Two-Day Ice Climbing near Bov Station and Winter Hiking

Ice climbing near Bov Station brings together two days in the winter mountains, hands-on experience with climbing equipment and hikes past frozen waterfalls. Take on the ice at Pod Kamiko Waterfall in the Balkan Mountains or, when conditions require a change of location, at a suitable waterfall in northern Rila. It is an adventure for anyone drawn to the winter mountains who feels ready to try something more challenging.

The programme combines ice climbing, a snowshoe hike on the route to Trastena Hut and an evening in a cosy mountain setting. After an active day, there is dinner, time to talk through what you have learned and a glass of raspberry wine. You do not need previous climbing experience, but you do need a good level of fitness and the motivation to take part.

Learn ice-climbing skills with alpine guides

Experienced alpine guides lead the climbing and hiking. The programme includes a licensed mountain guide and an alpine climbing instructor. You will learn the basics of moving on ice and belaying, try different tools and equipment, and put those skills into practice on a frozen waterfall.

Climbing takes place on a top rope. Instruction also covers building belay anchors in the ice and an introduction to the Abalakov ice anchor. This is a group activity, so you will be joining other participants whom you may not have met before.

Day 1: the Pod Kamiko eco-trail, a frozen waterfall and Trastena Hut

• 9:30 am — meet at Bov Station, get to know the group, attend a short briefing and set off.
• Walk along the scenic Pod Kamiko eco-trail: approximately 5–6 km over around two hours, with views of beautiful frozen cascades.
• 11:30 am–noon — arrive at the waterfall's 45-metre ice cascade. Take a short snack break while the guides prepare the ropes and belay anchors.
• Once everything is ready, begin top-rope climbing, with practice in different climbing techniques, using equipment, building anchors and the Abalakov ice anchor.
• 4:30–5:00 pm — finish climbing for the day.
• 5:00–7:30 pm — hike approximately 7 km to Trastena Hut.
• Settle in for the evening, have dinner and share your impressions over a glass of raspberry wine.

Day 2: more climbing and the return to Bov Station

• 7:00 am — breakfast, followed by departure for the waterfall.
• 9:30–10:00 am — begin the second day's climbing.
• 3:00–3:30 pm — set off towards Bov Station using an alternative section of the eco-trail.
• 6:00 pm — arrive at Bov Station.

What the two-day adventure includes

• Participation in a two-day group ice-climbing programme at Pod Kamiko Waterfall near Bov Station or in the Rila Lakes area, depending on conditions.
• Guidance from a licensed mountain guide and an alpine climbing instructor for the climbing and hiking.
• Shared climbing equipment, including ropes and protection points.
• Personal climbing equipment if you do not have your own: a harness, ice tools, crampons and a helmet.
• Snowshoes for participants who do not have their own.

What you need to bring and arrange

You must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Mountain insurance is required for the day of the activity. The organiser advises that this can be purchased at any insurance branch for approximately BGN 6; for this two-day programme, check that your cover applies on the relevant days.

• Winter boots with stiff soles.
• A hat, two neck gaiters and two pairs of gloves — one thin pair and one thick pair.
• A waterproof jacket and trousers; ski clothing can be used if necessary.
• Gaiters and an approximately 40-litre backpack with attachment points for equipment.
• Sunglasses or ski goggles.
• At least 1.5 litres of water and enough food for two days.
• Walking poles and a head torch.

The overnight stay at Trastena Hut is not included: each participant pays for it directly at the hut. Participants may arrange to share transport to Bov Station.

Winter dates, advance arrangements and conditions

The experience lasts two days and runs on set dates during the winter season. The announced dates are:

• 19–20 December 2026.
• 16–17 January 2027.
• 20–21 February 2027.
• 6–7 March 2027.

Participation must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. Separately, the organiser requires you to contact the instructor three days before your reserved date for detailed directions and preparation advice.

This is a weather-dependent activity. Warm temperatures, storms or other unsuitable conditions mean the climbing moves from the Bov area to Skakavitsa Waterfall or another suitable waterfall in Rila; the Seven Rila Lakes cirque is also identified as an alternative area. The itinerary featuring Trastena Hut describes the Bov route. If the location changes, the organiser will confirm the specific arrangements.

The organiser's stated cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 72 hours before the reserved start time.

Give a winter challenge with an Adventico voucher

Choose an Adventico voucher for yourself or for someone who loves the winter mountains and wants to try ice climbing. The experience is offered for one or two people, joining the wider group. A voucher gives the recipient an adventure to arrange, rather than an automatically confirmed booking: the date, the location appropriate to the conditions and the participation details must be agreed in advance.