During the last 5 years Bansko has without a doubt established itself as the best winter resort not only in Bulgaria but on the Balkans as well. No other place on the peninsula can compete with Bansko and its skiing facilities.. The resort is still growing even now and the three new lifts, that are to be finished for the 2006 -2007 season will make it not only the best but also the biggest winter resort on the Balkans. The town itself has some extraordinary views to offer and the hospitality of the local people is something that would be noticed right away.

 Bansko is situated in the RAZLOG valley (South-West Bulgaria) and the town itself is all surrounded by mountains. Rila is to the North, Pirin to the South and the Rhodope mountain range is situated to the East.

Pirin Mountains, where the ski slopes are situated, is itself a natural park and in the areas around the resort the forests and the wildlife are really well preserved. Temperatures vary from +35 in the summer to about -25 during the winter. The winter season lasts for about 5 months during which the town sometimes gets a meter of snow and most of the time you can ski from the top (Todorka-2744m) to the town in about 25-30 min if youre an advanced rider. During the spring the place changes completely, everything becomes green instead of white and skiing and snowboarding give way to organized mountaineering and touring.

 There are no big cities within 100 km and the same is valid for any industrial activities. The quality of the air is something that doesnt need to be mentioned, anyone will feel the difference immediately, especially if youre coming from an urban environment.

 Until now Bansko was known as a winter resort but from next year the new golf course thats being built right now and the opportunities for organized group mountain trekking, rock climbing and paragliding will make Bansko a nice place to be at even during the summer. In simple terms from next year Bansko will not only be a winter but an all seasons resort and thats what the aim of the local government is.

 Another important fact that shouldnt be underestimated is that Greece and the Aegean Sea is only 2 hours away (by car) and Sofia the capital of Bulgaria is also 2 hours away. A plan for a new airport in the neighboring town of Razlog  is being discussed right now and if it becomes true that will certainly be a huge boost for the local truism.  Bansko's council has now clearly realized the need for a quick and efficient improvement of the town's infrastructure and much effort has been made to modernize it since the six new lifts were open three years ago. A new ring road is being built at the very moment and telecommunications have been significantly improved in a place which only five years ago was considered to be a small village. The streets and areas on the west side of the river and near the Gondola lift are now under constant development. This together with the expansion of E79 (the road that links Bulgaria with Greece) shall make Bansko a really modern and easy to access resort. Once the expansion of E79 is finished, journey times from Sofia International Airport to Bansko will be between 1h30min and 2h30 min depending on the weather and therefore driving conditions.

  The town has its old and new sections .There are numerous historical sites in the old town and while most of the nightlife and restaurants are situated on the East side of the river (Glazne), the western side has remained strictly residential and is much quieter. The town is relatively small and even if you're at the other end of town it will take you around 5 min by car or a 20 min walk to reach the Gondola lift station (situated on the south side of town).   The neighboring village of Bania has plenty of mineral springs which are only 5 km away from Bansko and offers excellent opportunity for those who want to rest inside a nice warm mineral water pool after a day of skiing or snowboarding. There is also a bowling centre and few privately owned swimming pools in Bansko . The quality of food served in the restaurants is excellent and for those into organic food Bansko is the place to be, because most of the production is local and 100% natural.   

 The ski facilities will satisfy even the most advanced skiers and snowboarders . There are countless off-piste opportunities and although helliboarding is still not available at this point , the ski runs and the size of the resort itself will provide enough challenge even to those who are used to the resorts in the APLS or Colorado...

Here are some facts about the ski facilities:

List of the ski lifts:

One -8 passengers Gondola cable car by Doppelmayer. It takes you from the town to the slopes in about 20-35 min depending on the speed at which it is operating, which itself depends on the whether conditions (wind being the major factor).

Five 4-seat lifts of the latest Doppelmayer models

One 3-seat lift by Poma

6 drags and

Total capacity: 10 000 person/day

The access to all lifts is by chip-cards from SkiData.

The existence of excellent quality crisp white snow on 65 kilometers of marked ski runs and ski roads is made possible by their regular maintenance by 12 Kassbohrer snow grooming machines. Snow is guaranteed from Mid December until Mid May and there are around 40 snow cannons.

Facts about the ski runs:

Suitable for Beginners - 35%; Intermediate - 40%; Advanced - 25%

Total length of marked ski runs, including the ski roads: 65 km

Altitude of highest ski run: 2600 m; Altitude of lowest ski run: 990 m