Bansko is arguably the most “sophisticated” of the Bulgarian resorts. It is now a large town offering a wide array of facilities and services that you would expect in any modern ski resort. Some people say that it doesn’t have the same quaint village feel of Borovets. About two to three hours from the nearest airport (Sofia) and less than 40 minutes from the Greek border, Bansko is spread out at the base of the Pirin Mountains and is actually a UNESCO site.

Bansko is now a sprawling winter resort which has developed around pretty “Old” Bansko village centre. Pirin Street is the heart of the quaint old village and is now dominated by tourist shops, supermarkets and ski wear outlets (like most places in Bulgaria usually offering the very latest “genuine fakes”!) Off this main street you quickly come to apartment development after apartment development.

Bansko is undoubtedly the most talked about ski resort in Bulgaria due to massive infrastructure upgrades in recent years but mainly due to sales hype regarding large real-estate developments.

It’s not a location you would really refer to as ski-in-ski-out  as you would Borovets (or even Pamporovo) but the newly completed gondola can get you from the centre of the town to the slopes in less than 15 minutes. It is possible to ski right down to the base when the snow is good but in recent years this has been a rare treat. New snow-making facilities have been deployed this year, so let’s hope this helps.

The hill itself is well developed and maintained with a few more runs for the more seasoned rider or skier to take on. A snow park and half pipe are on hand for the freestyle kids while most runs are wide open groomers ideal for carving up! Most accommodation operates on an “apart-hotel” basis and is pretty self contained with bars, restaurant/s and shops and other services on site.

The - some would say - (over)-development of Bansko has meant there is a wide choice of reasonably priced quality accommodation on offer.

Due to the amount of real estate purchased by English and Irish buyers there is a large and permanent expat community in and around the town. One of the best connected contacts you can make is John at Bansko Tourist Information at the Kandahar Complex/ Harry's Bar who will be happy to point you in the right direction if you need any practical advice.

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