Bansko Resort Overview
Located in the Pirin Mountains of Bulgaria, Bansko is a charming ski resort that sits at 925m, with the highest ski lift reaching 2,600m. As the most modern ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko offers an impressive 75km of pisted terrain, attracting skiers of all abilities.
Bansko is a unique fusion of old-world charm and modern facilities. The resort offers a range of accommodation, from luxury hotels and cosy B&Bs to private apartments, many of which are conveniently located close to the ski lifts. The resort is known for its reliable snowfall and the ski season typically runs from December to April.
Skiing in Bansko
Bansko offers an excellent skiing experience for all levels of skiers. The 75km of pisted terrain is serviced by a modern lift system, including an eight-person gondola, high-speed chairlifts and drag lifts.
For beginners, Bansko offers gentle slopes to gain confidence on, with numerous blue runs like the Plato. Intermediate skiers will find plenty of red runs to explore, such as the Banderitza or Todorka. For the advanced skier, Bansko offers challenging black runs, including the Albert Popov run.
Snowboarders and freestyle skiers are also catered for in Bansko with the park area offering jumps, rails and a half-pipe. The park is located on the Plato and is easily accessible via the Plato lift.
Is Bansko Family-friendly?
Bansko is a great ski resort for families, offering a wide range of family-friendly accommodation and activities. Many hotels have playrooms, while the resort itself offers ice skating, bowling and a cinema. The pedestrianised town centre is safe for children and you can often see families strolling around, enjoying the traditional Bulgarian atmosphere.
Après-Ski Scene in Bansko
The après-ski scene in Bansko is vibrant and varied, with a good selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Happy End is the biggest après ski bar in Bansko, located at the bottom of the gondola lift, and it often hosts live concerts.
For those looking for a quieter evening, there are plenty of traditional Bulgarian taverns, known as ‘mehanas’, where you can enjoy local food and wine in a cosy atmosphere.
Dining in Bansko
Bansko offers a rich culinary experience, with a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. For a traditional Bulgarian meal, try Mehana Banski Han, or for something a bit different, The LOG House offers a fusion of Bulgarian and Asian cuisine.
For a mountain dining experience, try the 180 Degrees Restaurant, located on the mountain, which offers beautiful panoramic views along with delicious food.
How to Get to Bansko
The closest airport to Bansko is Sofia Airport, which is a 2.5-hour drive away. Other nearby airports include Plovdiv Airport (3.5 hours) and Thessaloniki Airport in Greece (3 hours). There are regular shuttle services from these airports to Bansko, as well as the option to hire a car.
Bansko Insider Tips
- Don’t miss the chance to visit a traditional Bulgarian ‘mehana’ for an evening of local food, wine and often, live music.
- Head to the top of the gondola for a hot chocolate at the VIP Room Bar & Dinner – the views are spectacular!
- For a day off the slopes, try a trip to the local hot springs in Banya, just 5km away.
- Visit the historic old town of Bansko, with its cobbled streets and traditional houses, for a taste of authentic Bulgarian culture.