Ok, so after reading plenty of reviews before my girlfriend and i went and having spent what i can only call "peanuts" on the intial trip it self, just like everyone else said we were going with an open mind with no high expectations. Having said this, were were both rather surprised especially given the fact the both of us had skiied most of our lives in many top European and even Canadian resorts!

We went on February 5th 2011 for a week and stayed in the Hotel Bor just outside the town centre but a nice 10 minute walk to all of the bars, shops, slopes etc. The Hotel was nice, being cheap and cheerful, and all the staff were lovely. The breakfast and dinner that is included if half board was ok but obviously you get what you pay for. Not to worry as eating out is relatively cheap! You do get a hot breakfast which is good but for both courses selection is limited. The bar in the hotel is cheap with a 500ml beer being 2.50 Lev (£1.20) which is almost a third of the price than it is in the UK.

Renting equipment is cheap but shop around the smaller outlets and barter with them as they will give you a better price, don't just dive at the first offer you get as they love to heckle! However when booking your ski pass you might be better ordering that before you go. I only say this as we payed around £125 for a 6 day lift pass and i think it may be slightly cheaper to purchase through your tour operator before you go.

The night life is great and even better for the drink prices! When you walk through the town you do come across people trying to get you into the bars and restaurants but its all good fun and they are generally friendly and enjoy a laugh. Try all the different bars and places to eat as they will offer you free shots and all sorts of stuff, if not then you could be cheeky and ask. Happy hour starts from 4pm onwards. Go to Katys Pub, very cosy little place and does cracking steak! £1 for a large beer and all sorts of cheap cocktails during happy hour and a live performer! Plus the staff appreciate your business and it goes without saying; they all love it when you attempt the language and also when you leave a well deserved tip! It is a much more friendly experince in Borovets with the locals really wanting you to have a good time providing good entertainment and warm welcomes!

When we were there the last snowfall was 2 weeks prior, meaning the snow conditions weren't brilliant and most of the runs were closed towards the end of the week. Having said this, the weather all week was clear blue skies and hot sun; partly the reason for the deteriating snow! We wern't to phased by this as with the weather being absolutely fantastic we spent alot of the time in the sun taking advantage of the cheap drink prices and just taking it easy. The runs were fairly busy and it is very much a resort for beginners, not just due to the variety of runs but also the majority of people who go there are first time skiers! We knew before we went that it wasn't the place for hard core skiing but more of a relaxing ski holiday which was just what we needed. The best thing about staying at the Hotel Bor is that it is the perfect excuse for you to stop off at every bar on the way back from the ski hill, a great way to get to know the locals who will sure remember your face everytime!

All in all it's a great, cheap, relaxing ski holiday destination and you will love it if you arn't expecting the Ritz which of course you wouldn't be! We will definitely be going back but a word to the wise; try and book it closer to the time as we saved a fortune booking it a few weeks before but that is the risk you take with regard to availability!

Nazdrave! (cheers in Bulgarian)