Bansko, situated roughly 100 miles from the capital city, Sofia, in south-western Bulgaria, is the latest, and most rapidly expanding, ski resort in the country. Bansko has the best record of all the Bulgarian ski resorts, with regard to snowfall, and this is supplemented by the extensive use of snow cannon, to ensure excellent snow cover at all times during the winter season, which lasts from December to April.
Skiing
From the ski centre, on the outskirts of the town of Bansko, at approximately 3,000 feet above sea level, you can catch an eight-seated gondola – an enclosed carriage, like a cable car – up to the slopes of Todorin Vruh, at just over 5,200 feet.
Todorin Vruh features fairly gentle, undemanding terrain, suitable for beginners, who can also take advantage of the excellent, multilingual ski school to be found here.
Intermediate, or advanced, skiers can continue to higher altitudes – in excess of 8,200 feet – via chair lift, to the slopes beneath the Todorka Peak. Here, there is an uninterrupted, 10-mile run, down to the lower gondola station, at the base of the mountain, while the Shiligraniki area features two pistes sufficiently uniform, and steep, to be classified as international standard, for giant slalom.
“Hands-free” ski passes – with integral micro chips that can be read through clothing – are in operation on all ski lifts throughout the Bansko region, so no more fumbling, and, hopefully, no more, or very little, queuing is required. In addition, should you find yourself in difficulty, rescue services in the area are available on a short code mobile telephone number.
Attractions
Après ski activity and nightlife in Bansko does tend to be fairly low-key – although there are a few night clubs, – with many people, the locals included, preferring the intimate and cosy surroundings of the local public houses, or taverns (known as “mehana”). Here, locally produced food and drink – including excellent Bulgarian wine, beer and “raika” (homemade plum brandy) – is available at low prices, with traditional music, and dancing thrown in, just for good measure.
In terms of sightseeing, the Nikola Vaptsarov Museum contains an exhibition dedicated to the prominent proletarian poet of the early 20th century who was born in Bansko, and shot dead in Sofia, at the age of 32, the Church of Sveta Troitsa features frescos and icons from the 19th century, and the Rilski Covent contains an exhibition of 19th century icon paintings.
Accommodation
Substantial inward investment, in skiing facilities, and associated accommodation, means that Bansko is now able to offer a wide range of ski chalets and apartments for short or longer term rental, at affordable prices. Apartments, themselves, are spacious – often sleeping up to four people – well designed and constructed, with thermal and noise insulation, and all modern conveniences, and apartment complexes include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, gymnasiums and saunas. Many are also south-facing, and have substantial outdoor, terrace or balcony areas.
Jill Remus is an independent author with a focus on property, business and investment topics.
You can find detailed regional information and a range of self-catering
Hotels, Chalets, Villas and Apartments in Bansko at Sunny Rentals
