Bansko or Borovets: Which is the BEST Ski Resort in Bulgaria?
Bansko or Borovets? The age-old question. Today we’ll answer it definitively, without beating around the bush.
Both ski resorts have a lot to offer, but the truth is that in some regards, one is simply better than the other. This article will break it down transparently. We’ll cover accessibility, skiing and snowboarding conditions, cost, apres and more to help you decide where to go on your next ski holiday in Bulgaria.
Bansko or Borovets: Accessibility
Short Answer: Borovets is easier, cheaper, and quicker to get to than Bansko. But the difference isn’t too significant.
Explanation: Borovets is situated 76km from Sofia’s airport and 144km from Plovdiv’s. The drive from Sofia is about 1,5 hours. You can take a bus starting at £8 or about €9.
Despite the fact that Bansko is twice as far away from both airports, the transfer time and prices aren’t dramatically higher. This is because the infrastructure to Bansko is very well-optimised, and most of the drive happens on Highway E-79. The transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is just over 2 hours at £12 (€14).
Bansko or Borovets for Skiing
Short Answer: The ski area in Borovets is larger in square kilometers, but is less concentrated with actual skiing ranges. Bansko is much more modern and well-equipped, as well as easier and quicker to navigate.
Weather conditions are preferable and more reliable in Bansko because of the altitude. However, there is no night skiing in Bansko.
Explanation: Bansko has more kilometers of ski slopes, that are concentrated in a smaller ski area. This makes it easier to switch between slopes at a whim. Lifts in Borovets (ski passes) are cheaper, but less modern and quick than those in Bansko.
Bansko ski conditions are preferred by pro skiers, and they are better for beginners. Ski cannons equip 90% of the slopes in Bansko, making the resort more reliable, even when natural conditions don’t suffice.
However, because the Bansko’s ski areas are tighter, peak season is more crowded. Borovets can be quieter, with fewer queues, and additionally, allow for night skiing.
Bansko or Borovets for Snowboarding
Short Answer: The snowpark in Borovets is more developed than Bansko’s and is often preferred by snowboarders in Bulgaria. However, slope conditions are better in Bansko, as mentioned earlier.
Explanation: The altitude in Bansko makes slopes and freeriding preferable, despite the crowds later in the season. Snow coverage is more predictable and consistent.
However, freestyle boarding is objectively better in Borovets because of the better-equipped snowpark and the resort’s closer proximity to Sofia and Plovdiv, which consistently attracts the snowboarding community.
Bansko vs Borovets for New Skiers
Short Answer: Borovets’ ski schools are less busy, and therefore easier to book. On the other hand, there are more beginner-friendly ski runs in Bansko.
Explanation: There are English-speaking instructors and ski schools in both ski resorts.
Borovets is less crowded throughout the entirety of the ski season, and therefore easier to book lessons in – even though there are fewer ski schools. So if you’re a new skier in Bansko, we recommend booking a class in advance.
However, there is only one beginner track in Borovets – all the rest are for intermediate or advanced skiers. Bansko gives more variety to newbies and offers the conditions for an overall more enjoyable first-time experience (faster lifts, closer proximity between slopes, nightlife, etc).
Bansko vs Borovets: Accommodation
Short Answer: Almost all accommodation in Borovets is within walking distance of the slopes. Bansko, however, has more variety and accommodation is usually cheaper.
Explanation: Borovets was built with the intention of being a ski resort. This means that essentially all of the hotels are directly adjacent to the lifts. In Bansko, depending on your choice of accommodation, you might have to take a minibus to get to the first lift.
Since Bansko is significantly bigger, there are more accommodation options – from rooms to hotels and ski chalets. There is more flexibility and great value for money, especially if you pick accommodation that also offers equipment rental.
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Bansko or Borovets for Nightlife & Apres
Short Answer: There is no question here – Bansko’s nightlife is objectively bigger and richer. The only upside to Borovets is that its bars and restaurants are closer together since the resort is smaller.
Explanation: Bansko hosts a number of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and nightclubs. Because of this variety, it’s often called the ‘’Frozen Sunny Beach’’ – and with good reason. The resort is very lively throughout most of the season and is even quite popular with digital nomads during the rest of the year.
Since Borovets is smaller, you can walk to any location on foot quite quickly. Plus, the town of Samokov is only 10km away. But if you’re looking for apres variety, Bansko is definitely preferable.
Bansko vs Borovets: Cost
Short Answer: Prices of everything are approximately the same, but the abundance of accommodation options in Bansko makes lodging prices cheaper. Bansko is more affordable.
Explanation: When deciding between Borovets or Bansko, or any two resorts, pricing is a very important point. While Borovets ski holidays are cheaper to get to (since Borovets is closer to airports), you’ll find that Bansko is often times much more affordable. This is because the resort is bigger and has more hotels and chalets.
Therefore, not only is Bansko cheaper, but it’s also much easier to go on a ski holiday at short notice.
Other than that – food, night life, and side activities come at a relatively similar price, although Bansko offers more variety.
Bansko or Borovets for Families
Short Answer: Transfer time is shorter to Borovets, making logistics more manageable. Bansko, however, has more side activities, children’s ski classes, and bigger chalets to cater to families of any size.
Explanation: Borovets is easier to get to, which could be an important factor, especially for bigger families. It’s also a smaller resort, resulting in a more intimate setting for everyone.
Bansko, on the other hand, has more fun things to do: there are hot mineral pools, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and plenty of beautiful historical monuments and churches to admire. The Bansko Old Town itself is incredible to soak in, while Borovets doesn’t offer much to see, as it was specifically designed to be a ski resort.
Bansko is also home to one of the biggest co-working communities in Bulgaria. Many digital nomads visit Bansko and spend most of the winter there – networking, finishing projects, and relaxing. So if you need a few hours to get work done before or after hitting the slopes, Bansko gives you a great environment.
Final Verdict - Bansko or Borovets?
Borovets Pros:
- Faster transfer time
- Smaller, easier-to-navigate resort
- Nighttime skiing
- Ski schools are easier to book
- Fewer crowds on the slopes
- Better snowpark for freestyle snowboarders
Bansko Pros:
- More ski pistes
- More accommodation options
- Cheaper overall ski holiday
- Better equipped slopes
- More reliable skiing conditions
- Faster, modern lifts
- Richer nightlife
- By far more things to do outside of skiing
- Easier to go to on short notice
- More accessible to new skiers
So, Bansko or Borovets?
If you’re looking for a more intimate and quiet skiing experience, Borovets could be the resort for you. The pistes, while fewer, are more widely spread apart, and getting to the resort is quicker. A great benefit is night skiing.
Bansko is usually the more preferred option due to its slope and accommodation variety. There’s also more to do – both for new and experienced skiers and snowboarders. Accommodation is cheaper, and so is an overall ski holiday there. Ski slopes are also better equipped and lifts are faster.
Need help to choose? Send us an e-mail at maks@snomads.co.uk We’re happy to answer any specific questions!