop – bus stop after the intersection of “Bulgaria” Blvd. and “Todor Kableshkov” Blvd. (08:30 am/04:00 pm)
  • “Skiorka” stop in Boyana district – bus stop after the intersection of Panoramamen and Belovodski roads in Boyana district. (08:45 am/03:45 pm) With the “ADVANCED” package, the “Skiorka” stop is replaced by the “Dragalevtsi” stop.

An important clarification for the “Experts” package – the departure is only from “Vasil Levski” NS at 07:45 am

We advise you to wait at 08:30 am at the stop of your choice. The shuttle bus runs later, but it cannot stay at the stops and wait for late customers.

The shuttle bus arrives at NS “Vasil Levski” at 04:15 – 04:30 pm

For private trainings, a transfer can be used when enrolling for a minimum of 4 hours.


Yes, of course, but it is important to specify this when booking ski/snowboard lessons. Please note that you must be at the cash desk of the respective ski slope at the latest at 09:30 am for us to take you to your group. If you decide to use personal transportation, the price of the package does not change and no discount is given.

It is important to know that the police closes the road for cars according to the volume of traffic – usually between 10:00 am and 11:00 am and they do not allow cars, regardless of whether you have a ski school lesson booked. In case of heavy snowfall and severe road conditions, we recommend you to use our organized transport as more reliable. We believe that using organized public transport is more environmentally friendly than using private cars and we hope to convince you of that 🙂


Different ski and snowboard packages have slight differences in the services they include. All packages include: 4 hours of training a day, ski or snowboard equipment, mountain insurance, transfer and hot tea. Only for “BEGINNERS” and “INTERMEDIATE” packages, the package price includes a ski pass for the facilities of Machirski sport. With the “EXPERT” package, the price includes food provided by Samokov Hotel. See detailed information in the “Prices” section of the respective package.


Yes, upon pre-registration, all our course participants have included mountain insurance for the respective course. The insurance policy is concluded with Euroins AD and covers up to BGN 1000 for medical and rescue expenses. In the event of an insured event, it is important to contact our team immediately. Please note that “Machirski sport” may refuse to insure a client and is not responsible for an insurance event that occurs if the client has not provided correct personal data (three names, social security number, DOB). When participating in ski/snowboard training on the territory of Ophelii and Vetroval ski centers, without prior registration, the client is not insured.

A cancellation insurance can be purchased upon booking for an additional fee. The insurance is concluded within 5 days of payment and no less than 10 days before the start date of the service. We recommend using Cancellation Insurance as it has cover in case you become ill and cannot take advantage of the training course. The price of the insurance is determined according to the package you have chosen and its start date – you will receive information about it after making a request through our website. Estimated amount – about BGN 15. Please note that this type of insurance is only eligible for people with a Bulgarian citizenship or with a certificate of long-term residence in Bulgaria.


The ski/lift pass is included in all ski/snowboard packages that take place on the slopes “Ophelii” and “Vetrovala” (“BEGINNERS” and “INTERMEDIATE” packages).

The ski pass is only valid for the time of the lesson and the facilities of Machirski Sport. The training of the “Advanced” package takes place on the “Lale” slope, where the ski pass can be purchased on the spot from the Vitosha ski ticket office. The training of  the “Experts” package takes place on the slopes of the Borovets ski resort and the ski pass can be purchased on the spot.


All students must be dressed in appropriate winter clothing. It is recommended to have 2 parts – ski jacket and ski pants.

  • We recommend wearing ¾ thermal socks or tights. Wearing short socks, thick woolen socks or more than one pair of regular socks is NOT recommended.
  • Winter gloves (maybe one-fingered, but NOT knitted)
  • Winter hat
  • Helmet (if you have one, optional)
  • If it is a child – prepare a backpack with a spare hat, gloves, underwear, socks, T-shirt, with a label with the child’s name, address and phone number of the parent.
  • Sunglasses with high UV protection, mask type recommended.
  • Children should be pre-slathered with sun protection cream (SPF +15), but not moisturizing.

Scarves, ties, hanging accessories are DANGEROUS.


It is necessary to bring a small thermos or a bottle with water, food for the day and a mug in which we can pour you hot tea during the lunch break.


We organize the groups based on age and skills, ie. for example, a beginner child will be trained with other children at the same level. Depending on the age of the child (at least 7 + years) we can also offer group training.


If you forget your belongings on the shuttle bus or in one of our cottages, we recommend you to contact our team as soon as possible to look for it. We recommend you to send us the inquiry by email: office@machirski-sport.com with accurate information about the lost item, color, characteristics, brand and photo (if you have one). Please note that Machirski Sport is not responsible for lost and stolen personal items, but we will try to find them.


The customer can postpone the start of the selected course for another period up to 5 days before the start date of the service, in writing to email reservations@machirski-sport.com. The final date until which the client can postpone a course is 31/03/2024. After this date, funds are not refunded.

If the client withdraws from the course after the start date/ does not appear on a relevant day of the course/ suspends training during a day of the course, regardless of the nature of the reason, funds are not refunded.


The customer can cancel the entire course without paying a penalty up to 10 days before the start of the course by sending an email to reservations@machirski-sport.com. In case of cancellation less than 10 days before the start date of the course, 70% of the package price is refunded.

If the client withdraws from the course after the start date/ does not appear on a relevant day of the course/ suspends training during a day of the course, regardless of the nature of the reason, funds are not refunded.

See full information in the “Conditions” section of the relevant course.