Welcome to the historic town of Bansko, a UNESCO world heritage site

ABOUT BANSKO...
Bansko is regarded as the number one ski resort in Bulgaria, equipped with the best and most modern ski facilities. During recent years there has been a multi million euros investment to transform it into a very modern ski resort. Combining the unique architecture and historical significance, Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities.

It boast some of the best snow and the longest ski season (mid Dec - mid May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts.

The town is situated nearby the river Glazane in the north- eastern foot of Pirin, right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain.


NOW THE FACTS:
• Located at 925 m. above sea level
• The ski area is at 2000-2600 m
• The Pirin mountain's highest peak locally is Vihren 2914 m.
• The ski pistes are located in two main ski - centres- CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500m) and are easily accessible in less than 30 minutes using the Gondola lift from Bansko.
• The total length of the marked pistes is 65 km
• Using a combination of more than 40 snow cannons and 12 slope maintenance vehicles, the ski season last longer.
• The resort is suitable for beginners, experts and extreme skiers.
• Every day skiers and snowboarders can take part in the competitions on the new piste on Shiligarnika.
• Transportation up the slopes is via with the 8-seats Gondola cable car, five 4- seat lifts, one 3-seat lift, 7 drags and 10 baby drags.
• Up to date information on wind and temperature is displayed no monitors at the starting station of the Gondola.
• Slalom and Giant slalom runs are available. Bansko offers a cross-country track with a total length of 5 km. A 3 km ski run Rollbahn track is situated 2 km from the town.


SKI EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN...
The comfort in the mountain is unlimited. There is a ski- kindergarten for kids from 4 to 7 years old with new drags and ski - run. The resort offers Junior Club ski kindergarten with 3 baby drugs, a Wonder Carpets baby track, and a winter/ summer rotunda type Kinder Carousel. The total number of baby drags is 10 - 100m each.


APRES SKI...
Bankso offers a wealth of evening entertainment. Within minutes of the apartment, there are many traditional Bansko taverns (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional food, charm and local atmosphere. Much of the food served is fresh and locally grown. With a bottle of beer costing 50 pence to £1 and a decent meal costing £5-£6 a head, it certainly provides for a fun and cheap night. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music and dancing (don't worry, you don't have to get up and join in unless you REALLY want to!). There are also plenty of local cafes, coffee bars and pubs like the Lions bar, or to explore.

If clubbing is your scene, then Bansko has that too! The Buddha bar, Club No Name and Amnesia are just a few well worth the visit, with many only charging £1-£2 to get in and staying open until 4am! Drinks are very cheap too!

When there are large events going on, the town square will be the focus for the evening's entertainment. Perhaps the annual Jazz festival in August, Easter celebrations or watching International football competitions on a large TV screen (with beer and freshly cooked food close by).


WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO...
Exploring Banko itself is just as exciting, so at a glance what can you do?
• There are around 120 cultural and historical monuments to see
• Plenty of souvenir shops to browse around
• Ten pin bowling- with arcade machines, pool tables and a café.
• Casino's to play
• Shopping- many shops catering for all tastes, and often open until early evening
• Museums- Neophit Rilksy Museum (school of icon-painting), the House of Arts and Poetry
• The Pirin National Park on your doorstep, with lakes, caves, waterfalls and pine forests.The park (classified as a UNESCO world heritage site) provides an abundance of walks, trails and trekking options to explore the local flora and fauna. There's plenty of opportunity for guided walks (lasting from 30 minutes to 10 hours), horse-riding, fishing and biking during the summer months.

If hiking is your passion, the hiking season is from early June until late September.

The Pirin National Park office next to the railway station can provide you with details maps for winter of summer seasons. The summer season maps highlight the hiking paths and even huts where could sleep out overnight if you're that brave!. They can also give you information if you want to visit Bykushevata-murta, the oldest tree in Bulgaria (it's only just over 1300 years old!)

Mountain bikes can be rented by the day for 20 Lev (about £7) from the 'Mountain Tracks' shop on Ulitsa Pirin.

White water rafting can be enjoyed in the early summer on the Struma and Mesta rivers (the most beautiful rivers in Bulgaria, which capture the melting snow from the mountains).

Rock climbing can also be found close by.

For all these activities (hiking, biking, rafting and rock climbing, if you don't want to go on your own, the trips can be organised through Intersport Bansko -mail: intersport@bansko.bg)


A LITTLE FURTHER A FIELD...
Why not consider these sites too:

• BELITSA BEAR PARK
This is the largest bear conservation area in the whole of Europe. It is a sanctuary for rescued dancing bears and it is situated in the Rila Mountains. The Park provides a safe and secure home for these traumatised animals. They are in a beautiful and caring environment now and well worth seeing.

• RILA MONASTERY
Open daily with free admission, but there is an entrance fee for the museum. Photos are permitted in most areas except the church. If you plan on going inside the church, they can expect you to dress conservatively out of respect, so shorts might not work in your favour. This is a working Monastery, so you'll be sharing this wonderful site with the resident monks.

This is Bulgaria's largest and most famous monastery, it is tucked away in a narrow and forested valley of The Rila Mountains, so provides the chance to explore the local wooded area. It is the holiest place in the country, founded in 1335, and surrounds by thick imposing walls. It is a breathtaking site and the courtyard is larger than you imagine. The monastery is adorn with murals, hand carvings and tapestries.

• MOUNTAIN TRAIN JOURNEY BANKSO TO VELINGRAD
By the oldest train in Bulgaria, it takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery (you won't be able to put your camera down!)

• THE YAGODINSKA CAVE
Situated in the Rhodope mountains. Yagodinska Cave can be found 3 km south-east of the village of Yagodina. The cave is a fascinating complex multi layered system with a total length of 10km (one of the deepest caves in Bulgaria). A well lit trail (1100 m.) reveals impressive rock formations known of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other shapes resembling stone curtains and cave pearls. Archaeological objects dating from the 4th and 5th centuries BC have also been discovered there.The temperature in the cave is stationary at +6 C, while the humidity is 92%.


For all these activities, if you don't want to go on your own, the trips can be organised through Intersport Bansko -mail: intersport@bansko.bg)

• BANYA
A small village that lies 4km to the east of the town of Razlog and at about the same distance to Bansko. The village is rich in mineral waters ranging between 37 and 57 degrees Celsius that are used for spa and recreational.

• BANSKO GOLF COURSE. Soon to open is a 18 hole Championship class (par 72) designed by Ian Woosnam located in nearby Razlog, and is set amidst crystal mountain creeks, tranquil lakes and lush meadows. To incorporate the spirit of the local area, mountain stream water comes into play on 5 of 18 holes and its fairways are accented with wildflowers and flanked by towering pines and white firs. On site will also be a large sports complex offering tennis, horse-riding, football, basketball, pool, sauna, shopping, restaurants and cafés.