Destination Information

 Destination Information

BANSKO
	Location & Transportation The city of Bansko is located in south direction about 150 km from Sofia / about 200 km north-west from Thessalonica in Greece.   All major airlines either standard scheduled or charters are approaching the Sofia International Airport and the Thessalonica Airport.   Nature The town of Bansko is situated at the northeastern foot of Pirin beneath the highest and the most beautiful Karst part of the mountain. South of the town is the Pirin National Park. There are more than 800 circus lakes. The biggest groups of lakes are Bandarishki, Vasilashki, Strazhishki, Todorini, Valjavishki, popovi, Kremenski, Prevalsi, Polenski and Vlahini.   If you add to this its historical and architectural value, Bansko is the pearl in the Bulgarian necklace.   Culture Bansko is an important cultural centre of a historically important arts school. In the 18th and early 19th century talented painters and woodcarvers created works of art in the houses and churches of Bansko, the Rila monastery, the monasteries on Mount Athos, Serbia and Macedonia. The most famous painters belonged to the Molerovi clan, starring from its founder Toma Vishanov.   Apart from the beautiful Pirin and the numerous spots of natural beauty the town also boasts its many historic sites. Remains of ancient fortresses have been preserved in the Staroto Gradishte located about 44 km southwest of the town and also in the yulen locality (downstream Demyanitsa river). Thracian rumili have been uncovered in the vicinity of Staroto Gradishte. Archeological works have unearthed a 2nd century B.C. burial site containing a set of bronze surgical instruments, remains of medical preparations etc. in the centuries –old Dobrokoyvitsa locality (west of Bansko). Scientists assume that a medieval settlement used to exist in the Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinity) locality (northwest of town). South of Bansko are remains of the late-medieval single-nave churches “St. George” and “St. Elija”.
SKI RESORT OF BANSKO
	Ski Resort Situated right bellow the highest and most beautiful part of the mountain Bansko is one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in Bulgaria. Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word “ban”, which means “master”. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and history. The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2600 m. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and highest peak in the area is Vihren 2914 m. The resort has excellent snow conditions with great snow cover from December until Apri.   Ski Slopes The ski pistes are located in two main ski - centres- CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600 m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500 m). They are approximately 10 km above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are easily accessible for approximately 25 minutes ride on the new Gondola lift which starts from Bansko. The total length of the marked pistes is 70 kilometers.   44 Technoalpine snow cannons cover most of the slopes and make the ski season last longer. The maximum pleasure from the various ski pistes is guaranteed by 12 Kassbohrer slope maintenance vehicles. Thus the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts.   The snowboard lovers can enjoy the first on the Balkans fun park where people from all over the world are lead by the passion of the extreme. They can build jumps suiting their taste and abilities.   Every day skiers and snowboarders can take part in the competitions on the new piste on Shiligarnika. The lift and pistes operator in Bansko takes care for the maximum comfort of the skier and snowboarders with the exclusive 8-seats Gondola cabin lift by Dopplemayer, five high speed quads of the latest Doppelmayer models, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 7 drags and 10 baby drags. The total length of the lift equipment in the resort is 26 kilometers. All ski equipment can be used by one chip-card from SkiData.   Huge monitors showing pictures from the different pistes is based on the starting station of the Gondola. Thus people are informed for the wind and temperature conditions before climbing up on the slope. Slalom and Giant slalom runs are available. Bansko offers a cross-country track with a total length of 5 km. A 3 km ski run Rollbahn track is situated 2 km far from the town. More about the ski runs and lifts in Bansko.

PLACES TO GO

Of course there's a lot to see in the town of Bansko itself, with around 120 cultural and historical monuments and alot to explore. Various souvenir shops offer the creations of the local artists and smiths.   Bansko is known to be unique site of international significance. Except for the beautiful Pirin Mountain the town possesses rich historical sites. Remains from ancient fortresses in the Staroto Gradishte site, are situated just four kilometers in western direction and the Ulen site along the Demianitsa river flow. Nearby Staroto Gradishte site there are Thracian mound hills.   South of Bansko is situated the National Park Pirin included in the UNESCO list for cultural and natural sightseeing. The park is rich with its lakes, waterfalls, caves, venerable trees and historical sites. Bansko together with Dobrinishte are also famous for their mineral springs, the reserve Bayovi dupki- Djindjiritsa. We also recommend a visit to the famous Rila Monastery and the busy city of Sofia.