Snowshoeing Day Trips from Borovets

Borovets is one of the largest ski resorts in Bulgaria, next to the ski areas of Bansko in Pirin Mountains and Pamporovo in the Rhodopes. While the ski resort of Borovets itself with its mountain slopes, parts of the Rila Mountains, is a busting area during winter, with a lot of tourists from Bulgaria and abroad visiting between December and April, the mountains right next to Borovets are far more quieter. One of the best ways to explore the surrounding mountain ranges is on snowshoes. Below we list some of the most popular day snowshoe walking tours from Borovets.

Note: for the prices of the tours with a start point Borovets, please check the table at the bottom.

Musala area – this is the closest to Borovets option, we basically start snowshoeing from the top lift station of Borovets. We will offer you a day above the tree line with views towards the highest peak of Rila and the Balkan peninsula – Musala (2925m). The route will include the frozen lakes of Musala and Musala Hut. Hiking time 4 – 5 hours; +450/-450 m. The tour is with moderate difficulty, suitable for beginners and families, but requires good equipment and fine weather conditions due to its relatively high altitude and exposure to the weather.

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

Malyovitsa area – while Musala is the highest peak in Rila, Malyovitsa is considered as the most beautiful – which is valid not for the peak only, but for the whole area of Malyovitsa. Our main itinerary would be as following:

Short transfer – 50 minutes to the start point at 1760m and a loop walk into the remote area of Razdavitsa Ridge. We visit the isolated Wild Boars Lake, located at the foot of the highest peaks of the area – Kupenite, Lovnitsa. Return to the car and transfer to Borovets. Walking time: 5-6h, +600/-600 m, suitable for beginners and people in average fitness.

But we also have snorter options for families, including the panoramic low mountain of Zekiritsa, Beli Iskar Eco Trail or Malyovitsa Hut. Our advanced tour in the area is the ascent of Mount Malyovitsa.

Snowshoe walking in Malyovitsa valley next to Borovets

The Rila Lakes – this region is considered as a must see place in Bulgaria. The distance from Borovets allows a day tour to the Rila Lakes on snowshoes. The options we may offer you are easy to moderate walks, suitable for families and beginners. Drive time is 1:15h each way.

Than the trip starts with a chair lift ride up to 2140 m. 3-4 hours walk around the lakes. We start walking along the Dry Ridge until we reach the Kidney Lake. Further we descent near the Trefoil Lake, the Fish Lake, the old Seven Lakes Hut and above the Bottom Lake back to the starting point. Lift down to Pionerska Hut. In bad weather the lift might be shut down – than we have an option to snowshoe up to the biggest waterfall in Rila – Skakavitsa.

Optional stop at the thermal pools of Sapareva Banya on the way back to Borovets.

Snowshoe walking day trip at the Seven Rila Lakes from Borovets

Required equipment:

• hiking boots – waterproof and warm, to cover the ankle, with stiff sole;
• water and windproof jacket with hood;
• water and windproof pants;
• rucksack;
• warm hat, thin pair of gloves and a pair of warm mittens;
• thermal underwear, light down jacket or a warm fleece;
• sun protection – sun cream, sun glasses, sun hat;
• water bottle or, preferably, flask – 1l;
• snacks, lunch pack;

Please note that for the ascents of Musala and Malyovitsa peaks additional equipment such as crampons and avalanche safety set could be required depending on the season and the current conditions.