Regions: Borovets Overview

History of Borovets

Borovets is Bulgaria's oldest and biggest ski resort with a history of winter sports dating back over a century. Located in the Sofia region on the slopes of the Rila mountain range, it is just 72 km from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, where you will find the nearest airport and from here it is easy to get to Borovets by car or by bus.

What began in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for the Bulgarian royal family has developed into a booming resort complex which has twice hosted the Skiing world championships.

With a ski season beginning in December and continuing through to April, its popularity is no doubt due to its agreeable weather, as visitors find it noticeably less chilly than other ski resorts.

The resort is blessed with an idyllic setting surrounded by acres of pinewood forest and also enjoys clean, un-polluted air which is reported have certain health benefits making it an ideal place to rent a villa.

As if that wasn't enough, prices in Borovets are on average a third cheaper than the French and Swiss skiing resorts making it incredible value for money.

Skiing Facilities

In Borovets there are 18 different runs covering over 58km of terrain which are all carefully designed to suit either beginners, intermediate or expert skiers of all ages, just watch out for the signs to find the slopes that match your ability.

These runs are split between three different ski centers Sitnyakovo, Yastrebetz and Markudjik.

For those wanting to take lessons there are over 200 hundred professional instructors who have been rigorously trained, and of course are all fluent in English, just try to remember to "bend zee knees".

The resort has invested heavily in making it easy to travel around Botovets and it is currently in the middle of a 600 million euro redevelopment project which will expand the resort further to include more slopes and luxury facilities.

For getting about there is a Gondola lift and various other smaller lifts which are open from 9am-4.30pm daily.

You can even hire a snow-mobile if you wish, but one of the great things about Borovets is that many of the runs actually end in the village itself so you can ski almost all the way home to your villa.

Activities & Entertainment

Should you decide to rent a villa here, there are some other great activities on offer if you want to try something a little more exhilarating.

For example you can find great runs specifically for snowboarders, a world-class biathlon course and a cross country track for the more adventurous skiers who want to go off-piste. You can also get a pass to go night skiing, you can go ice-skating and get closer to nature taking a guided tour of the forest in a ski-doo

The après ski here is excellent too, with hundreds of restaurants, bars and cafes where you can try the local cuisine and listen to traditional Bulgarian folk music.

If you're in the mood to party, however, there is a great selection of nightclubs which are open from dusk till dawn and have some great deals, make sure you go early for "happy hour".

Borovets Culture

If you want to explore the local area too while you’re here on holiday, then there are some fantastic places you can visit without having to go too far afield.

The capital Sofia is only an hour away by car and is full of museums and art galleries in addition to some fabulous designer boutiques.

Closer by, the town of Samokov is only 12km away which has a fabulous history and a long tradition of producing arts and handicrafts and here you can check out some beautiful churches and mosques.

Also, the world famous Rila Monastery is within easy reach, which is home to some beautiful murals and artwork. On site also, just a few minutes walk from your villa is the Carska Bistrica palace.

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