Borovets (Bulgaria)

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Borovets is Eastern Europe\'s biggest ski resort (40km), situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains at the foot of the highest peak in the country. The resort 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 is 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.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 2560m (8399ft), Lowest lift: 1350m (4429ft), Vertical drop: 1210m (3970ft), Number of lifts: 16, Number of slopes: 24, Beginner: 29%, Intermediate: 62%, Expert: 9%, Total piste length: 40km, Cross country: 18km

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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.

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Population: 7.450.300
Languages: Bulgarian 85%, Turkish 10%, Roma 4%
Currency: lev
Currency code: BGL
Local Times:
Bulgaria - Sofia

Country Dialling Code: +359
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Situated in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the North, via the Danube River, it borders on Romania, to the West - on Serbia and Montenegro and on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. To the South its neighbours are Greece and Turkey. To the East Bulgaria touches the Black Sea, which links it also to Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. The Black Sea borderline is 378 km (240 miles) long. The country's total territory is 111 000 sq. km (43 000 sq. miles).

Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.

Situated in south-eastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is less heavily touristed than its Greek and Turkish neighbours to the south, despite the popularity of its Black Sea resorts, which are attractive not only for their fine sandy beaches, sunny climate and safe seas, but also for their low prices.

Although better known for its sea resorts, the essential character of the country is to be found in its spectacular mountainous regions. The six very different ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests, harbouring thermal springs and mineral spas, and valleys where the air bears the fragrance of flowers and herbs. The Valley of Roses lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is the largest producer of rose oil in the world, giving root to Bulgaria's soubriquet, 'Land of Roses'. At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, boasting a great number of architectural monuments and museums. The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for ski resorts, as well as the famous Rila Monastery and the majestic landscape of the Pirin National Park, a World Cultural and National Heritage site. Crossing the entire country is the Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain that offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals, folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight in their pastoral environment.

Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, decorated churches and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.