About Bansko

Bansko is the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria and the Balkans. It is located on a high plateau between the Pirin and Rila mountains, offering splendid views of both.

Situated at the foot of the Pirin mountains, Bansko is a combination of a modern ski resort, new town, and an authentic and picturesque old town. It offers some of Bulgaria's best skiing from mid December to mid April and lots of activities during the summer months, making it a popular year round destination.

It has seen the largest investment of any of the Bulgarian ski resorts in the last 4 years, including new gondola, ski runs and general infrastructure. In 2008 / 2009 it hosted a skiing world cup event.

The mountains are also a popular hiking and touring destination, and form part of the Pirin national park. There are plenty of other summer activities to do including mountain biking, climbing and kayaking with lots of local attractions and places of interest. The natural beauty and outdoor activities are attracting increasing numbers of tourists all year round. An Ian Woosnam signiture golf course has also recently opened.

Another big attraction is the atmospheric old town which boasts a wealth of culture and history, it also has traditional taverna-style cuisine and colourful folklore. The town comprises ancient cultural monuments and charming narrow cobbled streets with fortified and artistically decorated stone houses. It is home to several museums and permanent ethnographic exhibitions and The Holy Trinity Church with its 30m high bell tower boasts splendid murals and wood carvings.

The town is host to the traditional summer Jazz Festival, Bulgarian Folk Festival and numerous other cultural events.

Skiing Information

Bansko offers the best skiing in Bulgaria especially suited to beginners and intermediates but it also has some good off piste slopes for more advanced skiiers. Recent investment in the resort has seen new and improved well designed runs, new lifts and snow cannons. The runs are well managed and maintained as would be expected in any Alpine ski resort.

Facts & Figures

Highest lift: 2560 m.

Total length of ski piste: 65 km.

Longest run: 16 km.

Cross country trails: 9 km.

Beginner ski slopes: 4 Green, 2 Blue

Intermediate ski slopes: 7 Red

Advanced ski slopes: 1 Black

Ski lifts: 15 ( 1 gondola, 7 high speed chairs, 7 drags).

Season: from December to April