Snowsure: 3.7
- Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
- Is often closed due to a lack of snow
- Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
- Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
- Borovets is snowsure even in the poorest seasons
Visitor reviews for Borovets Ski Resort
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(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Latest
January 26, 2009
Jo from
United Kingdom
Jo from
United Kingdom
Just got back and stayed at the Samokov at Borovets. Think Spain 30 years ago. The hotel is clean and fresh towels are supplied daily with sheets changed once during the weeks stay.
The food in the Samokov is dismal but won't be changing. They do have your money up front, so there is no need to put in the effort. We ate out most of the time and avoided the hotel evening meal (unless you can survive on a bowl of soup and a couple of bread rolls). The local restaurants are reasonable priced, we liked Katies - they put in an extra effort on my husbands birthday which was great; Chilli Peppers for a more relaxed atmosphere and PubSki for great morning coffee. Watch out in some of the restaurants as you will be charged approx £4 for chips and peas to go with your steak, also the Chinese portions are huge, you only need half the dishes you order in the UK.
The Samokov ski school at Borovets is excellent (Angel was our instructor, the good looking one). We heard reports of broken kit being used by Boro Sports ski school but we didn't have any problems with the Samokov equipment. The instruction was good and our instructor (unlike other reports I have read) pointed out a restaurant for lunch but was in no way offended if you chose to eat elsewhere, in fact when at the top of the gondola he advised us that it was more expensive and would we prefer to go down the mountain for lunch.
Watch out in the cafes at the top of the gondola, you will need 1 Lev to use the very basic, toilet facilities and don't expect any flush. There is a person who comes in after you to flush with a bucket of rather dirty looking water. The cafes at the top also charge approx 2 lev on top of the menu price when you get your bill. We countered this by not leaving a tip and taking our own water and sandwiches when we were going to be out all day.
The locals at Borovets are friendly and will treat you as you treat them, so approach with a smile and you will be treated well.
Yes, there are people outside every bar who try to get you in; it's a short season and they need to make their money. We didn't find any of them rude and just said we would be back later in the week, this worked and after a couple of days we were waving at them and partaking in jovial banter. Michael, on the nursery slope by the Bistro, is great (and loves the girls). He helps all the ladies get into the restaurant without slipping or being hit by the drag.
Well, my overall view of Borovets is that I love the place. It's quaint, the skiing is good for beginners/intermediates (although a bit icy as we didn't have any snowfall when we were there) and I want to go back.
Watching the weather reports and if March looks good we will be going back for another excellent week.
My advise - Go there and enjoy.
January 23, 2009
Sarah from
United Kingdom
Sarah from
United Kingdom
Have been to Borovets for the past two years and due to fly out there next weekend for a third time. We booked originally because of the price as non of us had much experience of boarding and we didn't want to pay a fortune to do something we may not have enjoyed. Went with Balkan both previous years and the service is great. Stayed at Iglika palace and staff and room etc were great. Our group had fussy eaters who did complain of no Heinz baked beans or proper tea, but what do you expect for less than £200 (that was in the first year). Second year we paid more and took tea bags.
You're paying cheap for an Eastern European Balkan state resort - what do you expect. The snow is unpredictable - weathermen aren't always right or accurate. With a ski holiday you take your chances over the conditions in much the same ways as going to the Caribbean and hoping there won't be any tropical storms.
If you dislike service - complain, if you don't like the hotel food, look around (I recommend Franko's and Katie's).
The first year we went we had more snow than places in France and Italy, the second year we weren't as lucky and had a few very sunny days but also a day of total white out.
Go to Bulgaria and make it your holiday.
For anyone who hasn't been before, it is what it says - a cheap basic ski holiday, great for beginners and intermediates. Not so great for Alps snobs.
January 06, 2009
Laura from
United Kingdom
Laura from
United Kingdom
I've just returned from a week at Hotel Flora in Borovets (New Year 08/09). The amount of unfair reviews I read before I arrived in Borovets really got me worried as I only read them once I had already booked and paid.
On arrival in Hotel Flora at 2 in the morning, I thought that all the negative reviews must have been right and that I was in for an awful holiday. The hotel was not of UK 4 star standard, the sheets did not fit the bed, there was no hair-drier as advertised so my hair froze and everything seemed generally awful (a hair drier was obtained from Reception free but must get there quickly as they run out once people catch on)
However, once we'd had some sleep we realised we wouldn't actually be in the hotel very often and that we weren't in a country which had spent an awful lot of money on tourism so we couldn't really expect the hotel to be amazing. Had we wanted nice posh hotels then we should have spent the money and gone to Canada/France etc. We were in Bulgaria and along with that came the benefits of amazing scenery, lovely locals and culture.
I suspect the hotel was 4 stars due to its brilliant location and once we were out skiing and enjoying the atmosphere we didn't notice the standard of the hotel. Hotels Rila/Samokov/ice/Flora are all close to the facilities and it's definitely worth while being close; those further away were really cursing.
The skiing was great, so much snow that we couldn't actually leave on time as we were snowed into Sofia (the airport was closed). However, this said, the airport put us up in a five star hotel (and it most certainly was UK 5 star) with free access to mini bar, all meals included, free 2 min phone call and internet access until they were able to reopen and fly us out.
It didn't snow for 2 days, and there was some ice but there were ample snow machines and the rest of the time there was tonnes of snow.
The Green Route has brilliant views as does the gondola. Even if you don't intend to ski down it's worth the trip up and then back down just to see the views. There are also blue and green runs up the top if it gets too busy down near the Rila hotel.
The ski school is generally good, my group got a bit of a rogue instructor but mainly other groups had really good instruction and people were moved into groups according to their ability. Generally, people were amazed that we weren't entirely happy with the pace our instructor went at.
The first day was an absolute nightmare and I wanted to go home. There was a huge queue to the ski depot (there wasn't any queue for the rest of the week), there was a lot of hanging round, we had to get up early for the welcome meeting and we'd had no sleep. But once you have got through that the skiing is brilliant and the people are really friendly and helpful. The hotel food was a bit dodgy - the Bulgarians like their food luke warm so you might be a bit surprised to find chilly chips etc in the hotel (they provide a microwave - yuck!) but generally in restaurants they cooked food to the standard we would expect at home. Particularly Mammacitas the Mexican which you really must book if you want a table - they do brilliant English breakfasts. Even if you aren't into Mexican they cater for other tastes. The Blue and Chilli Peppers were also favourites of ours. Frankos is great for lunch and you can pretty much ski there.
Bulgaria isn't as cheap as people are likely to tell you before you arrive and they do try to rip you off. There were occasions where they asked for too much for drinks and we said "no we will pay £.." and they accepted. Also they don't like to give change and they like to round up, but if you mention it they will give you items up to that price to make up the change.
Advisable to take Sterling as extra to change at Change Plus if necessary as the cash points are'nt keen on British Cards.
Don't bother with the Sofia City tour, the guide wasn't interested and it lasted about 20 minutes. It takes 3hrs to wander round on your own. I guess it might have been worth it but as it was snowing and too cold/slippy to walk around we just had to waste time sat in a coffee shop waiting to be taken to the airport.
I've never been skiing before but, all in all, had a great time, progressed quickly and did a red run by the end of the week. My boyfriend has skied in France, Spain, Italy and Canada and said Borovets was comparable and in some ways better.
It's a bit rough around the edges but its great fun. You should definitely try skiing in Borovets. Go with an open mind and enjoy it.
January 02, 2009
caroline from
United Kingdom
caroline from
United Kingdom
We are going back to Borovets in two weeks having spent a week there last January. The snow was good to OK (better, in fact, than for friends who went to Europe at the same time). It looks better this year. Our food was good (hotel Bor), the people in the resort fantastic. The resort catered for all (we went with two 12 year olds). All in all, we had a great time and would recommend it in Jan and Feb. We travelled with Inghams - their local staff were OK but not as good as their local staff in Romania who were fantastic.
I don't have property here but still have a positive impression. Obviously the resort doesn't suit all, but I have looked and looked and I cannot find another ski deal for the price that we have just paid to Inghams for a weeks skiing for two adults and two teens. Looking forward to returning in 2009.
January 02, 2009
Adrian Singleton from
Bulgaria
Adrian Singleton from
Bulgaria
I've been to Borovets for 4 years on the run between 2004-2007 with Inghams & never had any problems. Travelled with my wife, teenage children & in-laws, and I've enjoyed every year. Something for everyone from quiet bars to nightclubs for the night-owls.
Skiing instructors are good & speak excellent English. The snow conditions have been excellent except 2007 but 2007 was bad all over Europe. Every year the lifts have been good, some replaced with new ones & the infastructure is continually being upgraded & improved.
Stopped in both the Iglika & Ela Hotels but prefer the Iglika; rooms very similar clean/comfortable but food far superior in the Iglika & also is a quieter location behind the Rila Hotel. Both bars are cosy & tend to be a lot cheaper than the larger hotels.
Overall, I can recommend Borovets to anyone new to skiing. I prefer smaller hotels but friends have stopped in the Rila & Samakov & say they are good. Last year I went to Italy & yes, the pistes where better groomed but I would still go back to Borovets especially if taking family/friends new to skiing.
December 31, 2008
Carla Berry from
United Kingdom
Carla Berry from
United Kingdom
Have just spent Christmas in Borovets and wouldn't recommend it!.
Went with Inghams and wouldn't recommend them either. As soon as we boarded the coach in Sofia we were told that there wasn't much snow and we would have to meet at 8am the next morning to see if the slopes were open. It turned out that there was never any chance of the slopes being open that day as the Opening ceremony was at 1pm. I don't like being lied to.
So we lost a day's skiing. I could live with that but we weren't even allowed to pick up our skis etc, we had to wait 'til the next morning - at 8am again. We were then told the wrong place to collect them. All in all this summed up the service we received from Inghams: wrong information.
The skis and snowboards, when we did get them, were just terrible, talk about cheap crap, not looked after, certainly not serviced - all this on the first week of their season.
The slopes aren't pisted, they can be pretty dangerous. The ski instructor my family had was absolutely rubbish and far more interested in her niece than them. For a place which markets itself as being ideal for beginners and intermediates I would say they're lying about that too. The nursery slopes were packed, queues for the button drag lift were all the way to the top of the lift, nuts!
A lot of people in Borovets were lovely, friendly and whilst they obviously wanted your money they weren't too pushy. However, none of the nice people worked in our hotel. The staff at Hotel Ela are miserable, rude, unfriendly and can't cook. The food was atrocious, the Gala Dinner on Christmas Day was an insult, I wouldn't have fed it to the scabby dogs which hung around outside. I am not a fussy eater, I will try anything but I came home very hungry. The radiators didn't work and two of our group were awoken by water dripping on them from a crack in the ceiling. The hotel staff gave them a key to another room but couldn't be bothered to help them move, I guess they had more important things to do at 1.30am.
Skiing isn't a cheap hobby, we all know this however, before you visit Borovets be warned that you have to fight for your change, you will be overcharged at every turn, the hotel bar is a separate business from the hotel so make sure you don't try to take a drink from the restaurant to the bar, you will be threatened with the manager getting the police to ' kick your ass outta here' - even if it is Christmas day!
Virtually everything in the shops are fakes, a Coke at the restaurant at the top of the gondola will cost you £5 and a packet of Strepsils will cost you £6.50. Orange juice and lemonade was the best one - having been asked if she was sure that's what she wanted my mate was then charged £7.50!! Unbelieveable.
Borovets is beautiful, some of the skiing was good but really and truly you would be much better off going to the Alps.
December 29, 2008
sam philip from
United Kingdom
sam philip from
United Kingdom
Fantastic.
A friend and I went to Borovets in Jan 07 and stayed at the Iglika which was comfortable, clean and the rooms were quite big. There were decent food and facilities such as a swimming pool and games room. The thing I liked most about the hotel and all the other hotels at the resort is that they are all right at the bottom of the slopes so you never have to walk for long. You come out the hotel door and you’re on the slopes. We really liked the lively atmosphere of the resort. There are many bars and a few clubs, all friendly and very, very cheap (£1 for a beer and 50p for a shot). As highlighted in other reviews there are people outside the bars asking you to come in but nothing too pushy and all quite light hearted. This adds to the spirit of the place. We liked the Buzz bar the best mainly because of its happy hours from 8pm till 1am. There were also a few strip clubs which were a good laugh. The resort is best suited to young people looking for a good time in the evening. We went in early Jan and the snow was excellent; some of the best I have seen in Austria and Switzerland. There is night skiing available every night for about 12 lev or 8 pounds which is worth a go as a surprisingly large amount of piste is open by flood-light; very fun evening. My friend and I are experienced skiers and found that the pistes catered for us very well. In particular there was a black run right up the top of the left hand side which is my favourite run of all time. It has snow which is fairly piste bashed so has a light powder dusting which is amazing. We also noticed that it would be a fantastic place to learn to ski as there are plenty of gentle slopes as well as a great area in front of the Rila hotel for total beginners to lean. We did not have any problems with queues for lifts as it was not too busy and all lifts stayed open all week.
I think that this is one of the best ski resorts I have been to as it mixes good skiing with very good après-ski, also guaranteed good snow due to it being so high. There are some fantastic deals on the web such as lastminute.com, week holidays for around £250, which is less than half as much as you would pay in other European places but with none of the draw backs and I really do mean none. A large group of my friends have just paid £850 for their holiday in France in this coming Feb which is ridiculous. After my holiday in Borovets I don’t think I will go anywhere else. My friend and I have got a group together and just booked our holiday for the 24th of Feb 09 for £265 and can’t wait.
Go with an open mind and you will have one of the best ski breaks ever, and for 1/2 or 1/3 of the price, is good news for every one in the present economic climate.
December 29, 2008
MARTIN DAVIES from
Bulgaria
MARTIN DAVIES from
Bulgaria
I go to Borovets 3 times a year, 2 in winter for snowboarding and one in summer for the hot sunny weather in which I got burnt last July.
Slopes are great for intermediate/beginners prices are well below France and the slope fashion competition is non existent; wear what you want and don't feel bad about it...
I liked it that much I have a house out there now and with Easy Jet flying out there for £60 I can't lose.
I was out in late Feb 2008 and conditions where not great but the weather was hot and sunny as it was in every other ski resort in Europe. France was in trouble as was Andorra and Italy so whereever you went in March you would have struggled to get good conditions, lesson? yes; book in Jan/Feb next year.
Great food, great company, no slope snobery, good night life and good segregation if you don't want it. Slopes are reasonable and prices are good.
It's a great location overall.
December 27, 2008
Nikolay Minkov from
Bulgaria
Nikolay Minkov from
Bulgaria
I could hardly read few of the comments but I am sure most of them are not so good at all.
With 2 words about Borovets I can say that it is one of the best resorts for winter sports in Bulgaria. I know it is not so well developed as some other places in Europe but the nature is the amazing part. First of all the highest point where people can ski is on over 2500m on different pistes with different difficult level. The weather is some times severe but when the day is fine the experience is unique. On the top of that in sunny days you have the privilege to ski or snowboard on the landscape with the highest summit on the Balkans (Mussala-2925 m).
On the other hand the prices are really low for an average European citizen - day pass for less than 30 euro during week days and lower in the weekends (season 2008/2009).
There are some improvements going on like building new lifts and so on.
November 28, 2008
mark from
United Kingdom
mark from
United Kingdom
Been to Borovets 3 times and would recommend it to all but the best serious skiers. Stopped in the hotel Zodiac once and the Ella twice. Hotel Ella is clean and warm with a friendly atmosphere, food in the Ella is rather horrible but in the resort it is fantastic. Would recommend Marmamcitas, the chinese, the alpine are all fantastic. Marmacitas has fantastic food with good prices and one of the best live bands I have ever heard. The lead guitarist is amazing. We go in a group of 15 and everyone loves the place. Go to Borovets if you want a holiday that is more than just skiing. I'm an intermediate skier and there are enough slopes for me. To beat the queue at the gondola on a morning take a horse taxi to the Yasterbets lift and ski down to the gondola mid station. From there you get straight on the lift to the top. If you can avoid it don't eat on the top. Food is poor and over priced. Ski down to the resort if possible. All in all, I would recommend Borovets to people who want a holiday instead of just a skiing trip.
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