Bansko lies in a unique valley, a picture perfect setting of open fields, rivers and streams surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges. Not only a world heritage site, deemed important enough to be protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; it is thought that the first inhabitants to step foot on the Pirin mountain range was over 3500 years ago.In more recent history Bansko has been the birth place of many notable figures in the arts and literature world. Amongst them Neofit Rilski whom after studying and teaching at the Rila Monestry went on in 1835 to issue his Bulgarska gramatica, the first ever grammatical text of the modern Bulgarian language. Nikola Vaptsarov, perhaps the most influential Bulgarian poet of the last century was also born in the historic Old Town of Bansko.During the last 8 years Bansko has come to occupy the top spot for quality amongst the winter ski-resorts in Bulgaria and has become the destination of choice for foreign tourists. The combination of ideal winter and summer weather conditions have enabled Bansko to market itself as Bulgaria's "all seasons" resort.SKIThere are currently 65 kilometres of ski piste to explore in Bansko and the runs are classed as follows:Beginner - 35%Intermediate - 40%Advanced - 25%Access from the town which sits 900m above sea level to the main ski centre is by a new 8 man Gondola lift designed by Dopplemayr with a total capacity of 2400 skiers per hour. From there a network of 26km of cables will take you around the runs and to Todorka peak sitting 2560m above sea level.
The two major ski regions of Bansko - the lower called Challin Valog (1100-1600m) and the higher called Shiligarnika (1700-2500m) - are situated above the town of Bansko, on the northern slopes of the Pirin Mountain. Slalom and grand slalom runs are available in the Shiligarnika region.The Pirin Mountain has a predominantly Alpine character with three peaks towering over 2900 meters. The slopes however, offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and snow boarders, from novice to expert. Snow falls are abundant providing a constant snow cover up to 2m thick. The ski season along the Pirin slopes starts in the middle of December and ends in the middle of April.53 Techno Alpine snow cannons cover 60% of the ski runs ensuring perfect conditions every morning and giving Bansko an unusually long season of 4 months. The resort accommodates for both skiers and snow boarders and includes a half pipe, cross country trails, biathlon track with shooting range and a well equipped winter sports stadium.The ski resort operators, ULEN operate the largest ski school in the region and have highly qualified ski and snowboard instructors offering courses for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. A ski kindergarten is also available offering 3 baby drag lifts and a "wonder carpet" baby track, full equipment rental and storage is available for all ages.Ski equipment and rental services are available.GOLFThere are currently 3 golf courses under planning consent at the Town Hall and 2 courses already approved. The first will course to complete will be the Ian Woosnam Signature course located in the stunning Razlog Valley. The course, an 18 hole par 72 sits at the foot of the Pirin mountain range and will have the benefits of a club house.The region is capitalizing on its glorious spring and summer time temperatures coupled with the clean air and lush countryside in order to improve on year round trade.
