Borovets Ski Resort

Once a remote summer retreat for royals, Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains slowly transformed into a winter recreation haven, thanks to the advent of skiing as a global sport. By the 1930s, the alpine wonderland really took off, ultimately becoming one of Europe’s earliest ski resorts…though in the early days, obtaining skis was no easy feat.

Locals attempted to produce them and tasked woodworkers with the challenge. This resulted in a few unusual models—including the arcs of wine barrels used as skis.

In 1942, the area was given the shiny new name of Borovets, and a modern resort carrying the name was built in the 1960s. Today, the spaceship-esque Yastrebets Express gondola takes experienced visitors to the summit with runs that drop 600 vertical meters. This ascension requires a measure of faith in transport. As for the descent, wine barrels are strongly discouraged vehicles and should only be tapped during après-ski.

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