Winner of World Ski Awards' "Best Ski Resort In Bulgaria" every year since 2013, Bansko offers 75km of uninterrupted ski runs, great snow conditions and a unique combination of a modern ski resort and a historic town with an incredible choice of après-ski bars, restaurants and activities.

As a non-euro destination, Bulgaria is proud to be able to offer you the best value for money ski services in Europe. Pre-booking your ski extras with us before travelling is the best way to save on your next ski holiday to Bansko.

Situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko Holidays take place on a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's easy to see why with its quaint cobbled streets, where you can still hear the local Bansko dialect being used and old clock tower, where the bell has been measuring the hours for over 150 years.

Bansko has developed into a modern ski resort destination, thanks to the excellent facilities combined with breath-taking nature and the traditional spirit of the old town that has been beautifully preserved through the centuries.

Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are well catered for as Bansko has 75 kilometres of marked pistes, which are easily accessed by a fantastic network of lifts. As the day draws to a close, the après-ski is centred around the local 'Mehanas', a friendly taverna type restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine and drinks, often with roaring log fires and live entertainment. For a truly enjoyable winter sports holiday, enhanced by warm Bulgarian hospitality, visit Bansko where you really can have the best of both worlds.

Amazing Value For Money

Bulgaria's efforts to modernise its ski resorts have resulted in international recognition. Today Bansko is unique in various aspects - as a place where guests will discover ultimate relaxation and enjoyment, or as a resort with unparalleled range of sporting and cultural activities. Its popular slogan, "Unlimited ski and fun", emphasizes the surprising variety of choices that can be enjoyed during your holiday here.

In 2019, the resort of Bansko once again emerged as one of the best value for money ski destinations in the world. In this year's Ski Resort Report, compiled by Post Office Travel Money, the relative costs of ski passes, equipment hire, lessons and refreshment on the slopes was compared across a range of skiing resorts, finding that the cost of a six-day ski pass at Bansko would set UK tourists back about £114 at current exchange rates, compared to over £600 at Vail for example.

Ski Area

In less than 20 minutes the fast Gondola lift will take you to the Bansko ski center, which is situated approximately 12km away from town. The ski center has 75km of marked ski pistes and 9km of cross country tracks that have been extensively cultivated. More than 80% of the slopes are covered by snow cannons and all runs are excellently maintained by more than 12 Kassbohrer slope vehicles to guarantee maximum safety and pleasure from the great selection of nursery, intermediate, and advanced pistes.

The slopes are serviced by a number of chair lifts and drag lifts, including the 8-man Gondola and the four-chair bubble lift. If you still have some energy left at the end of you day, you can ski a unique run of 16km uninterrupted skiing, starting from Todorka Peak at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station of the Gondola lift. The last 7 km of the slopes are floodlit and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions.

Après-ski

Dine out in one of the hundred "mehanas" offering traditional cuisine and enjoy Bulgarian folklore performed by local artists. Besides the famous local church, St. Trinity, there are many historical, architectural, and cultural monuments.

Nightlife

At the end of the day, the Happy End restaurant by the gondola base station turns into a nightclub and the lively atmosphere there is only rivalled by the Amnesia club in the centre of town. Bansko's nightlife is completed by a wide selection of pubs and bars offering variety of cocktails, live music and karaoke. For a quieter night out the bowling arena in hotel Strazhite might be a very good alternative.

History

Bansko is a combination of a modern resort and living town with its Old Town attracting both tourists and locals. St. Trinity church with its clock tower are the emblem of the Old Town. Step inside to look at the unique icons created by masters from the Bansko and Debar schools. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the traditional houses resembling architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period. The most popular, now a museum, is the "Velyanova" house where murals are preserved and furniture and tools are displayed which provide an insight into the lifestyle. After busy few hours sightseeing treat yourself to delicious Bulgarian specialities in an authentic ambience in one of the many welcoming "mehanas" here in the Old Town.

Shops

The Old Town is also well worth exploring for some handmade souvenirs. You can also find a great selection of sports shops around, all with the latest ski/ board gadgets, gear and equipment.

Ice Skating