Bansko Travel guide

The snow capped peaks of Pirin dominate this town with population of 12 000 inhabitants. In the past its inhabitants built fort-like houses, surrounded by high stone walls, high windows and deeply overhanging eaves. However behind the high stone walls, one finds the warmth of cosy hearth, sofas covered with multicoloured, home woven rugs, shelves with earthenware pots and fine woodcarvings.

The newest Bulgarian winter resort, recently discovered by the foreign tourists. Bansko provides an interesting combination between the virgin nature of Pirin Mountain and the atmosphere of the ancient Bulgarian small town.

Bansko ski resort is situated in Southwestern Bulgaria, at the foothills of one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains - Pirin, which is a national preserve, included in the WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE list. The distance from Sofia to Bansko is 160 km.

The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent. The Pirin mountain has a predominately Alpine character with three peaks towering above 2900 m. However the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers, from novice to the experts, while the ski runs are maintained in excellent condition. The town itself attracts visitors by its 120 cultural monuments, its museums houses, and the permanent ethnographic and Bansko school of icon painting exhibitions.

A very interesting sight is the HOLY TRINITY church with its 30m high bell tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings. The region is famous for its cuisine and colourful folklore and offers various entertainment opportunities.

Surrounded by Pirin, Rila and Rhodopa mountains, Bansko is a climatic mountain resort with a short summer and long winter. The average temperature during January, the coldest month, is -1.9C. Snow falls are abundant, providing a constant winter snow cover up to 2 m thick. The skiing season along the Pirin slopes starts in the middle of December and ends in mid-April.