Bansko is a ski resort in Bulgaria , which is famous all over the world for its excellent conditions for skiing, luxurious nature, quaint architecture of ancient streets, and mild climate. The skiing season here lasts from mid-December to the end of April: it is during this period that the city seems to come alive, and its hotels and entertainment facilities are filled with tourists from all over the world. Today, Bansko is one of the most rapidly developing ski resorts in Eastern Europe, and tours to it are considered very prestigious.
Features and description
The city is located at an altitude of 936 m above sea level, and lies on the territory of the Pirin National Park at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is located 160 km from it, and Plovdiv is 110 km away.
The height difference in Bansko is 930-2560 meters, and there are many trails of varying difficulty for both beginners and professionals. The tracks are served by modern funiculars and lifts, which are designed for a flow of passengers of up to 3,000 people per hour. The slopes are regularly treated with snow plows – machines for compacting snow, which make the conditions for skiing as comfortable as possible. If the weather conditions do not allow the snow to lie in the necessary layer for skiing, then it is restored with special snow cannons.
Bansko is a ski resort , where a fairly wide range of people can afford a vacation: here you can find accommodation options from small, cheap rooms to large, expensive apartments. A lot of attention is also paid here to small guests: for them there is a kindergarten with a ski track, a children’s lift and a playground.
Bansko ski tracks
The ski season in Bansko starts from the middle of December and, as a rule, lasts until the end of March – the beginning of April, and in some years you can ski in the beginning of May. This duration is due to the fact that the slopes of the resort are mainly directed to the north, and the thickness of the snow cover on them reaches 2 meters. The tracks are well taken care of, regularly restoring the snow cover before the new day. Snow cannons help to maintain a comfortable level of coverage, but in warm winters with an influx of tourists, the lower levels of the tracks are quickly broken, so in the afternoon it is better to climb to the upper level.
The skiing area is small, about 65 kilometers in total on 15 tracks. Descents are mainly for calm skiing, extreme lovers will be a little bored here. But beginners and those vacationing with children will like it here – mostly the tracks are wide and calm, on which it is good to master the technique of skiing. However, there are areas for off-piste skiing for experienced skiers.
On Mount Chalin Valog (1467 m), which is closest to the city , there are trails of easy and medium difficulty, and there is a section of increased difficulty. Skiing on these slopes will be interesting mainly for beginners. More interesting routes are located on the mountains of Shiligarnika (1725 m) and Binderishka Polyana (1635 m). Well, if you climb Todorka (the skiing area reaches 2600 m), then from there you can choose to go down a long, easy and gentle route, or use the more difficult routes of Balkaniad, Todorica, Binderica . For adrenaline junkies, the Shiligarnik area has several black challenging Albert Tomb tracks. The network of lifts allows you to quickly move between different regions of the ski resort.
A snow park with a half-pipe is equipped for snowboarders in the Binderishka Polyana area . For fans of cross-country skiing, a number of routes with a total length of about 9 km are provided. We did not forget about children either – a special kindergarten with ski carousels and children’s lifts has been prepared for them, which allows you to come on a ski holiday in Bulgaria with children. For beginners who dream of learning mountain skiing in Bulgaria, there are a number of ski schools , but the cost of training in them is quite high, about 20-25 euros per hour.
One of the big minuses of Bansko is the long queues for the lift and for skipasses at the lower station in the city itself. This happens most often on holidays or weekends. To avoid this problem, you should come to the opening itself or take a taxi to the second level of lifts – there are no such queues.
However, the ski resort of Borovets also draws large queues on weekends thanks to reduced prices on non-working days.
Sports and entertainment.
FIC slalom competitions, as well as the open European biathlon championship , are held in Bansko in winter . In the summer, hiking is popular in the mountains on organized routes, there is an opportunity to stay in specially equipped campsites. The mountain area is very beautiful, the valleys are spread with a variety of flowering plants, the air is cool and fresh, which attracts many vacationers from different parts of Europe. A number of cycling routes have been laid out for fans of cycling.
In Bansko itself, it is worth looking at the Church of the Holy Trinity (dated 1835) with bright paintings inside, visiting the many museums located in the city. So, near the church is the house-museum of Neofit Rylski , a famous Bulgarian educator, creator of the first textbook of the Bulgarian language. The museum is a typical house-fortress from the time of Turkish enslavement, and it well demonstrates the characteristic way of life of a Bulgarian family of those times.
There are many thermal springs near Bansko (the nearest one is 6 km away in the town of Melnyk ), in which you can swim at any time of the year. The Greek coast is about 120 kilometers from here, so if you wish, in the summer you can go to relax at the sea and look at the Greek colors. An annual jazz festival is also held in Bansko at the beginning of August .
Attractions.
Bansko is not only tracks and lifts, but also an ancient city with a lot of interesting sights. Its exact date is unknown, but archaeological excavations indicate that the first settlements on this territory appeared in ancient times.
One of the main attractions is the Church of the Holy Trinity , which can be seen from any point of the city thanks to the thirty-meter bell tower. It was built back in 1835, and the interior is decorated with wood carvings and paintings.
Another attraction is the Valenova house , built in the Renaissance era, with a luxurious garden and original artistic decoration.
Also, one of the oldest trees in the world is located here – the Baikusheva pine , which is over 1,300 years old.
36% of the Pirin National Park , which is included in the UNESCO heritage, is located in Bansko . This percentage also includes the highest peak of the Pirin Mountains – Vihren , the height of which is 2914 m. In addition, the two deepest caves in Bulgaria are located on the territory of the park.
While vacationing at the resort, lovers of antiquity should definitely go on an excursion to the remains of ancient fortresses in Yulen and the old town of Hradische, as well as go to the Holy Trinity to medieval settlements.
Rest and entertainment.
In Bansko , in addition to skiing holidays, there are many options for spending time. There are a large number of restaurants that offer both traditional Bulgarian cuisine and dishes from other countries. They are said to number over 400 in this small town.
Various holidays are constantly held in the city: religious, winter, sports and others, which are accompanied by a special program, specific ceremonies and all kinds of competitions. In addition, you can visit open and indoor mineral pools in Bansko .
What money to take with you?
If you are going to rest in Bansko , it is best to come there already with lions. During the season, the currency exchange rate at exchange offices, of which there are quite a few, is very unprofitable. Ago. if there is an opportunity to exchange euros for levies in Sofia or another city, it is better to do so. If there is no such possibility, then try to find a branch of any bank and change the currency there.
Bank cards are accepted in Bansko , but reluctantly. If the payment amount is not large. then, most likely, they will refuse to accept payment by card at all.
It is more profitable to take a Master Card with you.
If you want to pay by card in a restaurant, be sure to notify the waiter about this before he accepts the order. Otherwise, it is very likely that you will only be asked for cash in lions.
Is it worth going to Bansko with children on vacation?
You should go to Bansko with children only in two cases. The first, and the most optimal, is if the child knows and likes to ski or you plan to put him on them. The second – if it is not possible to leave the child at home. After all , Bansko is a ski resort where people go for the specific purpose of skiing and snowboarding, the child will be bored here. There are a small number of attractions in the city. but this is rather a one-time entertainment. Kindergartens in Banskotwo (at least it was like that 2 years ago), one at the Kempinski Hotel, the other at Mount Benderyshki. The first kindergarten is simply a room in which children play with themselves under the supervision of educators. At the same time, they do not go for a walk. Overall, not the best entertainment. In the second, which is on the mountain, it is a little more fun. In addition to indoor games, various outdoor competitions are held periodically.
But if the task is to put a child on mountain skis, then Bansko is the optimal resort in this sense. First, there are ski schools that specifically work with children. In particular, these are ULEN and OXO. Training is conducted by experienced instructors. In both centers, you can send your child to study under the conditions of a day boarding school, and go for a ride without worry. At the same time, it is worth considering that there are age restrictions. Children are accepted for education from the age of 7, although we know of cases when it was agreed on the education of children at the age of 6. The average cost of educating children is about $100 for 6 days.
For very small children, there is no need to bring food, diapers, etc., because everything is sold in supermarkets or children’s stores in the city.
And the last thing about medical care. In Bansko , it is first of all mountain skiing, a sport that is dangerous for injuries, and therefore the community authorities pay close attention to medical care. Pediatric medicine is no exception. The main thing is the availability of an insurance policy , which must be taken care of before the trip.
What excursions are worth visiting in Bansko?
In this article, we will consider the most popular excursions from the Bulgarian mountain resort of Bansko .
The spirit and customs of the Bulgarian village
At a distance of twenty kilometers from the resort of Bansko , at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level, the village of Dobarsko is located . According to one of the legends, the first people who settled here were blinded soldiers who served King Samuel, who went to the Rila Monastery in 1014 after the battle on Mount Belasitsa. On the way to the holy place, they washed themselves from the spring, and their sight returned to them. According to another legend, Klyment Ohrinsky was treated with the help of this healing water .
On this excursion, you will be able to learn more about local folklore and handicrafts and eat local delicious home-cooked meals, enjoy relaxing in the midst of pristine, pure nature – ancient pines, on a plateau in the highlands, on beautiful meadows, near cold streams in surrounded by Rhodolith mountain peaks .
You will also have a holiday in a traditional style, you will hear local songs and see national dances. In addition, you will be able to take a souvenir photo with the local villagers, who will be dressed in wonderful national costumes.
This excursion is combined – you will travel both by transport and on foot. In time, it will take four hours, and it will cost fifty dollars.
Winter fishing
Winter fishing is such a pastime that you can allow yourself to try at least once in your lifetime. And the main thing here is the process of fishing, not the “accompanying” pleasures. This excursion is similar to a picnic. It will be suitable for all those who love the tribute of time, as well as those who aim to prove to their girlfriend or wife that fishing is an excellent pastime. You can go on this excursion with the whole family, you can take children – we guarantee that everyone will have fun.
This excursion starts in the afternoon, we leave at 3:00 p.m., then directly fishing – from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (all necessary equipment is provided), from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – dinner (you will taste soup, salad, will as well as trout with a side dish, wine and brandy), and at 19:00 we return to Bansko .
The price of the excursion for adults is 27 euros, and for children under twelve years of age – 14 euros. The duration of the trip is three hours.
Ognyanovsk mineral baths
Water from mineral springs helps to strengthen the immune defense system in the human body and also helps to cleanse it of toxic substances. On this excursion, tourists are offered a visit to the complex with healing springs located in the village of Ognyanov , which are the heirs of the baths where Roman legionnaires were healed. Here you will be provided with a comfortable environment for relaxation, in this place there are reservoirs with mineral water – open and closed types. Those who wish will be able to visit the hydrogen sulfide bath, in which the water temperature reaches approximately 35-40 ° C. The tour departs at approximately 3:30 p.m., then water treatments follow from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (for this, you need to take a towel with you), and at 18:30 we return to the city of Bansko .
The price for the excursion: for adults – 16 euros, and for children under twelve years – 9 euros. The duration of the trip is three and a half hours.
A walk on snowmobiles
In that case, if you have ever had to make trips on snowmobiles, you already know how interesting and fast it is possible to use this vehicle to drive to places where access to motor vehicles is prohibited. You will be offered excellent snowmobiles, all the necessary equipment and an accompanying guide who will be by your side during this winter excursion. In terms of time, this entertainment takes one hour.
Excursion: Rupite – Melnyk – Rozhensky Monastery
This trip is designed for those who are fans of everything strange and mysterious. First, we will go to the Rupite area – the famous clairvoyant and healer Vanga used to live there and was buried there . Then we will go to the Rozhensky Monastery , which is one of the few temple buildings of the Middle Ages that have survived to this day, almost unchanged from their original appearance. Authentic architecture and monumental painting have been preserved in this temple. It was founded in 1220, this monastery is one of the oldest in the country. The miraculous icon of the Virgin of Eleusis (Adoration) is preserved in it . After that, the program includes lunch and time for free walks in Melnik , the smallest and strikingly beautiful town in Bulgaria.
The excursion starts at approximately 08:30, from 10:00 to 11:00 – a trip to the Rupite area and a visit to the church “St. Petka Bolgarska” , as well as the graves of fortune teller Vanga ; from 11:20 to 12:00 – we will visit the Rozhensky Monastery, from 12:20 to 13:40 – an excursion in the city of Melnyka – in particular, we will visit the house – museum of the merchant Kordopulo. After that – lunch time, from 13:50 to 14:50 (soup, salad, meat with a side dish, then dessert, wine and mineral water). From 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., you will have time for free walks around Melnyk, and at 6:00 p.m. we will return to the city of Bansko .
The price of this trip is 46 euros for adults, 23 euros for children under twelve years of age. The excursion is designed for the whole day.
Riding
Your attention is given to such entertainment as a ride on a horse surrounded by a winter forest, far from the city noise. And for those who do not like horseback riding, a ride on a sleigh pulled by a couple or three horses is offered.
The price of such a walk is 31 euros, the duration is one hour.
Excursion to the Rila Monastery
The program of this trip includes a trip to the Rila Monastery, which is the largest temple complex on the Balkan Peninsula, outside Mount Athos . The Rila Monastery is the most important Christian, cultural and educational center, a significant monument of local ancient architectural and artistic art. This temple is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The price of the excursion for adults is 36 euros, for children under twelve years of age – 18 euros. In time, it is calculated for half a day.
Food
There are no problems with food in Bulgaria. Vacationers can choose both an option with meals in their hotel, and among the many restaurants and mehana (local tavern) in Bansko . All products are fresh, very tasty, and the portion size will not leave anyone hungry. The average cost of dinner is about 10-15 euros. It is also worth trying Bulgarian wine – their range is wide at a low price and good taste qualities of young wines.
Residence
There are many 3- and 4-star hotels in Bansko . The quality of rooms and service is quite high, according to the reviews of vacationers, the best hotels in Bansko are the 3-star Pirin River Ski & Spa , the cozy family Hotel Avalon and the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena . When booking, it is better to choose a hotel closer to the lower lift. However, the distance from the ski lift is not so terrible, since the distances in Bansko are short, and there are regular buses from the hotels to the ski lift. However, as a rule, ski resorts in Bulgaria offer a transfer from the hotel to the nearest ski lift.
Journey
You can get to Bansko via Sofia (161 km) or Plovdiv (162 km). There are quite a few flights to Sofia, a number of airlines fly to Plovdiv. Alternatively, you can fly through Thessaloniki, Greece, but in this case you will have to take care of a Greek visa. You can also get to Bulgaria by train to Sofia, but the travel time from Kyiv will be about 40 hours compared to 3 hours by plane. You can get there from Sofia by bus that leaves from the central bus station (one-way fare is about 7 euros), or rent a car at the airport. Transfer Sofia – Banskoin terms of time, it will take about 3 hours, about the same time to get from Plovdiv. Hotels also practice transfer from the airport or railway station, this possibility should be clarified when booking a room. The cost of a transfer by car is about 70-80 euros one way.