Bansko

General Info: Bansko is one of the biggest and most attractive mountain resorts in Bulgaria and during the last years it has been developed as the best and most modern ski resort. It is situated at the foot of Pirin Mountain, 160 km away from Sofia.
Bansko is a small cosy town with many luxury hotels and small hostels. The lovely unique nature of Pirin Mountain flanks it. There is a lot to explore in Bansko. It is not only the magnificent slopes and venerable woods that the visitors will always remember.

History and Culture: There are about 150 cultural and historical memorials in Bansko. You can see Thracian mounds and many archeological finds from the ancient times in the surrounding areas. But there are a lot of interesting sites in the town as well. During the time of Bulgarian Renaissance Bansko became a cultural, craftsman’s and trade centre. Many of the crafts and traditions are preserved in the museum complex which comprises typical Bulgarian houses, works of Bulgarian craftsman and artists. The church “St. Trinity” with a bell and watch tower, the church “Uspenie Bogoroditchno”, the house museums of great Bulgarian social figures, poets and artists are among the sites with national significance. Many important Bulgarians were born in Bansko. The most famous are Paisii Hilendarski, who started the Bulgarian Renaissance as he wrote „Istoria Slavianobulgarska” (The first summarized Bulgarian history), in 1762, his adherent Neofit Rilski, the great Bulgarian poet Nikola Vaptsarov and many more.

Ski and Jazz: Bansko is a town with international tourism significance. The slopes of Pirin Mountain offer excellent conditions for skiing and any other winter sports that transform Bansko in the best, most modern ski centre in Bulgaria. The total length of the marked pistes is 65 kilometers and they are located in two main ski centres – Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika. There are 44 snow cannons, 12 slope maintenance vehicles operate on the tracks and runs, making them suitable for all types of skiers and snowboarders. The first on the Balkans fun park for snowboarders is also situated on the slopes above Bansko. The lift network will take you right from Bansko to any slope you want. All year round Bansko is full of visitors. Out of the ski season, which is usually from December till May, there is summer tourism program that includes hiking tours, mountain biking trips, extreme adventures, horseback riding and many other attractions. The week of Bansko traditions in May and Bansko Jazz Fest in august, are the most important cultural events in the town, that gather thousands of visitors.

Wine and Dine: There are about 200 typical Bulgarian taverns (mehana), restaurants and night clubs in Bansko that offer national and regional traditional cuisine, excellent wines, amusing show programs and unforgettable night emotions. Be sure that you receive special attitude as a guest of the public places in Bansko. Very kind and professional stuff will take care of your stay there.

Snow Sports: Bansko becomes one of the favorite places of Bulgarian and foreign skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers and adventurers. After you have spend your day in wild downhill during the winter or climbing, hiking and cycling in the mountain during the summer you can have well deserved respite in the taverns with a glass of high quality wine and delicious dishes. So what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage up and let Bansko entertain you!

Photos from Bansko