Borovets, in Samokov Municipality, is the ski centre closest to Sofia. The resort sits at about 1,300 m, about 10 km from Samokov town and about 70 km from the capital. Its ski area covers three zones, with floodlit runs for night skiing and a top point at 2,560 m.
Where Borovets is
Borovets is a mountain resort at about 1,300 m in Samokov Municipality. It lies about 10 km from Samokov town and about 70 km from Sofia, which makes it the ski centre closest to the Bulgarian capital.
Hotel listings give the location as Borovets, Sofia Province. That is the province around the capital, not Sofia city itself, so treat Borovets as a resort stay rather than a day trip from a city hotel.
Samokov town and Borovets
Borovets and Samokov are often named together, which raises a fair question: is the resort in the town? It is not. Samokov is the town, and Borovets is a separate resort about 10 km away that falls within Samokov Municipality.
For a ski holiday, the difference matters. The runs, the lifts and the hotels below are in Borovets, not in Samokov. If you want to see the town during your stay, ask your hotel how to get there.
Getting there from Sofia
Borovets is about 70 km from Sofia. Journey times depend on traffic, weather and the time of day, so ask your hotel for a realistic estimate and for transfer options before you book flights. If you plan to drive yourself, check road conditions locally before you set off.
If you want a night in the capital before or after skiing, see Sofia hotels.
If you spend a night in Sofia first, or are still weighing Borovets against Bansko, three published figures help with the sums:
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi, Sofia Airport to the city centre | about 13 to 14 EUR | OK Supertrans meter: 1.50 EUR to start, then 0.75 EUR per km by day |
| Borovets adult day pass | 54 EUR | last season's resort list (2025-2026), still on display; new prices usually appear in December |
| Coach, Sofia to Bansko | 14.00 EUR, or 13.30 EUR online | Union Ivkoni, about 3 h 05 min to 3 h 12 min |
For the bus from Sofia to Samokov and on to Borovets, check the fare locally before you travel.
Prices checked October 2026.
The ski area in figures
The resort operator lists the ski area as follows:
- Runs: about 58 km of marked runs, the longest about 12 km
- Top point: Markudzhik, 2,560 m
- Ski zones: Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets and Markudzhik
- Night skiing: eight runs lit
- Season: typically December to April
Borovets has also hosted World Cup races. For lift passes, ski hire and lessons, ask your hotel, since arrangements vary. To weigh it against the other main ski centres, read Bansko vs Borovets vs Pamporovo.
History: from Chamkoria to Borovets
Borovets began in 1896 as a royal hunting residence of Knyaz Ferdinand. It was called Chamkoria until 1942, and the resort's own history describes it as the first mountain resort in Bulgaria. That long record is part of its appeal, but your stay will depend far more on the hotel you pick.
Top-category places to stay
Three hotels in Borovets hold the top official category in the national tourist register, which also supplies the room counts.
| Hotel | Location | Official category | Board | Rooms | Suits | Page | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festa Winter Palace | Borovets | 5-star | HB | 67 | Families, spa and pool fans | View hotel | Check availability |
| Flora Boutique Hotel | Borovets | 5-star | BB | 17 | Travellers who prefer a small hotel | View hotel | Check availability |
| Borovets Hills | Borovets | 5-star | Not published | 57 | Travellers who want a mid-sized hotel | View hotel | Check availability |
Not published by the hotel
HB means half board and BB means bed and breakfast. Where the table says ask the hotel, check the meal plan before you book.
- Festa Winter Palace says it is close to the Red Flag run and the Sitnyakovo and Martinovi Baraki lifts. It has an indoor saltwater pool of 6 x 14 m, a sauna, steam bath, Russian bath, salt room, fitness room and family suites, and it welcomes families.
- Flora Boutique Hotel has 17 rooms, the smallest of the three, and is not adults-only. Ask the hotel about ski access and facilities.
- Borovets Hills gives 57 rooms and apartments. Ask the hotel about ski access, facilities and what your stay includes.
If you would rather rent a whole villa, look at Villa Sokol. To compare every option in the resort, see Borovets hotels, or browse ski hotels across Bulgaria.
Questions
Is Borovets in Samokov?
Yes, in the municipal sense. Borovets lies in Samokov Municipality, about 10 km from Samokov town, but it is a separate mountain resort rather than part of the town itself. Hotel listings usually give the location as Borovets, Sofia Province, which is the wider province around the capital.
How far is Borovets from Sofia?
About 70 km. That makes Borovets the ski centre closest to the capital. Driving times vary with traffic, weather and the route you take, so ask your hotel for a realistic estimate and for transfer options before you book flights or plan your arrival day.
What altitude is Borovets?
About 1,300 m for the resort itself. The ski area climbs much higher, with its top point on Markudzhik at 2,560 m. Between those levels sit the three ski zones of Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets and Markudzhik, with the longest run stretching to about 12 km.
When is the Borovets ski season?
Typically from December to April. Opening and closing depend on snow, so the exact dates change from year to year. Check locally or ask your hotel before you book, especially if your trip falls at the very start or the very end of the season.
Does Borovets have night skiing?
Yes. The resort lights eight runs for night skiing, all in the Sitnyakovo area. Which runs open in the evening, and on which nights, can change with conditions, so check locally or ask your hotel once you arrive in the resort.
