The newest Bulgarian ski center, which is also a door to the alpine peaks and unspoiled nature of the Pirin Mountain.

Here, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the houses look almost like monasteries - just as austere and inaccessible, with high stone walls and small latticed windows, The true Bulgarian spirit is hidden behind the solid walls and heavy gates - in the spacious rooms with friezes and bay windows, carved ceilings and doors, pretty rugs and embroidered cushions, in the murals, icons and amazingly carved iconostasis of the Holy Trinity Church (1832-35).

The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above sea level, and its skiing area is on 2000-2500 m above sea level. Bansko ski resort is situated in South-Western Bulgaria at the foot hills of one of the beautiful Bulgarian mountain Pirin. The Pirin mountain is a natural preserve included in the World Natural Heritage list. The distance between Sofia and Bansko is 170 km. The nearest International Airport is the one in Sofia. Transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is 2,5 hours.

The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent. The Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character with 2 peaks towering above 2900 m. However, the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts.

The town itself attracts visitors by its 120 cultural monuments, its museums and the permanent ethnographic exhibitions. A very interesting sight is The Holly Trinity church with its 30 m high bell tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings. Surrounded by The Pirin, The Rila and The Rhodopa mountains, Bansko is a nice mountain resort with short summer and long winter. The skiing season starts in the middle of December and ends in mid April.

The 2 major ski areas are situated above the town, on the northern slopes of the Pirin mountain, approx. 10 km from the town. A new modern lift, starting from the town, is now in process of construction. This new facility should be ready for the new winter season 2002-2003, and it will finally solve the problem with the transportation to pistes, which was the only disadvantage of Bansko. 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. The ski runs with a total length of 14 km are serviced by 2 lifts and several drags.

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