Borovets is a small ski town in Bulgaria close to the busy city of Sofia. The small town is surrounded by snowy mountains in the winter months and is the perfect destination for a winter’s ski holiday. The Rila mountains surround the resort and are used to a decent amount of snow fall and clear sunny days to make the perfect conditions to hit up some winter activities.

The alpine city is one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe as well as being very good on prices within the resort for further winter activities and food and drinks. The town has kept a very traditional vibe and you will feel as though you have been transported back in time to a ski resort a few decades ago.

The climate in Borovets in the winter treats you to cold nights and snow fall and warm sunny days that allow you to enjoy your time on the slopes and enjoy apres ski whilst taking in the views.

The closest airport is Sofia airport which is around an hour away from Borovets. There are several options for getting to Borovets from Sofia including hiring your own car, transfers or public transport.

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev and the country is cheap in comparison to many other European destinations.

There is so much to do in Borovets during the winter months you will be spoilt for choice.

Things to do in Borovets

Ski

One of the biggest attractions in Borovets is certainly skiing. Hot the slopes and explore the various inclines and trails that range from beginner, easy, intermediate and advanced.

Several lifts both chair and pull along allow you to reach the top of the slopes and enjoy the views from the top of the Rila mountains. Borovets is one of the cheapest places in Europe to purchase a lift pass and you can spent the whole day sampling the many of the inclines.

The ski ways are easily sign posted by colour indicating the difficulty level and many of the ski ways meet at certain pats where you can increase the difficulty or carry on as you were.

The ski lifts are generally open from 8:30am-4:30pm allowing you enough time to pick up some skills on the snow.

Ski schools are extremely popular in Borovets due to the cheaper price compared to many other European ski destinations making this the perfect place for you to get some ski instruction.

Night Skiing

If you had so much fun skiing all day long you can also hit the slopes in the evening and enjoy a spot of night skiing. The slopes are lit up and yo can enjoy the feeling of skiing under the moonlight as you work on that skills.

The main lifts are open from 6:00-10:00pm allowing you time to take in the evening in this unique way.

Source: Ski Borovets

Apres Ski

Once your finished skiing for the day or night Apres ski is the perfect way to take or break or unwind in the evening. Borovets is packed full of quirky bars offering Apres ski. The promoters out front are normally on duty doing their best to sell you the happy hour special or drink deals of the day.

Several bars are also on offer at the top of the slopes or part ways down the ski ways for you to take a break and enjoy a local beer.

The bars are excellent in offering amazing views and also many happy hour deals to get the most for your money.

Snowboarding

For those or are not that into skiing or just fancy trying out a new skill, Borovets is also the perfect place for snowboarders. The slopes have several levels of difficulty and snow boarders can always be seen taking on the more challenging slopes and routes as they pick up skill.

Schools are also on offer for snowboarding both private coaching and group coaching can be purchased at very good prices.

Snowmobiling

Head out on a snow safari through the stunning Rila mountains and speed off on an exciting ride on a snowmobile. Enjoy this adrenaline packed activity as you take in the views from the snowy mountains and enjoy the ride. This is an action packed way to see Borovets.

Source: Get your guide

Hot Springs

Take a trip to the nearby town of Kotvata and enjoy the hot springs at Aqua Club Kotvata. After a long few days of winter sports and activities this will be the perfect way to relax your muscles and unwind.

Slip into the warm water and enjoy the views of the surrounding scenery and mountains.

The club is home to several pools including 3 big pools, 5 Jacuzzi’s, 2 cold pools and 3 children’s pools.

Source: Ski Borovets

Rila Mountains

The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in Bulgaria. The winter months low temperatures and high levels allow for the mountains to be covered in snow.

There are several ways to explore the mountains including hiking, via the ski lift chairs and also by many of the winter sports mentioned above.

The mountains are home to many iced lakes in the winter and beautiful view points looking out over Bulgaria and the nearby Balkan Peninsula.