About Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko is the best and most famous ski resort in Bulgaria, having the finest and most up to date ski complex out of all the Bulgarian ski resorts. During the latest years a multi-million euros investment in a completely new skiing complex has been constructed by Yulen, the company that has the licence to operate the skiing area of the resort. Bansko has the finest snow greatest and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all the Bulgarian ski complexes. During the recent few years this resort has undergone a huge investment development with brand new hotels and resort amenities being under creation. A completely new resort complex with excellent luxury hotels and holiday apartments is undergoing development just adjacent the Gondola lift, which also show that Bansko is the resort with the finest hotels.
The town of Bansko is located close to the river Glazane (left feeder of Mesta River) in the north- eastern area of Pirin, just under the tallest and most stunning area of the mountain. Its name derives from the ancient Bulgarian word “ban”, meaning “master”. It is only 160 kilometres from Sofia and 6 kilometres from Razlog. Bansko has turned into a very popular ski & snowboard holiday destination, thanks to the superb ski services linked with the exceptional architecture and history.
The town of Bansko is placed on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing mass is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a mainly Alpine look and the tallest peak in the general region is Vihren 2914 m.
The ski pistes are situated in two major ski centres CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600 m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500 m). They are around 10 km over the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are straightforwardly accessible for around 25 minutes ride on the new Gondola lift starts begins from Bansko. The total distance end to end of the marked pistes is 70 kilometres.
The resort has been well known for 10 years but it is very famous and popular with its stunning snow conditions and cover that lasts from December to May. The differing slopes offer many different runs and tracks for all manner of skier from beginner or expert.
There are over 120 cultural and historical monuments in the town of bansko alone and numerous souvenir shops offering many interesting gifts from the local artists and smiths.