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| Bulgaria 
Bulgaria has fast become on of Europe's most popular ski and snowboard destinations. Indeed The Independent newspaper ranks Borovets as the 3rd best place to ski in the World. Excellent ski conditions, untouched scenery, and extrememely low prices has meant that in recent years more and more tourists are heading east to see what Bulgaria has to offer.
Borovets
 Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian winter resort and dating back to 1896. It has grown to become the biggest and most modern resort in Eastern Europe. Indeed it was part of Bulgaria's bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2014 and will be again for the 2018 games. The resort itself is situated on the northern slopes of the Mousala ridge in the eastern part of Rila.
Recently Borovets has been developed into a modern ski resort of high class with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and a good choice of pistes and lifts. Huddled in venerable pine woods 1390 meters above the sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m) it makes it a perfect place for relax and recreation.
Weather
The winter in the resort is mild and of course with loads of snow! The average temperature during the coldest month January is 4.8ºC. Usually the slopes of Borovets have snow cover from mid December till late April. Ski Runs The ski runs of Borovets are located in three different regions. Cross-country and biathlon tracks are located 2 km away from the resort together with the cross-country tuition tracks. Borovets ski centre is serviced by well organized lift system , inclusive Gondola lift. The excellent equipment for ski sports attracts thousands of mountain lovers from Bulgaria and from foreign countries. They can use the 45 kilometers various in difficulty and length  ski pistes grouped in three regions: Sitnqkovo – Martinovi Baraki – pistes; Markudjik- 4 pistes and Qstrebec- 3 pistes. The pistes on Qstrebets are the best - and this is where most of the major competitions are held.
The resort is a regular host of various winter sports competitions. It has twice hosted World Cup competitions in Alpine skiing. Its biathlon track is one of the best in Europe. Borovets is a resort of Alpine type and provides very good conditions for snow sports during the winter: skiing, night- skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, in the resort, etc.
There are available ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, designed with international markings and multilingual signs. Pistes are bashed and maintained to the high standard.
Ski School There are 14 snow cannons for artificial snow are installed to guarantee the snow cover if needed. Read more about this facility here. The Borovets ski school has been known as one of the best in Bulgaria. There are more than 200 ski instructors fluent in foreign languages and some of them are former professional skiers. We have received hundreds of positive comments from tourists who used their services. There are ski and snowboard rental services around the Gondola lift station, but we strongly recommend you book these at least 10 days before you plan to ski in order to benefit from reduced prices. Nightlife Borovets is full of restaurants, bars, cafes, night clubs, and discos. The nightlife is excellent at this resort (Buzz bar, Mamacitas, Bonkers disco, etc) and they have been catering for foreign tourists for many years now. Most of the bars are open until the early morning, and offer good prices and special 'happy hour' discounts. Borovets is also easy accessible - it is12km from Samokov, the nearest large town; and Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) is just 72 kilometers away.
Mountain rescue service is available 24 hours a day. Telephone contact details +359 7128 2450; +359 48 1841; +359 88 1473.
Bankso
Nestled between the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges, Bansko is
located at the foot of the Pirin National Park, listed in the World
Register of Natural Heritage. Located at 925 metres above sea level with its main ski
area between 2600 - 1635 metres, there is also a smaller ski area which is accessed at the
mid-station of the Gondola (Chalin valog 1467m). The region is famous for its cuisine and
colourful folklore and offers various entertainment opportunities. The
access to Bansko is convenient even in winter conditions.
Culture
Bansko is a climatic mountain resort with a short hot summer and long
mild winter. Snow falls are abundant, providing a constant winter snow
cover up to 2 m thick. The Pirin mountains are both spectacular and
beautiful and are one of only 112 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas of
outstanding natural beauty throughout the world.
The town of Bansko
attracts visitors with its 120 cultural monuments. It is famous for its
fortified and artistically decorated houses, museums and the Bansko
School of Art. A very interesting site is the Holy Trinity Church, with
its 30 m high bell-tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings.
Every August Bansko hosts the National Jazz Fest.
Ski runs
Bansko offers
its guests a unique 16 kilometre uninterrupted ski run, starting from
Todorka Peak (2600 m) at the highest point of the ski centre, all the
way to the base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town.
The
last 7 km of the slope are floodlit, and the entire facility is
equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing
experience even in warmer conditions.
Summer
Bansko is a great place to visit
during the warmer months from May through October. The Pirin National
Park combines breath-taking views with excellent opportunities for
hiking and sightseeing, including plethora of lakes, waterfalls, caves
and historical sights. The town and the nearby villages are known for
their healing mineral water springs, providing opportunities for rest
and relaxation. | |
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