BANSKO FOOD & NIGHTLIFE

In recent days almost every house has its own tavern (called “Mehana”), still housing the exceptional charm and style of the local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Bansko boasts more than 100 “Mehanas”, most of them offering live music and folklore programs. When it comes to nighlife few resorts can compare with what Bansko offers. Discos, Karaoke bars and night clubs work without time limit, and usually close early in the morning.

DAILY EXCURSIONS IN BANSKO THE AREA

Bansko is of great architectural and rila monastery bansko, skiing bulgariahistorical value being located in the place of a settlement that was inhabited in succession by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Slavs; today Bansko has preserved more than 120 cultural and historical monuments. However for non-skiers Bansko offers great variety of possible excursions to places of interest nearby:

• Rila Monastery – the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and also one of the most remarkable monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Melnik – the smallest Bulgarian town, hidden among picturesque sandy pyramids and famous for its architecture and local brands of red wine.
• Kovachevitsa – a village with original and unique architecture. Two- and three-storey stone houses built on the basis of the old Bulgarian pre-revival houses, during the second half of XVIII century.
• Ognyanovo – a spa resort close to the Greek border with average temperature of the water + 43C.

Freeride & Freestyle Skiing & Snowboarding in Bansko

What better place than Bansko, standing out as one of the best off-piste and extreme skiing destinations in Eastern Europe, to do a 1, 2 or 3 day course designed for those who want to both learn and explore the off-piste environment. The natural progression of leaving the controlled areas and opening your senses for more and more possible lines out there is freedom, however neither an easy nor risk-free task. Solid technique and knowledge of your surroundings are essential.

The Beginner Off-Piste course focuses on off-piste technique instruction and is aimed at the novice off-piste rider who wants to make the transition from piste riding to off-piste. It will also touch on the two subjects of avalanche awareness and terrain assessment to give you an understanding of the environment that you are in and the additional risks involved. Designed for competent piste skiers/snowboarders. This course is more focused on teaching you technique more than exploring and learning mountain awareness.

Pirin Mountain from the ski slopes Bansko

Our Off-Piste Advanced course offers a mix of instruction and off-piste guiding, during which you will be able to improve both your technique and mountain safety skills at the same time as exploring the Pirin Mountains. Designed for very competent piste skiers/snowboarders who have started riding off-piste and want to learn more. If you are thinking of starting ski touring or backcountry snowboarding and your off-piste experience is limited we highly recommend doing this course first.

Bansko can boast of incredible freeriding accessible from the lift system. And if you really want to explore the wilderness terrain and ride fresh snow days after the last snowfall, then ski touring and backcountry snowboarding ranks alongside heliskiing as a great way to flee the crowds and get away from it all with possibilities only limited by how much effort you want to put in. Powderfields, couloirs and perfectly spaced forest – our mountain guides will take you to the best serving of freshies while you enjoy a whole new dimension of the mountain.

Groups: 1 to 4 participants

Dates: December – March

Prices:

One day course:

1 person – 110 Euro

2 people – 190 Euro (95 Euro/person)

** Each additional person pays extra 40 Euro per day

Two day course:

1 person – 190 Euro

2 people – 310 Euro (155 Euro/person)

** Each additional person pays extra 40 Euro per day

Three day course:

1 person – 255 Euro

2 people – 450 Euro (225 Euro/person)

** Each additional person pays extra 40 Euro per day

Prices include: avalanche beacon, shovel, probe

Prices do not include: lift pass, specialized backcountry equipment (ski skins, snowshoes, poles)

Bansko Ski Resort Facilities, Bulgaria

SKIING FACILITIES

• The excellent ski runs comply with the standards of FIS and are located in two main ski-centers – Chalin Valog (The peak’s hollow) (1100-1600 m. a.s.l.) and Shiligarnika (1700-2500 m. a.s.l.). They are situated at approximately 10 km distance away of the town and are easily accessible by the Gondola starting from Bansko. On your way back at the end of the day it is up to you to decide whether to return by the Gondola or ski down the ski road, which marks Bansko as one of the few resorts in the world to offer this option.
• The total length of the pistes is about 70 km (some of them with safety net installations). Several tens of snow cannons maintain the snow coverage in perfect conditions when necessary, making the ski season last longer. Variety of many different inclines and types of snow offer the best opportunities for ski enthusiasts of all levels, from the absolute beginner to the extreme high performer. Some good off-piste riding is available but local knowledge is essential to avoid the hidden dangers. In addition to on-piste skiing, skiers and snowboarders are welcome to the fun park in the “Platoto” area which offers fans of the extreme winter sports the option to ski over present artificial bumps and jumps as well as to build those on their own.
• The ski runs are serviced by a number of chair lifts and drag lifts, all of which are cutting edge Doppelmayer ski lifts, including the 8-man Gondola and the four-chair lift with bubble shields to protect you from harsh weather conditions. Expect no queues for this and the coming seasons for the easy hands-free access to all lifts is secured by SkiData chip-card ski passes that you never need to take out of your pocket, which is still a rare occurrence in many other resorts. There are several monitors broadcasting live the conditions of the upper parts of the lifts, preparing people of the weather expecting them a bit higher in the mountains.
• Last but not least, Bansko offers its guests a unique 16-kilometre uninterrupted skiing, starting from Todorka Peak at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last 7 km of the slope are lighted, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions.

SKI KINDERGARTEN

Children of 4 and up are invited to join the Junior Ski Club that will reveal them the first steps in skiing, combined with lots of fun and entertainment. Along with memorable experience kids also get a small gift to take home and the oportunity for further discounts.

OFF SLOPE CHILD CARE

Purposely located on your way to and from the first station of the Gondola, the Non-Skiing Kindergarten takes care of children aged 3-7 (English-speaking only). Supervised activities, fun, games and special entertainment take place Sundays through Fridays from 9.00 to 17.00. Please, note that reservations are made only through your holiday representative on the spot.

BEGINNERS

The abundance of blue runs and the availability of baby drags make Bansko a great place for first-time skiers and snowboarders. The ski-schools have some of Bulgaria’s best instructors and the ski depots offer the latest in ski and snowboard equipment.

INTERMEDIATE

Variety of blue and red runs, suitable to intermediate skiers, make the resort a very good choice both for those committed to becoming experts, as well as for those who take up winter sports merely as a recreational activity.

ADVANCED & OFF-PISTE

While some red runs and the “Alberto Tomba” black run should keep most experts busy, Bansko is probably more popular for its great offerings of extreme and off-piste skiing. The resort is a regular host to extreme competitions, but even on quieter days there is the alternative to compete on pre-defined slalom traces on the marked slopes. The ski and snowboard fun-park area and the half-pipe facility are popular playgrounds for experts to boast their latest tricks. If you wish to take it off-piste, please make sure that your insurance policy covers off-piste skiing and that you take a guide with you.

BIATHLON & CROSS COUNTRY

Bansko, with its biathlon and cross-country trails, is also the choice of Irina Nikulchina and Nina Kadeva, two Bulgarian women that are among the world’s top ten biathlon racers.

PRICES FOR SKI SERVICES IN BANSKO

lift (ski) passes, ski packages, hire of ski and snowboard equipment, ski & snowboard schools

Notes:

– All prices are in Euro per person

– Snowboard services are provided only to clients aged 12 and over

– Ski school provided to children aged 7 and over

– Snowboard school starts to expire from the first day of ski pass validity if booked in a package

– 13 days packs are inclusive of 12 days ski and snowboard tuition

– Prior to arrival we recommend you make winter sports insurance

Bansko Ski Resort, Bulgaria

Bankso Ski Slopes

Bankso Ski Resort in a nutshell:

• More than 70km of marked ski runs and cross country tracks (longest ski run – 3,5km); altitude of the ski runs: 1100-2560m; main slopes exposure: North
• 6 chair lifts (five 4-seats and one 3-seat), 1 gondola lift (8-seat); 7 drags and 10 baby drags; The total length of the wire equipment in the resort is 26 kilometers
• Mild winters with heavy snowfalls; the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec – 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts; snow cover on slopes normally exceeds 2m in winter
• Great variety of accommodations – from guesthouses, cozy family-run pensions and holiday apartments to 5-star hotels
• Picturesque situation in a valley surrounded by Pirin, Rila and Rodopi Mountains
• Located in South-West Bulgaria (925m a.s.l.) at the foots of Pirin Mountains National Park, 160km from Sofia (2,45 hrs by car from Sofia airport) and 210km from Plovdiv (3,30hrs by car from Plovdiv Airport)

Snowshoeing Trek In Vitosha & Rila Mountains

Explore the beauty of nature amidst the magic of winter. Experience the serenity of the spectacular winter backcountry in two of the most appreciated mountains in Bulgaria – Vitosha Nature Park and Rila National Park. Even if you have not tried before, this tour will introduce you to snowshoeing – enjoyable activity that anyone who can walk will quickly master. The trek goes through mountain forests and meadows, alpine plateaus and peaks, valleys and slopes, in order to tire you delightfully before the evening spent in a cozy local family-run pension chatting over a glass of red wine and home-made delicious meals.

Snowshoeing is a bit harder than walking as the efforts in tracing the snow are persistent and sometimes rather demanding in terms of good physical condition.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Hiking in Vitosha Mountains, overlooking Sofia – the Bulgarian capital city
• Rila Monastery – one of the most famous tourist landmarks in Bulgaria
• Attempt to climb two of the highest peaks on the Balkans – Maliovitsa & Musala
• The tranquility of the snowy mountains outside the crowded ski resorts

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the centre for overnight.

Day 2: Transfer to Vitosha Mountains. We start walking from the area called The Golden Bridges, named after the yellow lichens that cover the local ”stone rivers”, which might be snowcapped at that time of the year. Our target for the day is to reach the mountain base by Aleko hut, passing through one of the nature reserves on the plateau areas of the mountains – “Torfeno Branishte” (Peat Reserve). From here we take the bus down to Sofia to unwind (time permitting) before dinner. Overnight in Sofia. Walking time: 4hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 600/150m.

hiking on snow shoes in the mountains of bulgaria, rila and vitosha

Day 3: The walk today starts from the last point reached the day before – Aleko hut. After a transfer to that area we start snowshoeing uphill to the highest peak in the mountains – “Cherni Vryh” (The Black Peak), 2290m a.s.l. It takes some 2hrs to reach the top, where we can enjoy a cup of hot herbal tea and snacks before heading back along another route, encircling the rocks of “Malak Rezen” Peak. Walking time: 4-5hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 600/600m.

Day 4: Morning transfer will bring us to the renowned Rila Monastery (appr. 2,30hrs from Sofia) – UNESCO heritage listed site. Sightseeing tour and time for lunch before transferring further to “Panichishte” resort, from where we will make our way in the direction of probably the most famous area in Rila Mountains – the Seven Rila Lakes. Although frozen and covered with thick snow in winter, the region is still quite attractive at this time of the year. En-route we will pass by the frozen “Skakavitsa” Waterfalls. Overnight stay at The Rila Lakes hut. (*please note that you will have to bring along a change of clothes for this night as you will see the rest of your luggage in the evening of Day 5) . Walking time: 2hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 300/-m.

Day 5: The day will start with a circuit around the circuses of the Seven Rila Lakes (named The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake and The Lower Lake). Once finished we will start descending towards Maliovitsa resort through the venerable woods of Macedonian pines, where the bus will take us for overnight stay in a cozy family pension in the village of Govedartsi. Walking time: 5-6hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 250/800m

Day 6: The highest peak in Bulgaria and also on the Balkan Peninsula (Musala, 2925m a.s.l.) will be targeted today. After a short transfer to Borovets resort we ride the Gondola lift towards Yastrebets Peak, which is the best starting point for one-day treks to the peak and back. Commencing from 2370m a.s.l. we will only need to push on some more efforts attempting to reach the highlight of the tour. In good weather conditions the surrounding panoramas are stunning – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains, the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the rounded summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range. Transfer back to Govedartsi for well deserved rest. Walking time: 6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 750m

Day 7: The valley of Maliovitsa will be explored today, and depending on the weather conditions we will try to climb Maliovitsa peak itself (2729m a.s.l.). Alternatively we will trace some other routes above Maliovitsa hut (1950m a.s.l.), where the snow is also stable enough to make safe and delightful walks in the alpine parts of the mountain. Overnight in Govedartsi. Walking time: 5-7hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 1000/1000m.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for departure.

EXTENSIONS

Yes, ski holiday in Bansko, Borovets or Pamporovo

Try skiing and snowboarding in the best resorts in Eastern Europe, or in the sunniest one or in the oldest one in Bulgaria.

Accommodation and luggage transportation:

3-star hotels (days 1, 2 and 3), mountain hut (day 4) and family-run pension (days 5, 6 and 7); everywhere en-suite double rooms; halfboard (breakfast and dinner included; lunchpacks could be ordered at the price of 6 Euro per person per day or you can prepare such by yourself using the shops around your accommodations). Luggage is taken care of throughout the whole trip (except for the evening of Day 4 when you will have to carry some clothes for change for the night in the hut).

Best period: January-March

Group size: Min. 6 persons.

Price: 690€/person

Single room supplement: 90 €

The price includes: transfers from/to Sofia airport; rent of snowshoes and ski poles; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; English-speaking mountain guide and private transfers throughout the tour; lift tickets in Borovets (Day 6); VAT and all local taxes.

The price does not include: other meals and drinks, map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour); tips; alcohol drinks and other personal expenses

* All prices are Sunshine World International’s own prices and we reserve the right to change them at any time