Borovets Ski Resort
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The first and most foremost of all Bulgarian ski resorts, Borovets was purpose built way back in 1896 making it the oldest resort in not only Bulgaria, but this part of Eastern Europe. Situated in the middle of ancient pine forests in a beautifully secluded region on the edge of the Rila National Park, it is easy to underestimate the actual size of this charming resort.
Although Borovets does have a cosy and secluded feel to it, it is in fact the largest of all the ski resorts in Bulgaria having the most ski runs.
Borovets was originally built as a hunting lodge for royalty but when skiing became popular in the early 1900s, the potential for great ski runs was quickly recognised. Borovets soon transformed itself into Bulgaria's favourite winter destination for the Communist politburo and retained its popularity long after the fall of Communism.
The jewel of Borovets has to be the King's Palace.
Surrounded by a thick row of pine trees, this unique property which was built when Borovets was first constructed is owned by the ex-King of Bulgaria and now Prime Minister- King Simeon the Second. In 2003 it was the setting of the lavish wedding to one of his daughters. |
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Every year new hotels and facilities are added so Borovets keeps up with other resorts however; compared to the vast majority of resorts in Bulgaria and other countries, development is very restricted.
This is because Borovets is part of the Rila National Park and the government aim to preserve its beauty and not let overdevelopment destroy the area.
As many will know, there are big plans for Borovets. It has been earmarked for substantial redevelopment and regeneration in the form of the Super Borovets project. This project which is estimated to be worth between 300-400 million Euros will dramatically transform Borovets so that it can cope with the tourism levels efficiently and make it a prime European holiday destination. |
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Where is Borovets?
Out of all the Bulgarian ski resorts, Borovets is by far the best located.
Just one hour down a brand new main road from Sofia and its international airport there are regular taxis and buses to the resort should you not wish to hire a car.
With bargain airlines starting in Sofia, the tourism to Borovets (which as increased by 10% since the 04/05 season) will be again boosted.
It will allow week-end breaks to be much easier and for holidays to be even better value than they are now.
Just 10kms away is the bustling market town of Samokov which has all the facilities should you require them while in Borovets.
These include hospitals, doctors, 24 hour super-markets. The town also has an excellent selection of incredibly good value, modern restaurants which are highly recommended.
Although Borovets is cheap (meal for a family for 15 GBP including drinks!) Samokov certainly beats it hands down!
Budget holidaymakers and the price conscious will find Borovets right up their street.
As mentioned previously, just about everything is great value for money. Beer is about 1 GBP a bottle (that is at resort prices as well) and the food in restaurants is equally good value.
Of course, you need to be aware of the usual pitfalls when going to any resort and these include taxi drivers- always go for the yellow registered cabs and always check the price before you get in the car.
A trip from Samokov to Borovets in peak season should not cost you anymore than 10-15 BGN (3 GBP). Premiums are for New Years Eve and of course, Christmas.
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| The
Skiing |
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The main part of Borovets is 1390m above sea level with the highest ski run at a very high 2600m altitude. The ski areas are divided into three different zones which are as follows:
- Yastrebets
- Markoudjik
- Sitnyakovo
Yastrebets is
the most popular as it has some of the best ski runs
in the resort and very good facilities. It is accessed
via a brand new 4 man cable car (built in 2005) which
has a capacity of 1200 people per hour and is around
23 minutes in length. It is known as the 'Yastrebets
Express' due to its speed! The ride up to Yastrebets
presents you with some of the most breathtaking scenery
in the whole area and even if you are not a skier, a
trip there is certainly worthwhile. When you arrive
at the top of the slopes, you will not be disappointed
as Yastrebets has some of the longest ski slopes in
Borovets which stretch from the very top to the bottom
of the entire resort. |
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Markoudjik
is located over the hill in Borovets and starts at the
very highest point in Borovets (2600m). Because of this,
it has a longer skiing period than the other two zones.
It has in total 5 slopes a brand new 4 man chair lift
(built 2005) which is very fast ensuring that you have
more time on the slopes!
Sitnyakovo is most popular with beginners and intermediaries. It has some great slopes to get practise on before taking on the more complex ones further up in the resort.
The combined length of all Borovets ski runs is an impressive 45kms which is certainly enough to keep even the most experienced happy! Throughout this 45kms you will find a good selection of runs in all difficulty levels and all pistes are marked with multi-lingual signs. All pistes are kept in good condition and there are very good snowmaking facilities on hand to ensure that runs are in tip top condition.
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Snowboarders
need not be disappointed as Borovets is probably the
best resort in Bulgaria for snowboarding. There is a
substantial Rotata man-made half-pipe with a vertical
drop of 320m. However; beginners do not panic! The half-pipe
was designed to cater for both beginners and skilled
enthusiasts. As well as the half pipe, there is a wide
rage of natural rollers and hits to keep even the most
advanced occupied for a good while.
Borovets has hosted the World
Cup for skiing twice and does have some great
pistes which include the international standard biathlon
run (if you want a challenge- this is it!) and also
the cross country piste which is great from getting
away from the crowds and really testing your abilities. |
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Helicopters
If you want to make your holiday in Borovets even more unique, hen why not try Heli-skiing. The resort offers three types which are as follows:
- HELI-SKI: A helicopter will take you to the cross country and roughest terrains in the area and you will be accompanied by a highly qualified ski instructor to guide you.
- HELI-TRANSPORTATION: You can be transported to Yastrebets and Markoudjik via helicopter
- VIEW-FLY: If you are considering having a trip in a helicopter, this option must be tried! It is a great way to see the whole of the Borovets ski area from the air and on a clear day, the views are truly stunning.
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| Night-skiing |
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Night-skiing is now available in Borovets and for those wishing to vary their skiing, a couple of nights on the night-skiing tracks are definitely recommended. They are very well lit and can seen for miles around (visit Samokov at night and you will see all three runs lit up) and have a nice green glow to them.
As with most runs at night, just be aware that the snow is little more icy so inexperienced skiers should go with someone more experienced or an instructor. |
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Ski Schools
Borovets does have a number of quality ski schools, the most prestigious being the Borosport one that has more than 200 fully qualified instructors fluent in many languages.
They offer ski lessons at 5 different levels to cover all skill profiles. The difficulties range from A to E and group lessons are also available. Lessons can be 4 hours per day and you can book lessons for 6 and 12 days at a time.
Should you wish to try your hand at cross-country skiing, lessons are also available at 2 hours a time. At the end of your course, all skiers receive certificates!
Other ski schools in Borovets which are highly recommended include the Petur Popangelov ski school which has 10 very skilled instructors all with very good English.
Petur Popangelow himself was ranked as a world no.3 for skiing and has competed for Bulgaria at the Olympics in skiing.
For a chance of this Olympic magic rubbing off on you, definitely give this school a try!
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The Rila ski school also is worth checking out as the ski instructors are friendly and speak good English. The reception and place to book lessons can be found in the lobby of the Rila Hotel. The Rila hotel is in the very centre of Borovets.
Ski kindergartens with qualified instructors are readily available and they start early in the morning till late afternoon.
Children can start to learn on the specially designed nursery slopes in the resort too.
Those are the top three in Borovets and there are plenty others which are available. Plus there are numerous private ski instructors that can be found via word of mouth or by talking to taxi drivers or those who work in the resort- but be sure to check and compare prices beforehand! |
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Ski Equipment and Rental
There are 10 ski rental shops are located close to the ski runs and lifts offering no less than 7000 sets of ski equipment! They include everything you would expect from leading providers including other items such as toboggans and sledges. If you wish to store your own equipment, facilities are offered for this. This is particularly useful if you fancy nipping in for a quick drink at one of the nearby quaint chalet style restaurants and don't want to lug in your skis!
The costs of the lifts (from 2005/6 season) was round 35 BGN (12 GBP) for a whole days use, which is great value for money.
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| Apres-Ski |
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The Borovets apr?s-ski and night life is definitely unique to the resort and cheap and cheerful.
The resort does have some now famous bars such as the Buzz Bar which has a very good selection of remixes popular tracks- everything from Celine Dion ('My Heart will Go On') to the latest dance tracks.
Apart from Buzz Bar, the other clubs and bars to visit which are highly recommended include Bonkers, Black Tiger and Mamacitas. These bars have been around for a long time and you will find the staff very friendly and the value for money great.
All offer 'happy hours', special drink offers etc which makes a night out on the tiles excellent value for money. No visit to Borovets is complete without going to these nightclubs. |
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| The larger hotels also have their own clubs, the biggest being at the Rila Hotel (enter the lobby and it is on your left).
Not the most modern or Western orientated of night-clubs, its fine to visit if you are on a mission to try everything in Borovets or happen to be staying in the Rila hotel and really can't be bothered to leave.
They seem to like neon lights- a lot of neon lights.
The Bulgarian's who visit like to wear white, so, if you would like to fit in, wear white! Finally, the songs change very regularly- as soon as you are strutting your stuff to your favourite tune, it will suddenly be changed to some Bulgarian pop-folk song which is more than enough to throw even the most experienced dancers! You will be charged on entering the club but it will only cost you 2 BGN.
The majority of clubs play Western music but if want to hear some traditional Bulgarian music, why not visit some of the local traditional style 'Mehanas' which regularly have very good shows in full traditional costumes. The wine tasting nights are great as well- very nice wine and the prices are too low to put on here!
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One can find the usual strip clubs dotted around- look for the usual subtle signs of a giant pair of naked legs, or EROTICA plastered over the front and you have found them!
Unfortunately, not having ever been in any of them (completely true!)
I cannot comment but I have heard from others that they are not the best. Sorry boys!
Borovets can't be described as serious competition to the more sophisticated night-life of London or New York for example but it is fun and rather camp.
It doesn't matter what age you are and if you go out there to have fun, you won't be disappointed. The value for money is great and the privately run bars (Buzz, Bonkers etc) are the best to visit.
Overall, the great skiing, friendly atmosphere and good nightlife do make Borovets and unique and addictive resort. You simply will not find a place like this in the Alps for example!
A final thing to consider, in winter the pavements and roads are icy (no one seems to put salt on them) around the clubs so just beware on your walk back to the hotel.
There is no need to explain what happens when drunk tourists and icy pavements are put in the same equation! |
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Safety
There is always an Emergency Ski patrol in operation 24 hours a day along with doctors and nurses at a well equipped clinic always on hand.
Should you have serious problems, then you will be taken to the nearby hospital at Samokov.
Some services may need to be paid for at the time to the doctor with you and you will be provided with full receipts to present to your insurance company.
It is recommended that you inform your insurance company at the time of an accident so that they can advise you on what to do in order to claim back your expenses.
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Super Borovets Project
Borovets has it all to be a major European holiday destination; it is just one hour by brand new main road from Sofia,
close to Samokov town, great skiing etc and now that Sofia ha submitted a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics, Borovets does have to be brought to the high standards required as should Sofia win this bid,
both Bansko and Borovets will be jointly hosting the event.
Essentially, the existing resort of Borovets will become just a small part of what is planned to be built.
New runs and lifts stretching down to Samokov town and the picturesque village of Beli Iskar will be built along with new apartment and hotel zones.
Two golf courses will be built (one on the edge of Samokov and one up in the mountains) along with sports centres, eco-trails and entertainment centres.
A lot of emphasis will be placed on summer tourism which is a great plus point as this area is incredibly beautiful in summer time.
For a full comprehensive list of what this ambitious project includes, please feel free to visit our "Super Borovets" section here.
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