The event, taking place in a spa resort 120 kilometres south of Sofia, doubles as the second round of the International Orienteering Federation Ski Orienteering World Cup.

In total, 43 women and 64 men from 18 nations are competing.

They will participate across sprint, middle and long individual races, a relay and a mixed sprint relay.

Russian athletes will enter as favorites in the form of Andrey Lamov on the men's side and Mariya Kechkina on the women's.

Sweden's Tove Alexandersson should be another leading contender in the women's events.