One of the mountain resorts that is close to the Bulgarian capital city and where mountain lovers can indulge in their hobby is Borovets. Located about 70 km away from Sofia, Borovets is appealing to mountaineers, not only in winter but in summer, too. It is also one of the starting points for climbers who want to conquer the highest peak in the Balkans - Musala (2925 m) - part of the 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

The history of Borovets mountain resort started 120 years ago. Until 1942 it was known as Chamkoria. According to statistics, it is the first mountain resort not only in Bulgaria but in the Balkans. Here is what mayor of Samokov Vladimir Georgievtold Radio Bulgaria:

"The Chamkoriaarea is a wonderful nature park that allows for picnics, hiking and recreation. In 1889 Knyaz Ferdinand with a group of 30 people made one of the first documented ascents of Mount Musala. Fascinated by the region, he bought a place next to the Bistrica River and built a hunting lodge in 1890. Two years later a commission appointed by Prime Minister Stefan Stambolov, examined the best places for establishing a modern European sanatorium. One of them was precisely Chamkoria. Until 1897 road infrastructure was built, as well as numerous private villas and a municipal hotel.

One of the first mayors of Samokov, and a keen promoter of its development as an international resort was Hristo Zografski - son of famous painter from the National Revival Period - Zahari Zograf. Chamkoria - Samokov - Sofia was among the first bus lines in Bulgaria.”

What makes people prefer Borovets for their ski holidays over the years?

"Nature here is preserved in all its glory. Of course, there is the necessary tourist infrastructure, and the overbuilding boom did not affect Borovets. A lot of improvements have been made, especially in construction of installations for snow-making. Over the years, Borovets had grown more as a winter resort, not so much as a summer destination. But it has already started developing as a place for summer vacation. This is due to good facilities, spas, various attractions, bike routes, rope parks, the possibility of horse riding, paragliding, hiking routes to various peaks."

The mayor adds that Maliovitsais situated close to Borovets. Malyovitsa is one of the most famous rock climbing areas in Bulgaria. This complements the rich palette of options Borovets offers as a summer destination.

We'll add to this the fact that Borovets is the first Bulgarian resort - host ofvarious international and European ski racing events.

"Borovets is the resort, where the first documented ski competition took place. On February 16, 1930, eleven people climbed to Sitnyakovska Rock and descended on an improvised route to the heart of the resort. Borovets subsequently became host to two world and 12 European Cups. Generations of athletes whose names were widely known in the 70s and 80s trained here. For the first time Borovets was host of a round of the European Cup in slalom and giant slalomin 1977. We must not forget two World Cups in 1981 and 1984. Bulgarians remember to this day the giant slalom in 1984, won by IngemarStenmark, followed by Marc Girardelli. Some say that 40-50 thousand spectators watched the competition.In 2014 and 2016 other two European Cup competitions took place."

The mayor shared his ambition of Borovets becoming a prime destination for summer cycling races.

"Borovets is a popular destination for cycling tours for all ages. There is specially prepared route for downhill, as well as opportunities for mountain biking. The Borovets bike-park, the first of its kind in Bulgaria, opened in 2010. Since then it has been improving continuously. So for each season there are new challenges. We have also paid attention to younger riders. Regardless of individual abilities in different disciplines - enduro, cross-country or downhill, the bike-park in Borovets offers numerous natural and artificial challenges. A number of prestigious competitions featuring many renowned bike riders from this country and abroad have taken place here."

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: borovets-bg.com, Svetlana Dimitrova and Historical Museum – Samokov