Other local attractions:: Famous for its many mineral hot springs with high therapeutic qualities, the nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is a must visit. The healing effects of the thermal springs in these mountains have been famous since antiquity. Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to the near extinct edelweiss and the Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Holy Trinity Church with its fine belfry and clock tower is famous for its collection of icons and murals painted by local Bansko artists who once made the Bansko School of Painting one of the best in Bulgaria.
Kids Ski & other activities : Bansko is a great place for families. The resort offers a ski and non-skiing kindergarten located by the bottom station of the Gondola lift. Children from 3-6 yrs. inc. are welcome at the club, where supervised activities are provided. For children 4-7 years, the package includes daily tuition (2 hours per day), skis, boots, lift pass (to the snow club only) and daily activities including outside snow fun! Off season/ off slope, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horse riding, thermal spas, pirin national park UNESCO heritage site are just some of the local attractions / distractions!
Apres ski: Bansko offers probably the best Après Ski in Bulgaria. There are numerous bars playing a mixture of live and recorded music late into the night. You will find a good selection of restaurants for dining out, serving local and international cuisine, and all at great value for money prices!
Ski:
Skiing Information Snow conditions in Bansko are good and there are seldom queues even in the height of the season. A multi-million Euro project has recently seen the installation of new lifts, including an eight-person gondola, adding to the popularity of the Bansko ski area. The Ulen Ski and Snowboard School offers good tuition, particularly for children who are cared for at the Ulen Junior Ski Club. 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 artificial bumps & jumps as well as to build those on their own. Also, the half-pipe located by the place where Bansko’s famous snow towers are usually built, offers both skiers and snowboarders an arena to boast their latest tricks. Last but not least, Bansko offers its guests a unique 16-kilometre uninterrupted skiing, starting from Todorka Peak at the highest point of the ski center, all the way to base station.
Golf:
Golf Information Ian Woosenam Championship golf course to be finished in 2008.
