Super Borovets Project Moves Forward
Plans for the future development of Bulgaria’s former leading ski resort, Borovets, are moving forward following a minor power struggle between municipal chiuewfs and the family of a deceased Bulgarian banker, who was the major shareholder oin the development company.
Construction work is due to begin this year on the ‘Super Borovets’ project with the construction of a gondola to link the lower part of the resort with ski runs in the Markudjitsite sector, with construction of accommodation taking bed capacity at the resort to 8,000 in 2006.
In a second development stage between 2007 and 2010, the resort will double in size with the construction of a new 8,000-bed vacation village near Samokov with development reaching the Novi Iskar area. Swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor stadia and an 18-hole golf course will also be added during this stage of the project.
In 2010-2015, the final third stage of development will see the development of the Shumnatitsa, Byalata Polyana, Gvardeiska Polyana and Mecha Glava areas for skiing above 1,400 m. This will be a five-star segment of the resort with a total of 1,200 beds.
The combined length of the ski runs should be increased from 38 km to 59 km with total capacity of the facilities for 10,400 skiers an hour.(Dnevnik)
Despite being overtaken in recent years by the rapid growth of Bansko, Borovets is one of the largest and increasingly popular winter resorts in the Balkan region. It is situated on scenic northern slopes of the Mousala Ridge in the east of the panoramic Rila Mountains. The resort lies huddled in thick pine forests 1390 meters above sea level. The area has a long history - attracting people to ski here since as far back as 1896. The Bulgarian capital of Sofia is only 45 minutes away.
Bansko and Borovets have submitted a joint bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Posted : June 15, 2006