RAVEL SLOPE OFF TO Bulgarian majesty to suit all budgets
IF it’s good enough for Bulgarian Kings, who once used it as a hunting ground, it’s good enough for me.
Although these days you’re unlikely to be queueing for the chairlift alongside royalty.
Borovets resort sits amidst the majestic forest-clad Rila mountains in Bulgaria and offers a fun-packed, snow-filled spectacular destination that is sure to save you pounds on any holiday budget.
The resort is one of Bulgaria’s most popular ski destinations, at the foot of 9,500ft Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan region. It’s easily reached from Sofia airport, a 40-minute drive away.
Picture perfect, the cosy village covered in a thick blanket of snow has a buzzy atmosphere. There is a great choice of traditional and modern restaurants plus snug bars with open fires, all neatly placed at the bottom of the main slopes and the focal point of the area.
Our base could not have been better located. The impressive Hotel Rila is situated right at the foot of the beginner slopes in the heart of town.
Just a stumble out of the lobby, you are straight on to the new six-man chairlift, inset right, offering superfast access to the mountain.
Each of the 497 rooms is decorated to high standards in a contemporary style, with a private balcony and some sensational views.
Guests benefit from an in-house ski rental department, plus two buffet-style restaurants serving up a choice of delicious seasonal dishes.
Samokovi offers a more intimate dinner with gourmet flavours from around the region.
The lobby bar is a great place to meet and share tales of the day’s skiing, while the terrace bar enjoys panoramic views.
Among the other things Bulgarians know a thing or two about are spas, and Hotel Rila has two hot tubs, a big indoor pool, and a variety of massages and treatments – a perfect way to relax after a day’s activity.
Out on the slopes, Borovets’ facilities are fantastic for whatever level of skier you are, with 24 trails to choose from.
For the more advanced it also has plenty of technical reds and blacks which are set between a lush forest, aiding visibility on snowy days and providing a huge playground for the big kids with plenty of adrenaline activities on offer.
For the expert skiers and boarders, some beautiful offpiste powder and ski touring routes can be found through the Rila Mountains.
Our favourite was the 7km Musala pathway which runs from the centre of Borovets to the Musala peak.
We were lucky enough to be assigned ski instructor and ex-racer Krasimir Vangelov from Boro Sport, one of