Borovets: Ski equipment rental on Rila slopes with boots

Summary

Pick up your skis in Borovets & step straight onto the snow

You’ll pick up your ski equipment right on Borovets’ Rila slope—no shuttles or long waits—then step straight onto fresh snow with fitted boots and local tips from staff who know every trail. With flexible hours and quick swaps if needed, you’ll feel like part of the scene before you even clip in—something you’ll remember long after leaving Bulgaria.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was already waving at us from behind the counter when we ducked inside — cheeks pink from the cold, hands still zipped into my jacket. I’d barely finished saying “hello” before a guy named Ivan grinned and asked if we wanted to try boots first or just get straight to the skis. The whole place smelled faintly of wax and something sharp, maybe disinfectant? Not unpleasant, just… clean. We’d booked our Borovets ski equipment rental online, so it felt weirdly easy — no lines, no fussing over paperwork.

Ivan handed me a pair of boots that looked almost new (he said they dry everything overnight with some hot-air thing). I fumbled with the buckles — he showed me how to get them snug without cutting off my circulation. There was a kid next to us trying on a helmet; his dad kept making faces in the mirror until they both laughed. It’s right on the Rila slope, between two lifts, so you can literally walk out and be on the snow in under five minutes. I didn’t expect it to be that quick. And if you forget something or want to swap sizes, they’re open till late — 9:30 p.m., which is honestly generous for a ski rental spot.

We ended up chatting about which trails were less icy that week (Ivan’s tip: go left after the first lift if you want quieter runs). There’s this low hum from people coming in and out, clomping around in ski boots or shaking off snow by the door. I liked that nobody rushed us — even when I changed my mind about poles at the last second. You don’t have to pick up your gear early unless you want to; just show up before your first run and they’ll sort you out.

Walking outside with everything fitted, I could hear someone calling out in Bulgarian behind me — probably joking about my awkward shuffle in ski boots. The sky was already turning pale blue over Borovets and for a second it hit me how close everything felt here: slopes, lifts, people laughing over coffee nearby. Renting gear isn’t usually memorable but this time… I still think about that easy start to our day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ski Equipment Rental in Borovets

• Visit ski rental center
• Choose and rent ski equipment
• Use hot-air drying and disinfection system

Top questions

Where is the Borovets ski equipment rental located?

The rental center is directly in the center of Borovets on the Rila slope, between two lifts.

What equipment is included in the rental?

The rental includes ski boots as well as skis and poles.

Can I book my ski equipment online before arrival?

Yes, you can book your equipment online before arriving in Borovets.

What are the opening hours for picking up equipment?

The rental center is open from 8:15 am to 9:30 pm daily.

Do I need to pick up my gear early?

No, since the shop is right on the slopes, you can pick up your gear just before skiing or even visit the evening before your first day.

Is there equipment available for children?

Yes, children-sized helmets are available at their ski school.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the rental location.

What’s included

Your three-day package includes fitted ski boots along with skis and poles—all ready for pickup right on the Rila slope whenever suits you best during opening hours.