"I've travelled all around the world in search of beautiful mountain resorts and I can say without any hesitation that Bansko is one of them," Olympic Champion Franz Klammer
Overview
Not surprisingly, the Financial Times recently described Bansko as the best ski resort in Eastern Europe, surpassing two other first-class winter holiday spots in the country, Pamporovo and Borovets, in terms of number, design and equipment of ski runs. This assessment was made after Bansko absorbed the largest amount of investment, over EUR 40 million, in preparation for the ski season for the third year running.
Situated in the foothills of one of the country’s most beautiful mountains, Bansko is a charming and historic town with the stunning alpine backdrop formed by the Pirin Mountains. A climatic mountain resort, Bansko is known as an alpine skiing, hiking and climbing centre, but it combines its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities with the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town from the 10th century, and boasts a wealth of culture and history, as well as traditional taverna-style cuisine and colourful folklore. The traditional stone and wooden buildings are an integral part of its charm and character and many relics and monuments survive from its past. The alpine character of the Pirin Mountains create excellent skiing conditions for all types of skiers and experts can enjoy some of the country’s best downhill skiing at the nearby resort of Shiligarnika.
As the day draws to a close, Apres-ski is centred around the local “Mehanas,” friendly taverna type restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine and drinks, often with roaring log fires and live entertainment. For a truly enjoyable winter sports holiday, enhanced by warm Bulgarian hospitality, visit Bansko where you really can have the best of both worlds.
Skiing
Runs and Lifts
Beginners - 35%; Intermediate - 40%; Advanced - 25%
Snow cannons - 45 snow cannons covering over 50% of ski runs
Bansko offers its guests a unique 16-kilometer uninterrupted ski run, starting from Todorka Peak (2600 m) at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town.
N |
Name |
Difficulty |
lift |
1 |
Bansko |
Light |
 |
2 |
Banderiza |
Light |
 |
3 |
Plato 1 |
Light |
 |
4 |
Balkaniada |
Middle |
 |
5 |
Shiligarnik 1 |
Light |
|
6 |
Todorka |
Middle |
|
7 |
Stara pista |
Middle |
|
8 |
Ulen |
Middle |
|
9 |
Tomba |
Difficult |
|
10 |
Shiligarnik 2 |
Light |
|
11 |
Plato 2 |
Middle |
 |
12 |
Strazhite |
Middle |
|
16 |
Chalin Valog 1 |
Middle |
|
17 |
Chalin Valog 2 |
Middle |
|
The lifts and pistes operator in Bansko takes care of your comfort with the 8-man Doppelmayer Gondolar, five 4-seat lifts of the latest Doppelmayer models, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 6 drags and 10 baby drags. The easy access to all lifts is secured by chip-cards from SkiData.
The existence of excellent quality crisp white snow on 65 kilometers of marked ski runs and ski roads is made possible by their regular maintenance by 12 Kassbohrer snow grooming machines. Snow is guaranteed from December until May by 40 TechnoAlpin snow cannons. The 2005/2006 season will also see the opening of two new draglifts and four ski runs.
The best and the largest ski school in the region offers highly-qualified ski and snowboard instructors, The majority of whom speak good English. Courses range from beginners to advanced ski and snowboard.
Great news for children: There is a Junior Club ski kindergarten with 3 Baby drags, a Wonder Carpets baby track, and a Winter/Summer rotunda type Kinder Carousel.
In addition to on-piste skiing, skiers and snowboarders are welcome to the fun park in the Platoto area which offers fans of the extreme winter sports the option to ski over artificial bumps and jumps as well as to build those on their own. Also, the half-pipe located by the place where Bansko’s famous snow towers are usually built, offers both skiers and snowboarders an arena to boast their latest tricks.
If you do not have your own ski or snowboard gear, you can pre-book now from more than 2200 pairs of carving skis and more than 200 snowboards, all of which are the latest models by Atomic and Salomon.
Last but not least, Bansko offers its guests a unique 16-kilometre uninterrupted skiing, starting from Todorka Peak at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last 7 km of the slope are lighted, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions
Attractions
The Holy Trinity church
Built in 1835 the Holy Trinity Church with its fine belfry and clock tower constitutes the very heart of Bansko. It is also famous for its collection of icons and murals painted by local Bansko artists who once made the Bansko School of Painting one of the best in Bulgaria.
Pirin National Park:
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to the near extinct edelweiss and the Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, the Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination
Thermal Spas:
The nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is a must visit. It is famous for its many mineral hot springs with high therapeutic qualities. The healing effects of the thermal springs in these mountains have been famous since antiquity, and there are a number of spa treatments and curatives available.
Bansko Gallery
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