Bulgaria Bansko ski resort official. Alpine skiing in Bansko: prices, routes, how to get there. By car from Russia

Bansko is the most modern and popular ski resort in sunny Bulgaria. An integral advantage of this place is the duration of the ski season, which begins in mid-December and ends only in mid-May. Thanks to a million-dollar investment by Yulen, the ski center has state-of-the-art equipment.

The number of respectable apartments in the resort is growing every year, which allows tourists to choose the best accommodation option in terms of price and quality. The city of Bansko itself is comfortably located on the banks of a picturesque river at the foot of the beautiful Pirin mountain range. There are a large number of interesting museums and historical sites.

Alpine skiing in Bansko

The ski resort is located in the southeast of the Bulgarian coast. From the airport in the city of Sofia to Bansko is about one hundred and sixty kilometers. The ski center is located at an altitude of more than two kilometers above sea level. Mount Pirin itself is considered alpine in relief.

The highest point of the ski complex is Vihren Peak, located at an altitude of three kilometers above sea level. The UNESCO World Organization has included the Pirin Reserve in the list of significant natural sites.

The ski infrastructure is developed quite well, the slopes are rated as high quality. The whole season they keep a two-meter snow cover. During the New Year and Christmas holidays near the main lift station in the morning, the queues of skiers are so long that you have to stand in them for two hours.

How to get to Bansko from Moscow and Sofia

Moscow – Sofia

An impressive distance lies between Moscow and the capital of Bulgaria - 2.4 thousand kilometers. For avid motorists, this is not a barrier. Those who choose the bus or train should also be prepared for long journeys and transfers.

Intending to fly by air, it is worth buying a ticket to Sofia. This is the fastest and relatively inexpensive way to get to the place. The ticket will cost about 200 euros. Direct flights are operated by Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air from Sheremetyevo Airport. Useful information about Sofia Airport.

Sofia – Bansko

Once in the capital of Bulgaria, you will need to drive directly to Bansko. There are the following options:

The bus station in Bansko is a 5-minute walk from the center.

Bus schedule Sofia – Bansko

You can get to the bus stations from Sofia Airport by taking bus No. 84 at Terminal 1 or No. 384 at Terminal 2. Metro line 1 is laid to the city center.

The departure time of buses from Sofia to Bansko depends on the specific bus station:

1. Central Bus Station(Blvd. "Maria Luiza"): 7.30, 8.35, 9:40, 13:15 (Mon-Sat), 14:00.
2. Ovcha Kupel(Tsar Boris III Blvd): 7:00, 8:30, 9:20 (Mon, Wed-Sun), 10:25, 11:50 (Mon-Sat), from 13:00 to 18:00 two buses per hour .
3. West: 10:30, 13:30, 13:55, 15:30.

The bus station in the town of Bansko was built within a five-minute walk from the center of the ski resort.

Where to stay - resort hotels

The number of hotels for ski lovers is constantly growing, so there are places to stay. To date, there are already about 3.5 hundred of them. Most of the hotel complexes have three or four stars. They usually have several restaurants that serve either breakfast or two meals a day. Per day for accommodation from clients of these establishments they take from 15 euros.

There are only six five-star hotels in the ski resort. The cost of living in them varies from 65 to 180 euros per day. For the convenience of guests, respectable hotels have spa treatment centers, baths and saunas, jacuzzis, swimming pools (including for children), fitness centers, beauty parlors.

Trails of the ski resort of Bansko: scheme and description

The ski slopes of the resort comply with international safety requirements. They are labeled and well equipped.

The total length of the roads for the descent is approximately seventy kilometers. Of these, 35% of the tracks are designed for beginners, 40% for advanced skiers and 25% for experienced skiers.

You can get acquainted with all the zones, objects and seventeen routes of the Pirin Mountains on the map.

The ski resort, depending on the level of training of skiers, is divided into the following areas for skiing:

1. Chalin Valog(1500 m) - the lowest, equipped for beginners.
2. Shiligarnika(1725 - 2500 m) - offers various pistes of decent length for intermediate skiers; tracks for slalom competitions. Here is the best track Todorka with a length of three kilometers.
3. Banderishka Polyana(1600 m) - has a spacious slope with a length of up to five kilometers, fell in love with both beginners and skiers with an average degree of training. Equipped with a children's lift, moving tracks and ski carousels.
4. Plateau- equipped with modern technology, suitable for beginners and snowboarders, has a snowboard park and halfpipe.
5. Tomba and Banderitsa(1500 m and 4900 m respectively) - designed for experts. In addition to the five-kilometer descent, there is virgin snow for skiing with a length of 750 kilometers.

The cost of the ski pass and lifts

The ski resort of Bansko is equipped with Austrian lifts with a total length of 22 kilometers, with various types of devices:

• one cable gondola eight-seater Bansko - Banderishka - lifts skiers to the slopes in twenty-five minutes;
• six roundabouts for four places;
• one triple;
• seven rope tows;
• ten children.

The ski pass includes an unlimited number of lifts on any drag or carousel lifts and on the funicular.

You can purchase separate tickets for one ascent and descent to the gondola, any lifts and funicular.

Separate ski passes are sold for the upper lifts at the box office on Banderishkina Polyana. They are relevant for skiers who reach the slopes by car.

Ski pass prices are as follows:

A round-trip gondola ride costs 14 euros for adults, 12 euros for students, 10 euros for schoolchildren.

Webcams of the ski complex Bansko

There are cameras installed in the Bansko region, the information on which is updated through special websites. They provide up-to-date information about what is happening on the slopes. Types of tracks online allow skiers to evaluate the level of the resort and prepare for skiing.

The length of the lifts is 22 km.

Webcams are installed in the following locations:

• peak Todorka;
• Plateau zone;
• Shiligarnika zone;
• Banderishka Polyana;
• Bansko;
• Chalin Valog;
• gondola lift.

A brief overview of the resort of Bansko, see the video:

You can follow the video they shoot on special sites.

You can find more information on the topic in the section.

The ski resort of Bansko (Bulgaria) is a mild and snowy winter, picturesque mountain landscapes, sunny days under the dome of the blue sky, the friendliness and hospitality of the locals and the unique, delicious cuisine, the dishes of which you just need to try in one of the restaurants.

basic information

Where is Bansko located?

The old Bulgarian town is comfortably located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, in close proximity to the Pirin Park, which, by the way, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This location allows not only to enjoy many hours of skiing on the snowy slopes, but also to admire the beautiful landscapes, feel the atmosphere of the city and the whole country as a whole.

How to get to Bansko?

For starters - by plane to Sofia or Plovdiv. From there - either by hotel transfer, or by bus, or by rented car. Travel time takes about three hours.

weather, season

The most favorable weather for skiing in Bansko is from December to April. The thickness of the snow cover on the slopes in these months reaches two meters. Especially popular, of course, are the New Year holidays.

About slopes and slopes

15 slopes with a total length of about 70 km are waiting for skiers. Among them there are both illuminated tracks and tracks designed specifically for children.

Serves the slopes of more than 20 lifts.

For snowboarders - a halfpipe and a specially equipped park.

Tours in Bansko are equally suitable for beginner skiers, professionals and families. Despite the fact that there are not many trails here, they are diverse in terms of difficulty, elevation changes and views from them.

Ski pass prices (prices are in EUR)

The map of the slopes of Bansko will help you navigate the location of the ski slopes:

Accommodation, other activities, après-ski, attractions

Where to stay?

Hotels in Bansko meet the tastes of even very demanding tourists and there are a great many of them. In addition, more and more new hotels are opened every year, offering their guests comfortable and cozy rooms, delicious breakfasts and all the opportunities for a great vacation.

Each hotel quickly acquires its history and its regular customers, becomes popular. However, there are hotels that have managed to prove themselves from a particularly good side, such as the Kaphouse Hotel in Bansko.

Another good opportunity is to buy property in Bansko. The cost of apartments and cottages here is relatively low, and if you plan to visit the resort often enough, this will be the best option.

What to see and do?

Not only skiing, but also the sights of Bansko are the visiting card of the city.
Among the most interesting places are the museum of wood carving and wall painting, beautiful churches and ancient bell towers, streets of the city with medieval houses.

You can make a short trip to Sofia or neighboring cities.

In the evenings, it is especially pleasant to spend time at a table in one of the restaurants and taste incredibly delicious local dishes.

Spa hotels located near thermal springs and offering wellness programs are especially popular.

Bansko is a popular ski resort in Bansko, with a developed infrastructure, chic slopes, the scheme of which can be seen both on the official website of the resort and in this article. In which we will talk about how skiing is arranged in Bansko, how much a ski pass costs in 2018, what hotels are in Bansko and how to get to them.

In contact with

Bansko (Bulgaria) - description of the ski resort

The name comes from Bansko, a small town located in southwestern Bulgaria. The distance from Sofia to Bansko is 160 km.

Also in the city there are a large number of cafes, restaurants and taverns that are worth visiting in order to enjoy the local cuisine.

There are many ancient monasteries in the area. Some are over 400 years old.

Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century. It is located in the bowl of the Rila Mountains, at an altitude of 1147 m. above sea level.

In general, any traveler who is tired of skiing will be able to find entertainment to his liking.

The town is surrounded by mountains. The Balkan Mountains are not very high, but near Bansko there is the highest mountain range of the Balkan Mountains - Pirin.

It is here that the ski resort is located, the slopes of which start from a height of 1 km 100 m.

The highest point in the ski area is Vihren peak (2 km 914 m). Also, the tracks are located in the area of ​​Mount Todorka. The height of the mountain is 2 km 746 m, and the lifts can lift it to a point of 2 km 570 m.

The city itself is located at an altitude of 900 m, so it cannot be considered high-altitude. The climate here is comfortable, suitable for tourists of any age.

Take note: You can get to the ski resort from Sofia or from Plovdiv (located 187 km from the resort) by bus. Travel time 2 hours 45 minutes.

The nearest airport to the resort is also located in Sofia. From here you can take a shuttle to Bansko.

Interesting fact: The problem of queues at the resort can be solved with the help of a personal car, on which you can drive to the second stage of the lifts - there is a much smaller queue.

You can rent a car at Sofia Airport.

It is worth noting: prices in Bulgaria are reasonable, much cheaper than in other European countries.

ski season

Ski season in Bansko lasts from November to April. In April, the snow is still very dense, its depth can reach 2 meters. The season officially opens on December 15th and closes on May 15th.

If there is little snow, then the resort includes snow cannons, although they can cover only 3-4 tracks.

Trails and lifts

In the immediate vicinity of the city there are two main ski areas:

• Chain Volog (maximum height - 1 km 467 m);
• Shiligarnika (maximum height - 2 km 570 m).

The first ski area is 6 km from Bansko, the second one is 12 km. You can get there both by buses and by cable car. The main slopes are located in the second ski area.

In total, the ski resort of Bansko has 15 slopes of different difficulty levels.

Let's take a look at the layout of the tracks: blue (easy), red (difficult) and black (dangerous). Their total length is 80 km. There are special areas for cross-country skiing. Their length is 9 km. Some trails are illuminated in the evenings.

The most popular routes are:

• blue - Stara Pista, Plato (a snowboard park and 1 halfpipe are equipped on this track), Shiligarnika, Todorka (the longest track of the resort is 2 km 570 m);
• red - Ctzurna gravela, Banderitza 2;
• black - Banderitza 1, Ctzurna gravel;
• freeride areas (not tracks, free riding).

All tracks are FIS certified.

The system of descent-ascent at the resort is well thought out.

Note: lifts are open every day from 08.00 to 16.00 (except Saturday, lifts are open until 20.00).

Here are:

Do you know that: despite the fact that there are a sufficient number of lifts, on weekends and holidays, due to the influx of tourists from neighboring European countries, you can stand in line for 15-25 minutes.

Skating school for children and adults

The resort has a well-thought-out system of recreation and teaching children to ski.

There is a real kindergarten and a ski school with children's lifts, paths and carousels. Competent instructors can put a four-year-old child on skis.

There is a school for children in the special area Banderishka Polya na, at the station near the lake.

Prices in Bansko

Prices are quite moderate in this ski resort in Bulgaria. The cost (in euros) of a ski pass - a special magnetic card that provides access to all lifts and slopes an unlimited number of times, significantly saves time on the purchase of individual tickets, is presented below (in the table).

Official site

On the official website of Bansko http://www.banskoski.com/ru you can find complete information about the resort, pistes, prices for the season, attractions and entertainment.

For those who want to find decent accommodation, there is also information on accommodation.

Hotels

In the ski resort of Bansko, tourists will find for themselves from a small private hotel to chain hotels. If you wish, you can rent an apartment, apartments, with all amenities and not far away.

Note: The advantage of large hotels is that guests are transported to the ski lifts for free.

The most popular hotels are:

• Pirin River Ski & Spa;
  
• Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena (five-star hotel);
  
• Hotel Avalon;
  
• Premier Luxury Mountain Resort (five-star hotel);
  
• Rahoff Hotel;
  
• Predela 2 Apartments;
  
• Elegant Hotel.
  

Bulgaria is known not only for the warm sea and golden sands, but also for excellent opportunities for winter family holidays. For tourists who love skiing and mountains, this country offers several wonderful resorts where you can enjoy skiing and relaxing surrounded by gorgeous nature.

Bansko is the most famous Bulgarian resort, which is suitable primarily for skiers who are not experienced in the Alps or for those who plan to ski for the first time. Affordable prices, wide gentle slopes and developed infrastructure attract more and more families with children to Bansko every year.

And the absence of a language barrier will help you feel more confident in ski schools: training will go quickly and efficiently. All the most important things about holidays with children in Bansko can be found in the Kidpassage review.

Bansko on the map of Bulgaria

The city of Bansko is located in southwestern Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, on the territory. The resort is part of the Blagoevgrad region (the administrative center is Blagoevgrad). The distance from Bansko to Sofia is 155 km, to Plovdiv - 148 km, to Blagoevgrad - 56 km, to Borovets - 142 km. The city has been part of Bulgaria for a little over 100 years. Until 1912, where Bansko is located, there was the territory of the Ottoman Empire.

Vacation with children

Ski resort Bansko is a compact town with its own zest. Narrow streets, the smell of delicious smoke (wood-burning stoves are still heated in the houses here), countless colorful Bulgarian mehan restaurants with an always festive atmosphere, the historical center of the city with painted wooden houses and churches, the snow-capped peaks of the Pirin Mountains - all this remains in memory of tourists who visited the ski resort. And the amazing serenity is also remembered: isn’t this the most important condition for fully relaxing with a child?

Spending a family vacation in Bansko is a sound idea. In winter, you can enjoy skiing here without spending a lot of money on it. In the children's ski school, children playfully get on skis: it's a lot of fun to play and learn. And in the summer in Bansko with children it is good to relax from the everyday bustle and stress of the big city.

The resort is built up with numerous hotels and apartments of any price category. Here you can really inexpensively, but at the same time comfortably relax.

Most families visiting the resort with young children stay in aparthotels with self-catering kitchens. Note that there are no special conditions for relaxing with a baby in Bansko, but you can count on a baby cot in the room and the opportunity to invite a nanny.

The resort, however, also has disadvantages - although not everyone will consider this a disadvantage. Firstly, traveling to Bansko by public transport is somewhat tiring for children, since they have to get to the resort with a transfer. In order not to get tired on the way, you can order a transfer from the airport to the resort.

Secondly, there are almost no entertainments for children in Bansko. In winter, children frolic on snow slides and in hotel mini-clubs, but in summer, parents have to come up with fun for kids. But it’s interesting with teenagers in the mountains: you can offer them extreme entertainment and invite them on excursions to the monasteries.

When is the best time to go

The holiday season in Bansko knows only two short drops: from mid-April to the end of May and from mid-October to the end of November. With the onset of winter, the flow of tourists is growing rapidly, reaching a peak during the New Year holidays, and then - from March 1 to 4, during the celebration of Martenitsa. At the lift at this time a solid queue is created. Also, at the peak of the winter season, as many regulars of the resort notice, it often rains, which can thoroughly dampen the mood of not only children, but also adults.

If you are not particularly attached to specific vacation dates, we recommend going on vacation with a child in the second half of January, in February or after the end of Martenitsa. The weather and snow at this time are in order, and there are no crowds on the slopes.

The choice of when it is better to go to Bansko can be influenced by the specifics of the resort. Since Bansko has recently become one of the venues for the Alpine Skiing World Cup, some slopes may be closed during the preparation and on the day of the competition. So if you are not a fan of this sport and are not ready to sacrifice a few days of skiing for the sake of visiting cross-country skiing, then keep an eye on the Cup schedule.

In mid-June, the season opens in Bansko for those who do not like the cold. It is good to come to Bansko with a baby at this time: cool and sunny weather in the resort is suitable for relaxing with a baby.

You will read below about what to do in the summer in the mountains, but for now we will add that a lot of interesting things happen in the resort during the warm season. In August, a jazz festival is held on the central square. On September 22, residents celebrate the Independence Day of Bulgaria, and on October 5, the city's day. Check the calendar of events on the city's website to find out about holidays and festivals.

Weather and climate

The climate features of Bansko are of most interest to skiers. There is nothing to hide here: the winters in the resort are snowy and not too cold. The snow cover lasts from December until at least mid-April and reaches a thickness of 2 meters during the peak season.

Winter in Bansko comes towards the end of November. The average temperature at this time drops to 0 ° C, although during the day the thermometers still rise to + 8-10 ° C. The first snowfalls begin.

In December, the temperature drops to +3°C during the day and to -3°C at night. There is more snow, it no longer melts, forming a good cover for skiing. January and February are the coldest months, but the daytime temperature usually does not fall below 0 ° C, only at night it gets colder to -5 ° C. Usually, holidays in Bansko are planned for this time, using the New Year holidays for skiing.

With the advent of spring, the air temperature rises noticeably. Already in March, the air warms up to + 8-9 ° С, although frost still catches at night. In April, it gets warmer up to +13°C. Snow at this time is no less than in winter, so the ski season continues. If you dream of skiing, but do not like queues and crowds, then the best holiday in Bansko with children is a holiday in March-April. There are fewer people in the resort than in January-February, the snow cover is stable, and there are no frosts.

A mild, cool summer begins in May. In May the air warms up to +18°С, in June to +22-23°С, in July-August to +24-25°С, and in September to +21-22°С. +9-12° С.

The beauty of summer in Bansko is infrequent rains. Rain clouds sometimes linger over the city in May-June, but from July to September the weather is clear and dry. Favorable weather conditions were the reason why Bansko was recognized as a climatic resort.

It gets noticeably colder in October. During the day, thermometers show + 15-16 ° C, but at night the figures drop to + 5 ° C. With the advent of November, the first night frosts begin.

Treatment

Bansko and the surrounding villages have long been known as balneotherapy resorts. The most popular village is Dobrinishte - due to the many mineral springs. Water is used to treat diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal system, digestive and nervous systems, and gynecological diseases. There are also thermal complexes in the villages of Banya (6 km from Bansko) and Ognyanovo (48 km). Many Bansko hotels have spa centers. Among them - and others.

Meals and shopping

What distinguishes Bansko from other ski resorts in Bulgaria is the availability of all inclusive. Only a few hotels use this concept, but if you want to put aside the hassle of finding food, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

If you are interested in tasting the national Bulgarian cuisine, visit the Bansko mekhani. Large portions, very tasty food and low prices - these are the three main charms of mehan. There is a fourth: almost all Bulgarian dishes are suitable for baby food.

There are more than a dozen grocery stores in the resort. Prices are slightly higher than in Blagoevgrad. On Sundays in summer, a farmer's market opens next to the central square. Its assortment includes local vegetables, fruits, mountain herbs, honey, meat and dairy products.

Transport

Public transport in Bansko is intercity buses going to Sofia, Blagoevgrad, Gotse Delchev, Dobrinishte and some other settlements. Buses depart from the bus station in the center of the resort, the schedule is on the website of the bus stations in Bulgaria. Tickets are sold at the box office and from drivers (note that tickets for children cost the same as tickets for adults).

There is a taxi rank in front of the post office. If you use this type of transport to travel around Bansko, the fare will be as follows: the cost of landing is 0.60 leva, the cost of each kilometer of the way is 0.6 leva during the day and 1 lev at night. The cost of intercity travel is slightly higher.

The most convenient, albeit expensive, way to get to the airport is to order a transfer. In this case, the road will cost 140-160 leva for 4 people.

If you come to Bansko with your own transport, you will most likely have to leave the car in a paid parking lot (from 2 levs per hour to 10 levs per day).

Bansko is the best ski resort in Bulgaria. Snow lies here for a long six months, after which this place does not become empty: mountain bike lovers come here. Personally, I was lucky to visit Bansko at the end of the ski season and get a lot of vivid impressions from the trip, despite the snow melting at the foot of the mountain.

If I were asked to describe Bansko in three words, it would be: the most beautiful view, the widest slopes and the most delicious food.

I must say that Bansko is, first of all, an old town, walking along the streets of which, it is impossible not to be touched by stone buildings, not to admire the view of the mountains and not to go to at least one of the many restaurants to enjoy food.

How to get there

There are two sure ways to get to Bansko from Russia:

• by plane to Sofia and then by other transport to Bansko (more on that below),
• by car.

Of course, the first option will be shorter.

There are several ways to get to Bansko from the city of arrival, that is, Sofia:

• transfer,
• by car,
• by bus,
• by train.

From Sofia to Bansko 96 kilometers, or 2-3 hours by car or bus. The train ride will take much longer. The fastest way (but also the most expensive) will be a group transfer. More on this below.

By plane

It is better to plan a trip to Bulgaria in advance, as you will need to apply for a visa. is not part of the Schengen area, although it is part of the European Union. gives the right to visit not only this state, but also Romania, Croatia and the Republic, however, it is impossible to stay in the Schengen zone on it.

From Moscow and St. Petersburg to Sofia

The main airlines operating direct regular flights to Sofia from Moscow are Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air. Travel time will be approximately 3.5 hours, and the cost of a two-way ticket starts from 12,000 RUB, subject to transfers (without transfers, approximately 18,000). You can see the prices for flights for the dates relevant to your trip on the websites of airlines or, for example,.

From St. Petersburg to Sofia can only be reached with transfers. The fastest route with the Rossiya airline and a connection in Vienna costs a lot (from 60,000 RUB). And the cheapest flight I found is operated by Turkish Airlines: transfer in Istanbul, from 10,000 RUB round trip. In my opinion, Aeroflot has the best option with a transfer in Moscow and a cost of 15,600 RUB. Travel time will be approximately 7 hours.

From Sofia airport to Bansko by car

Rent a Car

You can rent a car to Bansko in advance on the websites of companies such as Hertz, Avis, SiXT, Top Rent-A-Car, and you can compare prices and offers from all the listed companies. The last one is the most beneficial. You can rent a car for a day, the price per day starts from 26 EUR. It is more profitable to rent a car for a week, the same Ford Fiesta will cost 84 EUR for 7 days, while you do not need to pay extra 50 EUR for returning a car to Bansko, because they do not have an office in the city.

When renting online, there is the possibility of partial or full prepayment. In one case or another, you still have to go to the office to complete the documents and make a deposit for the car. The trip to the office is free, and at the airport you will be met by a company representative with a sign. To rent, you will need a passport and a driver's license, not necessarily an international one.

Taxi

The taxi rank is located at the airport. Trains to Bansko will cost at least 70 EUR.

Transfer

Prices vary and depend on the number of people. But the approximate one-way cost per person from the airport to Bansko starts from 20 EUR. It is better to book a transfer in advance. You can easily find a suitable company on the Internet, I found the cheapest one.

From Sofia airport to Bansko by public transport

If you choose public transport, first of all you need to get from the airport to the bus and railway station in Sofia. You can do this with the help of buses.

From Sofia airport to bus and railway stations

The road from the airport to the train stations will cost:

• by public transport:
  • ticket for bus number 84 - 0.5 EUR,
  • a ticket for one of the buses No. 213 / 214 / 305 / 312 - 3 EUR,

• taxi from the airport to the railway station from 8 EUR.

In total, you will spend from 3.5 to 8 EUR.

By bus

Directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg, I did not find options to get to Bansko by bus, but, as I said, this can be done by arriving in Sofia by plane. This way to get from the airport to Bansko will be the most profitable.

From Sofia Central Bus Station, where the second bus from the airport will take you, you can take the third bus you need to Bansko. Thus, the total amount of the bus trip from the airport will be approximately 13 EUR, and the travel time will be about 6 hours. Bus tickets are not sold online.

By train

It is impossible to get directly to Bansko by train without transfers. But if you have a lot of time left and a great desire to ride a 200-kilometer attraction at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour through the picturesque expanses of Bulgaria, then the train will be the most suitable option.

Why, in fact, even the locals call this type of transport an attraction? The fact is that the construction of this narrow-gauge road with a strip 76 centimeters wide (the standard one is usually 2 times wider) lasted some 5 years, and, apparently, since then (1926) it has not been repaired.

The total travel time from the airport will be 8 hours, and the amount of money spent on the trip:

• a train ticket from Sofia to Septemvri will cost 6 EUR;
• a ticket from Septemvri to Bansko will cost about 7 EUR.

Total, together with a trip from the airport, from 16.5 to 21.5 EUR. A ticket can be purchased at the railway station ticket office, but, alas, it is not possible to do this online in advance.

By car

By car from Russia

It is impossible to get by car from Moscow to Bansko without stopping for an overnight stay: the shortest route will be 2,400 kilometers with a ferry crossing in Nikopol, which will be a paid part of the route on your way. The route will pass through Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. Without a crossing, the path will be 400 kilometers longer.

The shortest route from St. Petersburg to Bansko also passes through Ukraine with a crossing in Nikopol and across the Dnieper River and is 2,800 kilometers, which is equivalent to 1 day and 15 hours without traffic jams.

The ferry runs three times a day:

• Nikopol - 7:00; Kamenka - 8:00.
• Nikopol - 13:00; Kamenka - 14:00.
• Nikopol - 17:00; Kamenka - 18:00.

The cost of transporting a car is calculated according to the technical characteristics of the vehicle upon presentation of a technical passport at the ticket office and averages about 4.47 EUR.

The road from Sofia runs along the E83 and E79 highways and is first a high-speed highway (2/3 of the route), along which everyone flies at an average speed of 130 km / h, and after Blagoevgrad a two-lane of good quality will begin, which goes into the mountains and further to Bansko. The whole road is very scenic.

Traveling in Bansko by car is very convenient due to its location. Having a Schengen visa in your foreign passport, you can go to neighboring countries on days of rest from skiing. The nearest major cities of Greece (and Kavala) can be reached in 4 hours. During the same time, you can be on the Greek island of Thassos, taking into account the ferry crossing, and in half a day you can get to Turkey, hitting the Mediterranean route to.

Near the ski lifts in Bansko there is a huge parking lot.

However, it is paid, but the prices are reasonable.

Clue:

Bansko - time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Yekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The ski season lasts from mid-December to mid-April next year. These days the weather is mild and snowy. The average temperature in the city is -2-3 °С, and in the mountains it is from +1 to -15 °С. Such weather allows natural snow to stay at a two-meter depth level. The snow cover is constantly updated due to frequent snowfalls, and in case of their absence, 400 snow cannons work on the slopes. It happens that the resort opens its doors earlier and closes too.

In the autumn-spring period, it is too hot for skiing in Bansko, there is almost no snow, and I would not recommend coming in the off-season. However, if you do not pursue the goal of cutting ski slopes, but are just going to take a walk, enjoy the beauty of nature and swim in the baths, then a trip in the off season will be favorable both in terms of weather conditions and the cost of rest. From September to December and from mid-April to May there are especially few tourists, and the prices of many entertainments fall.

Bansko in summer

The landscapes of the Pirin National Park are especially beautiful in summer. There are many cycling and hiking trails in the Pirin Mountains. At this time, it is hotter here than at sea. The average temperature during the day is +29 °С, and in the evening it drops to +24 °С. You can feel the coolness by swimming in the crystal clear mountain lakes with melt water.

Summer holidays in Bansko are suitable for lovers of a relaxing pastime. Many come here to improve their health in mineral waters and spa hotels. In the neighboring villages of Dobrinishte and Banya, there are hot springs, the water temperature in which is from +30 °C to +50 °C.

Also, summer Bansko will be of interest to fans of event tourism, as music festivals take place at this time:

• summer theater festival (July);
• Pirin Sings Festival (mid-August in odd years);
• Bansko International Jazz Festival, or the International Jazz Festival, which traditionally gathers famous performers from a dozen and a half countries (in August).

Bansko in autumn

The average autumn air temperature in Bansko during the daytime is +17 °C, while in the evening it drops to +10 °C. Precipitation decreases towards November, as does the air temperature, which rarely reaches +10 °C during the day. In general, in autumn the weather is favorable for walking, but one cannot do without an umbrella and warm clothes. There are very few tourists during this period.

Bansko in spring

In my opinion, March is the best time to travel to Bansko. Ski pass prices have been falling since mid-March, and the flow of tourists is declining. The queues for the lifts are minimal, and the slopes are empty compared to the New Year period. However, you should not come in the first week of March, as there may be queues at this time due to the national holiday of Bulgaria - Independence Day.

The air in the city during the day warms up well by the end of the season, you can walk in a light jacket, while frost remains on the slopes.

I was here in the period from March to April and never regretted it. On the day of rest from skiing, we went to the neighboring village of Bani to bathe in hot springs in T-shirts and shorts and, one might say, “baked” from the temperature outside and in the water. Such a contrast!

Bansko in winter

From year to year representatives of different countries gather in Bansko. Starting from the opening of the season, mid-December, the influx of tourists is gradually increasing. The peak falls on Christmas (December 24–26), New Year holidays (until the end of the second week of January) and mid-February (school holidays in different countries).

I do not recommend coming to Bansko during such tourist peaks, as you will spend the lion's time queuing for lifts with families from Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, England, Greece, Russia and Israel. On weekends, the queues increase even more, since the nearest cities in Bulgaria to Bansko are only a couple of hundred kilometers, and local residents come here to relax.

Conclusion

If it is possible to plan a vacation in advance for any dates, the best time to come to Bansko is:

• the first week after the opening of the season,
• From the 10th to the 20th of January,
• or any length of time starting from the 2nd week of March and ending with the closing date of the season in mid-April.

Bansko - monthly weather

Clue:

Bansko - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

The city is very different: the tourist part, where the apart-hotels are located, looks very different from its historical area, which is located in the northeast and is marked with the number 4 on the map below. The terrain is flat and hilly, so the proximity to the ski lift matters: the closer, the more convenient it is to get there on foot, since the transfer from the hotel is not always free. On the map, the lift is located next to the number 1.

I will tell you more about each of the areas indicated on the diagram:

What are the prices for holidays

The resort is popular among Europeans. When we first got out to eat, we were surprised not to meet a single compatriot. As one of my friends said:

Bulgaria - no Europe!

And he was right: prices here, especially in restaurants, are two times lower than in Europe. Lunch in a restaurant for two from three courses with drinks will cost 1,000 RUB, hotel accommodation - from 2,000 RUB, and a ski pass for a day - from 1,200 RUB.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Bulgarian lev, lv

Main attractions. What to see

It is impossible not to notice two things in Bansko: the Pirin National Park and the Church of the Holy Trinity, located on the main street named after the park. Following the main street, you can see all the beauty of the city and not miss almost a single sight.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Church of the Holy Trinity

The main attraction, a symbol of the city, built in 1835 by the hands of the citizens themselves. The bell tower of the church can be seen from afar, and at the top you can see a huge stork's nest.

It is located on the central square of the city, which can be accessed from the main Pirin street.

Opening hours: daily - from 8.00 to 18.00, in winter - until 17.00.

Address: st. Vozrazhdane, 2.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov

On the central square of the city there is a house-museum of the Bulgarian poet, who died in the fight against fascism at the age of 33. The poems of the brilliant city dweller have been translated into 50 languages ​​of the world. Vaptsarov was the only Bulgarian who in 1952 was awarded posthumously the International Peace Prize. By the way, the museum conducts tours in Russian.

Working hours: daily from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.30.

Entrance fees: 1.5 EUR (3 BGN) for adults, 0.5 EUR (1 BGN) for children.

Address: sq. Nikola Vaptsarov, 3.

House-Museum of Neofit Rilski

The house-museum of the founder of Bulgarian education and the first Bulgarian encyclopedist has a unique exposition and architecture.

Working hours: daily from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.30.

Entrance fees: 1.5 EUR (3 BGN) for adults, 0.5 EUR (1 BGN) for pupils and students. On Mondays, admission to the museum is completely free.

Address: st. Pirin, 17.

parks

"Pirin"

In the mountains of Bansko, at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,900 meters, there is the Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the territory of the park there are two oldest nature reserves in Bulgaria. There are many hiking trails in the park that can be explored for several days.

For convenience, all tourist routes of the national park are marked with different color markings. Eight camp sites and four shelters are equipped for tourists on the territory of the Pirin protected area.

The main information center of the Pirin National Park is located in the town of Bansko; the Pirin Forests exposition has been created here, in the center of which there is an auditorium for 30 seats with a large screen. The film library contains more than 150 popular science films about the nature of this unique protected area in Bulgaria. On the basis of the Information Center, lectures are held for different age categories; special cognitive lessons are organized for children in nature, you can also order an excursion.

The information center for visitors to the National Park is located at: st. , 4.

tourist streets

Pirin street

On the Pirin pedestrian street, right next to the Church of the Holy Trinity, there is a monument dedicated to Father Paisios. The monument is one of the main symbols of the city. Father Paisius was one of the founders of the Renaissance, a fighter for freedom from the Turkish yoke, wrote a book on the history of Bulgaria. A university and a gymnasium in Sofia bear his name. Also, the great figure is depicted on a banknote of 2 leva.

And right after the church, there is the house-museum of Neofit Rilski, and after walking 200 meters ahead, there will be the museum of Nikola Vaptsarov, which I described above.

So be sure to take a walk along this old street of Bansko: you will find a lot of interesting things.

What to see in the surroundings

Bulgaria is popular for its terminal springs. There are several of them near Bansko, and I highly recommend swimming in at least one of these:

Food. What to try

This topic is my favorite, because going to Bansko is like going on a gastronomic tour. Portions in restaurants are huge. Greek salad, for example, you should try to find a weight of less than 400 grams. For 50 EUR in a restaurant you can overeat four of us.

In Bansko, at every step there are restaurants with the national cuisine of mehana.

The tastiest thing I've tried was fried cheese with homemade blueberry jam And sach- a dish of several types of meat with various vegetables, which is cooked in a special large frying pan and served sizzling.

In the photo, the table is set with national dishes and delicious wine.

lovers barbecue I recommend trying chicken. I have never tasted more tender meat. It just melts in your mouth :).

Where to buy groceries

Not far from the central square of the city and the Church of the Holy Trinity there is a small market with fresh food. Its prices are good.

If you live closer to the ski lift, and you don’t have the strength to walk 15 minutes to the market along the cobblestones down Pirin Street, then it will be more convenient for you to buy groceries at Aldo.

Grocery Aldo is large and open until 22:00.

Perhaps this restaurant-pub with its authentic English atmosphere has become our favorite place. It is located just below Aldo. In the evenings, live music is played here, and football is broadcast on TV.

Portions were even larger than shown in the pictures.

And the presentation is more interesting. See for yourself:

This pub has the cheapest and freshest Guinness on tap. From food for myself, I discovered veal ribs. A pint of beer cost 4 EUR and a rib about 8 EUR. In Moscow, for this money you can only buy frozen ones.

It is better to come to the pub early in order to take a seat. Even out of season at 22:00 was a full house. If desired, a table can be booked in advance at the restaurant itself.

Amigo Pub

For me, it has become the most fun bar with an excellent extensive menu, interesting serving of cocktails and dishes. . Upon arrival in Bansko, it was our first place to visit. We were met by a guy in an Irish suit, live rock music was playing in the pub itself, and on the second floor the bartender was juggling glasses and blew fire from his mouth. Despite all this, the food at the restaurant was very tasty!

Amigo Pub is also always full of people, so I advise you to come early. I didn't see tables being booked in advance, but I think we can negotiate.

Budget

Here are some examples of the most popular budget places to eat in Bansko:

Intermediate level

Mid-range restaurants are especially popular:

Expensive

List of expensive restaurants:

Safety. What to watch out for

Bansko is a peaceful and safe city. Crime comes down to pickpockets, so you should keep an eye on valuables and leave them in a safe. I also do not recommend going down the wild slopes, especially at a time when there is a danger of avalanches. We were warned about this by a guide on the way to Bansko, because just a week before our arrival, people disappeared on such routes.

Things to do

After long walks or skiing on the slopes, you can relax in the spa complexes located in the city's hotels. Astera Bansko Apartment Tourist Complex & SPA features a year-round outdoor pool.

Near the center and the Aldo store there is an outdoor ice skating rink (Ledena skating rink), open from December to April.

As conceived by the designers, the structure of the rink looks like a dry leaf.

Opening hours often change, but the skating rink is open from morning to evening. Here you can rent skates and have a bite to eat in a cafe, however, it’s a little expensive there.

The minimum riding time is 2 hours.

Approximate cost of 2 hours of skiing with skate rental:

• 15 EUR for adults
• 7 EUR for children up to 12 years old.

If you have your own skates, then prices are correspondingly lower (time is also at least 2 hours):

• 7.5 EUR for adults
• 3.5 EUR for children up to 12 years old.

Shopping and shops

There are no large shopping centers and outlets in Bansko. In general, shopping in the city is limited to Turkish clothes of low quality and dubious beauty, as well as, of course, ski equipment and clothing. On the streets of the city, almost every house has at least one ski shop. The assortment is diverse, brands of famous brands of the world are represented. At the end of the season, you can buy good things at a good price.

Mall Bansko

There is something similar to a shopping center in the center of Bansko. It also houses Turkish ski clothing stores and a large good grocery store Aldo. Above in the photo, he seemed to have gone beyond the frame, but I did not find fresh ones on the Internet. Is it only the period when Carrefour was in place of Aldo. Now there are 2 Aldo in the city: in the center at Queen's Pub and in.

Address: st. Yavor, 68.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00.

Lidl

In the nearby town of Razlog (5 minutes by car) there is my favorite chain store. In Lidl you can buy food, clothes, shoes, children's products, appliances, tools, household and household goods. The prices are very affordable and the quality is top notch.

Address: st. Gotse Delchev 24.

Opening hours: daily - from 8:00 to 21:00, on Sunday - until 20:00.

T Market

An equally large Lithuanian store can also be found in Razlog. It sells food, household goods, clothes, shoes, appliances, tools.

Address: intersection of st. Gotse Delchev and st. Telemachus Iliev.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 22:00.

Bars. Where to go

Clubs and nightlife

Nightclubs in Bansko are only open during the season. At the end of March, popular clubs were not always open. There are not so many clubs in the city: only 2-3. The clubs are open all night and the prices are quite high. There is an entrance fee and a table. Judging by the reviews, face control is present, and security is not always friendly. The clubs themselves are very bright, to match the names. I give a list:

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Bulgaria is famous for its national dishes and perfumery with rose oil.

Personally, I took as a gift honey in a national pot with a wooden spoon. It is most profitable to buy it not in souvenir shops, but in a grocery store. Such a pot cost me 4 EUR.

Bulgarian vodka "rakia"- the most popular local vodka, or rather moonshine. Rakia can be considered as a traditional national drink. It is presented in a large assortment and is quite inexpensive. Rakia (Bulgarians advise "Burgas 63", "Solivenska Perla", "Sungularska") is better to buy in a store for locals.

Another typical Bulgarian strong drink is anise mastic. Its strength ranges from 40 to 50 °, there are several varieties, the best of which is Peristera.

For culinary lovers from Bulgaria, you can bring seasonings, which are abundant here and have a special, strong aroma of mountain herbs. Souvenir gift sets with "sharena salt" - salt mixed with ground red pepper and fragrant mountain herbs are popular.

Kashkaval and cheese. Brynza is an indispensable component of a huge number of Bulgarian dishes, from Shopska salad to mish-mash. It is not difficult to bring it, because in supermarkets it is often sold in perfectly sealed plastic or tin cans. No less tasty is the traditional Bulgarian cheese Kashkaval, which is made from cow, goat, sheep or buffalo milk. If you take with you thinly rolled semi-finished dough “Kori”, which is easy to transport thanks to factory packaging, then upon arrival you can please your friends with a traditional banitsa - a layered pie with cheese.

The full price list for the 2016/17 season was as follows:

adults:

• gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 14.3 EUR (28 BGN),
• ski pass for half a day (from 12.30 to closing) - 24.5 EUR (48 BGN),
• 1 day - 29.6 EUR (58 BGN),
• 2 days - 57.3 EUR (112 BGN),
• 3 days - 87 EUR (170 BGN),
• 4 days - 114.6 EUR (224 BGN),
• 5 days - 143.2 EUR (280 BGN),
• 6 days - 173.9 EUR (340 BGN),
• 9 days - 255.8 EUR (500 BGN),
• 13 days - 358 EUR (700 BGN),
• ski pass "Bansko-20" - 409.2 EUR (800 BGN),
• seasonal ski pass - 767.2 EUR (1,500 BGN).

students:

• Lift "Starting Station" - 5.1 EUR (BGN),
• gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 16.3 EUR (28 BGN),
• ski pass for half a day (from 12.30 to closing) - 22 EUR (43 BGN),
• 1 day - 26.6 EUR (52 BGN),
• 2 days - 51.7 EUR (101 BGN),
• 3 days - 78.3 EUR (153 BGN),
• 4 days - 103.3 EUR (202 BGN),
• 5 days - 128.9 EUR (252 BGN),
• 6 days - 156.5 EUR (306 BGN),
• 9 days - 230.3 EUR (450 BGN),
• 13 days - 322.2 EUR (630 BGN),
• ski pass "Bansko-20" - 383.6 EUR (750 BGN),
• seasonal ski pass 716 EUR (1 400 BGN).

Children from 7 to 12 years old:

• lift "Starting station" - 5.1 EUR (10 BGN),
• gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 10.2 EUR (20 BGN),
• ski pass for half a day (from 12:30 to closing) - 17.4 EUR (34 BGN),
• 1 day - 20.5 EUR (40 BGN),
• 2 days - 35.8 EUR (70 BGN),
• 3 days - 50.6 EUR (99 BGN),
• 4 days - 61.3 EUR (120 BGN),
• 5 days - 71.6 EUR (140 BGN),
• 6 days - 84.4 EUR (165 BGN),
• 9 days -112.4 EUR (220 BGN),
• 13 days - 166.2 EUR (325 BGN),
• ski pass "Bansko-20" - 358 EUR (700 BGN),
• seasonal ski pass - 664.9 EUR (1,300 BGN).

Children under 7 years old:

• lift "Starting station" - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
• gondola lift to the mountains from Bansko (round trip) - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
• ski pass for half a day (from 12.30 to closing) - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
• 1 day - 0.5 EUR (1 BGN),
• 2 days - 1 EUR (2 BGN),
• 3 days - 1.5 EUR (3 BGN),
• 4 days -2 EUR (4 BGN),
• 5 days - 2.5 EUR (5 BGN),
• 6 days - 3 EUR (6 BGN),
• 9 days - 4.6 EUR (9 BGN),
• 13 days -6.7 EUR (13 BGN),
• ski pass "Bansko 20" - 10.2 EUR (20 BGN),
• seasonal ski pass (1 person) - 51.2 EUR (100 BGN).

Tracks

Trails and difficulty levels

The total length of the resort's eighteen pistes is 75 kilometers with an elevation difference of 1,600 meters. The longest of them - 16 kilometers, this route connects the highest slope with the city. Suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Served by cannons with artificial snow, well lit.

If you suddenly did not have time to go down, and it was already dark outside, this route will be an excellent end to skiing. The trail branches out and is suitable for hikers of all levels, but downhill it is flat enough to allow you to rest. On a snowboard, I recommend leaving it faster, because there is a chance to stop, and then you have to walk.

According to the level of difficulty, all routes can be divided into 3 categories:

• for beginners (35% of all pistes, 23 kilometers),
• for an average level of skiing (40%, 34 kilometers),
• for experienced (25%, 18 kilometers).

So, if you are just learning the basics of skiing, it is better to give preference to such routes as:

• "Shiligarnik",
• "Plateau",
• "Ski Road"
• Bansko.

For those who want more coolness and adrenaline, perfect:

• "Balkaniada",
• "Stara Pista"
• "Chalin-Valog",
• "Todorka".

But the real experts of this sport will pay tribute to such tracks as:

• "Tomba",
• "Tsyrna-Grave".

Lifts

The highest lift station "Todorka" is located at the level of 2,600 meters, it can be reached from two sides on different lifts: "Banderitsa-2" and "Plato". Below is a photo from the Plateau lift, where you can see the width of only half of this slope, as well as Todorka Peak (2,746 meters), where a company of climbers regularly hangs out. If you look to the left at the edge of the slope, you can see the beginning of Fun Park "a.

You can climb up to Banderitsa-2 either from Banderitsa-1 or a little down from Todorka.

View from Banderitsa-2. This lift is open until 16.45. If you go to the right of the track, you can ride on unrolled snow and enjoy gorgeous views, while not going far from the ski lifts.

Track condition

The tracks are prepared daily, but their best condition is in the early morning, while they have not yet been rolled out. At the end of the season, due to low workload, they remain in good condition until lunch. The hot sun of the Southern Balkans at these heights also does its job, and on a sunny day the slope on the ski lifts is broken.

Red route No. 14 "Tsyrna-Mogila" is more often closed than open. We only had a chance to look at it from the lifts. In addition, due to bad weather conditions (strong winds, icing, zero visibility due to fog or clouds), lifts to the highest Todorka station are closed. There is nothing to be done here, the operator of the complex is responsible for the safety of people on the slopes and does not risk sending skiers to where there is a danger of an avalanche.

general information

In general, the slope map is so extensive that even an experienced rider is unlikely to have time to go around all the tracks in one day, perhaps without a break at all :).

You can get to the ski lifts on foot or by shuttle from any hotel. Near the lower ski lift is the Kempinski Hotel, which provides VIP access to the gondola lift. Also, a minute walk from the ski lift, there are many hotels and apartments much cheaper than Kempinski with its 70 EUR per day for a double room. Many hotels provide a free shuttle to the ski lift. I have already told you more about the cost and location of housing in relation to ski lifts above in the section “Regions. Where is the best place to live?

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