Yanakiev Ski and Snowboard School

The school is open daily during the winter season, typically from 8:30 to 17:00. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including group lessons, private tuition, and full equipment hire. Group ski lessons usually run for four hours a day, while snowboard groups typically meet for two hours. For 2026, private lessons start at approximately 160 Bulgarian Lev for two hours. The on-site ski depot features modern equipment from top brands, with professional technicians available for fitting and maintenance. A specialized ski kindergarten is also available for younger children, ensuring they learn through play in a safe, fenced area. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred time slots, especially during the busy mid-February half-term.

To make the most of your lessons, it is best to arrive at the ski depot at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time for equipment fitting. If you have booked a multi-day package, many visitors prefer to get fitted the evening before their first day to avoid the morning rush. Helmets are mandatory for children and highly recommended for adults; these can be rented directly at the school. While the school is located inside Hotel Musala, you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to use their services. If you are taking private lessons, your instructor can often meet you at a location of your choice, but the default meeting point is usually right outside the hotel entrance on the slopes. Don't forget to carry your lift pass, as it is required to access the training areas.

The Yanakiev Ski and Snowboard School is exceptionally easy to find as it sits directly on the slopes in the central part of Borovets. It is a short two-minute walk from the main Rila Hotel and the base of the four-man chairlift. Most visitors staying in the resort center can reach the school easily on foot. For those staying further away or in the town of Samokov, the regular shuttle buses drop passengers at the main parking area near the Gondola station, from where the school is just a five-minute walk through the village. If you are driving, there are several paid parking lots in the immediate vicinity, though they tend to fill up early on weekends. Taxis are also readily available to drop you right at the hotel entrance.