Bansko Ski Resort Guide
Bansko holds an international reputation that stakes a claim to be Bulgaria’s premier ski resort. Offering something different to rival Borovets, Bansko is split distinctly into two areas; the modern village and the UNESCO heritage site of Old Town. In recent times Bansko has seen investment and improvement in facilities on and off the ski hill that makes it a worthwhile ski destination on a budget. Skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria are underrated and great value compared to large-scale European resorts. This ski resort guide will cover everything you need from the Bansko piste map to the best time of year to visit Bansko, let’s drop in.
BANSKO FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Being my second trip to Bulgaria to snowboard I had some prior expectations for my trip to Bansko. Bulgaria is known for being a cheap ski holiday destination but that often goes in hand with the attitude that the experience cant be good. That's just not the case, with Bansko offering enough terrain to keep beginners and intermediates occupied without breaking the bank. Going to Bansko as an experienced snowboarder I was worried that there might not be enough challenge to keep me interested. The FIS course was certainly fun and there was some really nice red graded trails.
BANSKO SKI AREA
Bansko ski area has a total of 48km of pistes making it a decent size for a weeks ski holiday. Around 10km from the base of the gondola and the town you will have to endure a 30-minute gondola ride to reach the slopes at Bundarishka. Installed in 2003, the gondola still feels dated and ambles it’s way up to 1635m. At the top of the gondola, you will find some restaurants a beginners area and lifts to whisk you around the rest of the resort. Fortunately, the chairs run faster than the gondola so you should be able to get your laps in.
The more confident will want to head towards Todorka and Banderitza chairs. These lifts will lead you to some brilliant red graded pistes. Head here first thing in the morning to make the most of the grooming. The Tomba is the only notable black piste in Bansko. If you are looking to venture off-piste you may be disappointed. There isn’t much within the confines of the resort and you may wish to book a ski-touring excursion. However, it is not all bad news. Bansko beginner reputation tends to scare away interested freeriders so when the conditions are good you can have it all to yourself.
Intermediates skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the Bansko terrain the most. There are plenty of interesting blue runs that will fill you with confidence to try the reds. Wide pistes are a theme at Bansko and make cruising about really fun. The highlight has to be the long 16km piste from Todorka Peak to the base area.
Beginner terrain makes up about 40% of the skiable runs in Bansko. This makes Bansko the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The local ski schools in Bansko are excellent and offer more affordable packages then French or Swiss ski resorts. Learning to ski or snowboard in Bulgaria is a good way to gain confidence without breaking the bank.
The Resort
Bansko town offers a large town with a choice of accommodations. Choose from large spa hotels or self-servicing apartments. Bansko hotels are good value with half-board options if you want an easy holiday. The resort is known for its apres-ski with Bansko nightlife attracting the stag/hen crowds. It is worth keeping this in mind as the parties can last into the early hours. Luckily if that isn’t your thing Bansko has plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. The resort is also home to a number of decent restaurants where eating out will not cost a premium.
The Old Town
Offering a different pace the cobbled streets of Bansko Old Town seem a world away from the fluorescent streets and bars surrounding the ski centre. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bansko’s Old Town has a special feel. Its Bulgarian Renaissance houses that line the backstreets offer a charm not found elsewhere in Bulgaria. The Holy Trinity Church is exquisite in design and noticeable by its tall bell tower is a symbol of Bansko’s history.
The Bansko ski map below gives a good overview of the resort. The highlight has to be the 16km blue run from Todorka Peak back to the base of the gondola. This is one of the longest runs I have snowboarded and it is such a good way to end the day. Bansko slopes cover 48km.
Bansko Ski Resort Piste Map
SEASON DATES
Snow cover in Bansko is good with snow from December until April. The upper slopes generally stay in a decent condition throughout the season, however, if help from snow-making is required, Bansko has those facilities. The best time to ski in Bansko is January through March where the conditions are the most stable.
HOW MUCH IS A LIFT PASS IN BANSKO?
Further discounts are available on Bansko lift tickets with family passes available at discount. To check the latest pass prices click here
Below are my ratings for Bansko ski resort. All categories are scored out of five with higher scores being better. The only exception is crowds, a higher score in this category means the resort is busier. These scores are based on my experiences in the resort and I’d love to hear your views and experiences in the comments.
TRAVEL TO BANSKO
Where is Bansko
Bansko ski area is located in the Pirin mountain range around 160km from Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia. The transfer to Bansko is around 2 hours.
Getting To Bansko
From the UK low-cost airlines fly fairly regularly into Sofia (don’t get done by baggage fees). Flights to Sofia are regular and affordable from UK airports. A Sofia to Bansko ski resort airport transfer is 2hrs. Most people book their Bulgaria ski trip through a travel company that will be on hand to organise your transfer.
Self-Drive
If you do not have an organised transfer then self-drive is possible with hire cars available in the airport arrivals area. Car rental is easy but the journey can be more stressful. Fair to say in Bulgaria the overtaking can be hairy at times so if you are wanting ease… take a transfer.
Taxi
Taxi or private hire is also available from Sofia airport but be sure to pre-arrange this with an agreed price. The is a Bansko App that allows you to book taxi transfers in advance. The earlier you book the better the price you will get. Private transfers will cost around €120 for the round trip.
Public Bus
The most affordable way to access Bansko is on the public bus service from Sofia. A ticket will cost you 15BGN and you have two departure points. For up-to-date departure times check here
How long is the transfer from Sofia to Bansko?
The transfer time between Sofia International Airport and Bansko is two hours by coach although during busier periods this can take longer.
BANSKO ACCOMMODATION
When considering Bansko accommodation you have plenty of choices but make a smart decision. If you don’t want to be involved in the apres scene search for accommodation that is further away from the gondola base area. It is here that the noise can be loud and may disrupt your sleep. Although staying in a Bansko hotel near the ski lifts gives you prime access to the gondola in the morning.
The Bansko hotels have decent facilities with pools or spas commonplace. Hotel food in Bulgaria is a bit basic but there are plenty of places to eat out if you fancy a change. That being said, a Bansko hotel all-inclusive option makes for a hassle-free holiday. All-inclusive in Bansko can include; food, ski hire and lessons so look for these deals.
If you would prefer the self-catering experience then consider staying in an apartment with many conveniently located for the gondola and restaurants.
BANSKO PROS
Incredible value as a European skiing holiday
The ski school offers a good service at low prices (please tip your instructor)
Bansko has a good apres ski scene
Bansko has 48km of pistes which should suit most people for a weeks holiday
BANSKO CONS
Longer transfer time then Borovets
Bansko ski area has little for advanced skiers or snowboarders
The 30-minute gondola from the base area gets tedius.
Other Activities In Bansko
When booking a ski holiday It is always worth considering what other activities are available locally. Bansko doesn’t disappoint with plenty to do and see should you fancy a day off the snow.
OLD TOWN
Already mentioned but worth repeating, Bansko’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. More relaxed than the area around the gondola, head into the Old Town for a stroll around the cobbled streets. Unique houses and interesting matsurev’s (restaurants) will keep you occupied.
SPA DAY
Bulgaria is home to over 800 natural mineral springs so it’s fair to say Bulgarians know a thing or two about relaxing. Taking a trip to the spa in the evening is the perfect way to recover those weary muscles for another day of snowboarding. Most Bansko hotels will be able to arrange for you to receive a spa treatment with the luxury hotels hosting good facilities.
ICE SKATING
Ice skating in Bansko is the perfect winter evening activity. Bansko’s Ice rink is located on Pirin St in the centre of town. Tickets cost 12BGN for a two-hour ticket. Including skate hire.
ESCAPE ROOM
If you are hoping not to leave Bansko just go and hide out in one of the escape rooms. Found at Aparthotel Lucky Bansko and open to hotel guests and visitors there are two escape rooms to try. Prices vary depending on how many people are in your team. There are two themes, the Egypt room and the Hacker room. Let me know if you got out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Bansko good for skiing?
This is probably the most common question and comes up because of the low cost holidays to Bansko. Cheap holidays doesn’t mean bad holidays, just a different experience. Honestly, I really enjoyed visiting Bansko. Would I go back.. probably not. That is only because I feel like I have seen it now. I know families who go to Bansko each year and it is more than ideal for their needs. The 48km of pistes is ample terrain for a ski holiday and Bansko town has everything you need.
Which is better Bansko or Borovets?
This is ultimately down to opinion and will vary from person to person. For me, there isn’t too much difference in the actual skiing between Bansko and Borovets. Bansko does have a world cup run which offers more challenge than anything you will find at Borovets, but Borovets offers more terrain. Away from the slopes both Bansko and Borovets have a lively nightlife. I like that you can get away from this in Bansko with a trip to the old town, a Unesco heritage site. In the Old Town, you will find restaurants and bars that are quieter and set in a beautiful setting. The closer you get to the gondola in Bansko it gets more modern and more nightlife oriented. Borovets also has a good nightlife scene, but you will find the hotels in Borovets offer great entertainment for kids with games rooms etc.
Are Bansko Lift Tickets Cheap?
Normally one of the biggest expenses on a ski holiday, lift tickets in Bansko are very reasonable. A 6-day Bansko ski pass will cost £180 for adults. That is £100 cheaper than a 3 Vallees 6-day lift ticket.
Is Bansko Snow Sure?
Bansko’s upper slopes are high enough to maintain good snow coverage throughout the season. The season runs into April with the best conditions found in January and February. Bulgaria and therefore Bansko tends to receive less snow than the Alps but combat this with extensive snowmaking.
How Much is Beer In Bansko?
The standard measure of how expensive a destination is can always be related to the cost of a pint. In Bansko, a beer costs 3BGN or £1.35 for a pint which represents decent value. This price can get even better with many bars offering happy-hours deals as the lifts stop turning. The Happy End is a good place to start and finish your night with live music.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bansko is a destination that ticks a lot of boxes. The terrain is big enough to keep most people occupied although advanced riders may want more. As a beginner, there is plenty of reason to go to Bansko with a good ski school, cheap ski hire and nice blue terrain to progress onto. Intermediates will probably love Bansko the most with the majority of terrain being blue or red graded runs. Bansko is a ski destination that offers it all but at a fraction of the cost. why not?
DISCOVER BANSKO
Ten Reasons You Should Snowboard In Bulgaria
So you are planning a snowboarding trip and Bulgaria is not on your list. Well, I am here to tell you exactly why it should be. As a former ski resort snob myself I used to laugh at the idea of snowboarding in Bulgaria, but now all that has changed. Having been to snowboard at two of the largest Bulgarian ski resorts over the past few years I have learned a fair bit about what a Bulgarian snowboard trip entails. So come along with an open mind and maybe you too can add Bulgaria to your ski resort bucket list.
PURPOSE-BUILT RESORT
Bulgaria has three main resorts; Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. There are more smaller resorts but it is likely that if you decide to head to Bulgaria to snowboard it will be to one of those three. The villages and facilities around these ski resorts are all purpose-built to make your stay as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. All the resorts offer hotels and apartments within walking distance of the slopes. Convenient shops will make it easy to find and collect your snowboard hire, with many of them operating drop-off services in the hotels. The facilities are improving in Bulgaria all the time and the more popular it gets the more that money is reinvested into improving infrastructure.
At the major resorts of Bansko and Borovets, the lifts are fairly fast (with the exception of the gondolas) and the terrain would be enough to keep most people entertained for the week. You will find a World Cup downhill run at Bansko and well-constructed terrain parks. Bulgaria offers more than the basic facilities some people expect.
EASY ACCESS
One of the major determining factors in choosing a holiday destination is the travel. Well, the journey to Bulgaria is simple and affordable. Airlines fly between the UK’s major airports and the Bulgarian capital of Sofia regularly throughout the winter with many offering great deals. Once at Sofia International Airport you will find short transfer times (just the 1 hour to Borovets) and a number of easy ways to transfer. Whether it be resort coach, self-drive, or the public bus system Bulgarian ski resorts are accessible with ease.
AWESOME VALUE
It is impossible to argue against the value of a Bulgarian ski holiday. Let’s start with the true international comparison of value, the price of a beer. A beer in Bulgaria will cost you around £1.50 and when you compare that to the prices in; France, Switzerland, or even the more affordable Italy you will be laughing all the way to the bar. But value isn’t just found at the bar in Bulgaria. A week’s lift pass in Borovets will cost around £170 just £130 cheaper than at France’s 3 Vallees resorts. Additionally, you may not even have to worry about purchasing your lift pass as some holiday tour operators throw this in with the price of their half-board or all-inclusive board options. If meals are not part of your deal do not worry. Head out into town and you will be able to eat for around £10 per head, £15 if you want to share a bottle of wine. All in all, Bulgaria really does offer more for your money than most ski destinations.
APRES SKI
There are a few places in the ski world that claim to have a great apres-ski environment, sadly some of them are too expensive to actually be able to indulge, Bulgaria is different. We have already discussed the price of beer, but when you can sample the local lager across lively bars, nightclubs, and music venues you are spoilt for choice. Yes, you may come across the stag/hen crowd in Bulgarian ski resorts but that doesn’t mean it’s not a family place. If the bars are not your scene, then head to the bowling alley, the cinema or enjoy the leisure facilities in the hotel. There is plenty of apres for everyone, however, you want to conduct it.
BULGARIAN CULTURE
I was not planning to be sampling too much of the Bulgarian culture on my ski trips but I got sucked in. Bansko has an old town which is a UNESCO heritage site and its cobbled streets are home to a number of great local restaurants. I’ll get onto the food soon, but the Old Town is the place to go to sample local Bulgarian music (usually folk) and to wander through the medieval streets. It really leaves a different impression to the modern and bustling area around the gondola station.
BULGARIAN CUISINE
Bulgarian food is fantastic and really wasn’t what I was expecting. As discussed, the Old Town of Bansko is filled with plenty of fantastic places to eat. Borovets too has a number of restaurants where you can sample local meat and fish dishes accompanied by salads or side dishes. You can of course opt for the non-local food, with fast food and pretty much every western cuisine on offer…. but then you’d be missing out.
The final point on Bulgarian food, if you have opted for an accommodation option where food is included don’t let this handcuff you to your hotel. Most hotels provide a buffet spread but it can get a bit repetitive.
PERFECT FOR PROGRESSION
Bulgaria is perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. First of all, it is cheap, so its less of a risk should you not like the activity (although this would never happen!!!). But more to the point is the affordability and quality of ski school lessons in Bulgaria. All of the resorts have a local ski school that delivers group and private lessons on a very affordable basis.
The terrain in Bulgaria is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates so you will be able to progress from green to blue runs fluidly throughout your first week. If you are a fast learner your progression won’t be stunted in Bulgaria, there are a number of red and black pistes that you can aim for or provide a further reason to return next year.
Photo Credit @antoniachekrakchieva
OTHER ACTIVITIES
So you want to snowboard but you want more from your holiday. Well away from the skiing and snowboarding Bulgarian ski resorts have a number of activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. You can stay in the winter spirit with a trip to an ice-rink or a snowshoe excursion. Alternatively, you can take a day away from the cold by heading to the spa or getting locked into an escape room. With the addition or cinemas and bowling alleys, museums and galleries there is plenty to keep you occupied.
WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE
The Bulgarian people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I always tell the story of watching my football team lose a match one evening in a local bar. There wasn’t a person in the bar who didn’t buy me a drink or offer a word of condolence whilst I sat slumped in my bar stool. This attitude extends out of the bar, into the village and onto the slopes where the locals will be happy to assist you if you need help. In general, the Bulgarians seem happy that you are there which can not always be said in all ski resorts.
ALL-INCLUSIVE SNOWBOARDING
One of the reasons people like an all-inclusive beach holiday is the idea that you have everything you need paid for and organized before you go. The same can apply in Bulgaria with many tour operators and hotels offering all-inclusive and half-board deals. These can even cover your lift passes and ski lessons making the idea of a ski trip to Bulgaria absolutely hassle-free.
There are ten reasons why you should consider a ski trip to Bulgaria this winter. Is it on your hit list? Have you been before? I’d like to hear from you, so let me know down in the comments if you agree or disagree with this list and whether you will head to Bulgaria to ski in the future?
