WINTER IN GOVEDARTSI
The snow usually covers the whole area from mid December until early April and still covers the peaks right into the middle of summer.
When visiting in winter, Borovets is obviously the place to head for. It is the oldest and most popular mountain resort in Bulgaria, lying at 1350m. It is set in pine woods and provides a variety of ski runs amongst beautiful scenery. All levels of skiers are catered for and it is particularly good for beginners. The skiing facilities have undergone a lot of improvements lately, with new lifts and runs. These are part of the Super Borovets Project, an enormous investment in the area aiming at an Olympics bid for 2014. There are many more lifts and runs planned and the improvements are set to continue for several years.
The resort of Borovets is very lively and colourful. Local transport includes horse drawn sleighs which add to it’s character. It has a wealth of restaurants and bars, as well as many nightclubs and discos. All food tastes are catered for, as are all budgets. There is an active apres ski scene and some quite unusual "adult" entertainment! Non-skiers are also provided with lots to do including bowling, swimming and fitness facilities based in the larger hotels. Borovets has something to offer all types of skiers, from groups of singles through to families with young children, as well as being extremely good value for money. 
SUMMER IN GOVEDARTSI
The weather in summer is very warm and similar to the Mediteranean climate. There are many ways to take advantage of this.
The village of Govedartsi borders the Rila Mountain National Park, with its spectacular alpine scenery, deep forests and river gorges, and there is easy access to an endless number of valley and mountain trails. The area will be of particular interest to nature lovers and those that love the outdoor life and is a perfect destination for mountain hikers and mountaineers. The Rila mountain range boasts the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula (Mt Musala - 2,925 m) and the average height of the peaks are 2,700 m. The mountains are registered in the UN list of representative protected areas and are Bulgaria's largest national park - 81,000 hectares, two thirds of which is forested. The park contains over 100 peaks, with deep and dramatic river gorges, lakes and waterfalls. The national parks authority has marked many trails and built bridges and information boards and there are mountain chalets for hikers to shelter for the night, making it possible to walk to the Rila Monastery, for example. Another popular walk is to see the Seven Lakes. Click on the link below for details of walking routes:
http://www.borovets-pms.com/en/summer-activities.html
The area also offers many other outdoor activities such as horse riding, extreme sports, and mountain biking. The entire area is renowned for its eco environment and stunning natural beauty. There is a wealth of natural beauty to admire and enjoy and lovely, easier walks for those not so energetic amongst us. The Cherni Iskar River, which runs through the village, provides many beautiful spots to enjoy picnics and relax, perhaps doing a little fishing.
10 - 15 minutes drive from Govedartsi, on the way to Borovets, is the town of Samokov. This is a typical Bulgarian town with a wealth of real Bulgarian character.It is also considerably cheaper than the tourist resort of Borovets. It has many shops and a fascinating market is held every Monday morning, even in the freezing cold of winter. It has several brand new, large supermarkets stocking everything, which some people may prefer to the smaller shops. There are many bars and restaurants here that are generally cheaper than in Borovets.
Govedartsi is a short drive from Lake Iskar, a large and impressive expanse of water with its beaches and watersports. There is a lovely outdoor swimming pool, with terraces and gardens for sunbathing, just 10 minutes away on the way to the town of Samokov. There is another outdoor pool in Samokov itself. Nearby Borovets has several large hotels with indoor swimming pools and sports facilities (including bowling), available to non-residents.The golfers in your group might like to try the golf course near Dolna Banya, also just a short drive away. There are also many natural spas nearby.
Although further away, (approx 90 minutes), the Rila Monastery must not be missed. It is Bulgaria's largest and most famous monastery, founded in 927AD and hidden high in the Rila mountains. There is also a monastery in Samokov which is worth a visit as well as the Bulgarian King's Residence which is in Borovets.
For those who prefer towns and cities, the old Roman town of Plovdiv offers monuments and ruins from the days of the Roman Empire. Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, is widely regarded as the "new Prague". Steeped in history the city is a mecca for shopping.
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