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Borovets Resort Reviews

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Visitor reviews for Borovets Ski Resort

Borovets Ratings

Overall: 3.7. Based on 106 votes and 186 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 3.7

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Borovets is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.0

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Borovets has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 3.1

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.0

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.2

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Borovets.

Public Transport: 3.6

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Borovets, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.4

(1) No places to stay in/near Borovets, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.9

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 3.7

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Borovets.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.3

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 3.7

(1) There are no child care facilities at Borovets, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 3.6

(1) Borovets relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 3.9

(1) There are no snow groomers at Borovets, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Borovets are groomed daily.

Shelter: 3.7

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Borovets is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 2.7

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Borovets, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.0

(1) Borovets usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 3.6

(1) The staff at Borovets are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Borovets are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 3.4

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.2

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.2

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.1

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.2

(1) No intermediate terrain at Borovets, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 3.7

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 3.1

(1) Not even a kicker at Borovets, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 3.3

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Borovets, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 2.2

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Borovets has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 3.7

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.2

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.2

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 3.6

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.3

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 3.5

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 3.7

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 4.0

(1) Overall, Borovets is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 4.1

(1) Overall, Borovets is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

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August 27, 2003
Karen from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
This resort is fabulous for families, beginners and early intermediates. There are floodlight slopes so that you can continue ski-ing / boarding in to the evening. Instructers are open and friendly (even if youa re not taking lessons they offer assistance and advise)There is not too much of a challenge for competant skiers. You can queue for some of the lifts as the ski schools love the lower slopes. There are not too many lifts, ans so it is possible that you may end up having to ski some distance to get to one, however the slopes are clearly detailed. The locals are great and very welcoming, they will assist you as much as possible. Food is a choice of european or traditional, depends how adventurous you feel. If you are new to skiing or returning for a second try then give Borovets a go.
January 08, 2004
Vicki Partridge from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Brilliant resort brilliant country!This resort is a great place for beginners particularly. The instructors are great and if you don't enjoy it the bars are really cheap. After a weeks holiday I came back to work here for 3 years. Would recommend it for you fun loving types that aren't looking for 5* luxury. The hotel food is not great but the restaurants serve amazing food and it is so cheap to eat out it is well worth it. I will be back there myself for a holiday at the end of January. Another great week of boarding and partying, see you there. Mine's a tequila!
January 20, 2004
Lisa from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just returned from a stay in Borovets...what a waste of seven days of my life!! SKIING-Not very good for intermediates or above,gondala was closed every time the wind blew. They do have good floodlit slopes HOWEVA you have to pay an extra ?7 per night to ski after 4pm,which they may forget to tell you b4 you book!The slopes were not very well looked after either, in 7 days we saw the piste basher out twice! FOOD-after paying HB at Hotel Rila we decided to opt out and eat out, although they had a lot of food out it didnt really look edible. The best place to eat is THE HAPPY DUCK (which is just out of main area) unfortunatley we found this on day 5!!Say hello to Kate in the restaurant...The worst place we found was White Magic,and thats all i can say! VALUE FOR MONEY-Not as cheap as everyone makes out...1 Lev is approx 40p. If you get a chance to visit Rila Monastry-do it!! Its worth the 4hour round trip,plus you get to see the real Bulgaria on your travels! Only saw one begger and the most entertainment at the hotel was watching him in the bins from our balcony!! Prostitutes were rife and are not shy!! Heard many stories from other guests bout there brushes with the ladies of the night(some can be found in The Lobby Bar, Rila Hotel after 10pm) Would we go again...not if it was the last ski resort on earth, and wouldnt recommend it either!
January 20, 2004
Karsten from Ski Denmark Denmark
Went there last year in February with my 2 kids (11 and 13 Y.O.). Stayed at Hotel Rila. Was a great vacation. Snow was good, even though slopes not kept to 'Western' standard, lots of sun, all lifts working apart from one day. Enough slopes to make it interesting and different from day to day. Wind can be a bit agressive, masks adviceble. Hotel good, rooms a bit basic, but breakfast great. Nice swimming pool. Ski shop very fast and flexible. Ski school relaxed in the good way; it's not only teaching. Restaurants around of very different quality food-wise; service better than in Denmark. Is it inexpensive? Well, flight/hotel/skipack/lift/ski school at around 1/2 price of Austria, Norway, France. Restaurants etc. more expensive than expected, but not critical. We are going again this year and expect to have one more great vacation!!
January 20, 2004
Jak from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Superficially the people are no nonsense and stoic in manner and I much prefer that to the insincere US manner of customer service. Get to know them, it's worth it. Exceptional value, 70s style cabaret in most hotels is a compelling experience in itself. Honest but basic food; all facilities/hotels/ski lifts/ vendors of Glu wine are centrally based so not too much trudging around in cumbersome boots. Visit the Panorama restaurant at the top of the Samakov hotel - very friendly and helpful. Remember where you are, change takes time so put aside petty bourgois expectations! I'm going back for a 3rd visit. Recommend tour of Sofia on last day - especially for those with an interest in WWII memorabilia...but I won't go on WEBCAM is available at bulgariaski.com
January 21, 2004
Phl Taylor from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Very much enjoyed my last two ski trips to Borovets, and looking forward to going again end of Feb 2004. Stay in Iglika and found very friendly service and pleasant surroundings. All hotel food is not fantastic, but its cheap enough to eat out in the village each day. The Dragon chinese is good, and a couple of Italian eateries are good, so is the steak house. Past 2 years I have spent max ?180 for the week incl lunches, evening meal and drinks, and the drinks after hard day skiing!! Good value for money! Say hi to instructors Dimitri and Tony Todorov for me - I'm coming back!!
January 23, 2004
Mike from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I mainly echo Lisa's comments below. Best skiing is to be found at the top of the Gondola but unfortunately they seem to shut it at the slightest hint of wind, apart from two very busy nursery runs the lower slopes are mainly Red or Black and difficult if it's your first time skiing. One good cross country / green run fron top of chair lift but gets heavily used by beginners snowploughing resulting in a lack of snow on it. Don't bother going half-board, hotel food crap (Olymp) and best place in town is defo the Happy Duck. Not quite as cheap as they make out but not a bad intro into skiing if it's your first time.
February 22, 2004
Clive Allsopp from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just got back. Hotel Iglika was excellent with good food but no hot water between 5.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. The single chair lift is out and has been all season!!!!!! (in other word 1 third of the resort is not in use. This caused cues of up to two hours as everyone was trying to get up to get up the Gondala (nightmare). However some good skiing on the T-bar section when you get there. Food and Drink very cheep. If you fly into Provdiv a trip into the City on the way home is well worth a visit.
March 01, 2004
Frazer Hoyle from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just had a week skiing at Hotel Rila. If you are anything other than an learner and are looking for good skiing DO NOT GO.. It is full of people snow ploughing every where, the ski lifts do not work and they close them and do not tell you or seem to care, yes its not your average ski resort but politness is universal. People ugly and rude.... Full of British Tourists being vulgar and rude and generaly making you ashamed to open your mouth. It is cheap.. (not always a good thing, you pay for what you get!)and if you want to eats loads and get drunk every night then Borovets is for you. Saying all that I did have fun and when you can get to the top of the mountain there are 3 good runs (very short) Go with good friends you will need them...
March 01, 2004
John Pemberton from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
1/03/04.Just got back from I wek in Borovets.Stayed at Hotel Rila.We arrived at 0400hrs.Prostitute's in Rila Lobby Bar.Checkin was good and quick.Room basic but clean and good Bath/Shower Room.Breakfast was passable,they could do with a new Toaster.Ski Station needs to be organised better,everyone tends to turn up at the same time,in and out through the same doors,quite chaotic!Ski School was ok,but too many people trying to use drag lifts resulting in you having a small run due to having to get back into the queue.Lunche's with instuctor at various Bars were good.Alpin and Frankies to name a couple.Evening food in The Rila was again about passable.No water available so you had to buy drinks.We ended up eating in The Happy Duck,which was very good.The Gondola was only open for about 3 days due to wind.This had a knock on effect on the other runs making it crouded.We paid the Snow Tractor driver 30 lev each x 9 to take us to the top of the single man chair lift that wasn't working.The run down for us was excellent.The journey up took about 1 hr 30.and quite precarious in places but it did add to the occasion.Watch the Night Ski ing from the Panoramic Bar above the Rila,you can see the wild dogs chasing the Skiers,quite entertaining!!Our overall impression of Borovets,as a intoduction to ski ing for us it was very good and enjoyable.The people were pleasant and tried very hard.Will we go back ,maybe?? Check your bill in the Duty Free Shop @ Sofia Airport in case they make a mistake a swipe some of your goods twice.