Travel Eye on Borovets (Bulgaria)

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Overview :

Eastern Europe's biggest ski resort (40km), Borovets is nestled among old pine forests and was formerley a hunting place for the kings and has gradually developed into a modern resort with luxury hotels, restaurants and a superb network of ski runs varying in difficulty. There is also a wide choice of après ski entertainment and nightlife as well as organised trips to places of interest in the Rila Mountains. Winters are mild and snowy and the air is clean, clear and invigorating. However, Borovets suffers from many of the usual complaints about this finance-friendly region. Most commonly associated with budget-conscious skiers and beginners, Borovets has an excellent ski school, a fine snow record, cheap prices (especially for beer and spirits), lovely scenery - and it's only 90 minutes from Sofia. On the downside, there are unattractive buildings, skiing for better intermediates and advanced skiers is no more than average, the lifts and piste are kept poorly and there is the constant threat of theft, boring food and bad queues.

Locality:

Borovets is the oldest and biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains at the foot of the highest peak in the country.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The Skiing here is divided into two main sectors, with the Markoudjik sector offering the best skiing above the tree line, the highest ski point reaching 8,333ft (2,540m). Borovets has a total of 22 miles (35km) of ski pistes, and has recently installed new lift facilities with lighting and sound systems, which allows for night skiing and snowboarding. The resort also boasts modern snowmaking machines ensuring that conditions stay excellent. Snowboarders enjoy the Rotata half-pipe with a vertical drop of 1,050ft (320m), suitable for advanced riders at its upper end and beginners at the lower end.

A burst in popularity as a winter sports wonderland in recent years has meant a boom in the retail industry in pretty Borovets town. The busy shopping street in front of the Rila hotel is a beehive of open-fronted small shops, with a colourful market atmosphere, selling all sorts of goods from ski gear and souvenirs to cigarettes and cheap CDs. Most visitors find prices here much lower than elsewhere in Europe.

The number of taverns, eat-in pub, take away joints and outdoor restaurants is growing in Borovets every season. The choice has become very eclectic, from Kentucky Fried Chicken and pizza to Chinese. Establishments like 'The Hungry Horse' cater deliciously for British tastes. Other recommendations are Mamacita's on the main shopping street where the steaks are legendary, and White Magic, opposite the Samokov Hotel, with good food and a great atmosphere. Visitors should not forget to indulge in some of the Bulgarian fine wines along with their dinner. Eating out in Borovets is also very good value.

Every night is party time in Borovets, which has a reputation for being one of the 'hotspots' for nightlife on the European ski circuit. The fun is fuelled by the fact that drinks are cheap, there are long happy hours and sometimes drinks are even offered for free. All the bars, clubs and discos serve the well-known international brands as well as local beers like Astika, Zagorka and Kamenitza. Beware the national drink, Rakia: it is rather strong! Recommended party palaces are Club Slide in the Hotel Mura, the renowned Buzz Bar, favoured by Brits, and the Black Tiger karaoke bar.

Off the ski slopes Borovets has all the usual amenities of a winter resort, and many hotels offering indoor swimming pools, saunas and gyms. Visitors can also take excursions to nearby resorts or places of interest, like the Rila Monastery. Ice-skating and skidoos are also an option for chilly fun in the sun.

Probably Borovets' biggest non-winter sport attraction is the:

Rila Monastery : The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Transport: There is regular bus transport from the town of Rila; Opening time: Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter hours. Services are from 7 or 8am and 4 or 5pm depending on the time of year.