Bansko, Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Hotels in Bulgaria

Train tickets, info

Surrounded by the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopi mountains, Bansko is a climatic mountain resort and the town is listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. Over 500,000 guests visited Bansko during the 2006-2007 ski season and over 200,000 enjoyed the summer time activities of hunting, fishing, walking, mountain biking and sightseeing. 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.
The town of Bansko is situated nearby the river Glazane (left feeder of Mesta River) in the north- eastern foot of Pirin, right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain. Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word “ban”, which means “master”. It is just 160 kilometers away from Sofia and 6 kilometers from Razlog. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and history.

The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is Vihren 2914 m.

Bansko Ski Restort

The ski resort of Bansko offers some of the best and cheapest skiing holidays in Europe. The resort is great for beginners and intermediates with a good mix of wide, tree-lined blue and red runs. For more experienced skiers and riders, there is a huge amount of off-piste to explore and a few good black runs. Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (mid-December to mid April) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. Following a multi-million Euro investment, Bansko has a state-of-the-art lift network providing access to 65km of groomed pistes, making it the most advanced ski resort in this part of Europe.

Major infos on Bansko

Total ski runs: 70km
Longest run: 16km
Off-piste skiing: Yes
Slopes exposure: North
Highest ski point: 2600m
Max vertical drop: 1630m
Drags: 16
Gondolas: 1
Night skiing: Yes
Snowboarding: Yes
Ski-Doo: Yes
Season from middle Dec. till middle April

Ski passes and prices

1day 50leva for adults, 30 for children
2days 95leva for adults, 53 for children
3days 145leva for adults, 82 for children
6days 280leva for adults, 155 for children
9days 390leva for adults, 225 for children
13days 540leva for adults, 310 for children
half day 32leva for adults, 25 for children
Seasonal 1340leva for adults, 800 for children
Gondola lift return 16leva for adults, 8 for children
20% off on lift pass when hiring a full equipment package, 25% off if you hire full equipment package + instructor
1euro is 1.955leva, Check more currency exchange

Ski runs and tracks

Bansko (ski road) EASY
This track is getting you off the mountain. Its a truly exciting 7 km long downhill-trip from the heart of the mountain down to Bansko. The track suits both beginners and advanced skiers and boarders in a perfect way. You’ll end up finding out why the first nice pub at the end of your journey is called HAPPY END.

Bunderitsa EASY
Starting at 2560 m above the sea-level this track provides you with a great combo-opportunity. You choose on which one of the other tracks you would like to continue - is it going to be a smooth & relaxing ride, or rather one really challenging your skills. You hold election between Todorka (No 4), Balkaniada (No 6) and Tomba (No 9)

Plato 1 EASY
This is ? bright, nice track with an awesome view to the surrounded mountain peaks. The track is dynamic, not too long and perfect for a series of intense races. You can stay on Plato 1 all day long or enjoy it in a combo with Shiligarnika 1 and 2, which will provide you with a long and pleasant downhill race. Don’t forget your sun factor cr?me if you intent to stay on Plato 1 for the hole day.

Balkaniada MEDIUM
A wonderful track that will squeeze the best from every skier or boarder. Getting down the hill you can manage good load and have lots of fun. Many contests have been organized on that track so, would you dare to mess up with the professionals.

Shiligarnik 1 EASY
This is a highly varied track, appropriate for both beginners and advanced skiers. You’ll cross under several chair-lifts
your brilliance will not be left unspotted by the crowd. You have the opportunity to make combos with the tracks 10 and 12, so every single race will be an exiting and different one.

Todorka MEDIUM
Todorka is an offset of Balkaniada (track No 4). It has two different parts an easy one the lower part, and a medium one - the upper part. The lower part is known as ’Kolarski put’, where many beginners make their first steps on the ski or the snowboard so give them a brake. Our counsel to you take a drink every hour or so at the cafes located around Shiligarnika it will boost your performance.

Stara pista MEDIUM
This track has an interesting staircase-shaped profile. You can enjoy fast, dynamic runs with a very good load. The tail of Stara pista has a direct access to the ski road that goes towards Banderishka polyana.

Yulen MEDIUM
This track is a relatively short and dynamic one. It provides an intense downhill experience for advanced fans and a worthy challenge for beginners. If you miss your braking point, it’s likely for you to end up in one of the nice cafes located around Shiligarnika. Nothing to worry about.

Tomba DIFFICULT
This one will catch your breath! Be careful with this track, though the inclination is 73%. If you are a beginner, it’s highly recommended to you to deal with Tomba after you’ve polished your skills on other tracks for several days first. For those who have discovered all the secrets in hill racing, this track offers a slide, full of emotions and lots of adrenaline. Don’t forget self-confidence is good, but remain mindful; take no risks for you and the others around you. Take the speed in the lower part of Tomba to reach the pubs around Banderishka polyana after Tomba everyone needs a drink and time to regain the breath.

Shiligarnik 2 EASY
Similar to track 5, Shiligarnik 2 is a bright and very comfortable track. You can make as many combos, as you like its unlikely to repeat yourself over the day.

Plato 2 MEDIUM
This track goes in parallel to Plato 1. Its bright, its comfortable, it provides a magnificent view to picturesque, alpine landscapes and its just a fraction more complex than Plato 1. Here, you are very close to the sun don’t forget your sun factor creme.

Strajite MEDIUM
You race this track only in a combo with track 10. So you will have another long and pleasant combo with a very intense end on track 12. Get ready for the last

Chalin valog 1 MEDIUM
It’s the twin track of Chalin valog 2. Going a little bit longer, this track offers lots of possibilities for medium long, intense downhill races. It is a fraction more difficult than the neighbouring track. Access through the interim station of the Gondola lift that goes lengthwise over Chalin valog 2, so there will be enough audience and cheer ups for every good performance on-track. Fully covered by snow cannons.

Chalin valog 2 MEDIUM
A very nice, medium long track located conveniently just above the town of Bansko. Its suitable for both: Pros and Beginners. To get there you have to take the Gondola lift and step out at the intermediate station. This track is fully covered by snow cannons, so don’t bother about sufficient coverage even in the warmest winter/early spring days.

Can you ski? If not do not worry, there is a ski school in bansko
Prices for adults from 28leva, children from 25leva. There is an opportunity for private lessons from 50leva

Eating and drinking in Bansko

A healthy and welcome change from over-priced fondues, Bulgarian cuisine is representative of the cuisine of south eastern Europe with Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern as well as Italian and Hungarian influences. You'll find lots of hearty stews in earthenware dishes, soups, fresh vegetables, potatoes and all types of grilled meat such as kebabs and steaks.

Salads are highly recommended and tend to accompany most meals. The food is generally excellent value, especially if you venture away from the main drag in Bansko.

There are two English pubs in Bansko town - the best of these being the Friendly Pub on Pirin St towards the old town. The Lion Pub on the fork of the two main roads has the one advantage of being open 24 hrs.

Dental and Medical Services in Bansko

The Emergency SKI PATROL service is available 24 hours a day. Ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid, on all ski slopes. Fully equipped and functioning hospitals is available in Bansko. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resort too.
Pharmacies are also available at the resort.