Bansko Ski Resort

Bansko has benefited from a multi-million-euro investment and boasts the most up-to-date ski facilities in Bulgaria. It also has the best snow record and the longest ski season in the country. Nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountain, Bansko (925m) has a ski area set between 2,000-2600m altitude, and offers good snow coverage from mid-December to mid-May. Terrain is best suited to beginners and intermediates. The slopes are complete with 44 snow cannons and linked via fast lifts (chairs, drags, and an eight-seater gondola).

The ski pistes are located in two main ski centres: Chalin Valog (1,100-1,600m) and Shilgarnika (1,700-2,500m). Bansko is favoured by beginners and intermediates. The nursery slopes at the top of the gondola are free from through traffic. Beginners can progress onto the long, gentle blue runs. Intermediates will find some good and varied red runs from the top. There is also one black piste for more advanced skiers. Snowboarders can try out tricks on the first snow park in the Balkans, complete with a half-pipe. Five kilometres of cross-country skiing is also available.

Bansko has an attractive town square and there are new hotels and restaurants popping up all over the resort. A wide selection of accommodation is available from small family-run pensions to luxury hotels.Taste local food and wines at a choice of traditional Bansko taverns after a day on the mountain. There's also a choice of lively bars and discos.

Bansko is 160 kilometres from Sofia Airport.