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Winter Holidays
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Most visitors to Bulgaria in Winter come for the skiing and Bansko has
gained its reputation as a new, international resort thanks to its excellent
runs, good snow record (averaging 2 metres a year) and long season from
mid-December to late-April. Bansko has terrain to suit all levels of skiers
and boarders, including some great off-piste. A gondola from the town
transports you up to the ski zone where a modern and efficient lift system
means queues are almost non-existent. With 70 kms of north-facing slopes the
pistes here are almost guaranteed to be snow sure, but not leaving anything
to chance 80% of the slopes are covered by snow-cannons. With grades to
suit everyone, from complete beginner to the expert, Bansko has it all, wide
open slopes, tree line skiing and some excellent off-piste.
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Snow boarders can enjoy The 'Fun Park'. On the area
known as the Plateau, it is a favourite for the young at heart and people
who want to try something a little different. At some point during the
season there is usually an international competition held here. Also, the
half -pipe next to Bansko’s famous snow towers, provides boarders with an
arena to practise their latest tricks.
Bansko offers a great variety of ski pistes to satisfy
everyone's tastes and abilities...
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For novices, three nursery slopes situated at the top of the gondola provide
a gentle environment in which to get to grips with the basics. They are
surrounded by cafes and mountain restaurants for when you need a well-earned
break and a spot of refreshment. By the end of a week you’ll be confident
enough to have mastered the 7 kilometre run back into town and have progressed onto
the chair lifts which take you further up the mountain to some beautiful
tree-lined blue runs. |
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For intermediates, Bansko is without doubt skiing/snowboarding heaven! Enjoy
the fabulous open pistes at the top of the mountain before cruising down
into wide tree lined runs. You can ski the 16 km route from the top of the
mountain back to the town or stop in one of the many mountain chalets for
lunch. And if you’re feeling brave you can test yourself on the Alberto Tomba
and Chalin Valog black runs. |
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There are some
excellent slopes for the advanced skier/boarder. As well as the blacks, many
of the red runs are quite challenging and should keep the advanced skier
entertained.
The off-piste skiing/boarding here is limitless and excellent. Ask at
reception and we can organise a local guide to take you as far and as fast
as you want to go.
Also, the neighbouring
ski resorts of Semkovo and Bezbog are both within one hour’s drive of the
hotel. |
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The local
ski/snowboarding school is excellent and offers English speaking tuition for
both individuals and groups whether you’re a novice learning the basics or a
more experienced skier wanting to improve your technique.
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Click
here for a larger map
Height of the resort:
925 m
Highest skiing area: 2600 m
Total length of ski runs: 70 km
Longest track combo: 16 km downhill race
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On days when you don’t want to take to the slopes you can explore the heart
of Bansko’s old town. The historical centre of Bansko has been here and
unchanged for centuries. The narrow cobbled streets wind between traditional
wood and stone-built houses and while it is beautiful and atmospheric at any
time of year, a dusting of snow transforms the streets into a scene from an
old-fashioned Christmas card. The museum and church with it’s beautiful
frescos are well worth visiting or if you’re looking for a more
action-packed day, you could try the outdoor skating rink. |
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