J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Linda

Hi

I'd like to add some information with regards to skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria as the small amount of information on this site is probably out of date.

Bansko is the newest and the most rapidly developing ski resort in Bulgaria. 100 million Euros have been invested in Bansko to install a state of the art ski facility with equipment specifically designed for piste and weather conditions on the Pirin slopes. A new 8-man gondola carries skiers and snowboarders from the ski centre outside the town to the beginners’ area and ski-school at 1,600m in approximately 20 minutes. Two chair lifts continue on to the highest slopes at 2,500 m, beneath the Todorka Peak. There are 17 pistes, including a 16 km uninterrupted run from beneath the summit where you can ski down to the base station of the Gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last 7 km of the slope is lighted, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions. Bansko is one of the only resorts in the world where this is possible. Expect no queues as Bansko has the newest technology in hands free ski passes fitted with micro-chips readable through the pocket of a ski jacket. Rescue services include a short-code mobile number for skiers in trouble.

The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent with more than 50% of the slopes covered by snow cannon making sure there is always good snow cover. Bansko has the best snow record of all Bulgarian ski resorts. The runs are groomed by 12 Kassbohrer slope maintenance vehicles. The ski season starts in the middle of December and carries on right through into April.

Slalom and giant slalom runs are available in the Shiligarnika region. Bansko offers a cross-country track with a total length of 5 km at a height of 1530m above sea level at the Banderishka Polyana slope. The ski centre has over
65 km of marked ski runs and cross-country trails that have been extensively cultivated.

It is Ideal for beginners with plenty of blue runs to practice on. Good English speaking instructors at the ski school means you will soon get to grips with the basics. For intermediates the ski area is fantastic with fabulous views and many well-maintained wide tree-lined runs. For the advanced skiier the Alberto Tombo black run is challenging or try the off-piste or extreme skiing very popular for advanced skiers. We advise taking a guide with you. In addition to on-piste skiing, skiers and snowboarders are welcome to the fun park in the Platoto area which offers fans of the extreme winter sports the option to ski over present artificial bumps and jumps as well as to build those on their own.

For Snowboarders there are long tree-lined runs and for next season is a brand new dedicated snowboarders area with a half-pipe facility 90 metres high by 16 metres wide. It is the only permanent half-pipe facility in the country. There are eight sliding parapets

Try out the biathlon, a testing mix of shooting and skiing popular with Bulgarians. Paragliding and heli-skiing is available locally.

Check out my website www.banskoapartments.info to book my apartment or for further details.

:)

Bansko is Bulgaria's No 1 ski resort, having the best and most modern ski centre of all Bulgarian ski resorts. The resort has undergone a massive investment process and offers fantastic skiing with a good snow record from mid December through to May. Total length of marked pistes is 65 kilometers extensively cultivated offering runs that will suit both beginners and experts alike. For snowboarders there are long tree-lined runs with a new snowboarders fun park with half-pipe facility the only permanent facility in the country. Bulgaria has some of the cheapest prices in Europe and is excellent value. Your spending money will go a long way.

Log on to www.banskoapartments.info for information or to book the apartment.