Bansko – an interesting combination of winter and summer tourism
While walking in the streets of Bansko, with the magnificent peaks of the Pirin Mountains in the background, you will surely feel the magic of this piece of paradise combining the old and modern times. With its many years of history, cobblestone streets, and houses with thick fence walls entered only through high gates and covered with longish eaves made of black fir, Bansko has become a site of huge tourist interest.
The authentic music, the unique cuisine, and the mature wines of Bansko are real elixir for the soul. You will undoubtedly have a great time in its traditional taverns and feel warm and cosy near the fireplaces.
Bansko is not a simple integrity of hotels located within extremely beautiful nature sites; it has also got unique atmosphere created and maintained by its historical, architectural, and cultural heritage and its numerous entertainment places.
Three golf courses, currently under construction are expected to be put into operation in 2007-2008.
There are 23 cableway facilities in the area, including 10 babylifts, 6 "anchor" type draglifts, and 7 chair cableways. Two quadruple-chair cableways and a draglift were put into operation in 2004. About 25% of the ski runs are suitable for beginners, 40% for intermediate skiers, and 25% for advanced skiers. The resort uses 40 snow cannons.
Ski runs and other ski facilities are maintained in excellent condition. Some 90% of the ski runs meet the standards of the International Ski Federation for competition venues.
The newest facility in the resort is a fun park, a place for extreme sports. Cross-country and biathlon trails and a winter sports stadium are to be built in 2005.
The 2005/2006 season was opening two new draglifts and four ski runs.
Trips
Bansko also serves as a starting point for trips to many other places of interest, such as the town of Melnik, the Rozhen Monastery, the large cities of Sofia and Plovdiv, the Bachkovo Monastery, the resort towns of Sandanski and Velingrad, and the villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa, where the architecture is typical of the National Revival Period (18th-19th century). A different type of attraction is offered by the Yagodinska Cave, which is a wonder of nature.
