Bulgaria’s Top Winter Resort
Borovets is Bulgaria’s top ski resort and a dream destination for winter lovers. It offers a wide range of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. In addition to skiing, you’ll enjoy cozy alpine chalets, local cuisine, and stunning mountain scenery. Best of all, it’s only an hour’s drive from Sofia.
If you’re planning a road trip through Bulgaria, Borovets makes a perfect stop. Check out our full road trip guide from England to Bulgaria for practical tips and scenic route ideas. As you drive through the snowy mountain passes, the excitement builds with every turn.
When you’re off the slopes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. You can stroll through the charming village, taste traditional Bulgarian dishes, or relax in one of the many spa hotels. For adventure lovers, the resort also offers winter hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobile tours.
Accommodation in Borovets is both convenient and diverse. Whether you’re on a budget or seeking luxury, you’ll find something that suits you. Most hotels and chalets are within walking distance of the ski lifts, which makes everything easier—especially when traveling with kids or ski gear.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or as a family, Borovets offers something for everyone. So plan smart, travel safe, and make the most of your winter escape in Bulgaria’s premier ski resort.
❄️ Why Choose Borovets?
- 🔹 Accessible location – Conveniently located just a 1-hour drive from Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia.
- Whether you’re flying in or road-tripping, getting there is quick and easy.
- 🔹 Modern ski lifts – Enjoy fast, efficient, and beginner-friendly lifts.
- In fact, the resort’s infrastructure is one of the best in the Balkans.
- 🔹 Affordable prices – Ski more, spend less.
- Lift passes, ski lessons, and even food are significantly cheaper compared to most European resorts.
- 🔹 Night skiing – Experience the thrill of skiing under the stars.
- After sunset, the slopes light up, offering a magical atmosphere for evening adventures.
🛏 Where to Stay
Borovets Accommodation: Where to Stay for Every Budget
From luxury five-star hotels to cozy, family-run chalets, Borovets offers a wide range of lodging options for every type of winter traveler. Whether you’re looking for elegance or a homey vibe, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
What’s more, most accommodations are located within 300 meters of the main ski lifts, providing easy ski-in/ski-outaccess. That means less time walking and more time on the slopes!
🏨 Luxury Stays
For those seeking premium comfort:
- ⭐ Rila Hotel
The only 5-star resort hotel in Borovets, Rila offers stunning mountain views, an award-winning spa, and a heated outdoor pool. Located at the foot of the slopes, it’s ideal for a premium ski-in/ski-out experience.
🏔️ Samokov HotelPerfect for luxury seekers and spa lovers.- This comfortable and modern hotel features direct gondola access to the Yastrebets slopes, making it a favorite for ski enthusiasts. With spacious suites and friendly service, it’s a great mid-range choice.
Ideal for families and active skiers
🏡 Mid-Range Comfort
Balancing quality and value:
- Hotel Edelweiss – Traditional charm with free shuttle to beginner slopes
- Ski & Fun Residence – Apartments with kitchenettes for family stays
🛏️ Budget Options
Ideal for cost-conscious travelers:
- Borovets Hostel – Dorm beds from €15/night near the nightlife area
- Guesthouse Violeta – Homestyle lodging with hearty Bulgarian breakfast
Pro Tip: During peak season (December-February), we recommend booking at least 3 months early through official Borovets partners for the best rates.
Key Advantages:
✓ 92% of hotels offer ski storage rooms
✓ Free resort shuttle stops at all major properties
✓ Many include discounted lift pass deals
🍽 What to Eat
Savor Authentic Bulgarian Mountain Cuisine
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, nothing beats warming up with Borovets’ hearty local dishes. While international restaurants exist, we highly recommend trying these authentic experiences:
🍲 Must-Try Dishes
- Shkembe chorba – The ultimate winter warmer, this spiced tripe soup is traditionally believed to cure hangovers
- Kavarma – Slow-cooked pork or veal stew served sizzling in clay pots
- Shopska salad – Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and grated sirene cheese drizzled withlocal sunflower oil
🍷 Best Dining Spots
For slope-side convenience:
- Mehana Banski Starets – Try their legendary kebabche (grilled sausages) with homemade rye bread
- Rila Restaurant – Panoramic views paired with excellent Mavrud red wine
Budget tip: Mountain huts like Pionerska serve massive portions of baked beans with sausage for under €5.
🍰 Sweet Finales
Don’t leave without trying:
- Banitsa – Flaky pastry with cheese, best enjoyed with ayran yogurt drink
- Hot mekitsi – Fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar
Local Insight: Meals often begin with rakia brandy – say “Nazdrave!” (Cheers!) before sipping slowly.
Pro Reservation Tip: Especially on weekends, book tables at popular taverns through your hotel concierge.
Capture Unforgettable Mountain Moments
From the first pink hues of sunrise over frosty pines to the electric glow of night skiing under stadium lights, Borovets serves up picture-perfect scenes at every hour.
🌄 Sunrise Magic
For early birds, the 7:30 AM gondola ride to Markudjik 1 peak offers:
- Golden alpenglow on snow-covered spruce forests
- Crowd-free slopes for uninterrupted carving shots
- Frost crystal close-ups in the -10°C morning air
Pro Tip: The Yastrebets 3 chairlift provides the best vantage point for filming your descent with Rila Mountain vistas.
🌙 Night Skiing Thrills
Every Friday and Saturday, the resort transforms into:
- 12 km of floodlit pistes (ideal for light-trail photography)
- Vibrant apres-ski scenes at Ice Bar with neon cocktails
- Full-moon specials when shadows create dramatic black-and-white photo ops
📸 Top Instagram Spots
- The Frozen Fountain – Icicle-covered centerpiece near Hotel Rila
- Ski Patrol Cabin – Quaint wooden hut with panoramic backdrops
- Pionerska Run – Perfect symmetry of parallel ski tracks at dawn
📸 Stunning Views Day & Night
Whether you love sunrise skiing or a magical night slope, Borovets has the perfect Instagram-worthy moments waiting for you.
Your Borovets Adventure Awaits!
Before you zip up your ski bag, here’s why this Bulgarian gem deserves top spot on your winter bucket list:
✅ Last-Minute Essentials
- Download the Borovets Snow Report App for real-time lift status
- Pack these 5 often-forgotten items (including high-altitude lip balm)
- Book a private instructor 48hrs early (especially for kids)
✅ Why You’ll Love It
Unlike overcrowded Alpine resorts, here you’ll discover:
- Zero lift queues on weekdays
- Authentic charm – from horse-drawn sleigh rides to folk music evenings
- Stunning value – three-course meals cost less than a Swiss coffee
