A ski week does not have to mean a week without your dog. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo have long walks in fresh snow, quiet forest paths and more and more places that accept pets. The hard part is the journey: skis, boots, suitcases, maybe child seats, a dog in a crate – and often a flight into Sofia first. From Sofia Airport to Bansko it is about 155 km (around 2 h 15 min), to Borovets about 75 km (around 1 h 30 min) and to Pamporovo about 230 km (around 3 h 30 min). Below: how to prepare your dog, what to pack and how to get there. With YesTrans, you and your dog travel in a private car from arrivals to the door of your chalet or hotel.
Call or message us: +359 897 227 771 (Viber, WhatsApp) · Book online · no prepayment
Which resort suits you and your dog
The three resorts are quite different, and the choice depends more on you than on the dog:
- Bansko – a real town with life beyond the slopes. The old streets and the surroundings give you plenty of options for evening walks. The widest choice of apartments and chalets.
- Borovets – the closest resort to Sofia and the airport. A good choice if your dog does not enjoy long car journeys.
- Pamporovo – in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, surrounded by pine forest. The road is longer and winding, but the place is quiet and lovely for walks.
Whichever you choose, ask your host before booking whether dogs are accepted, whether there are any conditions and where the dog can be walked. Policies differ from place to place, so it is always best to ask directly.
Preparing your dog for snow and cold
Most dogs love snow, but a mountain winter is not the same as a winter in the city. Keep an eye on these things:
- Paws – snow, ice and road salt can irritate the pads. Wipe the paws with a towel after every walk. If your dog is used to paw balm or dog boots, bring them.
- A coat – small and short-haired dogs get cold quickly. If your dog wears a coat at home, pack it.
- Towels – bring more than you think you need. A wet dog in a warm room is fine; a wet dog in the cold is not.
- A reflective collar or a light – it gets dark early in winter and evening walks are often in the dark.
- Keep the dog on a lead near the slopes – skiers and snowboarders move fast and can scare or hurt a dog.
Who looks after the dog while you ski?
This is the question to answer before you leave home. Your dog cannot come onto the piste, so plan who stays with it. Many families take turns – one parent skis in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Others choose accommodation where the dog can stay calmly in the room for a few hours. Whatever you decide, agree it with your host in advance.
The best moments with a dog on a ski holiday are usually the early morning and evening walks, when the slopes are empty and the snow is fresh.
What to pack for the journey
A winter trip with skis and a dog needs a bit more organisation. Prepare a separate bag for the dog:
- water and a collapsible bowl;
- the food your dog is used to, for the whole stay;
- lead, collar with your phone number, and a spare lead;
- a blanket or towel for the car seat – paws are wet and muddy in winter;
- poo bags and wet wipes;
- a favourite toy and the blanket it sleeps on;
- the dog’s documents and any medication, in your hand luggage.
The crate or carrier is yours to bring. If the dog travels in a crate – for example the one it flew in – tell us its size when you book, so we send a car with room for both the crate and the skis.
The mountain road with a dog
The last kilometres to Bansko, Borovets and especially Pamporovo are mountain roads with bends, and in snowfall traffic moves more slowly. A few tips:
- Do not feed the dog a big meal before the trip – bends can make it sick. Do not hold back water.
- Walk the dog before departure – especially after a flight when it has been in a crate for hours.
- Take a break – on a longer route such as the one to Pamporovo, tell the driver and we will stop for a short walk.
- Never leave the dog alone in the car – neither in heat nor in cold.
Our drivers use these roads throughout the season. The cars are prepared for winter, and if you need more space we send a minivan or van.
How our transfers with a dog work
We carry pets only together with their owner – your dog travels with you, never separately. When you book, tell us how many people are travelling, how many pairs of skis or snowboards you have and what dog is coming – its size and whether it travels in a crate or a carrier.
- Around 200 sedans, 50 minivans, 100 vans and 20 S/E-class cars – a car for every group and every dog.
- Unlimited waiting if your flight is delayed – we track your flight and the driver waits for you.
- 24/7 – early and late flights are no problem.
- Child seats at no extra charge.
- No prepayment – you pay after the ride.
- Phone, Viber and WhatsApp – +359 897 227 771.
Route details with a dog are on Bansko ski transfer with a dog and Sofia Airport transfer with a dog or cat. All our pet services are collected on pet-friendly transfers in Bulgaria. Regular ski transfers: Sofia Airport – Bansko, Sofia Airport – Borovets and Sofia Airport – Pamporovo.
The way home
On the last day, your dog is usually tired from the snow and sleeps all the way back. Have a dry blanket and towels for the paws ready, walk the dog before departure and do not forget water. If you are flying, leave enough time before the flight. You can book the return transfer with your first booking, so there is nothing to arrange on the last day.
Heading to the coast in summer as well? Read our guide travelling to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast with a dog.
Call or message us: +359 897 227 771 (Viber, WhatsApp) · Book online · no prepayment
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bansko from Sofia Airport?
About 155 km, around 2 h 15 min without stops. Borovets is about 75 km away and Pamporovo about 230 km.
Can my dog travel together with skis and luggage?
Yes. Tell us how many people, how many pairs of skis and how big the dog is, and we will send a minivan or van if more space is needed.
What happens if my flight is late?
The driver waits for you. Waiting time for a delayed flight is unlimited.
Does my dog need a crate?
Your dog travels in a crate or a carrier. The crate or carrier is yours to bring.
Can you take my dog to the resort without me?
No. We carry pets only together with their owner or the person looking after them.
When do I pay?
After the ride. We do not ask for prepayment.