Backcountry BG

Backcountry adventure Week. Alpine trails and singletrack perfection.

Our all out package, the best trails and the best way to travel in the mountains. We use our van for most uplifts, keeping the transitions efficient and the energy focused on the descents. For those who want to reach even higher terrain, there’s also the option to use 4x4 shuttles, chairlifts, and a gondola to access the alpine zones and maximise vertical drop.

We will cross the Pirin mountains and traverse the Rila ridges. We can go all day without seeing another soul and shred an untouched paradise in peace. Adventures don't get much better.

Don't worry it's still a holiday and we have factored in plenty of time for R&R, some chill riding, bars, restaurants and pools.

We stay outside our mountain base fora night, in a mountain hut, allowing us to ride more epic long descents and spend a night in nature.

Overview

  • 6 MEGA days riding

  • Free time activities including hot springs down time

  • 80% uplift

  • 3000-4000m descending daily

  • Ideal for ultimate adventure

  • Good level fitness required


Our home trails. Uplifted and almost endless descending.

Alpine day from this week. Including a 2000m descent!

Backcountry BG

7 Nights

June - September

6 days guiding

16000m descending, 2000m climbing

Airport Transfers

Breakfasts

First and last meal

Mid Week BBQ/Lunch

House beers, wines and soft drinks

Β£995 Per Person

Calender

Trails

This week includes a mixture of natural and purpose built trails. Be prepared for a wide variety of terrain and very long descents. Expect all conditions: rocks, roots, loam, jumps, berms, drops, speed and tech. Riding in the alpine means we there will be exposure and altitude. Some trails are very much off-piste and anticipation of hidden bumps, branches and boulders will be beneficial. Be aware when travelling through the mountains on bikes, there will be sections not designed for Bikes, it might be required to dismount or ride through awkward sections.

Skill level: Advanced/Expert. Although we have a number of difficult trails, all committed features are avoidable and easy options are available. The characteristics of these trails change drastically with speed, allowing confident riders of varying abilities to enjoy them. We would recommend being comfortable riding minimum UK red trails and above. We would also recommend some experience riding in the mountains or a high skill and fitness level, to really get the most out of this week.

Fitness level: Moderate to high level of bike fitness. This week includes around 300-500m daily climbing. The biggest option we have to climb in one day is around 950m. Most trails are considerably longer than UK trail centres and so strength and endurance is required.

Summers here can quite intense so be aware of your own body and limitations.

Although you dont need to be a racer or have any aspirations to be, a decent level of bike skills and fitness is definitely required to get the most out of this week.

This trip runs Saturday to Saturday. Included in the price is Sofia airport, arrival any time. Transfer from Thessaloniki and Plovdiv also possible, may incur an extra charge. 

Day 1: Bansko Enduro Network

Arrive at our cozy chalet basecamp in Bansko, surrounded by stunning mountain views. After a quick setup and bike check, we dive straight into the action with uplifted trail sessions. Expect a mix of terrain β€” from playful lower mountain flow trails to big 1000m descent enduro lines. Short pedal transitions connect each section, giving you a perfect warm-up for the days ahead. The evening is for relaxing at the chalet with local food and good vibes.

Day 2: Pedal Adventure and Bear Park BBQ

A big pedal adventure linking freshly cut loam trails and flowing alpine singletrack. The route winds through forests and open ridgelines, above 2000m, offering a true taste of Bulgaria’s natural beauty. We finish near the Bear Park area, where a well-earned BBQ and cold drinks await after a full day of adventure.

Day 3: Local Secrets and Loam Heaven

We stay close to Bansko to explore some extra local gems β€” hidden tracks that only the locals know. Expect a short hike-a-bike section leading to an incredible loamy descent that feels endless. This day is all about steep turns, soft dirt, and that deep forest silence. The evening is free to relax or explore Bansko town.

Day 4: Into the Rhodope Mountains

We head deep into the Rhodope Mountains for a full day of natural, wild riding. These are some of Bulgaria’s longest and most untouched trails β€” fast, flowing, and full of character. After an epic day, we settle into a cozy mountain hut, enjoy a hearty dinner, and fall asleep to the sound of the forest. The morning brings breathtaking views over the ridgelines.

Day 5: The Varvara Epic

Today’s ride takes us to Varvara β€” home to long, technical trails with a huge variety of terrain. Expect rock gardens, forest loam, and endless switchbacks. This is one of the true test pieces of the trip, with massive descents and rewarding challenges. We finish the day relaxing, refueling, and reliving the best moments.

Day 6: Alpine Lift and Grand Finale

We take a classic alpine lift β€” an old communist-era chairlift offering spectacular mountain views. From 2,300m we drop into one of the biggest descents of the trip, flowing all the way down to an alpine hut for lunch. In the afternoon, we return to Bansko to repeat our favourite trails and wrap up the week with a final round of epic riding. The trip ends with a celebratory group dinner and well-deserved drinks, toasting to an unforgettable week on the trails.


  • 6 nights in our chalet with 1 night in a mountain hut at 1500m

    The chalet sits nestled in a private walled garden, facilities include a sheltered BBQ area.

    Homely and spacious, the Lodge caters for up to 14 guests in our chalet-style cabins.

    All rooms have an en-suite shower room, and

    • Comfy sofa 

    • Egyptian cotton linen and towels

    • Hairdryer

    • Kettle and condiments

    • TV & Amazon Firestick

    Price based on sharing a room. Single supplement possible, please contact to discuss.

    All the accommodation has secure bike storage, Wifi and a small communal kitchen. We also keep on hand bike tools and proper cleaning kit so we can keep everything rolling smoothly.


  • Sure, there is plenty here to keep any non-riders entertained. Drop us a message for more details and prices.

  • All major airlines include a bike bag/box for an additional fee of around Β£60 (Ryanair)

  • Yes. Due to the nature of modern bikes, most components are not interchangeable. We try to keep in as much kit as possible to keep you moving one way or another but personal kit is highly recommended. Think: pads, derailleurs, mech hangers, spokes etc..

  • Yes please!

    We can also organise fantastic vegan/vegetarian food.

  • There is a huge amount to do here, attracting tourists all year round. Traditional restaurants and bars are a must. We also have natural hot springs, luxurious spas, outdoor pools and museums.

    Need a day away from the bike? Book yourself onto an ATV tour or an all day session at a winery. There is plenty of relaxation and mischief to be had.

  • Bulgarian Leva. Its pegged to the euro so you wont get ripped off getting some cash before you leave. We reccomend a travel card (Revolut, Monzo, etc) and just grabbing some carh here (We will tell you where).

  • Usually hot and dry during the summer. We have months of predictable and stable weather. Obviously these are big mountains and the weather can turn but this is usually in the form of very brief rainstorms. Expect 25-35 degrees C.

    During Summer it is rarely super humid, expect dry heat and cooler nights.

  • Yes!

    On top of normal travel insurance we recommend additional mountain sports insurance. This is one of the ones we use:

    https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/membership/Membership.php

  • Not at all. Traditional food is full of familiar veggies, meats and fish. There are some more out there dishes too for the adventurous types. Bansko has plenty of westernised restaurants providing a proper global spread. We are also super close to Turkey and Greece so kebabs and Gyros are top notch.

    Mountain huts have limited variety but will always have soups, salads, omelets, cheeses and meats.

  • A number of reasons:

    1) Not many people come here yet. This is the up and coming destination. Get in while its cheap and the dirt is fresh.

    2) Bulgaria use the Cyrillic alphabet so you probably wont find much local content.

    3) Nobody wants to give away the really good locations..