4 Snow Tours to Book Early

1.Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Walk & Thermal Spring Pools

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 79 reviews · 1 day · from $129Our pick

Leave Sofia early with an English-speaking mountain leader such as Velko, Daniel, Alex, or Kiril. Ride a chairlift above the pine forest, snowshoe for about 2.5 hours toward the Kidney Lake, then warm up in Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools. Weather can change the route, so bring proper winter gear.

“Amazing views and a must have trip. I never saw anything like that. Just pure nature and absolute silence. The ride to the mountain was beautiful and I enjoyed being inside the massive forest while taking the lift to the starting point. The best part about the trip was our amazing guide, Marin. He was nice and interesting. Made share we were all comfortable and was thoughtful when my girlfriend got tired from the hike. He knows many things about the place and Bulgaria in general. Most of all, he is kind and really made our trip memorable.”

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2.Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $144

Leave Sofia by private vehicle for the Rila Mountains, ride the chairlift to 2,150 meters, and snowshoe toward the Kidney Lake with a certified English-speaking mountain leader. Snowshoes, poles, hotel pickup, and guidance are included. After about 2.5 hours on the trail, relax in Sapareva Banya’s mineral-water pools.

“Our tour guide was amazing! The view was absolutely beautiful. Definitely want to come back during the summer to do the hike again!”

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3.Snowshoe Adventures and Onsen Bliss Winter Escape in Furano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $78Best value

Trade ski slopes for untouched snow on a small-group snowshoe walk near Furano. Your local guide, including Ikki, leads you through a quiet forest at 1,000 meters, with English help through a translation device. Choose a morning or night outing, then warm up at Hakuginso Onsen for ¥700 extra. Pickup, gear, and photos are included.

“Great winter activity that’s not snowboarding/skiing! Beautiful landscape that was taken in at a leisurely pace. Would absolutely recommend doing the Onsen afterwards, great way to warm up after walking around in the snow. Our guide Ikki was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area”

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4.Mt. Fuji Skiing Experience- YETI Ski Resort & Onsen Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 8 reviews · 10 hours · from $90

Meet at Tokyo Station for a 10-hour bus trip to YETI Ski Resort at 1,400 meters. You get about four hours at Japan’s earliest snow park, with beginner and intermediate slopes, optional equipment packages, and Fuji views on clear days. Afterward, choose a Fuji-viewing onsen or an alternate stop. Guide details arrive the night before.

“For a first ski trip this was a very beginner friendly parcours and everything went as planned. We also got a introduction to the history of the mountain by our tour guide Wanting and got to try shopping or spa at Gotemba afterwards”

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