Borovets
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Borovets (Bulgarian: Боровец), known as Chamkoriya (Чамкория) until the middle of the 20th century, is a popular Bulgarian mountain resort situated in Sofia Province, on the northern slopes of Rila, at an altitude of 1350m. Borovets is 12km from Samokov, 73 km from Sofia and 125 km from Plovdiv.
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[edit] History
Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian winter resort with a history that dates back to 1896. Borovets was originally established at the end of the 19th Century as a hunting place for the Bulgarian Kings, Borovets gradually developed into a modern ski resort of budget and luxury hotels, haute-cuisine restaurants and seedy bars and an average network of ski runs and lifts along the slopes of the Rila Mountains, providing excellent opportunities for a whole range of winter sports. The resort has twice hosted World Cup Alpine Skiing rounds, while the Biathlon track is one of the best in the world.
[edit] Future
[edit] Super Borovets
The Super Borovets project is one of the largest and most expensive investment and development projects in Bulgarian history. The Super Borovets project will enlarge the current Borovets town to encompass the nearby towns of Samokov and Beli Iskar. The resort will be divided into three levels, the prices on each level will cater for a wide range of visitors.
Level 1 or Low Borovets: A brand new development just outside of Samokov , this area will cater for the less economically well off tourists, but will have good connections and transport with Borovets and the main ski area. This project will provide around 5,000 hotel rooms.
Level 2 or Borovets: Consists of the existing Borovets with extensive investment and development. This will provide around 10,000 hotel rooms (approximately what Borovets currently provides) and will remain as the main accommodation area.
Level 3 or Super Borovets: This will cater for those looking for 5 star hotels and a luxury experience, however it will provide no more than 2,500 hotel rooms.
The project started in 2004 and was originally planned to be completed by 2009, however several setbacks have delayed the progress somewhat. The current plan from the architects (subject to review and acceptance by the ecology team) is to expand the number of pistes by constructing 19 new pistes bringing the total ski-able area to around 90Km. To cope with the higher demand for lifts & gondolas 12 new lifts will be built. One of these lifts will be a multi-station gondola which connects Borovets to Samokov allowing skiers easy access to the slopes from the Lower Borovets development site. At least one of the new pistes to be constructed will take skiers / riders back to Lower Borovets ensuring visitors can ski back home whichever portion of Super Borovets they reside in.
[edit] Skiing
[edit] Pistes
- Height of resort: 1350 m
- Highest skiing area: 2560 m
- Total length of runs: 58 km
- Longest run: 12 km
- Direction of slopes: North
- Cross country tracks length: 35 km long
Altitudes
- Central Borovets ski center: starting from 1337 m altitude up to 1780 m
- Yastrebetz ski center: from 1340 m up to 2369 m
- Markudjik ski center: from 2340 m up to 2550 m
Borovets Ski Slopes
| Ski Run | Difficulty | Length (m) | Inclination (m) |
| Sitnyakovo ski track | Green | 6000 | 0 |
| Sitnyakovo 1a | Blue | 5800 | 400 |
| Martinovi Baraki 5 | Green | 5000 | 0 |
| Sitnyakovo 1b | Red | 4000 | 230 |
| Sitnyakovo 2 | Red | 4000 | 250 |
| Yastrebets 1 | Black | 2300 | 860 |
| Yastrebets 2 | Red | 3000 | 650 |
| Yastrebets 3 | Red | 2350 | 617 |
| Markujik 2A | Red | 1300 | 280 |
| Martinovi Baraki 3 | Red | 1260 | 320 |
| Markujik 3 | Red | 1240 | 390 |
| Martinovi Baraki 4 | Black | 1240 | 302 |
| Markujik 1 | Red | 1220 | 220 |
| Martinovi Baraki 1 | Black | 1160 | 340 |
| Martinovi Baraki 2 | Red | 1160 | 280 |
| Sitnyakovo 3 | Red | 1000 | 220 |
| Lavinata | Black | 830 | 0 |
| Yastrebets | Black | 800 | 0 |
| Markujik | Green | 600 | 0 |
| Borovets | Cross Country | 0 | 0 |
The cross country trails are 35 km long, designed according to the requirements of FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski), at minimum width of 6 m. The resort also offers biathlon facilities for training and competitions.
[edit] Lifts
All ski lifts operate from 9.00 AM to 4.30 PM . Each lift closes for technical checks and maintenance for half a day each week and for 1 full day each month, see local signs for dates and times for each lift.
Borovets Lifts
| Ski Run/Lift | Type | Length (m) | Elevation (m) |
| Borovets,Yastrebets 1 | Gondola | 4827 | 1046 |
| Yastrebets ,Borovets | 4-seat | 2050 | 609 |
| Sitnyakovo 1a,Borovets | 4-seat | 1902 | 516 |
| Martinovi Baraki 1,Borovets | 4-seat | 1209 | 313 |
| Markujik 2A | Drag | 1086 | 308 |
| Markujik 3 | Drag | 1031 | 366 |
| Markujik 1 | Drag | 903 | 223 |
| Markujik 0 - beginners piste | Drag | 500 | 42 |
| Martinovi Baraki 3 | Drag | 200 | 50 |
| Martinovi Baraki 2 | Drag | 180 | 33 |
The lift infrastructure of the resort is very well developed by drag lifts, baby tows, seat chain lifts, plus a gondola lift. 1 six-seat Gondola lift, 2 High Speed Quad Chair lifts, 1 Fixed Grip Quad Chair lift, 10 Surface ski lifts and 9 tow lifts. As for the 6 persons gondola lift, it takes you to the Yastrebets peak on 2363 m above sea level. The difference in altitude is approx. 1046 m and length of route is 4827 m. The gondola lift has a capacity of 1200 persons per hour. The journey takes around 20 minutes. The total capacity of all tow lifts of Borovets is 8150 persons per hour.
New for 2007/2008
- A 200-meter carpet lift takes the skiers from ski center Markudjik to the upper station of the gondola lift "Yastrebetz".
- The widened Musala Pathway is fully completed. This 10-km ski path is the easiest way down to the center of Borovets.
[edit] Ski School
One of the major attractions of Bulgaria and especially Borovets is the level of instruction that is given. The instructors in Borovets are of a very high standard and the cost compared to other resorts is minimal. The instruction is divided into 5 different levels according to the skill level of the individual. The lessons may be group or individual (subject to request) and the duration of the course is from anything from 3 to 12 days. There is also a ski kindergarten for the children aged 4 to 8 years which runs for the entire day.
[edit] Night skiing
For night skiing there is a special lift pass that has to be bought separately at the kiosks on the pistes. It is valid from 5 pm till 10 pm. For season 2007/2008 the prices of the night skiing lift pass is: - Adults: 15 levs - Children: 10 levs
[edit] Snowmaking
[edit] Map of ski runs
[edit] Weather
http://www.bulgariaski.com/weather.htm
Includes detailed weather for all resorts in Bulgaria
Or if you prefer something a little more up to date:
Streaming webcam:
http://www.webcam.skidvd.co.uk
[edit] Snow report
http://www.bulgariaski.com/snow.php
Includes which runs are currently operating
http://www.bulgarijeonline.com
Includes lift and track information
[edit] Snow forcast
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Borovets/3day/mid
[edit] Other activities
[edit] Ski-doo
2 person ski-doo's are available for local rent in the resort and are usually bookable through your hotel. A ski instructor guides you through deep powder in the forests surrounding Borovets. Please check that your travel insurance covers you for ski-doos as it is NOT covered under usual winter sports insurance.
[edit] Ski jumping
Every Wednesday at 8pm the local ski and snowboarding instructors put on a Ski Jumping show on the slopes in front of the Hotel Rila. The show is free for all that attended ski school during the week but there is a charge of 22lv per person for those who have not attended ski school. There are, however, many bars in the local area where you can sit and enjoy a drink whilst watching the show without having to pay the 22lv charge per person.
[edit] Hotels
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[edit] Hotel Ela
The comfortable and friendly Hotel Ela is renowned locally for its good standard of cuisine, service and convenient central location close to all resort amenities. The welcoming atmosphere is suitable for families and groups of friends alike. All the rooms were recently renovated and there is a new 'Spa Area' featuring a fitness room, sauna and relaxation room. The hotel consists of 66 rooms.
Location
Located in central Borovets with the Gondola only 50 metres away and the nursery slopes less than 3 minutes away.
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast and dinner
Hotel Facilities
- Money exchange
- Outdoor parking lot
- Restaurant
- Bar/pub
- Disco/night club
- Lobby bar
- Elevator
- Direct dial telephone
- Cable/ satellite TV
- Bath/WC
Room Facilities
- Direct dial telephone »
- Cable/ satellite TV
- Bath/WC
[edit] Chalet Mariela
The Mariela combines an excellent location, cosy atmosphere and good standard of accommodation with the reliable service of a resident chalet host, who will be pleased to prepare real home cooked meals. Downstairs in the same building is the ski hire depot and the gondola is right next door to the chalet. Food is provided in this Chalet with a fully cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with local wine and coffee.
The chalet sleeps 12 people. Three twin bedrooms with ensuite shower and WC, two triple bedded rooms, one with ensuite shower and WC and one with separate bath and WC and the property also has a separate lounge and dining room/kitchen.
[edit] Hotel Bor and Edelweiss
Sister hotels Bor and Edelweiss are situated 100m apart in Old Borovets and are approximately 10 minutes' walk to the main lifts. Both hotels have been recently refurbished to a good standard and offer a welcome atmosphere and comfortable accommodation.
Location
Peaceful location in Old Borovets, approximately 10 minutes walk to the ski lifts.
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast and a buffet style evening meal with choice of main course and daily salad, starter and dessert buffets
Hotel Facilities
- Bar
- Lounge
- Cafe
- Sauna and fitness rooom in the Hotel Edelweiss
[edit] Hotel Breza
Superbly located, the Hotel Breza is an excellent choice for those looking for a friendly option in the heart of Borovets.
Hotel Location
The Hotel Breza is in a great location between the nursery slopes and main gondola lift right in the resort centre
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast with a buffet style evening meal featuring choice of main course and daily salad, starter and dessert buffets
Hotel Features
- Lounge and bar with satellite TV
- Sauna
- Internet
[edit] Hotel Flora
The Hotel Flora has a lovely pool and spa facilities, or you can relax in the lounge by the log fire. Rooms are comfortably furnished and most have balconies.
Hotel Location
The Hotel Flora is located in the centre of Borovets only a 100 metre walk to the ski lifts and ski school meeting point.
Meals
Breakfast buffet and a 3 course buffet style evening meal.
Hotel Facilities
- Indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, fitness room, massage and solarium (some with local charge)
- Internet café
- Irish pub
- Lounge
- Games room with table tennis
- Children's playroom with toys provided
[edit] Hotel Lion
In a beautiful area, this superb hotel offers an excellent standard of accommodation along with a great range of facilties.
Hotel Location
Situated in a peaceful location in Old Borovets, a free shuttle bus operates to and from the slopes. The Hotel is a 15 minute walk to the resort centre and ski lifts.
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast, 3 course buffet style evening meal with choice of main course, daily salad, starter and dessert buffets. For guests staying over Christmas and New Year a Gala Dinner is included.
Hotel Facilities
- Lounge and bar with open fireplaces
- Extra charge for internet
- Indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness room with an extra charge for massage and solarium
[edit] Rila Hotel and Studios
The impressive Rila hotel complex is close to all resort amenities and ideally located near the base of the nursery slopes, allowing you to virtually ski back to the door of the hotel. Rila Hotel offers 256 double rooms, 266 standard suites (for up to 4 people), 2 superior suites and 2 lofts. All rooms and suites have balconies overlooking the mountain and are equipped with telephone, radio and satellite TV. The standard suites have also a living room with twin beds, small kitchenette and a refrigerator.
Location
Central position at base of slopes, 2 minutes' walk to the gondola and 2 minutes' walk to the ski school
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast and 3 course buffet style evening meal with daily salad buffet
Hotel Facilities
- Safety deposit boxes
- Information
- Money exchange
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Business centre
- Conference rooms
- Outdoor parking lot
- Shops and boutiques
- Hair and beauty salon
- Restaurant
- Lobby bar
- Elevator
- Cable/ satellite TV
- Bath/WC
- Bathtub
- Balcony
- Magnetic card lock
Room Facilities
- Cable/ satellite TV
- Bath/WC
- Bathtub
- Balcony
- Magnetic card lock
[edit] Samakov Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Borovets, the Samokov is ideally located in the resort centre, close to the nursery slopes and ski lifts. There are numerous facilities including a bowling alley and an indoor swimming pool. It consists of 307 twin rooms and 4 apartments and is the second largest hotel in Borovets after the Hotel Rila. The hotel is old and needs renovation. The rooms are soviet style, and have very simple beds.
Location Central location only 1 minute's walk to the Yastrebets gondola ski lift and 3 minutes' walk to the nursery slopes
Hotel Features
- Bars ·
- Lounge area ·
- A la carte restaurant ·
- Indoor swimming pool ·
- Bowling alley
- Sauna,
- Whirlpool,
- Solarium,
- Fitness room
- Spa with treatments and massage
- Internet
- Hairdresser
- Kindergarten (4-7 years)
- Nightclub
- Games area
- Bowling alley
- Daily live music
Meals
Hot and cold buffet breakfast with a 3 or 4 course buffet style evening meal. There is also and à la carte menu at supplement.
[edit] Ice Angels Hotel
The Ice Angels Hotel is the newest 4-star hotel in Borovets, situated in the centre of the resort opposite Rila hotel. Located in the heart of the Borovets resort, Bulgaria, the 5 flored in Аlpine style Ice Angels hotel offers 28 double rooms, 8 studios (most of which has fireplaces) and 4 superior suites Modern and cosy designed rooms meet all the requirements of a 4-star hotel
Hotel Facilities
- Additional pull-out bed (on request)
- Direct telephone extension
- Cable TV
- High-speed Internet (ADSL)
- Minibar
- Room service
- Laundry and valet services
- Data point access
- Temperature control
- En-suite bathroom equipped with:
- Bathtub with a shower
- Direct telephone extension
- Hair-dryer
- Panic button
[edit] Resturants/Bars
[edit] Chilli Peppers
Chilli Peppers bar in the centre of Borovets has the right mix of a good selection of drinks and great music. The staff here are extremely friendly and the bar staff are sure to entertain when they begin flaring with the bottles. Free WiFi internet access makes it a popular choice for laptop users & those who simply must check their emails. The only negatives with Chilli Peppers bar is the floor, being tiled it can get extremely slippy when the snow starts melting and if you've had one too many you better watch your footing, and it only has one toilet between everyone.
[edit] Funkeys Bar
A small bar on the main street of Borovets, this popular bar is always busy. A wide selection of cocktails & shots are on offer for about 4lv a shot to 7lv a cocktail. Beer, Lager and other drinks are sold at around 4lv for a large beer. Their cocktails aren't for the faint-hearted, they pack a punch! In particular look out for the "Long Island Ice Tea" and their own cocktail "Elektric Lemonade".
[edit] The Buzz Bar
Probably the most famous bar in Borovets,[ BUZZ BAR [1] set back halfway down the main street the bar itself does not charge an entrance fee, although you will be asked for 1lv if you wish to put your coat behind for safe-keeping. The buzz bar is split into two rooms with the first containing sofas / chairs where you can relax and regain some energy, needless to say there is a full bar along one wall. The second rooms is the disco / club part with the bar along the back wall. The DJ plays a variety of pop, r+b, hip-hop and dance music. Bulgarian Beers & Lagers go for about 4lv / pint with the imported bottles selling for 5lv each. Happy hour here is from 10PM till Midnight.The buzz bar has earned a reputation as being a top night out, and for good reason - the music is excellent & the DJs professional mixing technique makes for easy & pleasant listening, the drinks are cheap and the bar has an overall very relaxed atmosphere to it, you do not feel pressured into dancing The buzz bar doesn't really get going until about 11PM so it is recommended to go for a meal & a few drinks before-hand
[edit] Karaoke Bar
Situated slope-side in front of the Hotel Rila, the Karaoke Bar is a great place to have a bit of light-hearted fun and maybe show off your karaoke talent! The karaoke bar is great when busy, but lacks atmosphere when quiet. The karaoke bar offers a great range of national and international drinks both on draught and bottled. Drinks prices are typical here until you hit happy hour!Happy hour in the Karaoke bar is brilliant if you're low on cash, everything becomes "buy one get one free" and this can really help those on a tight budget! Happy hour is between 7PM and 9PM, then it comes back from 11PM - 1AM. Overall this is an excellent bar to start & end the night at and, if it has the atmosphere, you could quiet easily spend the entire night here and not realise the time.
[edit] Franco's
Franco's Bar is a great bar which is split onto two levels with seating on both. The food here is great and the drinks are pretty much the standard price throughout Borovets The food in Franco's is delicious as well as being very reasonably priced. All the football & rugby is shown here on Sky Sports and if it isn't being shown, just ask and the staff are more than willing to put it on for you. The staff here are all very friendly.
[edit] Places to go
[edit] Samokov
Samokov (Bulgarian: Самоков) is a town in Sofia Province in the southwest of Bulgaria. It is situated in a kettle between the mountains Rila and Vitosha. Due to the suitable winter sports conditions, Samokov, together with the nearby resort Borovets, is a major tourist centre. In the past, Samokov was a centre of handicrafts and art, with notable figures like Zahari Zograf, Hristo Dimitrov and Nikola Obrazopisov. The town's name is a compound word of "samo" and "kov", respectively meaning "self" and the root of the verb "forge, hammer", and comes from the samokov, a mechanical forge powered by water, since the town of Samokov was a major iron producing centre during the last two hundred years (18th-19th century) of Ottoman rule of Bulgaria.
For further information please see Samokov
[edit] Malyovitsa
Malyovitsa is a small resort 40 kilometers away from Borovets. The nature of Malyovitsa is great and picturesque. It is situated on the north- western part of Rila 13 kilometers away from the village of Govedarci and 27 from Samokov and is connected by road. There are several ski pistes in the region. Malyovitsa is a famous site for the Bulgarian tourism and alpinism. The Malyovitsa summit is 2729 meters above the sea level and there are a dozen more peaks in the region that are preferred for mountain climbing and tourism in Bulgaria.
One of the most beautiful lakes on the Balkan Peninsula – Strashnoto is situated nearby. Malyovitsa is a starting position for many tourist routes that lead to the northwestern part of the mountain: to the Ivan Vazov chalet (7 hours), to the Ribni ezera (Fish lakes) (9- 10 hours), to the Rila Monastery (6 hours). The Malyovitsa summit can be climbed by foot in under three hours and there is also a regular bus transport to Govedarci and once a day to Samokov. The total length of the Malyovitsa pistes is 4 kilometers. The longest one is Uleq- 1200 meters long. At it's highest level it is a black piste but the piste gets easier with the decrease of its height and in its lower parts it is an easy blue piste. The Rajdavica piste is 900 meters long, and is more for beginners. The pistes on Mecha Polqna (Bear’s Meadow) are mainly for beginners- short and light and there are five drags are servicing the pistes, 2 for beginners, one advanced and the others are t- bars.
[edit] Govedartsi
The village of Govedartsi is situated just 80 kilometers from Sofia, at the foot of the Rila Mountain, near Cherni Iskar River. It is a national mountain resort, most visitors enjoy walking in the Maliovitsa valley, climbing the Maliovitsa peak and enjoy beautiful sights. The village of Govedartsi is a starting point for routes to the magnificent Rila Monastery and the seven Rila lakes. In Govedartsi region there are many hiking trails through beautiful pine forest, and many choose pick up forest fruits, mushrooms and herbs. There are excellent conditions for ski during the winter.
Govedartsi is a preferable place during the winter season because of the proximity to the Bulgarian oldest and biggest winter resort Borovets (just 26 kilometers). In the vicinity of the village Yonchevo lake is situated. During the winter, perfect skiing conditions – drags, and ski rental outfit – equipment are offered to tourists. Lots of tourists come in Govedartsi using the bus line from Samokov to Malyovitsa, which passes through the village.
[edit] Beli Iskar
The small villiage of Beli Iskar is located on the Rila Mountain, this quiet village was little known a few years ago but since plans for the Super Borovets project have been announced the village of Beli Iskar has really taken off. Soon to be the location of new ski runs through the Super Bovets project the locals are starting to gear everything towards the influx of foreign visitors.There is a tourism information center in the village and most of the locals are giving out rooms for rent. Most of the houses also offer small mehanas on their ground floor. Thus visitors have the chance to taste the famous “Rilski zelnik” (special kind of banitsa). This small village surprises with the great enthusiasm of the locals. Two great events shake Beli Iskar during the summer. These are the famous Rock in Rila festival and the Holiday of the Rila Zelnik.
[edit] Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery is the most outstanding monument of Bulgarian culture and architecture of the Revival period. It is situated at the heart of Rila Mountain at the altitude of 1147 m above sea level on the right bank of the Rila River. The monastery is a wide complex build in a remarkable architectural style. Right in the center of the complex raises Hrelyo Tower - a powerful stone fortification, the sole preserved building of Medieval Times (1335). A museum has been arranged in the newly built eastern wing of the monastery building which houses the gate of the Hrelyo Church, ancient weapons of the monastery guards and certificates of merit of Bulgarian tsars. The Rila Monastery is listed in the UNESCO World heritage List, as a monument of an extraordinary value and significance for world culture.
[edit] Sofia
For further information see Sofia
[edit] Plovdiv
Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив) is the second-largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, with a population of 378,107.[1]. It is the administrative centre of Plovdiv Province in southern Bulgaria, as well as the largest and most important city of the historical region of Upper (or Northern) Thrace, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millennial history. Plovdiv is located on the banks of the Maritsa river in the central part of Upper Thrace. The surrounding countryside resembles the great plains in the US, yet the city itself is particularly striking, since it, like Rome, is nestled in between seven hills. Tourists, however, are likely to count only six of those, as one of hills was virtually destroyed at the beginning of the 1900s, and there is only a small outcrop of rock left to show where it once stood. During its long history, Plovdiv was inhabited by many people who gave it different names: in Thracian: Eumolpias, Pulpudeva; Greek: Φιλιππούπολη, Φιλιππούπολις / Philippoupoli, Philippoupolis; Turkish: Filibe. In the Middle Ages the Bulgarians called the city Paldin (Пълдин) or Plavdiv (Плъвдив). The city was usually known as Philippopolis in English until the early 20th century.
For further information please see Plovdiv
[edit] Summer in Borovets
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