- 30/01/2012 BulgariaWalking.com, specialized website for guided and self-guided hiking tours in Bulgaria, now live
- 08/11/2011 Discounted prices for ski and snowboard packs in Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo
- 16/08/2010 "The riddles of Rila Mountains" is the first detailed high altitude self-guided tour in Bulgaria
Borovets
Ski & snowboard, equipment hire, lift passes, hotels, transfers
Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian winter resort with a history dating back to the year of 1896! Established at the end of the 19-th century as a hunting place for the Bulgarian kings, Borovets gradually developed into a modern ski resort of high-class and luxury hotels, haute-cuisine restaurants and an excellent network of ski runs and lifts along the slopes of Rila Mountains, providing excellent opportunities for the whole range of winter sports - from Alpine to cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon. The resort twice hosted World Cup Alpine skiing rounds, while the biathlon track is one of the best in the world. The resort features: more than 58km of marked ski runs (longest run is 5,8km) and cross country tracks; some of the ski runs are sound-tracked and lit up by modern lighting systems, allowing for night skiing fun; altitude of the ski runs between 1350 and 2560m with main slopes exposure being North; 2 chair lifts, 1 gondola lift (6-seat), 1 fixed grip quad chair lift, 10 drags and few baby drags; natural snow cover exceeding 2 m in winter; huge variety of accommodations – from cozy pensions and holiday apartments to 4-star hotels.
► The excellent ski runs comply with the standards of FIS and are located in 3 main ski-centers – Sitnyakovo (1350-1780 m. a.s.l.), Yastrebets (1440-2369 m. a.s.l.) and Markudzhik (2100-2560 m. a.s.l.). They are situated at approximately 5 km distance away of the resort and are easily accessible by the Gondola and the chair lifts starting from Borovets.
► The total length of the pistes is about 58 km (some of them with safety net installations). The ski runs are serviced by a number of chair lifts and drag lifts, including the 6-man Gondola. The resort boasts a brand new snow making system, covering an area of above 20 hectares, including ski runs “Yastrebets 3” and “Popangelov”. The snowmaking system in front of hotel Rila is working full-time during the ski season, as well, covering ski runs “Rila”, “Iglika”, “Martinovi Baraki 2” and “Martinovi Baraki 3”.
► The runs are sound-tracked and lit up by modern lighting systems, allowing for night skiing fun. Variety of many different inclines and types of snow offer the best opportunities for ski enthusiasts of all levels, from the absolute beginner to the extreme high performer. Some good off-piste riding is available but local knowledge is essential to avoid the hidden dangers.
► MAP of the Borovets ski tracks
SKI KINDERGARTEN & OFF SLOPE CHILD CARE
There is a ski kindergarten for the children aged 4 to 8 years. It works the whole day (08.30-16.30).
Ski/Snowboard school tuition includes a special certificate issued after the end of the tuition. Nursery for children 1-4 years (08.00-15.00) is also available (incl. supervised activities, fun, games, special entertainment and lunch). Please, note that reservations are made only through your holiday representative on the spot.
BEGINNERS
The abundance of green runs and the availability of baby drags makes Borovets an excellent place for first-time skiers and snowboarders. With more than 200 instructors the ski-schools offer some of Bulgaria’s best services and the five ski depots offer the latest in ski and snowboard equipment.
INTERMEDIATE
Variety of blue and red runs (11 in total), suitable to intermediate skiers, make the resort a very good choice both for those committed to becoming experts, as well as for those who take up winter sports merely as a recreational activity. You are welcome to choose between wide runs just below Mount Musala and scenic trails through the woods. Do not forget to taste the longest downhill ski run in Bulgaria.
ADVANCED & OFF-PISTE
Experts are invited to try the black runs of Markudzhik 2 and 3. Borovets is one of the highest rideable areas in Europe with some well varied terrain. The best spots to head for are those above 2500m and the runs under the Gondola. For those who want to leave the ground there is plenty of natural hits and rollers.
BIATHLON & CROSS COUNTRY
35 km of cross country trails are designed according to the requirements of FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski), at minimum width of 6 m. The resort also offers biathlon facilities for training and competitions.
