Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Borovets Ski Holiday review. 4th - 11th Feb 2012.

My wife and I booked a last minute week in Borovets through Inghams. As it was our first time there, I thought I’d write about our visit with some info that may assist others in the future.

We flew from Manchester to Sofia on Saturday 4th Feb on an afternoon flight. 3 and a bit hours. Very slick through Sofia airport and walked out through arrivals to be met by our Inghams rep. Within 15 min’s we were on the transfer coach and on the way to the resort 70 km away. 90 min’s later, we dropped off at three other hotels before being dropped off at our hotel, The Rila. They kept the restaurant open for us because we were a bit late arriving.
The Rila is the biggest hotel at the resort. Rooms were basic, comfortable and kept immaculate. We were on the 6th floor and there was no noise at night.

Free Wi Fi Internet in the public areas – bar – restaurant but not in the room. (every bar we went in had free Wi Fi – just ask for the password.)

Food was well above expectations for us, having previously read some very negative comments. The hotel caters for 500 or more at each meal time and you help yourself. Breakfast had a full offering of hot cooked food, bacon, eggs, sausages etc. A full table of different breads, likewise a table of cereals and fruits. The fresh fruit was of the highest quality.

We didn’t ever lunch here, but had an evening meal every day. Excellent choice of starters, meats, veg, children’s section and plenty of fresh salads. Puds weren’t up to much, but that was the only negative. The food was constantly refilled by the staff. Drinks were bought at the table and were very reasonable. £9 for a bottle of decent wine - £2 for a large beer. The staff were attentive, very polite and seemed happy to help at all times. There was a manager touring about regularly.

Free use of the large swimming pool – but the floor is INCREDIBLY slippy. Take flip-flops!

There are shops, ATM and a bank on site. Also a night club, but we didn’t partake. There is an attached ski depot offering a full range of services, but we went to Hunters on recommendation.

On the recommendation of Karen from Bobby’s bar, we booked our ski package with Hunters. Karen’s hubby ‘Bobby’ works there, and she got us a discounted rate. You can contact her via this forum.

Our package included Skis, lift passes and a week of tuition. We had our own boots & helmets. For two of us, this was €418. Not the cheapest in Borovets, but very reasonable when compared to other European resorts.
The skis were good. We were both happy with them. We were put into an ‘Intermediate group’ for tuition. Our first day was being assessed and shown the runs. We also went to ‘George’s Bar’ hidden down a track somewhere. Lovely loo. Check out youtube ‘George’s Bar Borovets’!!

Our group was of mixed ability and flexed a little as some came and went. I and a few others were shown where to go and did our own thing while others stayed with the teacher and we met up after each run. On day 4, I moved up to an advanced class run by ‘Bobby’. I learned more in the first 15 minutes on the slope that I had all week so far. After a day of skiing with Bobby, I became a much, much better skier. I am now happy to class myself as ‘advanced’.

Day 5, my wife and I spent the day skiing on our own, up in the gondola early and were one of the very first down the Musala Pathway. Day 6, our last day skiing, we both went with Bobby. He really is a fantastic instructor and always carries a flask of rum / brandy for ‘Bobby’s Brandy Breaks’.

We will go again, but next time book Bobby for maybe 2 half days private tuition.

We had a lunch at several places: Titanic Bar, White House at the top of Markudjik (run by Bobby), Blue Bar, Bobby’s Bar and a couple I can’t remember. All were good and excellent value.

At the end of each day, we went with some of our group to Bobby’s Bar for a warm up, a hot wine, a beer and some of the local shots! The bar is run by Bobby & his wife Karen. It is an incredibly friendly place and they party every night!! My wife & I are not boozers and returned to our hotel each evening for our meal and bed.

The skiing was really excellent, the runs all very well prepared. We spent most of our time on the Rila side. If you use the green runs, be prepared for some quite flat areas needing some good old pushing / walking at their ends. The blacks are not too challenging and there is certainly enough variety to keep you entertained. It isn’t a resort for highly advanced skiers and thrill seekers though.

We booked a last day walking tour of Sofia with transfer / pizza all included for £15. The guide was very informative, but a bit tedious. But as we had a lot of time on our hands, it was worth it rather than sitting around doing nothing for the day.

Flight back was great.

The Inghams reps were very helpful and at the hotel often. This was our first time doing a package deal and we would use them again.

We will definitely return – probably on a last minute booking after checking snow conditions / weather.
Cheers
Malcolm

My wife & I aren't boozers, but beer in bars varied from £2 - £2.50 for a 500ml glass. Specialist bottle beers a bit more, but not much. Wine was £9 for a decent plonk in a restaurant. £3 in a shop. Hot wine £2 a glass.
Lunch time, soup £2 - £3 - pizza £5 - £6, Chips & cheese £2 - £3.
We didn't eat out at night, but main courses seemed to be IRO £6 - £8.
In the whole week, we spent £200 including coffee breaks, lunch each day, a beer and wine each evening, a few cheap souvenirs and a bottle of gin to take home.