Borovets
The mountain resort Borovets is set amidst the majestic pine forest-clad Rila Mountains right at the foot of the highest peak on the Balkan region-Mount Moussala (2925 m), just 75 km from Sofia and 126 km from Plovdiv. The climate here is mild and moderate. Temperatures is January do not go below 50C. The Rila Mountains are featured as one of the loveliest , charming visitor with their 190 lakes and 79 peaks over 2500 m. In 1993 Borovets hosted the World Biathlon Championship.
Borovets is popular with all grades of skiers, the number of blue and red runs make it a great resort for both beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders wanting to improve their technique on the wide and open slopes, whilst the more advanced skier will enjoy the challenge of the old World Cup ski course.
The conditions for skiing and snowboarding in Borovets are fantastic with a multitude of facilities (drag-lifts, baby tows, chair lifts) crossing 58 km of ski runs, which vary in difficulty. Borovets boasts the 24 marked ski runs, 35 km of cross country trails as well as 75 m and 50 m trails for ski jumping. There are 3 ski areas in Borovets : Borovets ski center – from 1337 m up to 1780 m above the sea level; Yastrebets ski center from 1340 m up to 2369 m above the sea level; Markudzhik ski center – from 2340 m up to 2550 m above the sea level. To further offer you the ultimate snow experience, Borovets has 2 km of ski runs in the heart of the resort ( Martinovi baraki 2 and 3 tracks at Borovets ski center), maintained by six snow cannons that cover the area with artificial snow which lasts longer than natural snow. Both trails are well lit and work till 10 p.m.
BEGINNERS: The ski schools in Borovets enjoy an excellent reputation. The experienced and friendly instructors will help you learning the skiing. It won’t take long for any beginner to conquer the nursery slopes outside the hotel Rila, before heading for the gondola lift the more challenging runs at the top of the Yastrebets and Markudzhik centers.
INTERMEDIATE: The ski runs in Borovets are most suitable for experienced skiers of level. The choices for the intermediates are fantastic. Skiers can choose between Martinovi baraki and Markudzhik. The tracks are accessible with a variety of ski lifts. The well planned lift system includes the 5km, 6-person Yastrebets gondola lift, which opens up a wealth of enjoyable runs, ranging from wide sunny boulevards in the Moussala basin, to scenic looping trails through the tress. At the top of the gondola you can try one of the longest downhill runs in Bulgaria.
SNOWBOARDING: If you are beginner in this sport, you can rent all the necessary equipment and be taught by experienced instructors. There is only one condition you have to be 13 years of age and up. The drag – lift is especially designed for beginners to avoid the risk of collisions. The Rotata trail excludes crashes between skiers and snowboarders and offers wonderful opportunities for snowboarding - both for beginners and advanced. The upper part suits the experts.
APRES – SKI: Borovets is lively resort, offering entertainment to adult and kids – full of bars and cafes and these along with the many clubs make après ski a real attraction. There are plenty restaurant and bars every type of occasion, as well as numerous discos. For those who prefer their nightlife a little more subdued and perhaps have a yearning to learn about Bulgarian’s varied folk traditions, there are regular folklore evenings and even a visit to a genuine Bulgarian home for a taste of home cooking and entertainment. The Descending Cresset ski carnival is held once a week nighttime skiing for those who want to. And if you prefer sports activities – there are bowling, billiards, table tennis, indoor swimming pools, saunas, fitness and spot centers.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Height of the resort above sea level — 1300 m
Three skiing areas — from 1337 m to 2550 m
Slopes face north, north-west and west
Total length of ski-runs is 58 km
Longest ski-run is 12 km
Cross-country ski-track is 35 km
Night skiing is from 17.00 to 22.00
Artificial snow area is 50%
Snowboard: free-ride and ski-runs.
SKI-LIFTS:
1 gondola type for maximum 6 persons, 4 chair-lifts and 9 drag-lifts.