from £282pp
Borovets Ski Holidays
Borovets
Hotel Rila
Rila Studios
Hotel Bor & Edelweiss
Hotel Ela
Hotel Samokov
Hotel Breza
Malina Village Chalets
Hotel Flora
Iglika Hotel and Villa
Iglika Villas
Hotel Lion Borovets
Flora Residence
Hotel Moura
Hotel Iceberg
Hotel Festa Winter Palace
Hotel Rila - Ski Inclusive
Hotel & Villas St. George
Apartments Iglika
Hotel Euphoria Club & Spa
Thinking of Borovets?
Borovets is the leading ski destination in Bulgaria, attracting thousands of wintersports fans every year thanks to its mix of excellent facilities, 58 km of slopes and magnificent weather.
With fantastic scenery, loads of accommodation options, and a reputation for lively après, Borovets is a great alternative to the Alps, and is particularly well-suited to families, beginners, and intermediate skiers.
Check out all our great deals on both package and non-package holidays to Borovets. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly deal or a week of luxury, igluski.com has you covered.
Resort Statistics
| Level | Rating | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 11 | |
| Intermediates | 10 | |
| Advanced | 4 | |
| Snowboarders | ||
| Total Runs | 25 |
Resort features
Indoor Pool
Bowling
Skidoo
Walking Trails
Gym
High altitude skiing
Lively après ski
Resort Statistics
| Resort Altitude | 1390m |
| Highest Lift | 2600m |
| Total Piste | 58km |
| Longest Run | 12km |
| Directions of Slopes | N,NE,NW |
| Uphill Capacity | 8650 |
| Total Lifts | 18 |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 1 |
| Chairlifts | 4 |
| Drag Lifts | 13 |
| Snow Parks | 1 |
What is Borovets like as a ski resort?
Around 72km from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, Borovets provides majestic views of the Rila mountains and has a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming experienced skiers and newcomers alike.
Borovets is located on the northern slopes of the picturesque Rila mountains, and offers a decent variety of terrain across its 60km of pistes.
The town was originally settled by the hunting lodges and summer getaways of the Bulgarian aristocracy. But in the 60s and 70s, taking inspiration from French resorts, it became the largest winter sports centre in the Balkans, with purpose built lifts, pistes and hotels.
Today, Borovets is a thriving modern resort, with a range of between 1,390m to 2,600m and north facing slopes, allowing it to host a season that usually runs from mid-December to mid-April.
There’s a nice balance of green, blue, and red runs, as well as a couple of blacks and a snow park, meaning beginners and intermediate skiers are especially well-catered for.
You can have whatever type of ski holiday you want to Borovets.
Families will find it a friendly resort, with plenty of slopes that are suitable for little learners and family-friendly establishments in which to enjoy some downtime. With its lively bars and organised pub crawls, the town is also popular with the younger apres ski crowd looking for live music, DJs, and - of course - cheap drinks.
Top reasons to go to Borovets
Here's why we think you should head to Borovets this winter.
Cheap: Borovets is a much more affordable ski destination than similar resorts in the Alps. Everything from your ski gear rental to accommodation, food and drinks can cost half as much as in somewhere like France or Austria.
Family-friendly: Both on and off the slopes Borovets has a chilled, family-friendly vibe, as well as a dedicated kids ski zone, and low cost package deals on lessons and gear. Kids under 7 ski for free.
Lively après: With loads of bustling bars, organised pub crawls, live music, and late night opening hours, Borovets has a thriving après ski scene.
Variety of pistes: With 4 greens, 3 blues, 5 reds, 2 blacks, and a snow park, skiers of all levels will find terrain that both caters to their abilities and challenges them, especially beginners and intermediates.
Scenery: The Rila mountains are known for their dramatic natural beauty, and Borovets itself is an attractive town set among towering pine trees.
What is the accommodation like in Borovets?
Borovets has a great supply of accommodation that’s suitable for families, large groups, or couples, including grand hotels, modern apartments and a handful of small but cosy chalets.
The chalets sleep between two and six people and range in price from around £280* to £320* per person for seven nights. They all provide a free shuttle service to the slopes and offer self-catering or bed and breakfast options.
There are also some wonderful hotels in Borovets, from affordable three star establishments to the grandeur of the Winter Palace, which offers five star luxury at a fraction of what you’d be paying in the Alps.
With prices starting from just £200*, apartments are the most cost-effective accommodation option in Borovets, but don’t sacrifice comfort and amenities.
*Prices used for demonstration purposes and subject to change
What’s the apres scene like in Borovets?
Borovets is widely regarded as Bulgaria’s premier mountain party destination, with raucous après bars, live music, and round the clock opening times that can rival even Val Thorens.
If you’re hankering for classic Alpine-style shots and table dancing, you have loads of options. BJ’s is one of the best known and liveliest parties in town, and you don’t have to worry about getting there at any particular time - it’s literally open 24/7. You may have the chance to be either a spectator of, or participant in, the very traditional nail game, which involves hammering nails into a wooden stump.
Pub games and a party are also on offer at White Magic, which is renowned for its owner Christo, who frequently dresses as video game character Mario. The family run Bobby’s Bar is great for both kids and adults, with food, drinks and entertainment for all. Or, for live music and hearty Mexican food straight off the slopes, try Mamacita’s.
Best of all, in Bulgaria, your next round of drinks won’t cost you a pretty penny.
What activities are there to do in Borovets?
Whether you want to enjoy the snow without skiing or you're looking for a more relaxing way to pass the time, there are loads of activities on offer in Borovets.
Want to enjoy the mountain without skiing? You can go on a horseback tour of the surrounding area or even take a snowmobile through the forest trails. If you’re in need of some R&R, there are some fantastic spas in the hotels or you could go on a rejuvenating trip to the nearby thermal springs.
We’d also like to shine a literal light on night skiing in Borovets. From 18.30 to 22.00, the resort illuminates ten (6km) of its slopes for after dark skiing. You do need to pay extra for the privilege and its not open all the time, but it’s great if you still have some ski legs left after the sun has gone down.
Skiing in Borovets
Borovets is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria - the first downhill race took place in the 1930s - with a modern lift system and 60km of slopes purposely modelled on Alpine resorts.
That said, Borovets is a lot quieter and more affordable than the Alps, making it a great option for beginners and families.
Is Borovets good to ski?
Whether you’re learning to ski for the first time or you’re keen to progress onto more challenging terrain, Borovets has something appropriate for your ability.
There are 4 greens and 3 blues, which are great for cruising or learning; 5 reds, which are challenging enough to keep intermediate skiers entertained; and 2 blacks for the experts. There’s also a small but fun snowpark to the right of the Popangelov piste that has a beginner and an advanced section, so skiers of all level can practise their freestyle skills.
The best nursery slopes are available close to the Rila Hotel Complex, including Sitnyakovo 1, which is 5800m in length and boasts straightforward terrain that provides a fantastic introduction to the area.
For intermediate visitors, there is plenty of choice, including great runs in the Yastrebets area and the Moussala basin, where there are wonderfully picturesque trails for visitors to enjoy. It’s a great place to develop your skills and improve gradually as a skier, rather than taking risky challenges.
When it comes to more experienced visitors, Markujik 2 and 3 are exceptional. These tricky routes attract top athletes to the region year after year. The Yastrebets region also provides some excellent off-piste options.
Is Borovets snow sure?
Borovets sits at 1,390m and has lifts going up to a reassuringly cool altitude of 2,600m, which means that, even when temperatures are milder lower down, the snow can be a healthy 100cm deep up the top.
The northerly aspect of the slopes helps to maintain the snow, even when the sun is high in the sky. Added to that, around 60% of the resort’s pistes are covered by snow cannons, especially in the lower areas where they’re needed most, and a snow fence system stops snow loss to the wind.
Is Borovets suitable for beginners?
Borovets is great for beginners. There’s a number of ski schools in the town, with prices as low as £140* for six days of lessons, which is very reasonable compared to the Alps.
You’ll also find that the instructors are friendly and speak fluent English. And with half of the resort’s pistes either green or blue, there’s plenty of suitable terrain for you to learn and progress on.
*Prices used for demonstration purposes and subject to change
Family skiing in Borovets
Borovets is a fantastic ski holiday destination for families. There’s a dedicated children’s ski area near the Rila Hotel, which has a gentle learner slope, an easy to use magic carpet, and hosts a ski school for ages 4-7.
There’s also an all day creche for kids ages 1 to 4, so parents can leave their kids in safe hands while they enjoy the slopes. Also, away from the resort’s more raucous après establishments, there’s plenty of entertainment, bars, and restaurants that are suitable for younger skiers.
Borovets ski holidays FAQs
We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Borovets ski holidays below.
When’s the best time to go skiing in Borovets?
The Borovets ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April. According to the resort’s snow history, conditions tend to be optimal in February and March.
How busy is Borovets?
It depends when you go. It tends to be busy in early February when there’s a Bulgarian school holiday, and the slopes can seem busier if some pistes are closed. But visitors often praise Borovets for its lack of crowds and relaxed atmosphere.
Is Borovets a party ski resort?
Borovets is known as a party ski resort thanks to its lively après bars, round the clock opening times, and prevalence of stag and hen dos.
Which is better - Borovets or Pamporovo
Both Borovets and Pamporovo offer quality skiing at a great price. But while Borovets is great for the après, Pamporovo is generally cheaper.
Is Borovets good for advanced skiers?
Like other Bulgarian resorts, Borovets doesn’t offer loads of advanced terrain, but experts will enjoy the black runs, Markujik 2 and 3, as well as the World Cup run and the advanced section of the snowpark.
How much is a pint of beer in Borovets?
A pint will cost you £1.17 in Borovets according to Eurochange, which ranked the resort first in its list of the cheapest ski resorts.
What’s the airport and transfer time for Borovets?
Book your flight to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. The transfer from the airport to Borovets takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Borovets SKI PASS PRICES
The prices for the Borovets lift pass, for the Winter 24/25 ski season can be found below.
| Number of days | Adult price | Child price | Senior price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | €276.00 | €130.00 | €181.00 |
Prices are normally based on a full area lift pass and child ages vary by resort. The above are guides, so please call one of the Iglu team for prices for your holiday.
Borovets Reviews
(13 Reviews)
Jones family in Borovets -
24/02/2020
Fantastic February half term week in Borovets in Bulgaria. Busy but expected during the holiday week. The resort is well managed. 3 interconnected ski areas.
Apres Ski: 4/5
Gillian
Amazing Holiday -
01/04/2019
Had an absolutely amazing time on my trip to Borovets, the team & instructor were amazing Ele & Johnny Will deffo be coming back,
Apres Ski: 5/5
Derren Nuttall
Read all Borovets reviews