Borovets: Bulgaria's Oldest Ski Resort
Discover Borovets: Bulgaria's first ski resort, offering diverse slopes, vibrant après-ski, and rich history in the Rila Mountains.
Borovets, Bulgaria's premier and oldest ski resort, boasts a rich history dating back to 1896 when it was established as a hunting retreat for Bulgarian royalty. Situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains, it sits at an elevation of 1,350 meters, with skiing reaching up to 2,550 meters. Over the years, Borovets has transformed into a modern ski destination, offering a wide range of winter sports facilities, hotels, restaurants, and bars. The resort is divided into three main ski areas: Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets, and Markudjik, providing a variety of slopes for all skill levels. With 58 kilometers of marked ski runs, Borovets caters to beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts alike. The longest run stretches up to 12 kilometers, and cross-country skiers can enjoy 35 kilometers of trails. Borovets also features night skiing, a unique offering in Bulgaria, on the Rila, Iglika, Martinovi Baraki 2 and Martinovi Baraki 3 runs. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Borovets offers a vibrant après-ski scene. The village comes alive at night with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. For those seeking alternative activities, options include horseback riding, paragliding, and excursions to nearby Sofia and Plovdiv. Tsarska Bistritsa, the former royal residence, is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the resort's regal past.
Local tips
- Take advantage of the night skiing for a unique experience on illuminated slopes.
- Explore the three main ski areas (Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets, and Markudjik) to find slopes suited to your skill level.
- Visit Tsarska Bistritsa, the former royal residence, to learn about the history of Borovets.
- Enjoy the après-ski scene with a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
A brief summary to Borovets Ski Resort
- Боровец, 2010, BG
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Sofia, take a bus from the Central Bus Station to Samokov. Buses depart frequently, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Samokov, local buses or taxis are available to Borovets, a further 15-20 minute trip. A one-way bus ticket from Sofia to Samokov costs around 8-10 BGN. The local bus from Samokov to Borovets is approximately 2 BGN, while a taxi may cost around 15-20 BGN.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Sofia Airport or the city center to Borovets. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Expect to pay around 80-120 BGN for a one-way trip. Ensure the taxi uses a meter or negotiate the price beforehand.
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Driving
If driving from Sofia, take the A3 highway towards Samokov. Follow the signs to Borovets. The journey is approximately 70 km and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Parking is available in Borovets, but it can be limited during peak season. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around 10 BGN per day. Note that road tolls may apply on the A3 highway.
