Borovets Ski Holidays
Originally a hunting ground for Bulgarian kings, it has evolved into a vibrant winter wonderland that effortlessly combines its rich heritage with modern facilities. Just 72km from Sofia, it's easily accessible, making it a firm favourite for both local and international visitors seeking a convenient and captivating ski destination. The resort's charm is further amplified by its picturesque setting, featuring a quaint village atmosphere surrounded by beautiful, dense pine forests, which create a truly idyllic backdrop for winter sports. The resort offers a diverse range of slopes catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from gentle nursery slopes perfect for beginners to challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities for the more experienced. Modern lift infrastructure ensures efficient access to the mountain, minimising queue times and maximising time on the snow. Beyond the slopes, Borovets boasts a lively après-ski scene with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs providing entertainment long after the lifts close. Visitors can indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine, enjoy live music, or simply relax by a roaring fire. As well as skiing and snowboarding, Borovets offers a variety of other winter activities, like cross-country skiing, night skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The resort also offers ski schools with qualified instructors, equipment rental shops, and a range of accommodation options from luxurious hotels to cosy apartments, all designed to enhance the visitor experience. Its enduring appeal lies in this seamless blend of historical charm, excellent facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere, making Borovets a perennial choice for a memorable winter holiday.
Charming slopes and a lively après scene - what's not to love!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Borovets is at an elevation of 1,350m, with its highest ski point reaching 2,560m. The resort boasts 58km of marked ski runs, spread across three main ski areas: Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets, and Markudjik. These areas are all conveniently linked by lifts and offer a diverse range of slopes for all abilities. The terrain generally faces north, which is great for snow preservation, and you'll find plenty of tree-lined runs, providing shelter and beautiful scenery.
Snow conditions in Borovets
Thanks to its location on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains, Borovets benefits from a favourable microclimate, typically receiving abundant snowfall from December through to April. Borovets has a strong reputation for consistent snow cover, and the resort also has extensive snow-making capabilities, covering around 60% of its slopes. This helps to ensure good conditions throughout the season, even if natural snowfall is a little shy, so you’ll never miss out on skiing!
Skiing in Borovets
Borovets provides a diverse skiing experience, catering to all abilities. For those just getting started, the resort is a great choice. The dedicated nursery area is an ideal spot to find your ski legs with its gentle, easily accessible slopes. Once you're feeling a bit more confident, the extensive (around 5km) and very mellow King's Cottage Ski Way, reached via the Sitnyakovo Express chairlift, is perfect for building up your stamina and refining your technique. Intermediate skiers will discover a plethora of enjoyable runs, with the Yastrebets sector particularly boasting some delightful long red runs that weave through the trees. For a truly breathtaking experience, the Musala Pathway blue run is an absolute must – at a remarkable 12km, it's the resort's longest, guiding you on a picturesque journey from the high Markudjik sector all the way back down to the village. While perhaps not as vast as some of the larger Alpine resorts for advanced terrain, Borovets still offers a good challenge for seasoned skiers. The exhilarating World Cup run in the Yastrebets area is an excellent place to put your skills to the test. Furthermore, there's some thoroughly enjoyable off-piste skiing to be discovered amongst the trees when conditions are just right. Specific slopes like Markoudjik 2A and the steep Fonfon, found directly beneath the Yastrebetz lift, can also provide a proper adrenaline rush on a fresh powder day. For those who can't get enough of the snow, night skiing is also available on illuminated slopes, ensuring you can extend your time on the mountain.
Snowboarding in Borovets
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Snowboarders will feel right at home in Borovets, with endless routes to explore. The resort's blue and red runs, many of which are beautifully tree-lined, present fantastic opportunities for cruising and carving, all whilst offering breathtaking views of the surrounding pine forests. For those who love to hit the park, the Fun Park Borovets is a standout feature. Conveniently located next to the Popangelov red run, it boasts a 250m stretch packed with an array of rails and boxes, perfect for honing your freestyle skills. Adding to the appeal for freestyle enthusiasts, the Snowpark at Yastrebets 3 provides further facilities, including a half-pipe, jumps, and rollers, giving riders ample space to practise and progress. And for the freeride aficionados, the Markudjik area can truly deliver some excellent powder sessions when conditions are favourable, offering exhilarating off-piste adventures amongst the natural terrain.
Accommodation in Borovets
Borovets offers a wide array of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets, from cosy guest houses to larger hotels with extensive facilities. We’ve picked out the best of the best, so you know you’ll be somewhere great.
What's available at Borovets ski resort?
Après-ski in Borovets
The après-ski scene in Borovets is lively and vibrant, offering something to suit every mood after a day on the slopes. From bustling clubs and bars where you can dance the night away to traditional Bulgarian mehanas (taverns) with their warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious local cuisine, you certainly won't be short of options.
- Many spots, like BJ's Bar Apres Ski Bar & Disco and the Red Lion, are known for their energetic vibe, often featuring live music, DJs, and even sports screenings, making them perfect for unwinding and socialising.
- For a more sophisticated evening, places like Black Tiger offer a sleek, modern design with expertly crafted cocktails.
- For a similar high-energy, club-like atmosphere, you should definitely check out Buzz Bar. It's well-known as one of the most popular nightclubs in Borovets, often buzzing with parties and good music.
- Another great option for a lively night out with pumping music and a good party vibe is Frankos. It's set on two levels and often boasts live DJs, making it a firm favourite for those looking to let loose.
Facilities in Borovets
Borovets offers all the essential facilities one would expect from a modern ski destination and then some. You’ll find numerous ski and snowboard rental shops conveniently located throughout the resort, providing a wide range of up-to-date equipment from leading brands, ensuring you're kitted out appropriately for the slopes. Professional ski and snowboard schools are also readily available, staffed by highly qualified instructors ready to cater to all levels, whether you're a complete novice seeking your first turns or an experienced rider looking to refine your technique through group lessons or more personalised private tuition. The resort also boasts several well-stocked ski and snowboard service centres for repairs and tuning, ensuring your gear is always in top condition. Beyond the exhilaration of the slopes, Borovets extends its offerings to a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance your holiday experience. You can enjoy classic winter pursuits like ice skating, with facilities available in the nearby town of Samokov, or embark on unique adventures such as horse riding through the picturesque Rila National Park, offering a different perspective of the stunning winter landscape. There are also plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing excursions, allowing you to explore the tranquil, snow-laden forests at a more leisurely pace.
Facilities for children in Borovets
Borovets stands out as a very family-friendly resort, offering excellent facilities specifically designed to ensure younger guests have a fab time. Central to this is the Borokids Snow Park, conveniently located right in the heart of the resort near the Hotel Rila. This is a brilliant, purpose-built space crafted to introduce children aged 4-8 to the joys of skiing through engaging fun and games. It features child-friendly aids like a magic carpet, which makes uphill travel effortless, a fun carousel, and a gentle ski slalom, all designed to transform the learning process into an enjoyable experience for the little ones. For even younger children, from as young as two years old, Borovets provides superb childcare options. Several hotels offer dedicated non-ski kindergartens and kids' clubs. These are staffed by professional animators who organise a variety of engaging activities and games, providing a safe, stimulating, and supervised environment for little ones while parents are out enjoying the slopes. Additionally, for families seeking more flexible and personalised childcare solutions, private nanny services are readily available, offering convenience and peace of mind for parents wanting to maximise their time on the mountain.
Why choose Erna Low for Borovets skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
If you're looking for a great alpine getaway, Borovets is a great choice!
Jane Bolton, Product Director