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Introduction
Bulgaria's oldest winter resort, Borovets dates back to 1896 although its ski facilities have, of course, been much more recent. It is also the country's largest skiing centre, in terms of the length and capacity of ski runs and lifts, and home to the highest peak in the Balkans, Mt Musala.
As with Bulgaria's other resorts, the cost of a ski holiday is cheaper than most parts of Western Europe. However the current development and construction, encouraged further by accession to the EU, indicates that the resort is growing with the creation of more upmarket hotels and facilities.
Borovets is a small resort clustered in pine forests. Most of the hotels, restaurants and bars plus equipment hire are gathered on (unnamed) streets between the huge Rila and Samokov hotels. In addition to central Borovets ski centre, Yastrebetz and Markudjik are two centres within easy reach of the main resort.
As with Bulgaria's other resorts, the cost of a ski holiday is cheaper than most parts of Western Europe. However the current development and construction, encouraged further by accession to the EU, indicates that the resort is growing with the creation of more upmarket hotels and facilities.
Borovets is a small resort clustered in pine forests. Most of the hotels, restaurants and bars plus equipment hire are gathered on (unnamed) streets between the huge Rila and Samokov hotels. In addition to central Borovets ski centre, Yastrebetz and Markudjik are two centres within easy reach of the main resort.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,300m (4,265ft).
Top elevation: 2,550m (8,366ft).
Base elevation: 1,337m (4,387ft).
Number of lifts: 14.
Number of runs: 15.
Average annual snowfall: Unavailable.
Where in the world?
Borovets is situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains, lying in the west of Bulgaria and 72km (45 miles) south of the capital Sofia. It is the country's oldest mountain (and ski) resort and is the initial point for climbing Mt Musala (2,925m/9,596ft).
Hit the slopes
The ski season runs from mid December to early April, with the most reliable snow in February and March.
The majority of the runs are rated medium to difficult. With marked ski runs totalling 58km (36 miles), there are also 35km (22 miles) of cross-country ski runs, plus biathlon and ski-jumping facilities for the experts. In addition to central Borovets ski centre, adjacent Yastrebetz has runs between 1,340m (4,396ft) and 2,369m (7,772ft), and Markudjik between 2,340m (7,677ft) and 2,550m (8,366ft).
Borosport runs the largest ski and snowboard school, with more than 200 ski instructors, most of whom are former professional skiers. Four well-lit runs operate from 1700-2100 for night skiing, complete with funky sound effects.
The majority of the runs are rated medium to difficult. With marked ski runs totalling 58km (36 miles), there are also 35km (22 miles) of cross-country ski runs, plus biathlon and ski-jumping facilities for the experts. In addition to central Borovets ski centre, adjacent Yastrebetz has runs between 1,340m (4,396ft) and 2,369m (7,772ft), and Markudjik between 2,340m (7,677ft) and 2,550m (8,366ft).
Borosport runs the largest ski and snowboard school, with more than 200 ski instructors, most of whom are former professional skiers. Four well-lit runs operate from 1700-2100 for night skiing, complete with funky sound effects.
Beyond the slopes
The hunting lodge Bistrista Palace, adorned with woodcarvings (1km/0.6 miles northwest of the Rila Hotel), is the main reminder that Borovets was a royal hunting ground a century ago.
Within the resort, a bowling alley at the Samokov Hotel and swimming pools in all the major hotels can be used by non-guests. Horse riding can be arranged, either with or without a guide, from Butch Riding School (on the track from the road between the Rila Hotel and Tyrol bar).
The nearby town of Samokov (15 minutes via the hourly minibus) was once the woodcarving capital of the region and has well preserved paintings in its churches. Most major hotels can arrange trips to the 10th-century Rila Monastery, and further afield to Sofia and Melnik.
Within the resort, a bowling alley at the Samokov Hotel and swimming pools in all the major hotels can be used by non-guests. Horse riding can be arranged, either with or without a guide, from Butch Riding School (on the track from the road between the Rila Hotel and Tyrol bar).
The nearby town of Samokov (15 minutes via the hourly minibus) was once the woodcarving capital of the region and has well preserved paintings in its churches. Most major hotels can arrange trips to the 10th-century Rila Monastery, and further afield to Sofia and Melnik.
Family fun
Children aged eight and older can use the Borosport Ski School, with the Borosport Day Care for those aged between four and eight, which offers ski lessons for two hours daily and full-day packages.
Other fun activities include riding across the surrounding hills in a handmade traditional horse-drawn sleigh, or taking a guided snowmobile tour. The Rila Hotel can arrange these.
Other fun activities include riding across the surrounding hills in a handmade traditional horse-drawn sleigh, or taking a guided snowmobile tour. The Rila Hotel can arrange these.
Retail therapy
Aside from a handful of small supermarkets, most of the shops are those dedicated to ski gear, with the best selection in the basement of the Rila Hotel. The hotel also has a couple of souvenir shops, selling Russian dolls with amusing caricatures of Russian presidents. Art Gallery Bissera (next to Hotel Moura) has a decent collection of locally made pretty ceramics and paintings.
Après ski
Visitors enjoy earthy, rather than sophisticated, après-ski entertainment, with a plethora of English-style pubs located mainly between the Rila and Samakov hotels. Soccer Pub, with Sky Sports football on the big screen, and Jumping Jack's Karaoke Bar are both near the Rila Hotel.
Buzz Bar (on the road between the Samakov and Rila hotels) is popular and Happy Duck (just south of Samakov Hotel) has nightly live music. The stylish bar at Ice Angels Hotel has its tables on the terrace, next to the chairlifts. Dublin Pub is a popular Irish bar inside the Rila Hotel, and the bar/restaurant White Magic (opposite Samakov Hotel) is owned by ex-Olympic skier Christo Angelov.
Après ski Bulgarian style would be an evening at a mehana (see Eating Out below) with traditional food, wine and music.
Buzz Bar (on the road between the Samakov and Rila hotels) is popular and Happy Duck (just south of Samakov Hotel) has nightly live music. The stylish bar at Ice Angels Hotel has its tables on the terrace, next to the chairlifts. Dublin Pub is a popular Irish bar inside the Rila Hotel, and the bar/restaurant White Magic (opposite Samakov Hotel) is owned by ex-Olympic skier Christo Angelov.
Après ski Bulgarian style would be an evening at a mehana (see Eating Out below) with traditional food, wine and music.
Eating out
Opposite the Rila Hotel, where the majority of restaurants are clustered, most eateries have a varied menu and try to encompass a taste of Bulgarian food, together with steaks, burgers and pizzas. Many double up as bars, and most are modestly priced.
La Bomba Venecia (opposite the Rila Hotel) is cosy and good value, with an enormous selection including fish, pasta and pizzas. Next door the Black Tiger is more of a traditional mehana with local dishes, specialising in grilled meats. The elegant restaurant at The Lodge Collection (see Accommodation below) has an open kitchen and a varied European menu.
Traditional restaurant Hrima (south of the Samakov Hotel) has Bulgarian dishes in a restaurant more like someone's living room. Nearby is Hunter's Steak House with cosy wooden interior and log fire, and lower down towards the main junction is Indian Restaurant Maharani.
A few snack stalls along the roads sell burgers and Bulgarian dishes.
La Bomba Venecia (opposite the Rila Hotel) is cosy and good value, with an enormous selection including fish, pasta and pizzas. Next door the Black Tiger is more of a traditional mehana with local dishes, specialising in grilled meats. The elegant restaurant at The Lodge Collection (see Accommodation below) has an open kitchen and a varied European menu.
Traditional restaurant Hrima (south of the Samakov Hotel) has Bulgarian dishes in a restaurant more like someone's living room. Nearby is Hunter's Steak House with cosy wooden interior and log fire, and lower down towards the main junction is Indian Restaurant Maharani.
A few snack stalls along the roads sell burgers and Bulgarian dishes.
Getting around
The best way to get around is by foot. Taxis usually wait around by the junction of the Samakov Hotel.
Splashing out
Enjoy a manicure at the Rila Hotel, or indulge in hot-stone therapy at the spa in The Lodge followed by cocktails in its lobby bar. Sample house speciality wild boar stew at homely mehana Hrima (see Eating Out above). Try on a hand-crafted ring in Prestige (ground floor of the Rila Hotel).
Accommodation
Luxury
The Lodge CollectionThis new boutique hotel is elegant and spacious, with luxurious spa and treatment centre, Wi-Fi connection in all rooms, plus a restaurant with Bulgarian and European cuisine.
Opposite Samakov Hotel
Tel: (0750) 33500.
Website: www.thelodgecollection.com
Moderate
Alpin HotelAs well as rooms in the hotel itself, there are eight simple pine chalets, all with at least one large bedroom/living area, and some with a sauna.
Near Rila Hotel
Tel: (0750) 32201.
Website: www.alpin-hotel.bg
Budget
Breza HotelThe simply furnished double rooms are small, but apartments have a decent living area and there is a sauna in the basement.
North of the village, near Hotel Hrima, opposite the hospital
Tel: (0750) 32360.
Website: www.yagodavillage.com
Getting there
Nearest airport: Sofia (SOF).
Distance to resort: 72km (45 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour.
Distance to resort: 72km (45 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour.
Website
This resort is good for...
Families, Snowboarders, Beginners, Non-skiers, Intermediates
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