Bansko
Bansko is Bulgaria's number 1 ski resort, having the best and most modern ski centre of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the recent years a multi-million euros investment in a brand new skiing area has been made by Yulen, the company which has the licence to run the skiing area of the resort. Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the last couple of years this resort has been under a massive investment process with new hotels and resort facilities being constructed. A brand new resort area with super luxury hotels and holiday apartments is being developed just opposite the Gondola,
The town of Bansko is situated near 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 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 historical significance.
The town of Bansko is located at 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is between 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is the Vihren at 2914 m.
The ski pistes are located in two main ski - centres- CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500m). They are approximately 10 kilometers above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are easily accessible from the new Gondola lift which starts from Bansko. The total length of the marked pistes are 65 kilometers.
Although the resort has only become famous in the last 10 years, it has a lot to offer its guests. The resort has excellent snow conditions with great snow cover from December untill May.
44 Technoalpine snow cannons cover most of the slopes and make the ski season last longer. The pistes are kept in excellant condition by 12 Kassbohrer slope maintenance vehicles and thus the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts.
The lift system in Bansko consists of the exclusive 8-seats Gondola cable car by Dopplemayer, five 4- seat lifts of the latest Doppelmayer models, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 7 drags and 10 baby drags. The total length of the wire equipment in the resort is 26 kilometers. All lifts can be used by the one chip-card from SkiData.
Huge monitors situated in the base station of the Gondola, show pictures from the different pistes and provide information of the wind and temperature conditions before climbing up on the slope.
APRES SKI
The unique combination of a well developed mountain resort and a living historical town turns it into an elegant place for entertainment. Virtually every house has its own story to tell, which indeed can turn your vacation into a journey to the Bulgarian traditions. The traditional Bansko taverns (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional charm and style offer local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music. Many local cafes and bars offer refreshments. Discos and night clubs are usually open until early in the morning.
