Our first time skiing...ever! We joined some of our friends on a ski trip to Borovets, Bulgaria, and it did not disappoint. We weren't able to lock down ski lessons, as it was super busy due to UK half-term. This worked out as our friends were amazing and patient instructors, which ended up being better than booking actual lessons. It did not snow during our visit, so the pistes gradually got icier, but we found that the beginner routes were really great. We really hope we can make the trip again next year!
Pre-trip Notes
Airport transfer: Our friends booked a transfer via bulgaria-hotels.com, and we booked via Sun Transfers. Both companies were great.
Accommodations: Since it was half-term break for the UK, most of the hotels in Borovets had been booked several months in advance. So, we stayed at Royal Plaza Borovets and found it to be just fine.
Ski rental: We initially tried renting from bulgaria-hotels.com at Hotel Samokov, but they were already fully booked. However, we had no issue booking with Traventuria, which was great as there was no line on our first day.
What We Did
Markudjik Ski Centre (via Yastrebetz Gondola):
Suhar (green): Our first every ski route and button lift! Nice and open piste friendly to absolute beginners.
Markudjik (blue): A little scary to attempt on our first day, but it felt more comfortable by day three. The button lift for this one was...jarring lol.
Musala Pathway: We did this one on our very first day, as well. Some areas were icy, but we both managed to make it to the bottom! Our friends were super helpful and patient.
Sitnyakovo Ski Centre (via Sitnyakovo 4-man and Martinovi baraki 6-man ski lifts):
Sitnyakovo Royal Residence Ski Way (green): Since we didn't get any snow during our visit, this one got icier throughout the week. But, we liked it so much we skied it five times.
Sitnyakovo 1 (blue): Great, open piste for faster paced practice.
Martinovi baraki 1 (blue): Longest blue we skied all trip. We really enjoyed this one!
Hotel Rila (via button lifts):
Rotata (green): Great warm-up piste on day three.
Iglika (blue): We did this one several times, as well. One entry for this piste is more gradual, but narrow. The other entry is a bit more like a red (quite steep), but is a bit wider.
Food
The Black Cat: Great food, drink, and atmosphere. Also, Elvis entertainment. What more could you want?
Katina Bar & Dinner: We had really amazing Bulgarian food here. Highly recommend!
BJ's Bar Apres Ski Bar & Disco: Strong happy hour drinks, as well as a large tree stump for testing your hammering skills. Nick was the winner, and I was last. Together, we make one average carpenter.
George's: Such a cool spot near the beginning of the Sitnyakovo Royal Residence Ski Way. Just after the uphill slog near the start, George's has great drinks and meats (only bread for the vegetarians). Amazing spot for enjoying a drink before skiing down the mountain.
Chinese Moon: Decent food with large portions.
Jack's: Fun place for drinks and dancing. There was a patron with a dog inside, who insisted the dog loved it...
Grizzly BOROVETC: We were super hungry and stopped here for a slice of pizza. The guy who owns is from the US but has lived all over the world. Great spot for food on-the-go.
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