Winter in Bansko

Bansko is the newest and the most rapidly developing ski resort in Bulgaria. 100 million Euros have been invested to install a state of the art ski facility with equipment specifically designed for the Pirin slopes.
The many pistes, include a 16 km uninterrupted run from beneath the summit where you can ski down to the base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last 7 km of the slope is lit, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions. View Videos of Bansko
The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent with more than 50% of the slopes covered by snow cannon making sure there is always good snow cover. Bansko has the best snow record of all Bulgarian ski resorts. The ski season starts in the middle of December and carries on right through into April.
Bansko is ideal for beginners and there are English speaking instructors at the ski school. For intermediates the ski area is fantastic with fabulous views and many well-maintained wide tree-lined runs. The advanced skier can try the Alberto Tomba black run, and there is good off-piste available (a guide is recommended). See Piste Map
For Snowboarders there are long tree-lined runs and there is new dedicated snowboarders area with a half-pipe facility 90 metres high by 16 metres wide.
Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of -5°C in the valleys and ski resorts, and down to -20°C on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick.
The unique combination of a well developed mountain resort and a living historical town turns Bansko into an elegant place for entertainment. The traditional taverns (called Mehanas), with their exceptional charm and style, offer local atmosphere with their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local Mehanas even offer live folk music.
An emergency ski patrol service is available 24 hours a day. An ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid on all ski slopes. Fully equipped and functioning hospitals are also available in the area. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resort too. There are also a number of pharmacies in the town for over-the-counter remedies.
Some medical and all dental services must be paid in cash. They should provide the necessary bills, receipts and invoices describing the service and the cost, so that you can claim back the expense to your insurance company.

   Click to visit Official Ski Resort website  Click to see Piste Map

Click to visit the official website of Bansko in Bulgaria

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