Bansko ski resort is located in southwestern Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, and is part of the structure national park "Pirin". IN winter time Bansko - pretty popular destination among tourists, because here you can not only enjoy winter skiing, but also visit the unique attractions of the area.
Bansko - ski resort in Bulgaria, where the skiing season breaks records for the duration of all other Bulgarian ski resorts. The ski season in Bansko lasts from mid-December to the end of April. If the weather in Bansko permits, skiing here can continue until May.
The name of the resort comes from the old Bulgarian word "ban", which means "owner". Indeed, this resort surpasses many resorts in this region in many respects.
The air temperature in winter is on average -5 degrees in Bansko itself and -15 in the mountainous regions of the resort. There are almost no problems with snow here, the snow cover at the height of the season reaches 2–2.5 meters. And if at the end of the season the snow cover becomes not dense enough, snow cannons and snow groomers will help here (they can maintain optimal snow cover even at a temperature of +5).
Bansko is not only a ski center, but also a kind of living museum of culture and life during the Bulgarian Renaissance. Narrow streets, churches and ancient architecture will not leave indifferent any of the guests of the city.
Resort characteristics (slopes, heights, lifts)
The slopes of the resort are designed for skiers of any category, but experienced skiers speak of Bansko as a resort for beginners: most of the slopes are of easy or medium difficulty.
The total number of slopes in the resort is 16. Two of them (Banderizha and Tsyrna grave) belong to the super difficult category, where only experienced skiers and professional athletes are allowed. 11 tracks are of medium difficulty (red and blue), and 4 "green" tracks are intended for beginners (Todorka, Stara pista, Shiligarnik and Plato). One of the trails is illuminated at night, and only it is allowed to ride at night.
The longest track in Bansko - Todorka - has a length of about 2.7 kilometers. It is most suitable for those who are just starting to master the wisdom of riding.
The Pirin Park has its own track for - 750 meters of free skiing zone. You can get to the top of the mountain to the beginning of the trail by snowmobile, lift or by means of a special helicopter.
Athletes who prefer extreme sports can try their hand at halfpipe park and demonstrate to those around them truly dizzying tricks.
For cross-country skiers, there is a flat track 16 km long.
The difference in height on the slopes is 1810 meters.
In total, the tracks are serviced 24 lifts: 16 drag lifts, 7 chairlifts and 1 8-seater gondola lift.
Bansko ski piste map:
Complex infrastructure
In addition to equipped tracks for skiers, the resort of Bansko offers its guests grounds for winter sports, a biathlon shooting range, and stadiums.
South of the ski center Bansko is located natural Park "Pirin", which is included in the list of cultural attractions according to UNESCO.
In your free time from skiing, you can visit local restaurants (mehans), spa centers, shops (where you can buy everything - from food to ski equipment). Restaurants offer dishes of Bulgarian and Serbian cuisines - mixed skara (cold cuts), stuffed peppers, shkembe chorba (Bulgarian soup), pyrlenki (hot flatbread), pleskavitsa (grilled cutlet), Ushtipsi (cutlets with feta cheese and ham), and more. The portions are simply huge, so it's hard to stay hungry there. The average bill in a restaurant is 9-15 euros (excluding alcoholic drinks).
Alpine bars are located near the lifts, where you can grab a glass of hot coffee or hot meals.
Near the lower station of the lifts there is a parking lot for 600 cars.
Various tourist offices offer guests of the resort both city tours with detailed sightseeing and hiking tours in the mountains. Everything excursion routes are compiled individually. An excursion to the lakes in the Pirin Mountains will take 3–3.5 hours and will cost around 100 euros (for 4 people). But one day excursion up the Vihren mountain (hiking) will take about 8 hours, its cost is 99 euros (for 4 people).
See all photos of Bansko:
Prices and services
In order to save money, you can purchase a single ski pass (but this is in the case if skiing is supposed to be daily). It is more profitable than buying a ski pass for a certain time.
The cost of a ski pass in Bansko is 30 euros per day (low season), and in high season the price rises to 35 euros.
- For adults, 3 days - 95 euros;
- For adults for 6 days - 160 euros;
- Child for 3 days - 55 euros;
- Child for 6 days - 95 euros.
Those who are not confident in their skiing skills will be trained by experienced instructors of the ski school. The cost of skiing with an instructor is from 13 euros per hour.
Little skiers have their own playground (at the Banderishka Polyana station), to which 6 baby lifts lead. In the nursery ski club "Junior Ski Club" with children is taught by a professional children's instructor (children are accepted for training only from the age of 7). The cost of classes with an instructor is from 9 euros per hour.
A large number of hotels in Bansko of different price categories allows tourists to choose the most suitable accommodation option. But the closer the hotel is to the ski lifts, the higher the class of the hotel and the price of living in it.
For example, a single room during the high season will cost 80-85 euros (the price in the low season is about 60 euros), for a double room they will ask for 120 euros (in the low season - 90), and a luxury apartment will cost 150-210 euros ...
You can settle comfortably in the town of Bansko itself - here you can find an option for any price category. For example, in hotels of the 3 * category, a room can be booked for 25-30 euros per day (in the low season the price is set within 15-20 euros).
The only drawback of the resort mentioned by holidaymakers is that some hotels are too far from the ski lifts, and sometimes you have to spend extra time getting to the foot of the slope.
Where is and how to get to the ski resort of Bansko
Resort address: Bansko (7 km from the town of Razlog)
Bansko ski resort official website: http://www.banskoski.com/ru
The airport closest to the resort of Bansko is in Sofia (the distance from Sofia to Bansko is about 160 km). Many hotels in Bansko provide their clients with a transfer service directly from their airport (when booking, you need to find out if the transfer is included in the price of the tour or is paid additionally).
From Sofia you can get to the resort and by bus - from central bus station in Sofia or from the Ovcha Kupel bus station. The road will take no more than 3 hours. By car it will take a little less time - about 2.5 hours (you need to go along the E-79 motorway).
Ski resort Bansko (Bulgaria) on the map:
The ski resort Bansko got its name from the town of the same name Bansko, which is located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, just 160 km south of the country's capital, Sofia.
Bansko town and mountains
The town of Bansko has a very interesting history that goes back far into the past. There are many museums in it, as well as various historical monuments, having visited which you will not remain indifferent to the history of this region.
The Balkan mountains that surround the city are not high, except for mountain range Pirin, which runs from the southwestern side of the city in the form of a ridge.
The main slopes of the Bansko ski resort pass along the northern slopes of this ridge.
The city itself cannot be called alpine, since it is located at heights of 912 - 1025 m, but directly ski slopes are higher, at heights from 1 km 100 m to 2 km 570 m.
The highest point of this skiing region is Vihren peak - 2 km 914 meters, and the last point of the ski lifts is at an altitude of 2 km 529 m.The difference is only 385 meters and therefore the lift offers a wonderful view of the Bansko Valley.
The main routes of the resort run along the slopes of the Todorka Mountain from a height of 2 km 570 meters. The height of the mountain is 2 km 746 m.
Number and characteristics of tracks
There are two main ski areas in the region.
The first not large zone, which is located 6 km from the city, is Chain Volog, the highest point is 1 km 467 meters.
The second, main ski area, Shiligarniki, is located further away. The distance to it is about 12 km. You can get there by a free shuttle bus provided by large hotels, as well as by cable car.
But it is better to come by your own car, since you can drive up to the second stage of the lifts.
The resort has 15 routes of varying difficulty, with a total length of about 80 km, including 9 km for cross-country skiing.
The main slopes are in the main ski area, Shiligarniki.
The routes have their own names and varying degrees of difficulty.
Main descents
For beginner skiers:
- Stara Pista - blue
- Plato - blue beautiful place for snowboarding, there is a snowboard park;
- Shiligarnika - blue
- Todorka - blue, length - 2 km 570 m (the longest in the resort).
For experienced skiers:
- Ctzurna mogila - red
- Banderitza. It is divided into two sections, Banderitza 1 - black, Banderitza 2 - red.
Bansko ski resort is well thought out in terms of children's recreation, as well as teaching children to ski.
A kindergarten is opened here, which is equipped according to the latest standards (children's lifts, moving paths, carousels), where a child can learn alpine skiing from the age of four.
There is a children's school at the Banderishka Polyana station, near the lake, it is visible on the diagram.
The ski season in the resort is from November to April. In the mountains in April, the roughness of the snow can still reach two meters.
To create artificial snow, snow cannons are provided, but they cover only three-quarters of the ski area. There are lighted trails.
There are extensive freeride ski areas. You can get there using the last-line lift, helicopter or snowmobile.
In the ski resort Bansko installed:
- 1. One cable car of the gondola type for 8 places. The cable car is long and connects the town of Bansko and the station "Banderishka", which is about 12 km.
- 6 chair lifts for 4 seats.
- 1 lift for three places.
- 6 drag lifts.
- 10 lifts for children.
Since the resort is very popular in neighboring countries, there are always a lot of people here, especially on holidays and weekends. Therefore, there are days when you can stand in line for the lifts from 15 to 25 minutes.
Lifts work - 8.00 - 16.00. Saturday until 20.00.
Other types of recreation
As in any resort region, there is plenty of entertainment in the Bansko ski resort.
More than 100 small taverns, cafes (mehans), restaurants and discos are open in the city. There are a large number of museums, in the vicinity you can visit monasteries that are more than 400 years old. Everything is compact, as the city is not big.
There are about 50 hotels of various types in the town, from large private ones to small family ones.
You can stay in the private sector. Enterprising local residents will gladly rent you 1 - 3 - room apartment with all conveniences for a reasonable fee.
If you stay in a private large hotel, for example, Regnum, then you will be taken to the nearest lift station for free.
Bansko, Bulgaria in 2019 is a winter resort that attracts European youth and lovers of inexpensive vacation spots. If you are going to Bansko, below are a few brief theses to help tourists, novice snowboarders and skiers.
Slopes in Bansko (Bulgaria) for beginners and slopes for experienced
1. There are three ski areas in Bansko in Bulgaria. it Chalin-Valog (1467 m) , Shiligarnika (1725 m) and Banderishka Polyana (1635 m) ... I recommend starting with Banderishka Polyana, then trying my favorite Shiligarnika (chair lift to the left of the exit from the gondola). For beginners, trails 1 (Banderishka Polyana) and 10 (Shiligarnika) are suitable. The separation of traces is conditional. And not every blue or red is. Large differences are found everywhere. If you get off at the first gondola station (Chalin-Valog), there are only red and black tracks in Bansko. A big mistake for newbies to get off there. If you skate poorly on Chalin-Valog, it is better not to meddle at all.
2. The biggest bummer for beginners - there are no green slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. There are blue, red and black. Blue is the average fitness level. For the green slopes you have to go to another resort in Bulgaria - Borovets. You can also go to Pamporovo, but the resort is very old.
3. The easiest slope in Bansko (Bulgaria) is number one. It is also called "walking track". The smallest drops are at the bottom. People even walk there, walking from the lower station of the gondola. The slope is located on the right, as you exit from the point of arrival of the gondola at Banderishka Polyana.
4. Trails in Bansko in Bulgaria are divided by color, frankly, very conditionally. For example, 5 blue track is more like red. And in some moments it was possible to designate its sections as black. Moreover, 1 blue, indicated on many maps, can be called green. On the most high point The plateau 11 track is also marked in blue, although its slope for the first 300 meters can be considered red.
5. If you are interested in only 1 track (it is also called a walking track), then there is no point in buying a ski pass. A taxi from the lower gondola station costs 50 levs for 4 people. One person makes 12.5 levs. Sometimes they offer it for 10 lev. At the same time, you are brought directly to Banderishka Polyana, but you can ask and for the same money they will take you to Shiligarnik. You can go up 2 or 3 times by taxi, it will cost 25 or 37.5 levs. Still less than a ski pass (58 levs for the whole day or 48 levs for half a day). Plus there are no queues for a taxi. So the benefits are clear.
6. The number of trails in Bansko (Bulgaria) is large, but some of them always do not work, this is a minus. All trails can be covered in two days.
7. If one of the upper lifts and tracks does not work, you need to know in advance which track it will take you to. Otherwise, you can come to the black track, no options.
8. There is always strong wind on the upper slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. Sometimes, with gusts of wind over 7 m / s, they are generally closed. Especially the right elevator that runs along the cliff. There sometimes unpleasant situations happen with reckless extremals who like to tempt fate.
9. To ride on blue slides, especially on the one that leads to the exit from the complex, is more dangerous in the evening. Crazy high-speed skiers are going to the exit from it. Start moving by looking back. There are the most students here and, oddly enough, the most injuries. At the bottom, the track is so flat that you need to accelerate well higher. Otherwise you will have to walk (snowboarders).
10. There are a lot of children and dummies on the slopes in Bansko in Bulgaria. The most unpleasant of them are those who cross the slope in single file across a company of one adult and a bunch of children. It is very difficult to bypass such individuals who, with their company, completely block the entire slope in Bansko. This is such an example brainless parents set their children.
11. Ratrakov on ski resort was not noticed, so the quality of the coating is not very good.
12. On the mountain in Bansko in Bulgaria "you can live". There is everything for your relaxation. In addition to the ski lifts and slopes in Bansko, there are various cafes with food and drinks (outdoor and indoor), exchange, rental, training, snowboarding school, kindergarten, and so on. In this regard, Bansko is rightfully called the best ski resort in Bulgaria.
13. Most low prices for food on the slopes in Bansko (Bulgaria) - in a self-service cafe. Most of the skaters dine in them.
14. I read it on several well-known sites. She laughed for a very long time. Then she cried. It's not really funny when one fool wrote, and 20 others copied. Below is an example of nonsense.
“11 tracks are of medium difficulty (red and blue), and 4“ green ”tracks are intended for beginners (Todorka, Stara Pista, Shiligarnik and Plato). The longest track in Bansko - Todorka - has a length of about 2.7 kilometers. It is most suitable for those who are just starting to master the wisdom of riding. " "The ski resort, depending on the level of training of skiers, is divided into the following ski areas: Chalin Valog (1500 m) - the lowest, equipped for beginners." "Those who are just learning to ski should choose Chalin-Valog."
Everything, everything is wrong here! There is not a single green track in Bansko in Bulgaria! Having read such bullshit and such nonsense never former people on elephants in Bansko, you can really make a mistake and get off at the Chalin-Valog gondola station. Seems to be the lowest point, so they came up with what for newbies? On Chalin-Valog there are only red and black tracks in Bansko. Beginners, you have nothing to do there, and it's dangerous. Come to Banderishka Polyana, and from there, depending on the level of skiing, either up to the blue, or down to the first walking track.
1. So we got to the fattest minus of this resort. The gondola lift in Bansko in Bulgaria is categorically unable to cope with the flow of skiers and snowboarders. The city even blocked the road with demands to build another lift. But in fact - there is only one lift and it is prohibited to build a second one for some environmental reasons. It is forbidden to cut wood in this place. By the way, some tour operators refused to work with Bansko because of the huge queues for the lift. This is not a joke, this is a real tin! There are lines for 2-3 hours.
2. There are fewer people on the slopes in the morning than in the evening. The quality of the slopes is better, more compacted.
3. Most best time for arrival at the ski resort in Bansko (Bulgaria) - until 8.30 am. In this situation, you will stand in line for 15 minutes.
4. If there are two or more of you, queue up for ski passes and for the gondola at the same time.
5. The queues are greatly slowed down thanks to arrogant people who simply climb out of line. And when buying a ski pass, they buy for all their friends and for those who still ask in line. So, right in front of me, one couple settled down, I politely showed them to the end of the line, but they did not leave. As a result, I didn't miss them, and people after me too. Because while standing in line we all got to know each other and already knew each other.
6. The queue for the gondola to the left, from the side of the slope, is less than the queue from the entrance.
7. Having a ski pass, you can climb the slope in Bansko in Bulgaria by bus he is shuttle he is free bass ... The queue in this case will be even smaller. It's just that not all teapots know about this bus.
8. There are only a few shuttles in Bansko (Bulgaria). 6. They go back and forth, but because of traffic jams, the journey takes 20 minutes there and 20 minutes back.
9. You can take a car to get to Banderishka Polyana, where you can buy a skipass skip the line. Upstairs DO NOT sell ski passes, which are valid only for the lifts upstairs. No privileges for those who come by car, except that there is no need to stand in line.
10. On weekends, the queues are the largest. In addition to the huge flow of tourists, all of Bulgaria and part of neighboring Greece come to the ski resort.
11.In New Year Holidays the queue for the gondola in Bansko in Bulgaria takes 2-3 hours.
12. VIP entrance to the gondola (VIP skipass) is available for hotel guests (for a fee), as well as for two hotels at the top of the mountain. By the way, they sometimes sell these passes to tourists. They themselves approach the queues and offer them. Skip-the-line entrance with an instructor. Or to season ticket holders. You can also leave your equipment in the lockers in the building itself, from where they sit in the cabins, the entrance from there skip the line to the gondola. But this is somehow unfair, in my opinion.
Ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria: how and where to buy, prices 2019
1. One day ski pass in Bansko in 2019 for an adult costs 58 levs. The cost has not changed since the 2016-2017 season.
2. Ski passes for several days are sold only on consecutive days. You cannot buy a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) for 6 days, and ride for 7 days, skipping 1 day.
3. Prices for ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria in 2019 are half a day (from 12.30) cheaper by 10 levs (price 48 lev + 5 lev deposit), but they are sold only after 12.30. That is, having bought them, you will stand for at least 1 hour in the queue (this is if on weekends and competition days) and will ride a maximum from 13.30 to 17.00. In fact, the queue may be longer.
4. Unlike Russia, in Bansko in Bulgaria there are no ski passes in terms of the number of climbs. There is no division of ski pass prices on weekends, holidays and weekdays.
5. When paying for a ski pass in Bansko with a card, the process is greatly slowed down. the terminal at the checkout is very slow thinking.
6. It makes no sense to buy a ski pass on the first day for all skiing days. The difference in price is not significant. And are you ready to ride every day, standing in unbearable lines - a big question. But the thrill of skating smoothes those moments. If you are 100% sure that you will ride, then buy for a few days. Plus, you won't have to queue up for a ski pass every day.
7. They say that on the website banskoskipass.ru you can buy a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) in 2019 in advance and at a cheaper price. But I didn’t buy it. I could never predict in advance whether I would go skating the next day or not. In general, the benefit from purchasing a ski pass for a few days is not big, 1-2-3-5 lev. And if you skip a day, the difference will be noticeable (immediately minus 50-58 levs).
8. The cost of ski passes in Bansko in Bulgaria is not refundable in any case. Even if the weather is not rolling. Moreover, if you cannot ride for some reason, not a single leva will be returned to you. Well, only for the card itself, a deposit of 5 levs will be given.
9. Prices for ski passes in Bansko for the season are posted on the official website of the ski resort around December 15th.
10. Ski passes are sold until 17.30. Exactly at 17.30 the ticket office closes and the crowd is left with nothing.
11. When buying a ski pass in Bansko 2019, the price includes medical insurance in case of injury at the ski resort. At a minimum, transportation to the medical facility and first aid. In fact, I myself saw how they simply wrap a piece of cardboard in their injured arms and legs and take them to the first-aid post on Banderishka Polyana. If you go to Bansko, it is better to take care of with the option "ski" or " leisure».
12. When buying a ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) for a few days, you will be photographed. So the ski pass is as it were personalized. Faces are checked. Although, there is a great opportunity to slip through. There are cameras at the bottom station of the gondola. There are also cameras on the lifts from Banderishka Polyana.
13. Cameras on turnstiles really work. They can pull a person out of the crowd and take away the ski pass, if the face does not look alike. How faces are captured: if you buy for 6 days or more, you are photographed at the checkout. With one-day ski passes, a camera captures your face the first time you pass through the turnstile. The same problems can arise when buying a ski pass by hand, when after lunch people are selling day ski passes.
14. Despite all the warnings, some still sell a one-day ski pass in Bansko (Bulgaria) at the exit from the resort if they go home at 14-15 hours. After 16 o'clock you can't sell. However, this is at your own risk if you want to save money. But keep in mind that the administration is struggling with hand-selling, and as already mentioned, the face is photographed the first time you pass through the turnstile.
15. When passing through the turnstiles, you do not need to take the ski pass out of your pocket or sleeve. The turnstiles are contactless, they work automatically and rather quickly.
16. When paying for the instructor and renting equipment, there is a discount for the purchase of ski passes in Bansko, Bulgaria. But seeing this snowboarding and skiing school is worth wondering if you need it. 20 people stand in a row and do something ... Unless you see a ski or a snowboard for the first time. But then you are unlikely to go to Bansko. Better to overpay and take an individual instructor.
17. The deposit for the ski pass in Bansko in 2019 is not given at the box office. For this, there are machines inside the Ski Center building. The ski pass can be returned to the ticket office only if you immediately buy a new ski pass. Otherwise, they will be sent to the machine. So do not waste time in line at the ticket office just to give away your ski pass in Bansko.
1. Transfer from Sofia to Bansko (Bulgaria) takes 3 hours, distance 160 km. The quality of the road is not bad, but traffic jams are possible on weekends. The transfer from the tour operator Bon Tour (the receiving party, sending - Biblio Globus) took almost 6 hours. Stops for half an hour at a cafe, then transportation of some tourists to hotels. When everyone is taken away, only then you will be dropped off, transferred to a minibus, which still has to wait. Then the minibus driver will study which hotels to take you to, and only then will you reach the hotel. In 6 hours.
You can order a transfer online so that it will be waiting for you at the airport at the specified time.
2. Snow cannons in the ski resort of Bansko turn on automatically at sub-zero temperatures (-3 -5 degrees). When the temperature is above zero, the guns do not work.
3. The Ski Center Bansko in Bulgaria has luggage storage. You can leave the equipment until the next day. But prices are, of course, overpriced. However, as mentioned above, people adapt from the storage rooms and go to the gondola without queuing (at the beginning of the stairs). When renting ski equipment at the Ski Center, storage is free.
4. If you ride, wear a helmet ... You never know, extra protection never hurts. I saw a lot of situations on the tracks. You must have your own helmet. There are no helmets for rent in the complex. In a collision, skiers fly three meters away. So imagine what happens if you land your head.
5. Rent in the town of Bansko in Bulgaria - everywhere, even in hotels. Rental in the city is cheaper than in the complex itself. If you are told that they have the latest equipment, you can just smile. I saw this equipment. And the newest, of the last season, can only be found in the VIP rental. But the prices are huge.
6. Lower station of the gondola in Bansko - the kingdom of inflated prices ... Everything, absolutely everything there will be more expensive. As expected.
7. All instructors from the Yulen ski complex are Bulgarians. But they speak all languages, including Russian and English. When you pay for an instructor, you will be selected who knows your language. But the qualifications of Yulen's instructors are average. That is, only for beginners.
8. There is a kindergarten for children in the ski resort Bansko. There they teach skating for kids from 4 years old. The price includes lunch.
9. In general, there are several teaching schools in Bansko in Bulgaria. There are both for kids and adults. But the slides are very small, how to learn there is a big question.
10. A great idea for riding is a walkie-talkie. I saw several families with walkie-talkies, it's very convenient!
11. If you are traveling to Bansko (Bulgaria) with a more experienced friend, friend or spouse, it is better to take an instructor so as not to spoil the relationship and not be a burden. Keep in mind that the Yulen instructors are only for those who are learning to ride. If you want to hone your skills at a high level of skiing, you need to hire an instructor in the city, a professional.
12. Do not forget about safety, teach your children the rules of behavior on the slopes. First of all, learn to fall properly. Sit only at the edge of the slope, not in the middle. Don't stop in so called blind spots. If you fell there, quickly leave to a safe place, not forgetting to look back. Drive downhill with a predictable trajectory. It's like driving a car, people behind you need to understand that you won't cut their way in 1 second.
13. Do not forget that you are going to the mountains, and this is a test for the body. Before going to Bansko (Bulgaria), it is recommended to go to fitness for at least a few months. It is better not to climb the highest slopes on the first day. Altitude sickness can begin in some people already at the height of the slopes. The body may not be able to withstand the high mountains. For this reason, some people have to leave Bansko. Bring a skier's first aid kit with you.
14. When buying insurance or registering it from a tour operator, be sure to check that it is ski (called "ski", "sport" etc.). Regular insurance does not cover ski injury risks.
15. Things can be taken to ski wardrobes not in the ski center itself, but in neighboring buildings. Prices are slightly lower there. But there will be no skip-the-line access to the gondola.
16. Renting equipment in the Bansko ski resort in 2019 will also be useful to those who feel sorry for spoiling their kits due to poor coating quality.
17. Don't buy white ski suits , or at least don't ride them in Bansko in Bulgaria. You may find white to be trendy, but your safety should come first. People in white suits, you simply cannot be seen, especially during fog. A bright suit is another plus for your safety.
These were my tips about Bansko in Bulgaria for beginners and not only. If you have been to Bansko, write comments and subscribe to updates. ???
Bansko from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and tracks, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of tourists-skiers about Bansko.
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Bulgaria is not only our usual seaside resort full of sun and warmth, but also a network of unique ski regions... To some of the most popular among climbers and amateurs alpine skiing places belongs to Bansko. There is no less sun than the sea! The town is also distinguished by a unique regional cuisine, unlike other Bulgarian gastronomic delicacies.
Bansko is a fairly young ski resort with good infrastructure and quality slopes. A strong snow cover of up to 2 m lasts from November to the end of May. Even those who are far from skiing and outdoor activities will not be bored here. In a small old town there are opportunities for excursion tourism, and thanks to those around him thermal springs and the healing mountain air, Bansko has gained fame as a balneological and climatic resort.
Flights to Bansko depart from the Central Railway and Bus Station, where the international land transport... From Sofia airport you will have to get there through the whole city with transfers. By bus you need to go first on route 84 to the “Hotel Pliska” stop, then on 305 or 213 to “Centralna Gar”. To get to the metro, you need to go to the Sredika station to another line. The cost of one trip is 1.60 BGN, the journey will take 40-60 minutes. A taxi can be reached in half an hour and 20-30 BGN. Then we take a course for Bansko - by land or railroad... The prices on the page are for September 2018.
Many tourists choose not to mess with public transport and use taxi or group transfer - up to 390 BGN (3-8 people).
Flights from Sofia Central Bus Station depart 3-6 times a day, the fare is 9-16 BGN. You will have to spend 3-3.5 hours on the road. It is a little cheaper to get by train, but it is longer and more difficult, there is no direct route. First you need to get to the small town of Septemvri, where the narrow-gauge railway starts to Dobrinishte, passing through Bansko. Trains from the capital station leave from 6:30 to 22:40 every 1-2 hours, travel time is about 1.5 hours, the ticket will cost 6-9 BGN. In Septemvri, you will most likely have to wait for the train - only 3 trains run on the narrow-gauge railway a day, the last one at about 17:00. Ride on picturesque south Bulgaria will cost another 4-6 BGN and will take 4.5 hours. You can clarify the schedule and buy tickets online on the (official website (in English) of the Bulgarian Railways.
Video test for knowledge of Bulgaria | 10 tricky questions for tourists:
Some people prefer to get to Bansko via Plovdiv, where there is another airport. From there there is a similar railway route with a change in Septemvri. The whole journey takes about 6-7 hours, the price is 8-12 BGN. Buses leave 3 times a day from three different stations. Travel time - 2.5-3 hours, travel costs 10-18 BGN.
Search for flights to Sofia (nearest airport to Bansko)
Transport
Bansko is a very small town, and there is no public transport in the usual sense. From the local bus station besides the distant major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, you can go to the neighboring ski and spa resorts - Dobrinishte, Razlog, Banya, etc. The distance is about 6 km, the road takes 10 minutes, the fare is 1.96-5 BGN.
From some hotels to the lift "Cabins lift" tourists are delivered free ski buses.
It is convenient to get around the city by taxi. The car can be taken from the parking lot or ordered by phone (numbers are available at the hotel reception). All cars are equipped with meters, but it is better to clarify the cost in advance - most likely the driver will accurately name the price. A trip around the city will cost 10-14 BGN, at night it is almost 2 times more expensive.
It is interesting to ride a bike along the streets and surroundings of the resort. There are many routes in the mountains for those who are not looking for easy ways. There are rental points in many hotels and on the streets of the city. The rental price is from 18 BGN per knock. Some companies organize sightseeing cycling routes of varying difficulty, the price of the issue is 40-60 BGN per person.
Bansko Maps
Rent a Car
It is quite advisable to rent a car in Bansko. A rented car will help you save money, especially if you are planning excursions to neighboring cities or to mineral springs... In addition, on holidays, many hours of queues gather at the gondola lift that takes athletes to their chairs. It can be bypassed by car.
The traffic in Bansko is calm, there are few cars. The main street becomes pedestrianized during high season. Parking lots are paid almost everywhere, even at hotels - from 2-4 BGN per hour to 12 BGN per day.
For violation of traffic rules, high fines are provided: for driving while intoxicated - from 500 BGN.
Mainly local rental offices work at the resort - Top Rent A Car, Bulgaria Rantal Car and several very small ones. All information can be found at the hotel reception, place an order there and get the car in half an hour. Prices for economy class cars start from 20-35 BGN per day.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
To stay in touch with your home in Bansko, it is better to get a Bulgarian operator's SIM card. The main companies in the country are 3 - Telenor, VivaCom and M-Tel. The quality of communication is about the same - in the city itself the phone picks up well, interruptions are high in the mountains. The prices also do not differ much, it is a little cheaper to call Russia with Telenor Tourist - about 1.37 BGN per minute, message - 0.29 BGN. Tariff plans are sold in many stores (from BGN 6), for registration you need a passport. The package includes 30 minutes for calls within Bulgaria and abroad and 1000 Mb.
Many hotels in the resort provide their guests with free Wi-Fi. You can also go online from most cafes and restaurants - in some the network is open, in others the password is given only to visitors. In addition, the access point is installed at the lower station of the Kabinkov Lift gondola lift. The cost of tourist SIM cards also includes a certain amount of traffic, if it is not enough, you can connect an additional package - 10 BGN for 2000 MB.
Treatment in Bansko
An active holiday in Bansko can be combined with spa treatments. In the vicinity of the ski resort there are many hot deposits of low-mineralized hydrocarbonate water containing lithium, radon, iron and other substances. There are balneological resorts 6-15 km from Bansko - Banya, Ognyanovo, Dobrinishte and others. Thermal spa complexes with mineral pools have been built on their territory, from medical procedures - baths, massages, exercise therapy, baths and much more. It is not necessary to rent a room in a spa hotel to use the services. A day of procedures for guests costs about 30-40 BGN (from 10:00 to 19:00). Mineral waters of local springs and imported medicinal mud are used to treat metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.
Thanks to the vegetation covering the mountain slopes, the healing air of Bansko has a general strengthening and healing effect on the body.
If a full-fledged treatment is not required, and you just want to soak in mineral water after a day on the slopes, you can not go anywhere. Mineral water is brought to Bansko hotels by cisterns, and there are thermal pools in many hotels.
Bansko slopes
The ski slopes in Bansko are well equipped, safe and meet all requirements. Their length is about 70 km. The resort itself is divided into three ski areas: Chalin-Valog, Shiligarnika and Banderishka Polyana.
Chalin Valog (1467 m), the smallest and lowest ski area, is suitable mainly for beginners and training. Shiligarnika (1725 m) offers longer and more varied pistes for intermediate skiers. There is also one of the best slopes in Bulgaria, about 3 km long. Ski area Banderishka Polyana (1635 m) with a spacious slope is suitable for intermediate skiers and adherents of cross-country skiing.
The authorities and the city administration have not forgotten about snowboarders, for whom there is a fanpark and a halfpipe specially equipped and equipped with the latest sports technology.
During the New Year and Christmas holidays, considerable queues form at the main lift station: the waiting time can be up to 2-2.5 hours. The peak of pandemonium occurs at 8: 00-9: 00.
Lift pass
A two-meter layer of snow allows both beginners and masters of alpine skiing to ski safely and throughout the season. The ski pass includes any number of lifts on all rope and chair lifts throughout the ski area, ascent and descent on the funicular. In addition to the general ski pass (for any lifts and gondola), you can purchase separate ticket only on the funicular - one ascent-one descent - or a separate ski pass for the upper lifts. This ski pass is sold at the ticket offices at the top station of the funicular - Benderishkina Polyana - and is suitable for those who get to the track by car.
A lift pass usually needs to be purchased once for the entire ride - it is much cheaper than buying a lift ticket every day.
Ski passes (cost for adults): 1 day - 58 BGN, 2 days - 112 BGN, 3 days - 170 BGN, 4 days - 224 BGN, 5 days - 280 BGN, 6 days - 340 BGN, 9 days - 500 BGN , 13 days - 700 BGN. Gondola (2 round trip) - 28 BGN. Discounts are available for students, pupils and children (students and students must provide a student ID or a certificate from the school).
Bansko Hotels
The hotel card of Bansko is presented by hotels, guesthouses and apartments. The latter are the most in the city, many tourists prefer rooms with their own kitchen. For those who do not want to waste time on cooking, many hotels include breakfast in the room rate, some - lunch and dinner, there are a couple of all-inclusive offers. Another category is spa hotels where you can combine outdoor activities with wellness treatments.
In general, the level of housing prices is not high. Those who want to save money and do not plan to ski every day should look for options in the Old Town - where prices are lower, in high season - by 2-3 times. One night in double room costs from 28 to 50 BGN. In the new part of Bansko, prices fluctuate between 60-200 BGN, depending on location, additional options and "star rating".
What to bring
For those who want to take with them something reminiscent of a small town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, in the souvenir shops of Bansko there are many trinkets with the symbols of the resort - mugs, magnets, key rings, bells and much more. However, local shops also offer more practical traditional Bulgarian souvenirs. Kitchen utensils are in demand - ceramic dishes, painted with national patterns, as well as tablecloths and napkins, embroidered with a cross.
The fair sex usually takes away from Bansko cosmetics based on rose oil and medicinal herbs and the oil itself in tiny wooden bottles. IN mall sells quality and inexpensive Bulgarian leather goods - bags, belts and wallets.
It is customary to bring homemade feta cheese, rose petal jam, kashkaval cheese and a mixture of spices, which include aromatic mountain herbs, from edibles. Do not forget about rakia - the national alcoholic drink. It can be found at any grocery store.
Bansko cuisine and restaurants
The region is characterized by stewed and steamed meats and homemade sausages. To taste the real Bulgarian cuisine, it is best to go to "mehana" - a local tavern with a cozy home atmosphere and the same menu. There are many similar establishments in Bansko - some are more reminiscent of self-service cafes, but they are very cheap there - up to 15 BGN for lunch per person. In others, you will have to pay from 25-35 to 50-60 BGN for a full dinner, depending on the ordered dishes and location.
The resort has a street fast food where you can have a sandwich or pizza for 10 BGN right on the street.
Other popular places in Bansko are pubs and nightclubs. You will not be able to fully eat there, but while passing the evening with a glass or two of delicious beer, listening to live music and making new acquaintances is easy. The resort is saturated night lifeand the fun in some bars continues until the morning.
In addition to traditional "mehan", in the city you can find European cuisine establishments, steak houses, grill bars and other eateries. Lunch without drinks in an inexpensive catering costs 10-15 BGN, dinner for two in a middle-class cafe - 30-40 BGN. In luxury restaurants with gourmet cuisine, the average bill for two persons with drinks reaches 100 BGN.
The best photos of Bansko
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Entertainment and attractions
Bansko has a well-preserved architecture typical for this part of Bulgaria from the 17th-19th centuries. Fortified houses made of wood and stone are crowded in narrow streets, in some secluded nooks it is hard to believe that the yard is in the 21st century.
The main temple in Bansko - the Church of the Holy Trinity - was built during the Ottoman yoke. That is why the central entrance is crowned with a Christian cross and an Islamic crescent. The church has a carved iconostasis, the vaults are decorated with paintings by the artist Velyan Ognev. His house-museum is one of the most striking sights of the city. This place is called "Velyanova Kyshcha", the premises of the Architectural and Ethnographic Museum. Inside and outside, the walls are painted with patterns and motifs, some of them depict whole pictures - views of Venice and Istanbul.
Bansko for children
Bansko is positioned as a family ski resort where you can have fun and safety with your children. However, there is nothing special to do with the kids, there is no special entertainment for them, except game rooms and pools in the hotel.
The ski schools accept children from 6 years old. There are several safe and wide blue slopes on the slopes that are great for young skiers and beginners. Teenagers over 12 years of age can learn another sport - snowboarding.
There is an open skating rink in the very center of Bansko. The area is large, there are usually few people, there is a skate rental. The lights are on in the evening, so you can ride until late. Many hotels have swimming pools with water attractions... They cannot be called full-fledged water parks, but while parents bask in the thermal baths, children will be able to roll off the slides to their hearts content.
december
Thanks to geographic location and the surrounding mountains, Bansko is characterized by long snowy winters and short summers. Tall ski season lasts here from mid-December to late May. During thaws, the snow cover on the slopes is maintained artificially, so that the freezing temperature is not an obstacle.
During the summer months it is as sunny as the Bulgarian seaside resorts. However, there is no heat, in June-August there is a comfortable warm weather. At this time, the city turns from a ski resort into a Mecca for climbers, mountain lovers hiking, cycling and rafting.
Winter brings dreams of snow-capped mountain slopes and skiing opportunities. On the eve of the most magical holiday, a trip to another country to one of the resorts will come in handy. You just need to decide on the route. Why not book a tour in Bansko? Alpine skiing attracts many tourists - both experienced skiers and those who are just starting their friendship with this sport.
Where is Bansko
The resort, which attracts many guests, is located near the Bulgarian capital. It separates 160 km from Sofia and 110 km from Plovdiv. And only 250 km away are the popular greek resorts, considered the highlight of the Aegean Sea.
But they appreciate it not for its proximity to civilization, but for its amazing location. It stretches at the foot of the Pirin Mountain from the northeastern side. This mountain range is known to many thanks to the Vihren peak, which is almost 3000 meters high. Moreover, tourists are attracted here not only by convenient trails and comfortable lifts, but also by the Pirinsky nature reserve. Even UNESCO did not ignore it and took it under its protection.
Features of the climate and season
Excellent conditions for recreation are offered by the ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria). The reviews of those who have been there are full of words of admiration for the picturesque landscapes and weather. The fact is that on three sides this city is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks... Therefore, there are practically no cold winds that interfere with skiing from the mountains. But the resort is always sunny, and the temperature on the plains very rarely drops below -3 degrees. In the mountains, it can reach -15.
Bansko is said to have the longest winter and the shortest summer. This also affects the season. Bansko welcomes those wishing to ski from the mountain slope from mid-December to mid-April. The snow cover here reaches two meters. And when the snow begins to melt, special guns come to the rescue to help prolong the season.
How to get to the famous resort
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights. But due to the fact that the ski resort of Bansko is located in close proximity to the major cities of the country, it will not be difficult to get there.
There are regular buses from Sofia and Plovdiv. Travel time can be 3-4 hours. If you take a taxi, the trip will be faster. You can get to the resort in 2 hours.
Large recreation areas
The ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria) offers not one, but several places at once for a comfortable stay. Reviews of tourists recommend visiting:
- Chalin Valog. One of the lower areas, where it will be comfortable for those who are just learning to ski, and those who have already mastered this art.
- Banderishka Polyana. A place where excellent conditions for skiing are created. You can also practice biathlon here.
- Shiligarnik. The highest area, which is comfortably located near the top of Todorin vrah. There are many pistes with regular slalom competitions.
Let's talk about the tracks
Many tourists choose Bansko - a ski resort, reviews of which claim that it is one of the best in Europe. This reputation has helped him to gain a variety of tracks. The longest of them is 16 km long.
The ski resort Bansko (Bulgaria) offers its guests:
- 5 blue pistes for beginners.
- 9 red slopes for those who are already confidently skiing.
- 2 black slopes that ski virtuosos will appreciate.
Choosing a vacation spot
To make you feel comfortable, you need to choose a resort that matches your training.
So, if you are just mastering the basics of skiing, it is better to give preference to such trails as:
- Shiligarnik.
- Plateau.
- Ski road.
- Bansko.
For those looking for more coolness and adrenaline, these are great:
- Balkanida.
- Stara Pista.
- Chalin Valog.
- Todorka.
But the masters, real experts of this sport, will pay tribute to such tracks as:
- Banderitsa.
- Tsirna grave.
Lifts in Bansko
The developed infrastructure and the convenience of equipped trails attract both Russians and Europeans. The ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria) has as many as 26 ski lifts.
- First of all, I would like to note cable car gondola type on the route Bansko-Banderishka. It is designed for 8 passengers.
- 8 chair lifts equipped with removable cabins. 5 of them are for 4 people, the rest are for 3 people.
In addition, there is also a halfpipe where you can jump and perform various tricks. Snowboarders will also not be left idle. A park has been created especially for them, and equipment can be rented.
In addition, the resort offers to try your strength in biathlon, you can also visit the gym and swimming pool.
Features of children's recreation
If you have chosen the ski resort Bansko (Bulgaria), take your children with you. Little travelers will not be deprived of attention. There are lifts especially for them. And even a ski kindergarten is located at the Banderishka Polyana station. A child can be taken there if he is already over 4 years old. Also in this recreation area there are the best attractions for children: moving tracks, ski carousels.
Hotels in Ski Resort Bansko
You shouldn't have any problems with choosing a temporary place of residence. 306 hotels open their doors to the guests of Bansko.
They are presented here in a wide variety of variations and levels of service. Don't look at the number of stars, the service is excellent almost everywhere.
Where to stay?
- You can choose from modest hotels with a minimum number of services, as well as luxury hotel complexes.
- At your service are apart-hotels, which have huge apartments and are mini-apartments.
- If you want peace and privacy, you can choose boutique hotels. They are distinguished by an interesting design and a small number of rooms.
- Those who come here not only to ski, but also to improve their health, can safely choose SPA hotels. There are a lot of them in Bansko.
- You can stay at a boarding house and not think about food-related issues.
Whatever you choose, the Bansko ski resort will not disappoint you.
What to do on vacation?
If you do not like spending your evenings alone, the varied Apres-Ski is at your service. You can head to the disco or one of the many taverns. Particularly popular not only with local residents, but tourists also enjoy Dedo Pene. There you can taste not only amazingly delicious Bulgarian wine, but also such dishes as "Banski starets", "Sudzhuk", "Kalama". You will definitely like it.
Or you can visit the thermal pools. After all, Bansko is also a balneological resort. Underground mineral water have healing properties. The temperature of some of them can reach +42 degrees.
Exploring the sights
The ski resort of Bansko is also considered one of the most beautiful historical towns. Those who prefer it will find a lot of interesting things here.
Do not deny yourself the opportunity to have a good rest and ski. After all, this is exactly what the ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria) exists for. The prices for the tour are very reasonable. For the rest of one person during the week, you are invited to pay about 19 thousand rubles. This amount includes flight and transfer to the hotel, medical insurance, accommodation and meals (free breakfast). Not such a big cost if you imagine how much entertainment awaits you at the resort.
