Bansko is the out of the way ski resort in South West Bulgaria, based in the Pirin Mountains, which are still very natural and unspoilt.I have stayed here for three days, which if you are an intermediate or above is long enough to ski out the resort (unless you want to go off piste). The town of Bansko is typical Bulgarian; in places very historic, in places functional eastern bloc. It has a decent selection of shops, although you are in Bulgaria, so don't expect what you would get in western ski resorts! The shops though are decent, and you can get absolutely bargain priced wine to bring home! The hotels- well I would say for a Bulgarian ski resort they are good, but do not trust the local star ratings! The hotel Bansko (4 star) is very nice, good food, nice rooms. I liked it! The actual skiing however is a way out of town, served by a free ski bus. Bansko though has a few things to note here. The resort is lower than 1000m altitude, so is not always snow sure and is exempt from most snow guarantees on insurance policies. It does rise though to 2600m or so, so higher up it is better- as always! The beginners area is nearer the town, is lower down, and is served by drag lifts. It is a good beginners area, and the ski school instruction is excellent. The rest of us, and those beginners towards the end of the week, go a bit further on the ski bus to catch a chair lift into the mountains. I never saw a queue. There is not a massive choice of runs, and they are challenging for beginners, but there are also some wonderful guided off piste possibilities. Local guides are cheap to hire (about £12 a day) and are friendly. Overall, worth visiting, especially if you want to combine your skiing with some culture, but not a resort for professionals! The major tour operator is Balkan Holidays. Ideal as a two centre break.
See also my review on Borovets.
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I've just come back from a week there. I thought it was more a resort for intermediates than beginners though I must admit, as mostly (harsh) red runs and the nursery slope was practically flat, meaning that beginners had to go onto harder runs more quickly than usual, so I was told. Loved the place though and thought it was excellent value for money.
flickpugh 16.01.2004 19:52
I'm going there in February. Would have liked to know more about food, ski school, nightlife, excursions etc. Can you provide any more info?
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Advantages: cheap, traditional Bulgarian culture and buildings, excellent ski school Disadvantages: low altitude - though ski season usually runs from Dec - April
flickpugh 09.02.2004 (09.07.2004)
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Review of Bansko
Advantages: cheap, traditional Bulgarian culture and buildings, excellent ski school Disadvantages: low altitude - though ski season usually runs from Dec - April
flickpugh 09.02.2004 (09.07.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Bansko
Jan 1st, 2001
(Jan 4th, 2001)
very helpful by (73%):
helpful by (27%):
