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Snowshoeing from Borovets:
Winter Day Trips in Rila

Explore the winter landscapes around Borovets on snowshoes — from easy family walks to high-mountain adventures beneath Musala and Malyovitsa.

A more advanced option is to climb the top of Musala – please check our itinerary here: Winter Ascent of Mount Musala.

 

map-icon-blue The Journey at a Glance

Starting point: Borovets
Duration: Half/Full-day excursion
Activity: Guided snowshoeing
Area

(daily options)
Difficulty / TechnicalityWhat to expect...Daily Ascent (1)
Moving time (2)
Best for
pin-icon-blackMusala Area
— Frozen Lakes & Musala Hut
ModerateThe closest high-mountain option to Borovets starts from the top lift station of the resort.

Above the tree line, the route leads through the spectacular Musala area, with views towards Musala (2925 m), the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans.

The route includes the frozen Musala Lakes and Musala Hut.

NOTE! Due to the altitude and exposure, this route requires suitable winter equipment and favourable weather.
+450 m
4-5 hours
Beginners and families with good fitness who want to experience high-altitude Rila without climbing Musala itself.
pin-icon-blackMalyovitsa Area
— Razdavitsa Ridge & Wild Boars Lake
ModerateA quieter adventure into the beautiful Malyovitsa area, approximately 50 minutes from Borovets.

The route takes us into the remote Razdavitsa Ridge and to the isolated Wild Boars Lake, surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks of the area, including Kupenite and Lovnitsa.
+600 m
5-6 hours
Active beginners and hikers with average fitness looking for a longer mountain day.
pin-icon-blackMalyovitsa Area
— Easier Options
Easy to Moderate
(em> Family-friendly options)
The Malyovitsa area also offers shorter and easier snowshoeing options.

Depending on conditions and your preferences, we can explore areas around Zekiritsa, the Beli Iskar Eco Trail or Malyovitsa Hut.

NOTE! For experienced winter hikers, an ascent of Mount Malyovitsa is also possible as a more demanding alternative.
+350 m
~4 hours
Families, beginners and visitors looking for a more relaxed winter mountain experience.
pin-icon-blackSeven Rila Lakes
Easy to Moderate
The famous Seven Rila Lakes can also be visited as a day trip from Borovets.

After approximately 1h15min of driving, we take the chairlift towards the lakes at around 2140 m and begin our snowshoeing route.

We follow the Dry Ridge towards Kidney Lake, then continue towards Trefoil Lake, Fish Lake, the old Seven Lakes Hut and above Bottom Lake before returning to the lift.

NOTE! If the chairlift is closed because of bad weather, an alternative snowshoeing route towards Skakavitsa Waterfall may be possible.
+600 m
3-4 hours
Families, beginners and anyone wanting to experience one of Bulgaria's most iconic mountain landscapes in winter.

 

phone-icon-black Is this trip for you?

Yes! There is a route for almost every level.

The easier trips involve relaxed walking through snowy forests or gentle mountain terrain and are suitable for beginners and families.

More demanding routes involve +600 m of elevation gain or more, while the winter ascents of Musala and Malyovitsa require previous mountain experience and may require additional technical equipment depending on conditions.

No previous snowshoeing experience is needed for the beginner-friendly routes.

Choose your level:
EASY
Beginners welcome
Gentle winter walks, mostly through forests and around mountain villages. Suitable if you're new to snowshoeing.
MODERATE
Active walkers
Longer ascents and higher-altitude terrain. Suitable for reasonably fit people who enjoy hiking.
DIFFICULT
Experienced hikers
Significant elevation gain and more demanding winter terrain. Best for people in good physical shape with mountain experience.
ADVANCED
High-mountain adventure
Longer, steeper ascents in exposed alpine terrain. Previous winter mountain experience and additional safety equipment may be required.

 

mountains-icon-blue Why choose Borovets for snowshoeing?

Borovets sits in the heart of Rila Mountains, giving you access to some of Bulgaria’s most spectacular winter landscapes.

The resort itself can be busy during the winter season, but just beyond the ski slopes you’ll find quiet forests, frozen lakes, open ridges and panoramic mountain scenery.

Borovets is also ideally positioned for day trips to several of Rila’s highlights, including the Musala area, Malyovitsa and the Seven Rila Lakes.

So you can combine a winter stay at the resort with a completely different experience. Leave the ski crowds behind and explore Rila on foot with us.

 

PRICE INCLUDES

✅ Local transfers from/to Borovets,
✅ Snowshoes and sticks rental,
✅ Certified mountain guide rate,
✅ All the expenses of the guide,
✅ Mountain insurance,
✅ All taxes.

NOT INCLUDED

❌ Lift tickets (if applicable),
❌ Packed lunch,
❌ Personal winter equipment.

Group Size

2-3 person, 4-7 person, 8+ person

Call Us!

Contact us if you have any additional questions.

Are you ready to join us?

YES.

Equipment Needed:

☑️ winter hiking boots – warm and waterproof (to cover the ankle § with hard soles),
☑️ thermal underwear,
☑️ water/windproof jacket with hood,
☑️ water/windproof trousers,
☑️ light down jacket or a warm fleece,
☑️ Rucksack 10-15L,
☑️ sun protection – glasses, sun block cream, sun hat,
☑️ thin pair of gloves and a pair of warm mittens,
☑️ warm hat,
☑️ water bottle or flask (1L),
☑️ sandwich & snacks.