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Overview: Situated in the foothills of one of the country's most beautiful mountains, Bansko is a charming and historic town with the stunning alpine backdrop formed by the Pirin Mountains. A climatic mountain resort, Bansko is known as an alpine skiing, hiking and climbing centre, but it combines its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities with the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town from the 10th century, and boasts a wealth of culture and history, as well as traditional taverna-style cuisine and colourful folklore. The traditional stone and wooden buildings are an integral part of its charm and character and many relics and monuments survive from its past. The alpine character of the Pirin Mountains create excellent skiing conditions for all types of skiers and experts can enjoy some of the country's best downhill skiing at the nearby resort of Shiligarnika.

Skiing: The Bansko ski area is particularly well suited to beginners and intermediates. The slopes of Todorin Vruh are the best spot for novices, with gentle slopes and long runs from the chair lift. The slopes also give access to some good off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Intermediates can take the triple chair lift to the top of the peak and try one of the downhill runs. Snow conditions in Bansko are good and there are seldom queues even in the height of the season. A multi-million Euro project has recently seen the installation of new lifts, including an eight-person gondola, adding to the popularity of the Bansko ski area. The Ulen Ski and Snowboard School offers good tuition, particularly for children who are cared for at the Ulen Junior Ski Club. Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (December to May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts.

 

Shopping: Shopping in Bansko is confined to the necessities of life, but visitors will find plenty of souvenirs in the form of local handwork, especially embroidered goods.

 

Restaurants: Bansko is not short on cosy eateries, with hundreds of taverns in the town serving up hearty Bulgarian cuisine. Don't expect to find McDonalds here, though!

 

Nightlife: Après-ski in Bansko is not as wild as Bulgaria's other popular ski resorts at Borovets and Pamporovo. This small old-fashioned town takes its tone from the quiet locals, who prefer to while away the evenings in the large selection of low-ceilinged taverns and pubs before a roaring fire. Two of the favourites are Dedo Pene and Molerova Kushta. Most offer entertainment in the form of local musicians or folk orchestras. There are some low-key discotheques offering dancing, also frequented by the local youth who have a reputation for hot tempers.

 

Activities: The town does not offer many diversions in winter apart from good skiing and boarding, but the area is well known for its thermal springs and these together with several excellent swimming pools, which also have saunas and fitness rooms alongside them allow for pleasant après-ski relaxation.

 

Negatives: Bansko is quiet and not suited to 'party animals'.

 

Attractions

Pirin National Park

Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and... see full details