Updated on the 14th of February 2024

There is common dilemma which Bulgarian resort should one choose. Bansko or Borovets? Two resorts are similar yet so different. Read the rest of this article in order to get all the answers to your questions. If that is not enough you can also check out full Bansko Review here, and Borovets here.

Bansko or Borovets  slopes

Bansko is tad bigger than Borovets. It has 65 km of runs, Borovets has 58 km. You will have to pay little bit more for ski pass in Bansko. Both areas are great for beginners and lower intermediates. Ski schools are affordable and cost approximately the same. Highest skiable peaks are situated at around 2,600 m. Runs are not particularly steep or technical. Expert skiers might get bored after 4 or 5 days.

Bansko has newer and faster lifts. Snow reliability in both resorts is good. Piste grooming is similar and not up to standards of west European skiing destinations. Both ski areas have old gondolas with the longest queues I have seen in my life. Borovets consists of 3 different parts that are interconnected but those connections are far from perfect. There are some flat runs between them. You will have to use your legs and sticks a bit.

When it comes to competitions Bansko is regular stop on FIS WC calendar, both for men and women skiers. Bansko is also host of Freeride World Tour Qualifying round.

Bansko has small snow park with 4 rollers and several fun boxes and rails. Borovets used to have snow park but that wasn’t the case in the 2020/2021 season. Borovets has easier access to slopes appropriate for off piste skiing. The runs in Markjudik area are wide and open, making them suitable even for inexperienced freeriders. If you end up in Bansko try area around Todorka or the lines right of Mosta lift. You should hire local guide since the runs are hard to find and are prone to avalanches.

Bansko or Borovets Accommodation

Both villages have great value for money places where you can find accommodation. Bansko has wider choice of hotels and self-catering apartments with pools and spas. Hotels usually offer half board with buffet. But there is catch. You should find a hotel close to the gondola or you will have to take a mini bus in order to get to the first lift.

Opposite to that, Borovets was purposely built after French mountain resorts model. Almost all hotels are ski in/out. First lift is in walking distance. Borovets has higher prices for accommodation as a result of smaller number of hotels. If nightlife is important part of your winter holiday find accommodation in village centre close to the “bar street”.

Bansko or Borovets  après-ski

Borovets and Bansko are well known for their lively après-ski and night life. Bansko has wider choice of bars, restaurants (traditional local and international) and night clubs. They are scattered around the village. Bars in Borovets are concentrated mainly in one street. Prices are affordable. Bansko also excels when it comes to shopping.

Bansko vs Borovets, the final verdict

It is hard to tell which resort is better. It depends on your preferences. Bansko has better connected lifts and pistes but it is hard to avoid long queue on the gondola while you can ski on 2 other lifts in Borovets until crowd disperse. Bansko has cheaper accommodation but almost all hotels in Borovets are ski in and out. Bansko has wider choice of restaurants, bars and clubs.

The resorts are similar. When it comes to skiing there are small differences. Generally Borovets is better suited for beginners and families with children due to the fact that nursery is situated just by center of the village. Bansko is better for people who want to try out different restaurants and bars. Party lovers will be happier in Bansko.  

If you think that Bansko is perfect for your next winter holiday you can book your stay here. On the other hand find your accommodation in Borovets here. Please, let us know your opinion in comment section below.