Borovets is the oldest and the largest mountain resort in Bulgaria. Spread out on the bordering Borovets pass as well as along the northern slopes of Moussala Ridge of Eastern Rila, amongst centuries-old coniferous forests. Its altitude above sea level is from 1230 to 1390 m and its climate is one of the healthiest. It is pleasantly cool here in summer (the average July temperature is 15.2°C), and the winter is mild and snowy (the average January temperature being 4.8°C). The air in Borovets is crystal clear and free of pollutants. Borovets is easily accessible, being only 73 km from Sofia and 125 km from Plovdiv. The nearest town is Samokov, which is only 10 km from the resort.
     Borovets started its development when King Ferdinand built his summer residence in the area in 1896. The resort has evolved into a modern first class ski resort offering luxury hotels, restaurants, clubs, shops and of course an excellent network of ski runs and lifts along the slopes of the mountain.
     The genuine charm of Borovets can be seen and felt in winter. Then harmony with nature is complete.Borovets is an Alpine style resort and provides excellent opportunities for a wide range of winter sports including downhill and cross-country skiing, ski jumping and a top notch biathlon track. The slopes of Borovets have a permanent snow cover from December to April averaging more than 1.5 m in depth. The ski runs are of varying difficulty and are suitable for skiers of all experience levels from beginners to experts. The slopes and lifts are maintained in perfect condition and are equipped with international markings and multilingual signs. A snow machine is also in use. Over 45km of ski-runs are grouped in 3 regions: Sitnyakovo - Martinov wooden chalets - 8 ski-runs, Markoudzhik - 4 ski-runs and Yastrebets - 3 ski-runs. The Yastrebets ski-runs are first-class and all the ski races of greater significance within the resort are held on them. Rounds of the World Cup on ski-Alpine disciplines are also held there. The Alpine skier Peter Popangelov, the Bulgarian legend in winter sports started from here, too. He contributed a lot to the international recognition of Borevets.
     A multitude of facilities (draglifts, baby tows, seat chain lifts) cross the mountain above Borovets, but the cabin cableway to Mt. Yastrebets is the most imposing one (2363 metres above sea level). The difference in altitude is 1046 m and the length of the route is 4827 m. Its capacity adds up to 1200 people per hour. The journey takes 23 min. Getting off of the cableway one is faced with the Paradise of Rila - the highest peaks of the mountain - Mt. Moussala, Mt. Malka (Little) Moussala, Mt. Irichek, Mt. Deno, Mt. Aleko.
     Hiking trails may be undertaken from Borovets along marked routes to various sites in Rila: to the Mount of Moussala (6 hours, and from the upper station of the cabin cableway - 3 hours), to Sitnyakovo Palace (1.30 hours), to Chakar Voyvoda Chalet (2.30 hours), to Saragyol Palace (3 hours), to the Maritsa Chalet (4.30 hours), to the Zavrachitsa Chalet (6 hours).
     The BOROVETS ski school of international prestige and long-standing traditions has more than 200 ski instructors, all of them fluent in different languages, while many former professional skiers. Skiing classes come in 5 difficulty levels, from A to E - in groups or individually - 4 hours per day, 6 or 12 days. Cross-country skiing classes are 2 hours daily. All course graduates receive skiing certificates.
     The Peter Popanguelov Ski School for Expert Skiing and its 10 highly-qualified ski instructors are ready to offer their services to those who want to hone their skiing skills to the world champion class.
     BOROVETS has ten ski rental services, situated next to the lift station around the ski runs. They offer 7000 sets of skiing equipment from the world famous companies, as well as toboggans, sledges, etc. Skiers can also leave their own equipment for safekeeping there.
     The Ski Package Offer has been tailored to your need with a view towards saving your time and money and covers skiing school classes, unlimited lift usage, ski and boot hire or storage of own skiing equipment.
     The Ski Patrol provides a round-the-clock emergency service. It is organized in four teams fully equipped with all the necessary equipment including helicopter if needed. It is based at the first station of the cable lift.
     Child care - Children between 2 and 4 years old can attend the Rila Hotel kinergarden (working hours: 9a.m. - 4.30p.m. and 7p.m. - 7a.m.). Elder children - from 4 to 7 years old - can be enrolle in the skiing kindergarden, locate in the neighbourhood of the Rila Hotel (working hours: 9a.m. - 4.30p.m.).
     In Borovets there is entertainment for both children and adults in the more than 50 hotels of the resort and its numerous selection of pubs, restaurants and bars. Bulgarian folklore evenings are an exclusive attraction featuring lively centuries-old rhythms and dances while tasting native Bulgarian cuisine and world-famous Bulgarian wines. The two taverns in Bor and Ela hotels offer typical Bulgarian cuisine and the local specialties in a genuine environment.
     Itineraries of ecological and alternative tourism are also organised in groups led by experienced guides. The organised trips lead to picturesque spots in the Rila Mountain like the Seven Rila Lakes, Maliovitsa Peak and Mussala Peak.
     Super Borovets Project - A total of EUR 400 million will be needed for implementation of the project for development of Bulgaria's Borovets resort, called "Super Borovets". The increasing of the hotel capacity in Borovets will create additional 10 000 beds. The project includes also construction of new ski racing tracks, lifts, winter stadium, aquapark, car parks, restaurants, a golf ground, and an ethnographic complex.
     In 2009 Borovets will look much different from today - the resort will spread from the town of Samokov to the village of Beli Iskar and will be divided into three levels, offering accommodation according to the financial status of the tourists.
     After the reconstruction and the expansion of the resort, the lifts will transport 35 000 tourists for 90 minutes. Two new cable cars, numerous other ski- and tow-lifts, as well as a covered stadium are just part of the equipment to be constructed.
     Several additional ski runs will also be constructed in Borovets.