Borovets ski resort

Having spent a week there recently in December 2016, when there unusually was enough snow for good skiing, I thought a very quick report was in order, and why in a million years I'd never go there again.

Pros
It's very cheap. Daily lift passes were about £25 and a half day around £15. There were loads of cheap ski hire places. There are enough hotels about with equally cheap bargains. The place is a small ski village with lots of bars and restaurants. It's only an hour from Sofia airport.

Cons
Despite being a small village, you have to decide in advance which area to ski in, and then take the appropriate bus or walk to the right lift. Each individual area is quite small and the different piste areas are not interconnected. I only found cheap, poorly maintained equipment for rent despite looking hard and endless promises. Aggressive and persistent touts outside many restaurants can make taking a stroll very unpleasant. And the main reason I'd never return? Safety. It's frankly appalling and if you have kids skiing, I'd be worried about their safety. Many runs lack fencing where there clearly should be some. There was very very little anywhere, even on beginner runs where there were large drops. There are a real lack of ski- doos (I saw one in 6 days of skiing). The ski patrols were anonymous apart from jackets with 'Ski Patrol' on them, individuaks were unidentifiable and did not do basic things - I personally witnessed them not being last off mountain runs and skiing past injured people. All the stuff about your lift pass covering initial first-assessment medical costs after being taken to a medical centre -forget that. People I spoke to said they needed their credit card at the ready. One of the 4 person ski lifts slams into your legs, can knock you off balance and is old.

Summary
Bovorets doesn't know the meaning of the words 'safety' and 'risk assessment'. It's a place that is cheap and convenient but dangerous. If you decide to go, get the best ski insurance possible. Skiing is a relatively high-risk sport without resorts themselves adding to the risks.

God,you are being super harsh in your description regarding the safety of the place!I've been there four times and never felt unsafe in the degree you describe.. and I was a beginner skier..

I agree, Agni.

I would also add that ski school was one of the best I have encountered.

Borovets is cool. The problem everywhere in bulgaria is the people... and the system ofcourse . Thiw is unsafe, unpleasant , mercenary and really non-european

I don't agree with all, but Undermanager is not totally wrong. I ski'd there a few years ago and the main lift smashed into my son & I, & after trying to hold him on by the scruff of his neck, I eventually had to drop him (about 6'). They didn't even stop the lift. I'd still go back for a cheapie if I was taking my four kids, but be aware you get what you pay for. The Bashers are not generally out either because they can't afford the diesel or they don't want to, but in my opinion its down to costs.If you are going to ski most years, don't rent the rubbish. You can buy a set of reasonable skis (Kneissel) out there for 1/2 the price of European shops. DO NOT buy the unbranded "packs", you may as well ski on a pallet.My friend brought these & they snapped the year after. However beer & food is very reasonable which suits me. The perception is that i'ts much cheaper in Bulgaria but, if you are not with family, & enjoy Snow; Beer; & Solid Grub then try Saalbach/Hinterglemm in Austria. You get a lot more for your sheckles

All in all, Borovets was an awesome resort. Haven't tried Bansko yet but I heard it gets crowded there in the half term. I made a video of my trip to Borovets... there was snow, everyday! Would highly recommend this area for a great ski session! https://youtu.be/kzP8832VhLs