Skiing Bansko, Bulgaria |
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Introduction:SkiEurope is pleased to present Bansko, Bulgaria as the hottest new European ski destination. Massive investments in ski and hospitality infrastructure have created a quality resort rated as the best ski resort in Eastern Europe. Not yet well-known in North America, prices remain, for the moment, relatively low, making it the best value in European skiing. The historic old town, interesting in itself, is well located for excursions to heritage cultural sites and to Greece and Turkey. top ^ Why Bansko?
top ^ Bansko, BulgariaBulgaria has traditionally attracted hardy British skiers looking for a good time on minimal budgets. But it was difficult to recom Things have changed. In the past decade the country has become a member of the European Community and NATO alliance, and Western enterprises have invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. Nowhere is this more evident than in Bansko. Until recently, Bansko was not one of the best known ski areas in Bulgaria. But heavy investment across the ski area and the resort have utterly transformed this small medieval town and its ski area into a year-round, international destination resort. The Bansko ski area now boasts the latest technology with Austrian Dopplmayr gondola and detachable chairlifts and SkiData hands-free lift passes. Near the gondola base station, the German Kempinski group has built the Grand Arena, beside St. Moritz its only five-star deluxe hotel in a ski resort. top ^ BulgariaBulgaria is often described to lie at the crossroads linking East and West. The country borders the Black Sea on the east, Greece to the south, and the Danube on the north. The capital, and largest city, Sofia, is about 500 miles south-east of Vienna. Bulgaria is a country with an ancient history dating back to prehistoric times followed by periods of Thracian, Greek and Roman influence. Founded in 681, it is technically the oldest contemporary country in Europe. In 864AD, Bulgaria was Christianized (today 80% of the population is Christian Orthodox) and the country became a major European power, engaged almost continuously with the Byzantine empire for dominance in the Balkans. In the Middle Ages, Bulgaria was the center of Slavic Europe, then, for five centuries fell under Ottoman rule. During World War II, Bulgaria was annexed by Germany, but the country was one of only two countries that saved its entire Jewish population from the Nazis. After the war, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence until its collapse in 1989. After an initial recession, the country achieved a remarkable economic and social transformation. The population of Bulgaria is 8 million, about the same as Austria. Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy. The currency is the Bulgarian Lev (plural Leva; abbreviation BGN) which has a current exchange rate of about US$1 = BDN1.50. Tourism has become a major economic influence for Bulgaria and English is spoken in many areas. Trivia: John Atanasoff the inventor of the electronic computer was of Bulgarian origin. So was Carl Djerassi, the inventor of the anti-baby pill. (It must be working; Bulgaria has had the slowest population growth, now actually negative, of any country in the world!) top ^
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mend the country because standards were so low.
Bansko Town
Bansko is blessed with a relatively mild climate, yet the season is long up on the slopes where you can expect to have crisp snow on the ski trails from December until early May. Snow making has made the resort even more confident in claiming to have a truly long ski season.
The ski runs are serviced by 14 chair and drag lifts, all of which are cutting-edge Doppelmayer ski lifts, including the eight person gondola and three detachable quad chairs, one with pull-down bubble cover if the weather is poor.
At the end of the day, skiers and snowboarders have a choice to return by the Gondola or take the ski track down to Bansko, which marks this resort as one of the few in the world to offer this option. This is a unique 16 kilometer (10 mile) long uninterrupted ski run, starting from Todorka Peak (2,600 m) at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station of the gondola lift at the outskirts of town. The last seven kilometers of the slope are lighted, and the entire facility is equipped with artificial snow machines to ensure a great skiing experience even in warmer conditions. 
The winter sports center also includes more than nine kilometers of cross country ski tracks, a biathlon shooting range, a winter sports stadium and a ski kindergarten, the Junior Ski Club, which welcomes children aged four and up.| Top altitude: | 2,600 meters (8,450 feet) |
| Base altitude: | 990 meters (3,218 feet) |
| Vertical drop: | 1,610 meters (5,232. feet) |
| Lifts: | 14 |
| Lift capacity: | 10,000 persons per hour |
| Runs: | 65km (41 miles) |
| Longest run: | 16km (10 miles) |
| Lighted runs: | 7 km (4 miles) |
| Beginner (blue): | 35% |
| Intermediate (red): | 40% |
| Difficult (black): | 25% |
| Snow cannons: | 70 (80%) |
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Après Ski
Among other Bulgarian mountain resorts, Bansko offers what is probably the best après-ski, because it is a unique combination of a modern mountain resort and a living rustic town.
Bansko's most popular late night hangout is the Amnesia disco club, which features popular music in a relaxed atmosphere. A great modern après-ski place with a quieter atmosphere is the bowling in Hotel Strazhite.
In the common "mehana" establishments, food is served in the atmosphere of traditional songs and dances, performed by local artists.
Dining Out
Delicious Bulgarian meals and local red wine are easy to find. Almost a hundred "mehana" dining places offer peculiar local cuisine dishes, such as "kapama" or "Banski starets". In some of the smaller "mehana" your waiter may very well be the proprietor of the place.
Shopping
There are numerous souvenir shops. Payment is normally required in cash rather than by credit card.
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Local Attractions
Besides the famous church, St. Trinity, there are many historical, architectural, and cultural monuments in Bansko, including the houses of many famous Bulgarians from the period of the Bulgarian Revival. These include the Velyanova House, Neofit Rilski Museum-house, Nikola Vaptsarov Museum-house and the Poetry and Arts house.
On January 1st, the local men dress as “Koukeri” and chase away evil spirits from the streets of Bansko. Other prominent events include Easter and Christmas concerts.
A number of additional services, such as paragliding, games, and competitions may be available locally.
Accommodation
Bansko has approximately 3,000 guest beds with more than half of these in two to four star hotels, the remainder in chalets and private villas.
At the base of the gondola, Grand Arena is, beside St. Moritz, the only the five-star deluxe Kempski hotel located at a ski area. This smart new hotel has an indoor pool and spa.
Bansko's four-star hotels rank among the best in the country. These include the Orphey, Pirin, Bansko, Strazhite, Glazne, Bulgaria, Chatteau Vaptsarov, and Tanne which all offer excellent facilities and services, and most allow free use of the swimming pool and the beauty-and-fitness center to their guests.
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Access
The nearest airport is Sofia, 150km (70 miles) away with a transfer time of two-and-a-half hours
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Bansko Prices for Incidentals
| Expresso / Capuccino | US$ 0.50 |
| Wine (glass) | 1.75 |
| Large pizza | 5.00 |
| Salad | 1.50 |
| Local beer | 0.50 |
| Mineral water | 0.60 |
| Milk (liter) | 0.85 |
| Local wine (quality, bottle) | 7.50 |
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Webpages:
Bulgaria Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria
Bansko Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bansko
Bansko: http://www.bansko.bg/index_en.html
Bansko: http://www.bansko24.com/en
Bansko ski: http://www.banskoski.com/index.xhtml.en
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Bansko in the Press
New York Times: Bulgaria: Where Bargain-Seekers Ski
Bulgaria may be known for certain things – its ancient monasteries, or the local habit of nodding one’s head to say no – but probably skiing isn’t one of them. That’s beginning to change as the Bulgarian slopes, already the site of Alpine World Cup races, are increasingly being explored by bargain-seekers from the west.
Bansko provides a more-rustic experience, highlighted by taverns called “mehanas”, which serve “shopsa”, the Greek-style tomato and cucumber salad, and “banista”, a cheese-stuffed pastry, for less than one Lev (65 cents) each, often with live music and folk dances.
Stars & Stripes (US Military Newspaper): Great skiing and luxury hotels at bargain prices
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d see skiing like this in Bulgaria,” stated a member of the Ski Club of International Journalists, during a visit by 200 members from 32 countries.
The run from the top of the resort, at 8,500 feet, to the bottom, at 3,000 feet, is about 10 miles long. “There’s nowhere in the States that you can do that,” said an Austrian journalist who once taught skiing in Michigan.
Bansko, three hours south of Sofia, is called “the most best ski resort in Eastern Europe.” Some 150 million Euros (US$ 190m.) have been spent to turn the areas slopes into a modern mountain resort. New lifts. New runs. New hotels and apartment complexes. It has 40 miles of groomed slopes, off-piste adventure, the latest in lift system and snow-making technology, luxury hotels and spa facilities, and a rocking night life – all at bargain prices. The beer in town is only 1.50 Leva (about US$1.00).
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Telegraph: Bansko Ð The Best of Bulgaria and Eastern Europe
Riding the gleaming blue Doppelmayr gondola up the Pirin mountains over a pine forest blanketed by overnight snow, it was easy to imagine that we were in the French Alps rather than Bulgaria. The meticulously groomed trails and a final glorious descent in a bowl with 15cm of fresh powder did nothing to dispel the illusion. Then a welcoming hut with honest mountain fare, essential components of the perfect skiing day. It was the lunch bill that restored reality: a waiter-served meal including a decent bottle of local wine was GBP 10 for two (about US$19). Surely some mistake. Back in Méribel it barley buys one soggy sandwich.
Bansko offers the best skiing in eastern Europe and untapped challenging terrain for development of a new Verbier or St. Anton.
Catch Bansko while prices are still lower than in any other resort of comparable quality in Europe.
Observer: The Val dÕIsre of the future?
Bansko: Eastern EuropeÕs answer to Aspen. So runs the hyperbole about one of EuropeÕs newest ski resorts. ItÕs a buzz that the resortÕs developers are understandably keen to perpetuate. Millions of Euros are being spent transforming this small rustic Bulgarian town into someplace Brad and Angelina might head for when desperate for powder. Indeed, in a few yearÕs time given the money being thrown at it, Bansko is likely to become unrecognizable. Inevitably, this means prices will rise. Val dÕIsre? Aspen? Perhaps not. But skiers on a budget might want to get in before BanskoÕs transformation is complete.
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Guardian: Bansko Ranked Among Top Six Ski Resorts
British snowboard champion Chris Morgan ranks Bansko among the top six hidden gems – the six best resorts that are best for skiing and snowboarding.
“Bulgaria’s best resort is inexpensive and has managed to strike a balance between retaining some local identity and drawing in the crazed bargain seekers. Hit with fresh snow, and you’ll be surprised how good it is, and how little competition you’ll have for all that lovely powder,” says Morgan.
Complete Ski: Bulgaria: the up-and-coming ski destination
Traditional ski resorts in Europe can be very expensive. France and Switzerland certainly offer few bargains for winter sport holidaymakers. People in the know, who love their skiing and enjoy a bargain are heading for Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is now a full-fledged member of the EU, a member of NATO, and is bidding for the 2014 Winter Olympics. This has led to increased investment in ski developments and property as the infrastructure is improved dramatically to attract winter tourists. Ski resorts such as Bansko are now among Europe’s top resorts and offer exceptional value for money.
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TravelMole: Why Bansko is a better bet than Couchevel
Skiers could save over GBP 2,500 (about US$ 4,825) by avoiding Courchevel and heading for Bansko in Bulgaria, the “best developed resort in Eastern Europe,” according to the 2007 Great Skiing & Snowboard Guide.
The exclusive study of 30 ski resorts in 10 European countries by www.PriceRunner.co.uk, the price comparison website reveals France as the most expensive destination.
The price comparison was based on a 7-day holiday for two adults and two children including hotel accommodations, food and drink, ski passes, and ski equipment rental.
A typical holiday in France costs GBP 3,786 (about US$ 7,310) compared with just GBP 1, 073 (About US$ 2,075) in Bulgaria, the lowest priced country in the study.
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Ski Lift Passes
| Bulgarian Lev (BGN) |
USD (approx) |
|
| 1-day | 50 | $ 33 |
| 2-days | 95 | $ 63 |
| 3-days | 145 | $ 97 |
| 4-days | TBA | |
| 5-days | TBA | |
| 6-days | 280 | $ 187 |
Deposit for hands-free chip card: BGN 5 (US$ 3) refundable.
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Ski Equipment Rental
The Ulen ski lift company operates rental facilities at the gondola base station featuring new Atomic and Salomon equipment.
| Bulgarian Lev (BGN) |
USD (approx) |
|
| 1-day | 30 | $ 20 |
| 3-days | 82 | $ 55 |
| 6-days | 150 | $ 100 |
For a nominal fee of BGN 3 (US$ 2) equipment can be stored overnight.
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Ski Lessons
| Lessons | Bulgarian Lev (BGN) |
USD (approx) |
| 1 hour private | 105 | $ 70 |
| 4 hour group | 50 | $ 34 |
For a nominal fee of BGN 3 (US$ 2) equipment can be stored overnight.
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Transportation
Air Travel
Sofia is the air gateway for Bansko. The major European airlines have flights to Sofia from their hub cities.
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Transfers to Bansko
The travel distance from Sofia Airport to Bansko is about 95 miles and takes about 2 1/2 hours.
Transportation in Bansko
Bansko is a small village and within the town walking is generally the fastest and easiest means to get around.
Most hotels are located within the Bansko town center, about 1km from the ski area. These hotels provide free shuttles to/from the base lift station.
There is a rail station in Bansko, however, train service is limited and not of the same standard as in other parts of Europe. There is also an inexpensive regional bus service.
Taxis in Bansko cost BGN 1 per kilometer (about UD$1 per mile) traveled.
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Excursions
Sightseeing excursions offer an opportunity to explore intriguing new destinations.
Excursions may be pre-ordered and pre-purchased in the USA at a fixed Dollar rate by check or credit card. Excursions may also be purchased locally if space on the buses is still available.
Half-Day Excursions
Bansko Town Tour
Bansko is not just a ski resort, it is a museum town as well lying at the edge of the Pirin National Park. In Bansko, Revival Period houses with thick walls, secret basements and high stone fences are well preserved and function as comfortable family hotels and traditional taverns. Museum houses and monuments tell the stories of Paisii Hilendarski (author of the first Bulgarian historic review); Neofit Rilski (founder of Bulgarian secular education); Toma Vishanov (founder of the renown Bansko School of icon-painting), and Nikola Vaptsarov (famous Bulgarian poet). Examples of the Icon-painting School can be seen in the permanent icon exhibition at the Convent (Metoha), affiliated to the Rila Monastery. The three-nave church of Sveta Troitsa dominates the town with its impressive stone belfry. The interior of the other church, Ouspenie Bogorodichno portrays the exceptional mastery of the Bansko Woodcarving School.
Banya Spa Visit
Banya is about 4km to the north of Bansko, and about the same distance east of Razlog. The three settlements in the skirts of the Pirin mountain form an equilateral triangle that is gradually becoming a large ski and tourist complex. Banya is rich in mineral waters of temperature ranging between 37 and 57 degrees Celsius that are used for spa, recreational and industrial purposes. The village is currently undergoing massive development into a spa and mountain resort.
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Full Day Excursions
Melnik and Rozhen Monastery
Located among sandstone ÒpyramidsÓ Melnik (population 267) is the smallest town in Bulgaria and an architectural preserve with almost one hundred protected buildings. Among the ÒpyramidsÓ, are the remains of medieval buildings, churches, and the fortress of the local ruler dating from the early 13th century. In the village are also found whitewashed museum houses, preserved from the 18th-19th century Bulgarian National Revival Period. The sandstone also makes the perfect environment for the production and maturing of the world-famous dark full-bodied Melnik red wine. A scenic footpath through the ÒpyramidsÓ leads to the Rozhen Monastery. It was first built in the 10th century, and several times destroyed and reconstructed since. Its present-day exterior dates from the 18th century. The Monastery Church is known for its carved altar, the 17th-century stained glass windows, and the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary.
Rila Monastery
The Monastery of Saint John of Rila, the best known of Bulgaria's monasteries, played an important role for the preservation of the Bulgarian national spirit and faith during the Ottoman rule. Rila Monastery is included in the UNESCO list for world heritage. Rila is known for both its architecture and mountainous setting. It is situated in the northwestern Rila Mountains, in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1,147 m above sea level. Founded in the 10th century, Rila is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. At the monastery, services are preceded by monks hammering on wooden panels in the monastery courtyard, a ritual designed to remind the congregation of Christ’s nailing to the cross.
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Sofia, Bulgaria’s Capital
Sofia, with a population of 1,3 million, is the capital and largest city of the Bulgaria, as well as the administrative, cultural, and economic centre of the country. One of the oldest capital cities in Europe, the history of Sofia dates back to the 8th century BC. Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence, and remnants of the city's millenary history can still be seen today alongside modern landmarks. Among city highlights, our guided tour will include the 10th century Boyana church (a UNESCO heritage site), the Nevski Cathedral (one of the world's largest Orthodox churches), and the early Byzantine Church of St Sophia. There will be sufficient time to explore some of the cities fine museums and shops.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia
Philipi and Kavala, Greece
Kavala is one of the most attractive of Greek towns, rising from the beautiful harbor up to a huge Byzantine fortress. Built on the ancient city of Neopolis, the cities population doubled in 1922 when the Greeks from Asia Minor settled here during the exchange of populations.
On the west side of the city, spacious squares, contemporary buildings, and shopping centers form a pleasant contrast to the traditional old houses, tiny gardens and flagged alleyways of the eastern side. The harbor is particularly picturesque with its countless brightly colored fishing caiques moored along the waterfront. Among the city's impressive landmarks are the old walls, the Byzantine castle, and the Kamares aqueduct erected by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, Mehmet Ali's house (18th century) and the Imaret, a Turkish building.
About 12 miles from Kavala are found the ruins of the ancient Macedonian city of Philipi, named after its founder, Philip II. Philipi was an early Christian settlement to which one of Paul’s epistles was addressed. Still visible on the site are the remains of two early Christian basilicas, traces of via Egnatia, the grand Roman forum, the acropolis, and the theatre. Travel time: Bansko - Kavala: 3:00 - 3:30 hrs; Kavala - Philipi: 45 min. The price includes entrance fees and packed picnic lunch.
Travel time: Bansko - Kavala: 3:00 - 3:30 hrs; Kavala - Philipi: 45 min.
The price includes entrance fees and packed picnic lunch.
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Alpine Adventures Post-Trip
Istanbul, Turkey
Where West meets East, Europe meets Asia, intriguing Istanbul, a sister city of Houston, well-deservedly has been designated as an EC European capital of culture. The city’s historic areas have long been UNESCO world heritage sites. Situated on two continents, both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, the natural harbor has been known since antiquity as the “Golden Horn”. Istanbul is the only city in the world which served as the capital to three different Empires: The Roman, the Byzantine, and the Ottoman. Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, and palaces to visit during our stay in the city. Eminönü is the heart of the walled city of Constantine, the point on which the Byzantine capital was built. And up on the hill stands Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet (The Blue Mosque) and Hagia Sofia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul
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Reprinted and edited with permission from Ski Europe.