The Town of Bansko

Bansko is located in the south west of Bulgaria about 160km from Sofia and the main airport.Bulgarian people are very hospitable, friendly and always readily helpful. The rural culture is a joy to behold, from the grandmothers that can be seen chatting to one another outside their homes in the old town or the men going about their business.

Over the last few years Bansko has received over €40 million from various sources and has been transformed into a winter destination that can truly compete with the Alps - at a fraction of the cost. With its state-of-the-art Dopplemeyer gondola lift that takes 25 minutes to transport you up to the start of the 65km ski area and a further network of half a dozen modern chairlifts and draglifts rising to 2,500m.

The ski season starts with the opening ceremony in the middle of December and continues until the middle of April. Snow cannons ensure that skiing is always good with a fresh covering every night when needed.

The ski area has over 65km of marked ski runs as well as groomed cross country trails, where the 2007 world biathlon championships were held.

Bansko offers the best ski slopes for advanced skiers. The longest downhill run is 16km from Todorka Peak down to the gondola station in the village. The beginner ski runs start outside the top gondola station and lessons with English speaking instructors are widely available. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers are well catered for with the new fun park and half pipe, while there are ample opportunities for you to test your off-piste skills. There are plenty of blue and red runs to keep you busy if you would rather stay on the designated runs during your visit.

Alongside the ski centre and mountains is a vibrant and historical town with its beautiful church dating back to 1835. The narrow cobbled streets with its fortified houses built to protect its families from invasion. The town square is a busy meeting place for locals and tourists alike with an abundance of cafes and traditional taverns called mehanas. The food in Bansko is wonderfully tasty, mainly organic and seasonal.

In the summer months, there is still plenty to do walking, climbing, mountain biking, fishing, horse-riding and visiting the many historical sites around the area.

Spa tourism is growing rapidly due to the natural thermal springs which are abundant in Banya and the surrounding villages.The spa hotels operate at very reasonable prices so why not treat yourself and have a day of pampering and relaxation or maybe a pedicure or manicure.

(For more information please visit www.bansko.bg)

For the more active, a day in the UNESCO World Heritage site Pirin National Park or Rila National Park is a must. With a very alpine feel to the area and wild flowers and fruits to be found in the National Parks walking and exploring is a real pleasure. Other places to visit are The Bear Park, Rila Monastery or Velinggrad by the narrow gauge railway. The train runs from Dobrinishte but you can start your journey from Bansko the journey takes you across the Rhodope mountain range and is both worthwhile and beautiful in summer or winter.

Bansko is best reached by organised transfer which if booked in advance, is reliable and good value. It will cost you in the region of £100 - £120 both ways for a car. For Larger parties it can work out as little as £25 per person. Transfer times can vary depending on the weather and traffic but is approximately 2.30 hours. Car hire from the airport can also be pre-arranged or booked upon arrival at the airport.