Mechi Chal

The Mechi Chal Ski Area located  near the town of Chepelare is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports in Bulgaria. Located just 1 km south of the town and nestled at the foot of Mount Mechi Chal (1,873 m), the area offers well-maintained slopes suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. The longest and most renowned run is “Mechi Chal 1,” stretching 3,000 meters — one of the longest alpine ski runs in Bulgaria. Thanks to its excellent features and compliance with international standards, the slope is ideal not only for winter sports enthusiasts but also for hosting world-class competitions.

The ski area features a variety of runs with different levels of difficulty and length:

  Ski Run 1 (red) – 3,250 m long, 718 m vertical drop;

  Bypass 1A (blue) – 465 m long, 95 m vertical drop;

  Bypass 1B (blue-red) – 490 m long, 82 m vertical drop;

  Ski Run 2 (green) – 2,000 m long, 238 m vertical drop;

  *Ski Run 3 (blue) – 2,000 m long, 238 m vertical drop;

  *Ski Run 4 (green) – 5,150 m long, 718 m vertical drop;

  *Ski Run 4A (blue) – 955 m long, 163 m vertical drop;

  *Ski Run 5 (red) – 490 m long, 168 m vertical drop;

  *Ski Run 7 (black-red) – 785 m long, 370 m vertical drop.

* Ski Runs 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 7 are NOT categorized and do not have an artificial snowmaking system. Use of these slopes is at the skiers' and snowboarders' own risk.

The area is equipped with a four-seat chairlift featuring a mid-station located at 1,525 m. This setup allows skiers to access only the upper slopes when there’s insufficient natural snow or temperatures rise and lower slopes become unusable, as the base station lies at an altitude of 1,155 m.

Near the peak and close to the upper station of the old lift, there is also a fixed ski tow approximately 200 meters long. It is ideal for children and beginners, especially since the upper part of the slope is particularly wide.

In the coming years, snowmaking is planned for the remaining main runs, such as Run No. 3 (red), Run No. 4 (green-blue), and Run 4A (blue), along with the connecting trails or ski routes: Ski Route No. 1 (green), Bypass 1A (blue), and Bypass 1B (blue).

Currently, around the base station of Mechi Chal Ski Area, there are five ski rental shops offering ski and snowboard equipment for all skill levels. There are also enough ski instructors operating in three small ski schools, which work exclusively in this area. Upon request, Pamporovo AD, the owner of the lift facilities at Mechi Chal, also provides its own instructors for both individual and group lessons.

The ski area features six dining venues, offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors. These restaurants are located near the peak and the base station of the lift.

Just 50 meters from the main Asenovgrad–Smolyan road, with a turnoff about one kilometer past the last houses of Chepelare, you’ll find the base station and several parking areas where you can leave your car. Right before the turnoff to the base station, there is also a large parking lot on the left side of the main road.

If you are staying in Pamporovo and already have a lift pass for the Pamporovo Ski Zone, you can access the Mechi Chal slopes at no extra cost — simply go through the turnstiles using your valid Pamporovo lift pass. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to take a shuttle bus that departs before the lifts open, leaving from Ski Center 2 in Pamporovo – Malina, and stopping at Ski Center 1 (Tourist Center) before dropping you off directly at the base station of the Mechi Chal lift. At the end of the ski day, the same shuttle will return you to Pamporovo along the same route. Be sure to check the departure and return times of the shuttle at any of the lift ticket offices or by calling 070017702.

The official working hours of the lift ticket office are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The first ride of the winter season starts at 8:45 AM, and the last one is at 4:30 PM.