Pack for a focused two-day winter adventure in the Balkan Mountains. This guided program tackles Botev Peak from Apriltsi, adds a visit to the transitional Vodnite Dupki Cave, and builds practical winter movement skills with crampons and ice axe. The ascent may start and/or finish in the dark, and the exact route is chosen by the guide based on snow conditions.

What’s included
Join a group led by a licensed mountain guide and sharpen your winter technique along the way:

• Group winter ascent of Botev Peak for one participant.
• Rental of crampons, ice axe and snowshoes.
• Visit to Vodnite Dupki Cave with guidance on its specifics.
• Practical training in self-arrest with an ice axe and basic winter movement skills.

Program

Day 1 (Saturday)

• 11:15–11:30 – Meet at the VEC Vidima parking in Apriltsi. Briefing and preparation.
• 11:45–12:00 – Head out towards Vodnite Dupki Cave.
• 16:30 – Training: self-arrest with ice axe and moving with crampons on a firm slope.
• 19:00 – Check-in at Pleven Hut, day recap and dinner. Early lights out.

Day 2 (Sunday)

• 05:30 – Wake-up, morning routine and breakfast.
• 06:30 – Start the ascent. Put on crampons and set off in the dark on a route selected by the guide.
• ~10:00 – Short break at Botev Shelter for rest and tea.
• ~12:15–12:30 – Summit Botev Peak (about 1.5–2 hours from the shelter). Photos, tea, then descend back for lunch at the shelter.

Who it’s for
Adults in very good overall shape, ready for dynamic winter terrain and high intensity. Ideal if you want concentrated, practical winter-mountaineering training while bagging the Balkan range’s high point.

Not included
Accommodation (Pleven Hut), food and drinks, and mountain insurance (mandatory for the event days).

Ready for the summit in winter? Choose a voucher and prepare for a strong mountaineering experience.