Borovets ski resort in Bulgaria

Thinking about a trip to the famous ski resort Borovets? You may be interested in the following questions: how much does a ski pass for lifts cost, how can you rent skis and other equipment, what is the price of accommodation, when is it better to come? We answer these and other questions, talk about the features of the resort, and provide our TOP of the best places for recreation.

Borovets history

Borovets is the oldest and largest resort in the Balkans at the foot of the Rila Mountains at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level. In 1896, the Bulgarian prince Ferdinand founded a summer residence here, and the nobility chose hunting grounds.

From the middle of the 20th century Borovets became a winter sports center in Bulgaria. The first speed race was held in 1930. Borovets gradually became a fashionable resort with alpine-style restaurants and hotels. It hosted 2 World Cups and 12 European Cups in alpine skiing.

Today the resort is famous for one of the largest ski trails, a ski trail of more than 58 km. Hiking tours of 3 types of difficulty are available to the Rila mountain: the most popular - to Musala and Malyovitsa peaks, a traditional route through the Seven Rila Lakes . Hiking excursions are conducted to the hunting residence, the Tsar Mali Grad fortress, Sitnyakovskaya and Black rock.

Borovets is not only about skis, sledges and snowboards. In winter, you can arrange horseback riding along the trails, ride a snow bike or visit the hot springs. Vacationers can relax in the spa salons, enjoy delicious meals in restaurants, enjoy cocktails in the bar (most of them offer free sledges for children).

Borovets in numbers

Total length of tracks

58 km

Number of tracks

24 pcs

Longest track

12 km

Highest point

2925 m

Lifts

14

Snow cannons

24 pcs

Nearest airport (Sofia)

70 km

Activities at the resort

Classical

Skis (cross-country and track)

Hiking

Snowboard

Waterslides

In room

Fitness centers

Swimming pool

Bowling

Squash and tennis

On open air

Paraglider

Rock climbing

Skating

Snowmobile ride

Helicopter ride

Dog sledding

Sledging

Paintball

Horse ride

Golf

Kayaking

Winter fun at Borovets

The advantages of the resort are the variety of trails. There are 24 slopes to choose from to descend from different peaks. The difference in height on the slopes (displacement) is from 1,300 to 2,543 meters. Breathtaking views await you.

Trails and lifts in the resort

Skiers have 3 ski areas:

Markujik . It is the highest mountainous zone with a height difference of 2,208-2,560 meters. There are 4 tracks equipped here: a “black” one for experts, two “red” ones for an average level, one “blue” one for an easy one.

Hawk . The second highest zone of medium difficulty. The piste markings are 1 black for professionals and 3 red for intermediate skiers. In the Yastrebets area there is the Bistritsa sports center with one of the longest cross-country skiing tracks (35 km) and a biathlon track.

Sitnyakovo . The zone is located next to the resort and is ideal for "beginners". There are 2 slopes for beginners, 3 of medium difficulty and 4 for professionals. In the section between Sitnyakovo and Martinovi barracks, there are slalom and giant slalom tracks. There is also a snowboard park with 3 difficulty levels and various shapes (pipes, a 12-meter table, jib line, slopestyle trail, etc.).

Track mode - for "beginners"

The resort has 6 areas for inexperienced skiers or those who want to ride a snowboard or sled (green status on the map).

In the same area, there is a snowboard park, and a drag lift has been built on the Rotata track to avoid colliding with the skier.

Track mode - easy, for intermediate skiers

A six-seater gondola lift leads to the highest point. The tracks Martinovi Baraki and Sitnyakovo are equipped for skiing at night.

Track Mode - Medium Difficulty

The longest slope in Bulgaria - Yastrebets 1 - is located at the Yastrebets ski center.

Track mode - expert, for advanced skiers

Marked in black on the map.

Only professionals are allowed to ride. The sites have obstacles and steep slopes. Aces can try ski jumps or enjoy skiing on the virgin lands.

The resort has many lifts that run up to the very top.

• Gondola for 6 seats. It is closed, therefore the most comfortable. It takes 20 minutes to walk 4,827 meters from the lift station to the Yastrebets and Markudzhik highways.

• Chair lifts take tourists to 4 zones. Three four-seater cable cars "Sitnyakovo Express", "Yastrebets Express", "Markudzhik 2" and one cable car for 6 places "Martini Baraki Express"

• Drag lifts to the slopes Rila, Rotata, Iglika, Sitnyakovo, Markudjik 0-1-3.

All lifts operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (last ride at 4:30 pm). On the illuminated night skiing trails, drag lifts operate from 18:30 to 22:00. To climb, you need to buy a ski pass, otherwise you will have to ride for free on an unkempt track (unsafe).

Ski pass prices 2021-2022

Prices for the rental of ski equipment and snowboard

Where to stay in Borovets?

Unlike other ski resorts in Europe, accommodation in Borovets is an excellent combination of price and quality. For clarity, we present the general range of prices for apartments. For example, if you divide your budget into 3 categories:

• Budget option (room with bed) . There is no traditional hostel in Borovets. The only option is to choose accommodation further away from the resort. A self-catering apartment with a bed costs about 20 BGN / 11 € / 885 ₽ per night. The cheapest room with a double bed will come out a little less than 69 BGN / 35 € / 2 950 ₽.

• Mid-level apartment . They have a wide range of prices, ranging from 70 BGN / 36 € / 2 980 ₽ - 140 BGN / 71 € / 5 960 ₽ per night. This room has an equipped kitchen, comfortable furniture. As a rule, they are located next to lifts.

• Luxury hotels . They offer rooms from 175 BGN / 88 € / 7 375 ₽ per night. For this price you get the best location for the slopes and all the hotel amenities (spa, gym, swimming pool). The most luxurious hotel - Rila has several restaurants and a spa.

Advice!

Book your accommodation in advance if you are planning a trip during peak season. Mid to luxury apartments are in high demand from mid December to late February, so reservations can be sold in advance.

What to do in Borovets besides skiing?

There are several alternative activities for you in Borovets if you are not skiing or want to relax after skiing (apres ski). Here are some tips:

1. Plan a spa day.

   Spa centers are available to tourists, and some machines have their own jacuzzi. The spas have a view of the snowy peaks - pleasant and atmospheric. Muscles tired from a day of skiing will thank you for this. The hotels can offer you a special massage for a fee (50 BGN / 29 € / 2 130 ₽).

2. Sleigh rides.

   On the Sitnyakovo slopes there is an excellent descent for sleds. There are several bars on the slope with delicious drinks, where you can take a toboggan for free to descend from the slope.

3. Ski-Doo, snowmobiling.

   Great fun, very fun with guaranteed adrenaline. The instructors gather a small group to ride for 1 hour. A snowmobile ride through the forest costs 60 BGN / 30 € / 2 555 ₽.

4. Horse rides.

   Groups of tourists gather for horseback riding in the forest. The tour runs at a calm pace, with the horses trotting, but in some sections it is possible to gallop. You can imagine yourself in a fairy forest, you feel like in Narnia. Very relaxing.

5. Apres-ski - rest after skiing.

   There are many restaurants and pubs for delicious food and drink. There are also many photo zones. For example, here is the only Jamaican restaurant in Bulgaria, decorated in the "Steep turns" theme.

6. Ski slopes at night.

   Some tracks are equipped for night skiing. If you purchased the night pass, you can feel like a James Bond skiing. You may be lucky enough to see a fire night show from the resort's ski instructors.

Weather

It feels like winter here is very mild, but with heavy snowfall. In early December, the slopes are covered with snow, which lasts until April. The temperature in winter is not cold, on average from -3 to -10 degrees. At the beginning of the season, the snow layer is 60-150 cm, depending on the area. At the end of the season in March and April, the snow melts, in some areas there are areas without snow, but the main tracks are covered with artificial snow.

Advice!

Check the weather on the resort's official website. The information is updated by the Borosport weather station in real time. There you can also follow the main tracks through 11 webcams. Check the avalanche risk level regularly upon arrival.

It is warm enough in the mountains in summer. In June, the air temperature reaches + 26 ° С. This weather is favorable for summer lovers.

Summer holidays at Borovets

There are few tourists during the warmer months. In summer, tourism and nature lovers come. Some of the activities are open all year round - paragliding, horse riding and hot springs. But here are some of the top activities to enjoy during the warmer months.

Bike Park Borovets - a place of adrenaline

Mountain bikers come here for the challenging trails in the forest. A total of 6 tracks of varying difficulty - for professionals and for families with children. You can get to the park on the Sitnyakov Express chair lift. You can also rent cycling equipment right there. If you don't have enough adrenaline, you can rent an enduro motorcycle. Cycling competitions are regularly held in the park.

Advice!

Attach the bike to a lift so that the handlebars do not catch on the cable car, tightly on the hooks. On this line, there are small distances between the seats and the supports.

Fun for the whole family

Borlandia rope town with 4 routes is located next to the Rila. Safety is ensured with climbing belts. Jump on the boards and reach the end of the town, where you have to get an adrenaline rush - jump off the platform and ride on the cables. Such entertainment costs 5 BGN / 2.5 € / 213 ₽ (difficult routes are slightly more expensive).

An archery and air rifle area is located next to the park. The instructors explain everything with humor, so you will want to come back here again. The cost is about the same as a walk in Borland Park.

In the center of Borovetsky forest, you can arrange a paintball shootout. Everything is standard here - for the entrance, bullets and equipment you have to pay 30 BGN / 15 € / 1,275 ₽.

Rock climbing and mountaineering

For those who want to climb the rocks, there are trainings and exercises under the supervision of instructors. Preparatory sites on the territory of the resort are Vodosbor (1,450 m) and the Treasurer's Rock (1,520 m). The territory is well-groomed, the rocks are equipped with safety ropes. You can test your strength for 145 BGN / 74 € / 6 165 ₽ for a three-hour rise.

Other entertainment

You can choose the most comfortable outdoor recreation. Here are some interesting ideas:

• kayaking at the Iskar dam for the whole day - an adrenaline rush is provided;
• tandem paragliding flights - new emotions are guaranteed;
• outdoor workouts and yoga;
• children's complex Borolandia for the little ones, children will be able to play surrounded by nature under the supervision of animators.

What to see near the resort?

There are many historical sites, monuments and sights around Borovets. On the way to them, an abundance of nature awaits you, the landscape is beautiful in winter and summer. WE will tell you about the most interesting places. Tours are organized by the Rila Hotel, more information can be found at the hotel reception.

Excursion to Rila Monastery and Stob Pyramids

Rila Monastery - the largest and oldest in Bulgaria, was founded in the XX century by Ivan Rilski. It has a unique architectural architecture, most of the walls are painted with frescoes, everything is very colorful. The monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most visited attractions. On the way to it, you will see a unique natural phenomenon - Stolbski pyramids from the ground.

Advice!

It feels best to visit the monastery in the fall. The trees in the forest around it will be painted in bright colors, so you can take many beautiful photos of the landscape.

Rila Monastery (panoramic photo)

Stob pyramids of the earth

Trip to the city of Samokov

The distance from the resort to Samokov is 9.5 km. At the entrance there is a museum-reconstruction of the equipment of the XIV-XV centuries, in which iron was processed for the Madan furnaces. 3 km from modern Samokov are the ancient ruins of the Shishman cell, which was laid by Tsar Ivan Shishman during the battles with the Ottomans.

Samokov Bulgaria, city view from above

In the city itself there is an Ottoman mosque and a fountain next to the bus station. And also the oldest Christian church of Beliova, based on the ruins of an antique basilica of the 4th century.

Fortress Tsari Mali Grad

This is a historical, cultural and archaeological complex in the village of Belchin. The King of Mali Grad was founded on the Holy Savior Hill and became the most ancient witness of the development of the region. According to legend, the fortress was a small royal town, some consider it the Little Constantinople of Bulgaria.

Hot springs of Kotvata

Aqua complex and baths in January

It is only 37 km from the resort to Saparev Baths, you will have to get there by car or taxi. The city is famous for its mineral springs. Medical procedures have been carried out here since the time of the Roman Empire. A ticket to the spa center costs 15 BGN / 7 € / 640 ₽, you can stay in the complex all day. We recommend that you take your flip flops with you so as not to buy them in the store.

How to get to Borovets?

The resort is located pleasantly close to the main cities. If you arrived at Sofia airport, you have two routes:

1. Basic. The easiest way to get from Sofia is by car or taxi directly in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

2. From the bus station in Sofia, you can first go by shuttle bus to the city of Samokov (the trip will take about an hour). A minibus goes from Samokovo to the ski resort every 15 minutes.

Route through Plovdiv

The journey by car or taxi will take 1 hour and 30 minutes. Distance from the city to the resort is 129 km. If you want to get there by yourself by bus, check the departure timetable on the avtogari.info website.