Borovets Ski Resort Information

Location & History

Borovets is the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, and was established at the end of the 19th century as a hunting place for the Bulgarian tzars. Since then it has gradually developed into the friendly and charming alpine ski resort that it is today.

Situated at 1350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains among age-old pine woods, Borovets is located at the foot of Moussala peak (2925 m) - the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula. Borovets itself is easily accessible by road, at a distance of 73 km from Sofia and 126 km from Plovdiv. The nearest town of Samokov is only 10 km from the resort.

Skiing Information

The resort has ski runs of various difficulty which are suitable for all, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert. The slopes and runs are maintained in perfect condition and are with international markings and multilingual signs.

Beginners will find the resort an inexpensive place to learn to ski and there are approximately 200 English speaking ski instructors available. Borovets has very good snow reliability with the season stretching from mid-December into late-March. There are also eight snow canons on hand, should the elements let you down.

Snowboarders will enjoy the Rotata half-pipe with a vertical drop of 1,050ft (320m), suitable for advanced riders at its upper end and beginners at the lower end.

Night skiing under lighting is available opposite the Hotel Rila every day from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Skiing Picture Gallery

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Weather

Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of -5°C in the valleys and ski resorts, and down to -20°C on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains and is over five feet (1.5m) thick. Summer temperatures vary from 14°C to 30°C.

Resort Facilities

Apres Ski

There are many places to eat and drink in Borovets, and all offer excellent value for money. A large beer (500ml or 660ml) is usually less than £1, and a basic meal around £3. We recommend The Blue Bar & Grill for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Child Care

There is a Nursery for children aged 1-4 located in the Hotel Rila which is open between 8am and 5pm, and also from 7pm to7am. Approximate prices range from £9 per half day to £16 per night. Lunch is included (when applicable) plus morning/afternoon tea or milk and biscuits.

A ski kindergarten is available for children aged 4-7 years and is located a short walk away from the Hotel Rila. It is open 7 days a week between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Approximate prices range from £13 for 1 day to £76 for 6 full days (winter 05/06 prices). The cost includes supervision, ski pack (skis, sticks, boots), daily tuition (2 hours - full days; 1 hour - half days), lunch (full days only), games, sweets, and tea.

Ask at the Hotel Rila reception for further details, or call +359 (0)7128 2441 to speak to them directly.

Medical Assistance

An emergency ski patrol service is available 24 hours a day. There is a fully equipped clinic in the Hotel Samokov, and there is also the facility to arrange emergency dental work with fully qualified dentists.

Some medical and all dental services must be paid by cash to the serving clinic - they are able to provide the necessary paperwork for your insurance company.

Holiday Insurance

We advise you to take out full insurance for your holiday; see offers from companies such as 1Stop Travel Insurance ,Insurefor.com and Go Travel Insurance who all offer basic travel insurance as well as specialist ski and snowboard holiday cover.

Picture Gallery

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