Borovets Ski Resort Guide
Borovets in the Rila mountain range is a family focussed ski resort that makes skiing affordable. With modern facilities including some resort-style luxury hotels within walking distance of the pistes, Borovets could be what you are looking for. There are plenty of reasons to visit Borovets with more terrain then-rival Bansko, alongside night skiing and cross-country trails, Borovets packs a punch without needed to spend too many £££.
BOROVETS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Borovets my first impression was one of surprise. Honestly, before heading to Bulgaria I was probably a bit of a ski snob leading to French alps or nowhere kind of attitude. The facilities in Borovets were much better than anticipated and this is the trip that really opened my eyes to the rest of the worlds ski hills. When walking around the resort and looking at the Borovets hotels, you could see that everything was a good standard.
BOROVETS SKI AREA
Borovets has invested to improve its lift system and improve uphill times, although its gondola is still antiquated. This is a small compromise to make for access to the largest number of pistes in Bulgaria. Strangely Borovets is split between two distinct ski areas, the slopes near the Rila Hotel and the slopes by Yastrebetz Gondola. The highest point of the resort is reached via the gondola with pistes at 2550m that allow you to ski down to the base area at 1300m. Strangely the cross-country courses can be found at the top of the resort with trails to 2900m.
The beginner’s area is situated near Hotel Rila, and as such is also the base for the ski school. The slopes here are mellow and are surrounded by restaurants, bars and hotel facilities. As you progress you will head to the Sitnyakovo chairlift that offers a little more challenge. This area is quite small but is enough to get you started. The Sitnyakovo chairlift also remains open for night skiing throughout the season.
If you are looking to explore further then head to the Yastrebetz gondola. From here you will be able to explore two main sections, at the top Markudjik and lower down Yastrebetz. The Markudjik ski area has another small beginners area with mellow slope serviced by a magic carpet and poma. You can also access some blues and a short black that will take you to the gondola’s mid-station. The Yastrebetz area offers the most challenge with some decent red runs that offer some decent vertical drop. If you want to stay in this area it is easy to lap via the Yastrebetz Express, a high-speed quad that ensures you can continue to get plenty of laps.
There is little challenge in Borovets for advanced skiers or snowboards with less than 10% of the piste map dedicated to black runs. There is some off-piste but unless the conditions are prime it can be best avoided. Skiing in the trees can be a bit of a disappointment with some forestry needed to make them truly skiable.
The Borovets ski map below gives a good overview of the accessible terrain throughout the ski resort. The layout of Borovets ski resort can be tricky if your group has varying abilities as you may find yourself split between distinct areas.
Borovets Ski Resort Piste Map
SEASON DATES
The ski season in Borovets runs from December through to April although snow quality and coverage can suffer in early and late season. It is getting better with improvements to snow-making facilities. The lower slopes especially can suffer and late season operations are moved to the top of the gondola. You can check the Borovets weather by accessing the Borovets ski webcam which is a good way to check the slopes before leaving your hotel.
BOROVETS LIFT TICKETS
Further discounts are available on Borovets lift tickets with family passes available at 20% discount. To check the latest pass prices click here
Below are my ratings for Borovets ski resort. All categories are scored out of five with higher scores being better. The only exception is crowds, a higher score in this category means the resort is busier. These scores are based of my experiences in the resort and I’d love to hear your views and experiences in the comments.
TRAVEL TO BOROVETS
WHERE IS BOROVETS
Borovets ski area is the located in the Sofia Province in the Rila Mountain Range. Close to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia travel to Borovets is fairly straightforward.
Getting To Borovets
From the UK low-cost airlines fly fairly regularly into Sofia (don’t get done by baggage fees). Flights to Sofia are regular and affordable from UK airports. A Sofia to Borovets ski resort airport transfers is 1hr. Most people book their Bulgaria ski trip through a travel company who will be on hand to organise your transfer. You can also fly into Plovdiv but your transfer time will be longer.
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Self-Drive
If you do not have an organised transfer then self-drive is possible with hire cars available in the airport arrivals area.
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Taxi
Taxi or private hire is also available from Sofia airport but be sure to pre-arrange this with an agreed price.
How long is the transfer from Sofia to Borovets?
The transfer time between Sofia International Airport and Borovets is 1 hr by coach although during busier periods this can take longer.
BOROVETS ACCOMMODATION
Borovets ski resort offers a range of hotel and accommodation options. Most hotels in Borovets are well placed offering decent services with swimming pools and spas. The food at the hotels can be hit and miss but if you need to eat out there are plenty of options that won’t harm your budget. I stayed in Hotel Rila which is a large hotel directly opposite the main slopes.
You can find great deals on accommodation in Borovets with 5* hotels offering half board options for between £500-£600pp.
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BOROVETS PROS
Great value for money European skiing
Getting to the resort is easy with plenty of options from Sofia
The Rila mountains are stunning and Borovets offers some beautiful views
The ski school offers a good service at low prices (please tip your instructor)
Borovets nightlife is lively
Borovets has more terrain than other Bulgarian ski resorts
Borovets hotels are well placed for the slopes
BOROVETS CONS
Limited off-piste available
Borovets ski area is small when compared to large French / Swiss resorts
The Borovets gondola to Yastrebets from the base is long and slow!
BOROVETS GALLERY
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN BOROVETS
Borovets can be more than the average ski holiday with plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. Great for days you just fancy a rest or as an addition to your trip consider the following Borovets activities.
Spa Day
Nothing says relax more than a spa day. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders with tired legs there a plenty of options for spa days in Borovets. The appeal is obvious, being sat inside a warm sauna or jacuzzi whilst everyone else is out in the cold will make your friends jealous. In Borovets, most hotels have spa and pool facilities, with the larger hotels offering treatments. A massage in Borovets is likely to set you back around £30
Tobogganing
Always a hit with the kids tobogganing can make a great evening activity. Sledges are available from the local bars which can be a risky combination! This can be a perfect way to wear out the younger members of the group while you sit back and enjoy the views.
Hot Springs
Known for its thermal pools Bulgaria has plenty of hot springs. This is a great activity for soaking weary muscles and helping recovery for your next ski day. Visiting the hot springs is possible during the day or in the evening so you do not need to miss out on any slope time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Borovets good for skiing?
Hopefully, I have already answered this question but just in case you need more convincing the answer is yes. Borovets offers good skiing and snowboarding at low prices. You will find 58km of pistes, which mostly suit intermediate skiers. You will not find lots of off-piste or steep runs in Borovets but the terrain will suit most people. If you are looking for more challenging terrain in Bulgaria than consider a trip to Bansko or if you are a beginner consider Pamporovo.
Which is better Bansko or Borovets?
This is ultimately down to opinion and will vary from person to person. For me, there isn’t too much difference in the actual skiing between Bansko and Borovets. Bansko does have a world cup run which offers more challenge than anything you will find at Borovets, but Borovets offers more terrain. Away from the slopes both Bansko and Borovets have a lively nightlife. I like that you can get away from this in Bansko with a trip to the old town, a Unesco heritage site. In the Old Town, you will find restaurants and bars that are quieter and set in a beautiful setting. The closer you get to the gondola in Bansko it gets more modern and more nightlife oriented. Borovets also has a good nightlife scene, but you will find the hotels in Borovets offer great entertainment for kids with games rooms etc.
Where to eat in Borovets?
Borovets has a number of restaurants conveniently placed near the base of the slopes. If you like Mexican food then check out Mamacita’s which has decent reviews. Most holidays in Borovets include half-board accommodation so if you want to stay in your hotel then food is already sorted.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Borovets is a resort that I am happy I visited. As a intermediate it was great for me and my friends who were learning to ski. The ski school did a great job and we all improved significantly. I visited as a student and the value could not be argued with. We had full board, including ski hire and lift passes for less than some French Alps 6 day lift passes. I would not recommend it for the more advanced skier or snowboarder as you may feel it lacks challenge.
