Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be in Bansko

Bansko lies at the foot of the Northern Pirin Mountains, at 927 meters above sea level. It’s home to some of the best ski slopes in Bulgaria, set against stunning alpine scenery, with authentic local cuisine and a charming old town steeped in history.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The resort offers 75 km of ski runs and 16 slopes for all levels — blue for beginners, red for intermediate, and black for experts. There’s also a 16 km ski road with artificial snow and lighting, connecting the upper parts of the mountain to the town. The highest point is Todorka Peak at 2,560 m.

The ski zone has 14 lifts, including a gondola over 6 km long that connects the town directly to the mountain. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated children’s drag lift.

For families with mixed skill levels, this works well — the kids can learn on the blue slopes while the more experienced try the red or black runs.

Equipment Rental

If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent ski or snowboard equipment from the ski garages in the resort. The equipment is adjusted by qualified staff based on your height, weight, and skill level — so it’s safe and suited to you.

Ski School

For those just learning to ski, Bansko offers ski schools with individual and group lessons for children and adults. Instructors are certified and group students by level — from beginners to experts. For the youngest (ages 4–7), there’s a program that includes a lift pass, equipment, lessons, games, and lunch.

Food, Culture, and Events

After the slopes, make sure to try the local cuisine. You’ll find authentic dishes like cheverme (spit-roasted lamb), homemade pogachi (bread), katak (a creamy dairy spread), and local sweets like sulovra, kukurini, and tseluvarchi. The names may be unfamiliar, but the flavours stay with you.

Old Town Charm

Bansko offers a chance to stroll through its well-preserved old town, with traditional Revival-era architecture and museums such as the Velyanova House, the Vaptsarov House-Museum, and the permanent exhibition “Bansko — Art School.” Water flows abundantly here. As the locals say: “Every street has a stream, every path has a fountain.”

Upcoming Events

This year’s ski season was opened by two of the world’s greatest skiers — Giorgio Rocca and Marc Girardelli. On January 17–18, 2026, Bansko will host the FIS Snowboard World Cup in parallel giant slalom. Some of the best snowboarders in the world will compete, and the races count toward qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. If you’re in Bansko then — don’t miss it.

Bansko offers excellent ski conditions when the weather is right. Check the slopes and weather forecast from reliable sources before planning your trip.