Borovets is one of the most popular ski resorts in Bulgaria. Easily accessible from Sofia (73km), it is enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike, with many flying across Europe to come and spend a week there.
It has been snowing in Sofia for days, with temperatures between -10 and -20 C°. Fortunately, this Friday the weather finally announces sun and positive temperatures ! I jump at the opportunity to spend the day in Borovets, and enjoy this fresh snow. I leave with my friend Viki who recently won a season ticket to the raffle (which lucky !). Well equipped, we start to assault the pleasantly deserted trails on this weekday. As expected, the sun and the snow are at the rendezvous. We take full advantage of it ! It is by bus that we return very tired but satisfied, in Sofia. We can not wait to go back !
Situated at 1300 m, on the northern slopes of the mountain of Rila, the station of Borovets has 58 km of alpine ski runs (from 2560 to 1300 m) and 35 km of cross-country ski trails, all levels, grouped in 3 zones : Sitnjakovo (8 slopes); Jastrebec (3 slopes) and Markudžika (4 slopes). Borovets is providing very good conditions for snow sports during the winter : skiing, night-skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, etc. While skiing, you can enjoy amazing views of the valley, with the Samokov town and the Iskar Lake. In the distance, you can also see the Vitosha mountain, and on the ot her side, you won’t miss the Musala peak, which is the highest peak of the whole Balkan Peninsula, at 2925m !
The resort itself is very pleasant, with many restaurants and bars. On a good day, you can enjoy a tasty lunch on a sunny terrace during your ski break. The fantastic Hotel Rila will make your stay unforgettable (although you won’t forget the price either). If you’re on a budget, you’ll find cheaper accommodation in the town of Samokov, which is only 20 minutes away. In summer, Borovets is also the starting point of many wonderful hikes, such as the ascents of the Musala and Malyovitsa peaks. Have fun !
Practical info : To get to Borovets : First, you have to take a bus from Sofia (station « south ») to Samokov. Travel time : 1h10 early in the morning, rather 1h30 on the return with traffic. Cost : 6 leva per journey. To enjoy the day it is advisable to take the first start at 7:00am. After that, leave every half hour (schedule details). Once in Samokov you have to take another bus to Borovets, which runs every half hour. Do not rely on the schedules displayed at Samokov, which are incorrect! Cost : 1.40 leva per journey. Duration : about 20 minutes. A taxi for the same journey costs about 15 leva. Otherwise by car : 73 km and about 1 hour 20 minutes. Start of the ski lifts : 8:30am/End of the ski lifts : 4:30pm-5:00pm, depending on the lifts. Price of the day package : 55 leva. Prices of equipment rentals : about 25 leva the day for a pair of ski / snowboard + shoes. Lessons: 35 leva / 2 Hours. We like : scenic views, runs for all skill levels, many food options.
Text, pictures and video from Xavier for Madame Bulgaria, a french nomad guy passionate of sports of sliding and of travels around the world, based in Sofia, and cofounder of 2 successful companies : Tribway (a concept store of the best gifts of the web) and Tribway Consulting (helping you develop and launch your web projects). Distinctive sign : super cool.
This is really great. Thanks a lot for sharing in detailed way. I used to go on ski holiday every year and this info is really helpful for me. very impressive.
Merci Claire !