“Split The Mountain” is a small tour operator and mountain guide service specializing in backcountry splitboard / ski touring, courses, snowshoeing, trekking, hiking, via-ferrata, rock climbing and yoga retreats in the mountains of Bulgaria and the Balkans.
Our groups are small with personal attention. Our trips consist of a selection of programs or courses as well private guiding and customized trips from non-technical treks to via-ferrata and rock climbing adventures, from introductory to backcountry splitboarding and skiing and avalanche courses to technical snowboard and ski clinics and descents to a mountain yoga retreats.
We are the first professional splitboard mountain guides in Bulgaria with over 25 years of riding experience. Our aim is to immerse riders seeking a spiritual backcountry experience in their trip of a lifetime. We will lead you into the heart of the mountains and away from the crowds, whether it be through hiking or ski lifts, or a combination of both. Our splitboarding and backcountry courses and clinics will hone your skills and open these terrains for you even more. In summers we specialize in customized hiking trips to offbeat destinations in the hidden valleys of Europe, the Himalaya and around the World.
Split The Mountain is a Tour Operator, registered by the Ministry of Tourism and listed in the National Tourist Register under the number РК-01-7757 and has concluded an insurance contract with Euroins Bulgaria Insurance Company, Sofia, “Tour Operator’s Responsibility”.
The Guides of Split The Mountain have diplomas for Mountain Guides registered in the Bulgarian National Tourist Register and are members of the UIMLA – Union of International Mountain Leader Association and Bulgarian Association of Mountain Leaders and Mountain Guides “Mountains and People”, members of ISIA.
Split The Mountain is a registered snowboard and ski school and a member of the Bulgarian Ski School. The training methodology is based on the international standards of the International Ski Instructors Association – ISIA and INTERSKI.
More About SplitTheMountain
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Mission
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Vision
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Values
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Great personal guiding experience!
I was looking to go out touring when visiting Bansko this winter, however since I didn’t know the area I wanted to find someone who could show... read more me around and who had the knowledge and expertise.I contacted Split The Mountain over email and was quickly responded by Niki who told me about Bansko and that I should just meet up with him when I arrived and then we could plan.I met with him and his partner Pavel in Bansko and planned a trip. Also they took care of the airbag cylinder I brought with me and had it refilled and shipped from Sofia and back to Bansko.I went touring with Pavel who was awesome in picking suitable terrain for the conditions and to my level - but also challenged me with some tree skiing.It was a great day and I did not just feel like a client but one of their buddiesI hope to visit Bulgaria and go out touring with them again.
Lasse Vinter
Friendly professional service with lots of support for unforeseen changes of plan. Thanks Nikya!
Patrick Kirk
Невероятни професионалисти и хора! Прекарахме един незабравим ден на виа ферата-та на Мальовица с Павел! Той ни даде ценни съвети не само за катеренето, но и за алпинизма и ски... read more туринг-а. Успя да създаде от една страна приятелска атмосфера, от друга ни вдъхна доверие и бяхме спокойни по време на преживяването ни! Препоръчвам Split the mountain с две ръце!
Десислава Вълчева
We had a fantastic day rock climbing with Pavel. Everything was very well organised - he contacted us a few days before to confirm the weather forecast and his ideas... read more for where to climb. Pickup was from our hotel, so really easy for us. He took the time to discuss our expectations for the day and adjust the plan accordingly.The weather turned out better than expected, so we had a lovely day tock climbing and seeing some of the Bulgarian countryside. Overall, we felt really safe during our climbs and couldn‘t recommend booking with this company more!! 10/10.
Helena Siebenrock
Recently enjoyed a 9 day walking trip in the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Such a great experience all thanks to Niki, Gerry and his two drivers. All were friendly, knowledgeable... read more and very accommodating when it came to a group of 26 walkers of all ages and hiking abilities! Also experienced local places of interest including an evening of traditional meal and entertainment. Thoroughly recommend Split The Mountain.
Jeanette Woodhead
Outstanding hiking, transport & related services for a group of 26 people. Working with Niki & his excellent team, we developed a totally customized 9 day tour, hiking based in... read more 3 locations. Our group were seniors of different ages, hiking abilities but Niki & Gerry were able to delight everybody. Would recommend without hesitation
Alf Oldman
TripAdvisor Reviews
Seven Rila lakes to Rila monastery quided trek. - Two days which we will remember forever.
From Rila Lakes to Rila Monestery.
The walk was challenging, over mountainous terrain, but we kept a steady pace and felt well prepared.... read more
Overnight accommodation was very basic but the big surprise was dinner and breakfast — both delicious.
Thank you to Niki and Zahari for looking after us so well.
Alla N September 10, 2023
Great via ferrata in the rila mts - Had great time climbing with nikki. He knows the rila and pirin mts really well. He's your man for any outing to the Bulgarian nature, plus, he's nice and a... read more good person to talk to.
itaynegev September 28, 2020
The trip was booked about 2 weeks before our travels with Split the mountain. The communications early on was prompt and informative. On the day of our hike our guide... read more Stoimen collected us from our apartment in Sofia at the expected time and drove us to Borovets. It is just over an hours very scenic drive and passed by quickly. After buying our cable car tickets we were on our way and 25 minutes later we arrived at Yestrebets hut to start our hike. At this point Stoimen suggested a nice circular walk to give us some variety on our ascent and descent. He ensured that we was both ok throughout the day and after nearly 3 hours of hiking we made it to the summit. A rewarding cup of tea was provided whilst we soaked in the amazing views from the summit. We then descended the usual route which we both found much easier and hiked back to Yestrebets feeling like we had an amazing day out with great company from our guide. If you are thinking of hiking to the summit of Bulgaria then please do not underestimate the hike and conditions that you could expect. A good pair of hiking boots and hiking poles will help you greatly and we were glad to have both with us. Overall a great company to arrange this hike with and a great guide to take care of everything, look after us and to share our special day with. Thankyou Stoimen!!!
Lee W July 1, 2019
Touring ski - It was excellent! Had a super time. Went to places I wouldn’t never think of. Great and professionals instructors. I consider them now as friends!
Arnaud1990 February 17, 2020
I’ve attended the 2 days snowboarding course and I definitely recommend this guys! They changed my riding and now I’m feeling more confident in the mountain. Thank you guys!
Daniel V March 1, 2022
Very nice trip - Nicky is a very nice guide very helpfull (He fund warm clothes for us because we don't have it). Nicki prepared us simple but very good food and always waited... read more for us when we took our time. The scenery was breathtaking and there was a great atmosphere in the cottage. To do absolutely !!!
deborahEyphrosyne August 16, 2019
Google Reviews
Good people with good ethics towards the mountain. I went to the carving technique lesson and Nikyata set the base for me to become a machine in snowboarding 😀
Can’t wait... read more to try their other goodies
Kalina Velikova (Kkika)
I couldn't write a higher review. I came to Bulgaria from international for the Avalanche course. While almost everyone was Bulgarian, the instructors (three amazing ones) made sure to go... read more out of their way to speak fluent english. We covered so much from beacon training to snow pits. A must do if you are venturing out into the back country. Couldn't recommend a better group. I learned a ton and I look forward to coming back to Bulgaria to go touring!
Aaron Gold
We had the most perfect day with Nik doing the via ferrata at Kuklata Peak and are still smiling about the trip. If you want to do any hiking, via... read more ferrata or snowboarding / skiing, we highly recommend going with him and his company. Nik picked us up from Sofia and drove us to Rila to do the via ferrata. Prior to the trip, he kept us updated about the weather and wanted us to make sure we had good conditions for the trip. It was a 1.5hr hike to the start point then another 2 hours doing the via ferrata. After that, it’s about the 1-1.5hr hike back to the car. Nik is a great guide. He is a very experienced hiker and climber, is clearly passionate about his work, friendly and very helpful. He constantly gives you an overview of what to expect and briefs you on the technicalities to the hike / climb. You feel safe and like you are hanging out with a friend. We felt sad when the day came to an end and are looking forward to Pirrin with Nik. For sure we’d contact him in a heartbeat when we next head back to Bulgaria!
Sarah Ong
Outstanding hiking, transport & related services for a group of 26 people. Working with Niki & his excellent team, we developed a totally customized 9 day tour, hiking based in... read more 3 locations. Our group were seniors of different ages, hiking abilities but Niki & Gerry were able to delight everybody. Would recommend without hesitation
Alf Oldman
Very good service from this company. The via ferrata tour is a great adventure.
william taylor
We had an incredible experience with Split the Mountain! I absolutely recommend you to hire them for any of their activities. They are super professional and they will always give... read more you a positive and encouraging vibe. They will take you to wonderful places in the mountains and I cannot thank enough to Niki, Pavel and Christian for such wonderful experiences they gave us this week.
Beatriz Martínez de la Riva
We had a great experience hiking the Musala peak with our fantastic guide Nikolay Pavlov. He guided us perfectly across the more difficult parts and was also very patient with... read more the slower hikers in our group of nine. Thanks again for the wonderful experience!
Laurens van Zinnicq Bergmann
I took part in the Splitboard Intro course last weekend organized by Split The Mountain team. I am super fascinated with the team and their professionalism, attentive support, to-the-point techniques,... read more focus on safety and love for the mountain and people. Their services are high value for money and I would recommend them to everyone that either want to start or already are practicing splitboarding, free-riding, ski-touring and backcountry, and anything else in the mountains. Thank you wholeheartedly, Nikya, Vanya and Pavka.
Silvia Andreeva
Niki took us out on a 1 day adventure, climbing the ridge of Todorka Peak and guiding us through the back country. We had a taste of everything from climbing... read more with crampons to riding powder, and skinning the terrain in between. We have already booked another day of touring with him! Thanks for an awesome day out Niki! Joma & Jiri🤙 (from the UK)
Joma Ormrod
Had a great experience doing the Malyovitsa via ferrata. Niki and Ivo were helpful and informative. Niki was responsive and accommodated our tour for the changes in weather which was... read more quite reassuring. Views were phenomenal and highly recommend this experience!
Vivienne Kung
TripAdvisor Reviews
Via-Ferrta in Trigrad Bulgaria (Rhodophy mountains - Few weeks ago I contacted with Niki from "Split the Mountain" company, In order to guide me and my family through via-ferrata trauk near Trigrad (Bulgaria).
Niki came with Yordan... Read more and kead us (family of 4 people) through this trail.
Niki and Yordan were very proffesionals, they give us the feeling thay we are safe and secure,
explain us in very detaiks what to do, and were very patcient to our needs.
the trail with Niki and Yordan is unforgottable, and it was the highlights of our tour to Bulgaria,
Niki and Yordan - Thanks a lot for the guidness.
I'm highly recommended to all of the readers to use the sertvices and guideness of "Split The Mountain"/
Yuval
Yuvalag October 19, 2019
Great day on the powder - I was in Bansko with my gf. Weather was not very good, but Nikolay made effort to use the time in the best possible way.
He is very friendly... Read more and experienced snowboarder.
I will definitely give him a call next time i am in Bansko.
DreamingAboutTheRoad May 28, 2019
Best guide in town - Niki showed us around and gave us exactly was we where looking for: fun, sport, sights and safety. And all of this with a twist of humour.
Dorsanv May 28, 2019
Amazing experience! - Nikya was an amazing guide for the Via Ferrata on Kuklata peak. He picked me up at my hotel at 8 am and the drive to the starting point... Read more was very interesting. I enjoyed that Nikya shared about the sights along the way and also about the Bulgarian life style.
We hiked first to the mountain hut and enjoyed a cup of coffee and then ascended to the start of the via Ferrata. Nikya promised and amazing panorama and it was! He was very thorough in explaining how to climb and was always paying attention to my moves and offering guidance when needed. He even took action pictures of me climbing which was a great remembrance.
I would definitely do another adventure with Nikya.
Randall B October 21, 2024
I’ve attended the 2 days snowboarding course and I definitely recommend this guys! They changed my riding and now I’m feeling more confident in the mountain. Thank you guys!
Daniel V March 1, 2022
Very nice trip - Nicky is a very nice guide very helpfull (He fund warm clothes for us because we don't have it). Nicki prepared us simple but very good food and always waited... Read more for us when we took our time. The scenery was breathtaking and there was a great atmosphere in the cottage. To do absolutely !!!
deborahEyphrosyne August 16, 2019
Excelent! - We had a fantastic trekking day. A professional company with amazing guides. Bania was great; we had a lovely day with her ascending to an incredible peak. I would recommend... Read more them not only for this tour but for any of the others they offer and will definitely get in touch with them the next time we come to Bansko.
Agustín J December 31, 2022
Magnificent adventure - My spouse and me took Split the Mountain guides to accompany us to Malyovitsa via ferrata climb. The guides were excellent. They arrived on time in set location, spoke very... Read more good English, were very friendly and inviting. We established great atmosphere right away. During the climb they showed professionalism, set and followed security rules and were calm and supporting. Their great spirit and positive can-do attitude played significant role in my absolute pride and joy of taking this adventure.
In addition to the via ferrata climb, they took their time to advise us for our other planned activities and made very valuable and helpful suggestions that assisted us a lot during the rest of our trip in beautiful Bulgaria.
Overall - highly recommend!
NatashaC1622 August 9, 2019
Outstanding, 26 people, fully customized hiking/cultural, 3 locations, mixed abilities - Outstanding hiking, transport & related services for a group of 26 people. Working with Niki & his excellent team, we developed a totally customized 9 day tour, hiking based in... Read more 3 locations. Our group were seniors of different ages, hiking abilities but Niki & Gerry were able to delight everybody. Would recommend without hesitation
Alf O July 4, 2025
Seven Rila lakes to Rila monastery quided trek. - Two days which we will remember forever.
From Rila Lakes to Rila Monestery.
The walk was challenging, over mountainous terrain, but we kept a steady pace and felt well prepared.... Read more
Overnight accommodation was very basic but the big surprise was dinner and breakfast — both delicious.
Thank you to Niki and Zahari for looking after us so well.
Alla N September 10, 2023
Welcome to Split The Mountain Professional Mountain Guides Agency! Adventures and Lifetime Experience!
“Split The Mountain” is a small tour operator and mountain guide service specializing in backcountry splitboard / ski touring, courses, snowshoeing, trekking, hiking, via-ferrata, rock climbing and yoga retreats in the mountains of Bulgaria and the Balkans.
Our groups are small with personal attention. Our trips consist of a selection of programs or courses as well private guiding and customized trips from non-technical treks to via-ferrata and rock climbing adventures, from introductory to backcountry splitboarding and skiing and avalanche courses to technical snowboard and ski clinics and descents to a mountain yoga retreats.
We are the first professional splitboard mountain guides in Bulgaria with over 25 years of riding experience. Our aim is to immerse riders seeking a spiritual backcountry experience in their trip of a lifetime. We will lead you into the heart of the mountains and away from the crowds, whether it be through hiking or ski lifts, or a combination of both. Our splitboarding and backcountry courses and clinics will hone your skills and open these terrains for you even more. In summers we specialize in customized hiking trips to offbeat destinations in the hidden valleys of Europe, the Himalaya and around the World.
Split The Mountain is a Tour Operator, registered by the Ministry of Tourism and listed in the National Tourist Register under the number РК-01-7757 and has concluded an insurance contract with Euroins Bulgaria Insurance Company, Sofia, “Tour Operator’s Responsibility”.
The Guides of Split The Mountain have diplomas for Mountain Guides registered in the Bulgarian National Tourist Register and are members of the UIMLA Union of International Mountain Leader Association and Bulgarian Mountain Guides Association “Mountains and People”, members of ISIA..
Split The Mountain is a registered snowboard and ski school and a member of the Bulgarian Ski School. The training methodology is based on the international standards of the International Ski Instructors Association – ISIA and INTERSKI.