Rapidly developing, the newest ski resort of Bansko is located at 925 m above sea level between Pirin, Rila and the Rhodopes mountains, nestled in the shadow of ice-caped Mt Vihren, the highest peak in Pirin. The distance between Sofia and Bansko is 170 km. The nearest International Airport is the one in Sofia. Transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is 2,5 hours. The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent. It provides a superb combination of the virgin mountain nature and the atmosphere of the ancient Bulgarian small town. An enchanting historical spot, the town itself attracts visitors by its 120 cultural monuments, its museums and the permanent ethnographic exhibitions. In addition, Bansko is an excellent mountain resort with a short hot summer and long mild winter. Skiing is practised around Bansko from December until March with abundant snow falls, providing a constant winter snow-cover up to 2 m thick. Pirin mountains have a predominantly Alpine character with 2 peaks towering above 2900 m and though all grades are catered for, Bansko is the best resort in Bulgaria for advanced skiers. Instructors speak various foreign languages and there is a range of equipment for hire. There are 14 km of ski runs with 7 lifts with the longest ski run of 2.5 km, and two practice slopes with ski-tows. A new lift and a run equipped for night skiing has been lunched in season 2003. |
