CHRISTO SMIRNENSKI HUT
ALABAK-BELOVO TOURIST ASSOCIATION„
BELOVO MUNICIPALITY
VELINGRAD MUNICIPALITY
BULGARIAN TOURISM UNION
N.A.R.E.D.B.A.
to conduct
National Winter Festival „Hristo Smirnenski“
Kurtovo-Belmeken
February 6-8, 2026.
I. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The National Winter Festival aims to promote tourism during the winter months by encouraging the creation of sustainable habits for the systematic practice of various types of tourism and sports and tourism activities. The aim is to do this in a modern, accessible, and attractive way for a wide range of our population.
The festival promotes a variety of winter mountain activities and encourages people to spend their free time in a meaningful, active way, close to nature. It is important to emphasize that time spent in the mountains contributes to increased work capacity and productivity by improving the physical and mental well-being of participants.
II. PLACE, DATE, AND ACTIVITIES
The festival takes place in the area of the Hristo Smirnenski hut, in the Kurtovo locality, located 9 km from Yundola in the direction of the Belmeken dam.
Period: February 6–8, 2026.
Two nights' accommodation and two full days with a rich and varied program are planned, focused on active winter tourism, creativity, and positive experiences in nature.
Main activities:
- Fun sledding competition „Chuk and Kek“
- Painting corner with the participation of Desi from Belovo
- Winter hike to Slavov Peak
- Winter hike to Belmeken Peak
- Free training for beginners in alpine skiing
- Competition for beginners – for participants in alpine skiing training
- Slalom competition
- Cross-country skiing competition
Additional events and attractions:
- Participation of the Belovche ensemble in the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival
- Traditional meal with the „big pan“ or sacrificial meal with local lambs
- Evening cocktail party–party
- „Painting with a glass of wine“ – a creative activity in a pleasant atmosphere
III. PLACES TO STAY
- Hristo Smirnenski Hut – has 87 beds.
- IDJ base – 42 seats
- National Sports Base
- Guest houses in Yundola
- Forestry University Base – Yundola
IV. PROGRAM
February 6, 2025 (Friday)
Arrival and accommodation.
February 7, 2025 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Departure of the group to Slavov Peak
10:00 a.m. Opening of the Winter National Festival with the Belovche Folk Dance Ensemble„
10:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Blessing
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Speeches by official guests
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Art activity for children – painting a winter picture with acrylic paints.
Evening: creative atmosphere with painting and a glass of wine for adults.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Alpine skiing lessons for beginners – two groups, with advance registration until February 6, 2025.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration for the „Chuck and Geck“ sled race. 1:00 p.m. – Announcement of starting lists.
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. „Chuck and Geck“ competition“
4:30 p.m. DJ party – outdoor party
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Screening or presentation; wine painting for adults.
February 8, 2025 (Sunday)
8:00 a.m. Departure of the group to Belmeken Peak
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Competitions for participants in alpine skiing training courses
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Cross-country skiing competition
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Alpine skiing competition
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Award ceremony for all disciplines
2:30 p.m. Closing of the winter festival with FTA „Belovche“
Note: In case of bad weather conditions, the hosts have the right to change the program.
V. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE AND DOCUMENTS
- People ranging in age from several months old to 120-year-old masters can participate in the National Winter Festival. All age groups will be described in the individual regulations for the various activities.
- Advance registration is required until all places are filled. On-site registration is not recommended.
- Filling out a safety declaration and conducting training.
VI. APPLICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION
Applications for participation are accepted by TD „Alabak-Belovo.“.
Contact person: Hristiana Stancheva – 0877 332 969
Email: smirnenskihut@gmail.com
VII. RANKING AND AWARDS
Ranking in the competitive disciplines is individual. Participants ranked first to third are awarded prizes.
VIII. REQUIREMENTS
The competitions are held on pre-prepared and secured terrain. Each participant must have the following personal equipment:
- Jacket and overalls
- Thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and more
- Hat and gloves
- Goggles/mask
Ski equipment, boots, and poles are provided to participants in the ski lessons. If they have their own equipment, it is recommended that they use it.