There are two main ski areas approximately 12 km above the town. The lesser used Chalin Valog is 1100 to 1600 m above sea level, while the more popular Shiligarnika is 1700 to 2560 m above sea level. There are 65 km of marked ski runs of varying degrees of difficulty and 9 km of cross-country trails. The longest combined run is 16 km.
Skiers access the slopes from Bansko town by an eight-seater gondola that ferries skiers up to Bunderishka. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and from there, two fast quad chairs take you up the mainly north-facing slopes. The resort indicates that 100 percent of the runs are covered by snow cannons, which guarantees sufficient snow coverage from December to May. The slopes are groomed by 12 slope maintenance vehicles.
There are eight blue runs for beginners, including some served by drag lifts at the top of the mountain, and the 7 km floodlit blue run from Bunderishka back in to Bansko town is gentle and easy. Nursery slopes are near the top of the gondola. Intermediate skiers are will find 11 red slopes covering medium to difficult terrain. Advanced skiers may be disappointed, however, as there is only one black run, which, according to "Where to Ski and Snowboard 2010," is not particularly challenging. Off-mountain and tree skiing are available, although skiers may want to hire a guide/ski instructor.
Two schools offer ski instruction in Bansko as of 2010. Both the Ulen school and the Pirin school give "very good and flexible tuition," according to "Where to Ski and Snowboard 2010." Both schools offer English-speaking instructors.
Ski storage and rental facilities are available at the base of the gondola offering a range of sizes for adults and children, and for families, there is a nursery area at the top of the gondola. The kindergarten there takes children from 4 to 7 years old.
Although access to the slopes from town only takes 20 minutes via the gondola, the queues at the gondola base during peak times can sometimes run up to an hour and a half. This is not quite such a problem if skiers rise early, since they can ride the gondola before the ski resort's official opening time. As at 2010, the only alternative to taking the gondola is to drive the 12 km up to Bunderishka. The road is winding and narrow in places, and parking at the top is limited. However, taxis are available for hire near the gondola base station and sharing with other skiers can help to keep the cost down.
If you are planning a skiing holiday in Bansko, the transfer time from Sofia airport is over three hours. There is only one route, and many of the roads are poor. Although there is a planned ring road for the resort, as of 2010 there is no word on its likely completion date.
A variety of hotels are situated around the gondola base and in the main town. All of these hotels have pools and some spa/fitness facilities:
Florimont Hotel and Casino
Glazne St. 5
2770 Bansko, Bulgaria
011-359-87-999-9942
hotel.florimont.bg (not English)
Kampinski Hotel Grand Arena
Pirin St. 98
2770 Bansko, Bulgaria
011-359-749-8888
kempinski.com
Strazhite Hotel
Glazne St. 7
2770 Bansko, Bulgaria
011-359-7443-4092
Bansko boasts many mehanas (traditional inns) with roaring fires, Bulgarian food and wine. In addition there are lively bars at the gondola base. Popular venues, according to "Where to Ski and Snowboard 2010," include the Lion pub, B4 and Amigos. The hotel Florimont has bars and a nightclub. Food is available on the slopes from a number of bars and restaurants sprinkled around the mountain, some with outdoor barbeques.
