Skiing in Borovets

Ski Centre Sitnyakovo

Ski Centre Sitnyakovo is located in the city centre of Borovets. It is not only the largest ski zone, but it also offers the widest variety of slopes. Served by two high-speed quads and a few smaller lifts, the ski centre offers access to 12 different ski runs. Most of the beginners’ slopes are also located at Ski Centre Sitnyakovo. If you are an experienced skier, though, you can enjoy the more challenging Sitnyakovo 2,3 and Martinovi Baraki 2,3,4 slopes. Ski Centre Sitnyakovo also offers night skiing, which I strongly recommend.

Ski Centre Markudjik

Ski Centre Markudjik is located at an altitude of approximately 2500 meters, which makes it the highest ski zone in Borovets. To get there, you need to get the “Gondola Lift” Yastrebets. There are only 5 ski runs, each served by a small lift. You will be able to enjoy the red and black slopes while admiring the stunning snowy mountain peaks in the distance.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading to Ski Centre Markudjik. Sometimes in windy weather, the ski zone is closed.

Ski Centre Yastrebets

Ski Centre Yastrebets is located at an altitude between 1350-2370 meters. There are three main red ski slopes, however, they are much longer. Several smaller slopes connect both ski centres – Yastrebets and Markudjik. You can also take one of the winding ski paths through the forest that would take you back to the base at the Gondola Lift. 

Getting to Borovets

Located only 72 kilometres away from Sofia, Borovets is easily accessible. Travelling by car from Sofia to Borovets would take approximately an hour while travelling from Plovdiv can take up to 2 hours. If you want to hit the slopes and get your skiing in Borovets vacation started as soon as possible, I recommend either renting a car or booking a transfer from the airport. This would save you lots of time and possible discomfort. I strongly suggest booking with TrueDrivers or TrueRentCar. They are real professionals and would accommodate any special requests that you might have. 

If you decide to take the bus, keep in mind that there is no direct line between Sofia and Borovets. The bus would first take you to the nearest town Samokov and then you will need to take a shuttle to Borovets.

When to Go

The ski season in Borovets is relatively long and normally lasts around 4 months between mid-December to mid-April. The official closing and opening dates vary each year depending on the weather conditions. My favourite time to go skiing in Borovets is at the end of January – beginning of February. The resort is not as crowded in this particular period, accommodation prices are slightly cheaper and you can be sure that you will get fresh snow. Going in December or April might be risky due to low snowfall. At the same time, prices are always the highest around Christmas and New Year’s as well as the beginning of January.

Where to Stay

Borovets is only a small ski resort, however, it provides numerous accommodation options. It would be better if you manage to book a hotel within the ski resort, other than in the nearest towns. You can find available guest houses at a lower rate in Samokov, however, you would need to travel to Borovets every day (10 km). Keep in mind that the parking area in the resort is paid. The hotels located in the ski resort, though, offer free parking for their guests. 
After five years of skiing in Borovets, my favourite hotel is Iglika Palace. Its location is fantastic and it takes only a 5-minute-walk to get to Ski Centre Sitnyakovo. It is located just behind the most popular hotel in Borovets – Hotel Rila, however, the rates are much more affordable and still provides extremely good amenities.

Lift Prices

Approximately 12 different lifts serve the 60 km of slopes in Borovets. Even though the ski-runs are spread across three different ski centres, the lift card covers all facilities. The lifts are extremely well maintained and constantly improved, hence, the reason for the increasing lift prices every year.

In 2022, a day card for an adult costs 75 lv (39 EUR). A half-day card in the morning between 08:30 – 12:30 costs 60 lv (30 EUR), while skiing in the afternoon between 12:00 – 16:30 is 50 lv (26 EUR). An entire day of skiing for me is a bit too much, as I feel extremely tired the next day. The slopes tend to get busier between 11:00 – 14:00. I am a fan of afternoon skiing and always try to get the last ride on the lifts at 16:30. At this point the slopes are very peaceful and quiet and it is a real pleasure skiing down the slopes.

I absolutely love night skiing as well, but be prepared for long-drawn-out line for the ski lift on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out the entire lift prices list here.

Ski Equipment

I do not have my ski gear, so I count on renting the ski equipment from Alpin Ski and Snowboard. They are located opposite the main chair lift, which makes it extremely convenient if you are planning to ski around the Sitnyakovo Ski Centre. I like booking with them for the entire duration – you get the same gear every day, plus a discount. Night skiing is paid separately. If you are planning on skiing around Yastrebetz and Markudjik ski centres, though, you will need to carry your equipment and it may take 10 – 15 minutes walk. 

This year, I paid 100 lv (51 EUR) for four days plus one night of skiing. You can also book in advance directly through their website. 

Alpin Ski and Snowboard also offer ski school if this is your first time skiing. Choose between individual and group lessons, as well as the duration of the course. 

There are also many other ski schools and rentals you can select from around Borovets. Almost all hotels in Borovets provide the same services as well as ski storage. 

Where to Eat

Full disclosure, I am not an expert on places to eat in Borovets. We normally book half board with our hotel, which makes it extremely convenient after the long days of skiing. That being said I have tried a few of the places around the resort and have a few preferences and suggestions for you.

Most of the food places in Borovets are located in the city centre and everything is a walkable distance if you want to go out for dinner. If you will be skiing all day and planning to stop for lunch, I suggest choosing one of the pubs that are situated just next to the “Martinovi Baraki” lift. I personally really like Black Tiger – delicious food, cold beer and beautiful views of the slopes from the second floor. 

Another must-stop is the terrace lounge of Hotel Rila. Even if you are not staying there, you can go for drinks or food, but keep in mind that it gets extremely busy. The terrace offers spectacular views and interesting crafted cocktails. 

Most of the time, I ski in the afternoon and grabbing a sandwich seems to be the easiest option. There are a bunch of benches and chairs around the ski lifts if you want to rest.