Sports and leisure activities Rila & Pirin

The office is located in the lobby of the Rila Hotel and the center is located at the foot of the Martinovi Baraki chairlift. Borosport is in charge of the management of ski, snowboard and cross-country ski slopes, ski lifts, ski passes and city transportation in Borovets. It is also a good address for equipment rental and deposit, ski lessons and childcare, but some hotels (like the Samokov or the Alpin) also offer these services at more competitive prices. Shuttle bus to the slopes every half hour.

In 2019, the extension of this ski resort known as the low-cost resort of Bulgaria that threatened the biodiversity of Pirin National Natural Park (Unesco site) was blocked by the Bulgarian justice. It is the newest ski resort in the country. Its first ski lift dates from 1986. It has undergone major investments that have allowed the construction of the Gondola cable car that leaves from the city center and connects the two most important sites: Chalin Valog (1,467 m) and Chiligarnika (from 1,725 to 2,560 m). The latter, remodeled and expanded with the opening of new chairlifts, offers the largest number of runs. The third site, Bunderishka Polyana (1,635 m), is currently being modernized and is accessible by road. Ski passes are sold by the day and by the week. There are discounts for students and children. A daycare center and a ski school are available for skiers. Most of the rental stores are located at the foot of the Gondola. The ski equipment is very modern and of good quality. For more information, see the website: www.banskoski.com.

Slopes. The area offers 75 km of trails between 2,560 m and 1,000 m in altitude, 80% of which are equipped with snow guns, 80 of which ensure a winter season from December to May. The difficulty levels of the slopes are evenly distributed: 35% for beginners, 40% for advanced skiers and 35% for advanced skiers.

Among the many hikes to recommend in the region, we can mention :

Pic Moussala (2,925 m). 6h or 3h depending on the itinerary from the upper station of the cable car. Sitnyakovo Palace (1h30). Chakar voivoda cottage (2h30). Saragyol Palace (3h). Chalet Marista (4h30). Zavratchitsta cottage (6h). Fish Lake (Ribni Ezera). Butch Rider, whose premises are located in the Rila Hotel, offers horseback riding to the Black Rocks (2h30), or to the hunting lodge of the royal family, with refreshments provided (4h).

The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April, but the best snow is in February and March. The ski area has a total of 58 km of trails including 3 km of night trails and 14 lifts. Don't forget to bring a map before you go! Ski passes can be purchased at the Gondola gondola, inside the Rila Hotel in Borosport, at the bottom of the Sitnyakovo chairlift, or at the bottom of the Yastrebets express chairlift. Large hotels often have their own ski school and ski and snowboard rental store.

A great classic and an exceptional hike with sumptuous landscapes. In the park of Rila, you will discover these seven glacial lakes connected by different paths. To reach them, you have the choice between taking the cable car or climbing on foot 5 km on a path where many 4 × 4 pass in high season (but with the satisfaction of having made the effort by yourself). This hike is rated as quite difficult, so remember to be well equipped: good shoes and a windbreaker, as you are going up to 2,500 m. Possibility of catering and accommodation.