The main ski centre on Vitosha mountain, Aleko is best accessed with the gondola lift that departs from the ring road near the turn off for Bistritsa. The lift takes roughly 20 minutes to get to the top and affords a breathtaking view of the city below.

In winter, Aleko is busy with groups of children in matching coloured vests learning to ski, cross-country skiers, hikers and those few people that still come up here for some serious skiing. In recent years the many ski lifts have fallen into disrepair and now only the 'Laleto' ski slopes and 'Cherni Vrah' are running. There are several 'hizhi' (mountain huts) that serve warm drinks and food, though don't expect to get a gourmet meal up here.

Throughout the year, the area attracts hikers, since various marked paths start from Aleko. One can walk up to the plateau and enjoy the flat, rugged landscape, hike up to Cherni Vruh (3 or 4 hours there and back), or walk back down the mountain to any of the villages at the base.