Nestled in Bulgaria's Rila mountain, Borovets is one of the country's leading ski destinations, celebrated for its blend of exceptional facilities, varied slopes, and favorable weather conditions.
As one of the best ski resorts in Bulgaria, Borovets offers a well-rounded experience for skiers of all levels. Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential information to help you plan the perfect Borovets ski holidays. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Borovets is located in the Rila Mountains, south of Sofia, and just 12km from the town of Samokov.
For a detailed view of Borovets's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest Airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for money | Limited extent of the local slopes |
| Perfect for beginners | Few challenges for expert skiers and snowboarders |
| Well connected, and with easy access from Sofia | Some lift infrastructure can be improved |
| Pretty tree-lined pistes | Long queues for gondola |
Borovets, offers a varied skiing experience with over 50 km of skiable terrain, spread across 24 pistes (24 km easy, 29 km intermediate, 5 km difficult), and served by 13 lifts. Borovets’s ski area is divided into three main sectors:
The ideal initiation to skiing in Borovets starts at the beginners' area located near the Hotel Rila. This gentle slope allows newcomers to find their skiing legs. As they grow more confident, beginners can take the Sitnyakovo Express chairlift, venturing to the top and then elegantly gliding through the 5km King’s Cottage Ski Way green run, meandering through the picturesque trees. For those looking to transition to the next level, short blue runs like Sitnyakovo 1 and Markudjik 1 await on the opposite side of the ski area.
Though Borovets might be smaller compared to some sprawling ski areas, it doesn’t skimp on offerings for intermediate skiers. Key attractions include the Yastrebets area, home to long, enticing red runs. Additionally, the Musala Pathway blue run, the longest in Borovets at 12km, promises a memorable journey through the forest, starting from the Markudjik sector and ending in the village.
Seasoned skiers can challenge themselves on the World Cup run, one of Yastrebets' most demanding pistes. Additionally, high up in the resort, there are exciting off-piste opportunities waiting to be explored. However, skiers should exercise caution as thick trees can sometimes limit access to certain areas.
Beyond the groomed trails, Borovets offers a slice of adventure with its off-piste terrains. The Yastrebets region, in particular, beckons with its pristine and exhilarating off-piste options, though the more challenging terrains in the Markudjik area are also worth exploring for the thrill-seekers.
Snowboarders can revel in Borovets’ snowy expanses. With top-tier instructors at hand and a range of blue and red runs, both beginners and pros can enjoy the experience. The Fun Park Borovets, located next to the Popangelov red run, further elevates the experience with its 250m stretch filled with rails and boxes for those eager to practice their stunts.
The ski season in Borovets for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 13th and run until April 6th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Borovets this season, be sure to explore our Borovets ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Borovets offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 16 cm and 27 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 20 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Borovets, with an impressive 40 cm of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 15 cm of snow over 2.3 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 16 cm | 2.5 days |
| January | 27 cm | 3.3 days |
| February | 20 cm | 3.3 days |
| March | 28 cm | 3.6 days |
| April | 15 cm | 2.3 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Borovets resort map here
