Bansko & Chalet Montagne area: Bansko is the newest and the most rapidly developing ski resorts in Bulgaria. 40 million Euros have been invested, to create a top rate facility with the best equipment, including a new gondola, snow guns, electronic ski pass system etc. There are 14 pistes totalling 65km, including a 16 km run plus cross country and excellent off piste skiing. Bansko is popular with snowborders; facilities include a halfpipe. There is a top class ski school for all levels of ability. The ski season is one of the longest; roughly mid December until the end of April.
Bansko town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of ancient monuments and narrow cobbled streets with stone houses with 120 cultural monuments plus museums and the permanent ethnographic exhibitions. A very interesting sight is The Holy Trinity church with its 30 m high bell tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings.
There are high quality traditional taverns offering fantastic food, but also nightclubs and bars for a livelier evening.
In summer hiking and climbing are popular, with well signed routes and hikers' chalets. Mountain bikes can be hired locally in order to explore this beautiful region. Local companies can organise trips in the mountains e.g. white water rafting, canoeing, paragliding. Also in summer the town hosts a week long jazz festival and other events.
For après ski the traditional Bansko tavern (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional charm and style offer local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music. Many local cafes and bars offer refreshments. Discos and night clubs work without time limit, and usually close early in the morning.
As the cost of living is very cheap in Bulgaria, your money will go several times further here than in skiing resorts in other parts of Europe.
The transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is approximately 2 hours.
