Bansko Ski Resort Information

Location & History

Bankso lies in the foothill of the Pirin Mountains, some 153km from the capital, Sofia, and just 80km from the Aegean coast in Greece. Bansko is the newest ski resort in Bulgaria, and is rapidly developing into of the country's finest. The fresh mountain air coupled with a warm sub-tropical Greek climate provides possibilities for both Winter and Summer tourism.

During the Roman Empire, Bansko was a prospering cultural and trade center on the road connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the roman world. The importance of Bansko is further testified by the remains of the gold coin production facilities, which are conserved by the national institute of historical monuments. Today, the historic old town provides a stark contrast to the modern accomodation and facilities required by ski tourists.

Skiing Information

Bansko is the newest and the most rapidly developing ski resort in Bulgaria. 100 million Euros have been invested to install a state of the art ski facility with equipment specifically designed for the Pirin slopes.

There are 17 pistes, including a 16 km uninterrupted run from beneath the summit where you can ski down to the base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last 7 km of the slope is lit, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions.

The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent with more than 50% of the slopes covered by snow cannon making sure there is always good snow cover. Bansko has the best snow record of all Bulgarian ski resorts. The ski season starts in the middle of December and carries on right through into April.

Bansko is ideal for beginners and there are English speaking instructors at the ski school. For intermediates the ski area is fantastic with fabulous views and many well-maintained wide tree-lined runs. The advanced skiier can try the Alberto Tomba black run, and there is good off-piste available (a guide is recommended).

For Snowboarders there are long tree-lined runs and there is new dedicated snowboarders area with a half-pipe facility 90 metres high by 16 metres wide.

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Weather

Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of -5°C in the valleys and ski resorts, and down to -20°C on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick.

Summer temperatures often reach 32°C.

Resort Facilities

Apres Ski

The unique combination of a well developed mountain resort and a living historical town turns Bansko into an elegant place for entertainment. The traditional taverns (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional charm and style, offer local atmosphere with their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music.

The Happy End bar opposite the gondola station and 2 minutes from our apartment in Bansko Royal Towers is usually the first stop for skiers and snowboarders when they come off the slopes. All Mehanas and restaurants serve the usual European beers, as well as the local brews. The most popular local beers are the excellent Kamenitza and Zagorka. A large Zagorka in one of the traditional Mehanas will cost you around 1.5 Leva (about 50p).

Medical Assistance

An emergency ski patrol service is available 24 hours a day. An ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid on all ski slopes. Fully equipped and functioning hospitals are also available in the area. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resort too. There are also a number of pharmacies in the town for over-the-counter remedies.

Some medical and all dental services must be paid in cash to the doctors (clinics). They should provide the necessary bills, receipts and invoices describing the service and the cost, so that you can claim back the expense to your insurance company.

Holiday Insurance

We advise you take out full insurance for your holiday; see offers from companies such as 1Stop Travel Insurance ,Insurefor.com and Go Travel Insurance who all offer basic travel insurance as well as specialist ski and snowboard holiday cover.

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