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Visitor reviews for Bansko Ski Resort

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• February 08, 2012
  Mike from Cyprus
  

  Been there for 5 nights/4 days in January.
  Skiing was awesome, queues were non existent if you were there between 8am-8:30am like we were. Had 2 skiing days of heavy snow/fog (which I like) and 2 skiing days which were clear and sunny, snow was nicely packed the last 2 days while heavy and powdery the first 2. All the lifts were operational all 4 days we were there. My friend even lost his bag (left it on the lift) and the staff found and kept it. One friend got injured and they snowmobiled him down and he had x rays and medical check for free!
  Brilliant.
  The place is cheap, we ate at a place called Yanitsa (small hotel and restaurant) almost every day, cheap food and homely made. Starter, main dish, desert and a glass of wine and water about 10 Euro, what else can you ask for.
  We stayed in Lucky Bansko Hotel, amazing hotel and spa, a bit far from the gondola but bus every 30 minutes.
  Place is also good for buying skiing clothing and even skis and boots at amazing prices (if you find a way to bring them back home).

• Bansko Ratings

  Based on 45 votes. Vote

  Access: 3.5 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Bansko.	Public Transport: 3.5 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Bansko, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.3 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.7 (1) No places to stay in/near Bansko, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 4.2 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 4.6 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Bansko.
  Ski in/Ski out: 3.7 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 3.6 (1) There are no child care facilities at Bansko, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.2 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Bansko is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.4 (1) Bansko relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 4.3 (1) There are no snow groomers at Bansko, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Bansko are groomed daily.	Shelter: 4.1 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Bansko is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 2.7 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Bansko, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 4.3 (1) Bansko usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 3.3 (1) The staff at Bansko are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Bansko are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 3.0 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.3 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.4 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.1 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Bansko has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 4.0 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.4 (1) No intermediate terrain at Bansko, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 3.9 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 2.8 (1) Not even a kicker at Bansko, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 3.7 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 3.5 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Bansko, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 1.9 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Bansko has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 3.5 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.4 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.2 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 3.8 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.8 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 3.7 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 3.7 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 3.9 (1) Overall, Bansko is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 4.0 (1) Overall, Bansko is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 45 votes. Vote

• February 03, 2012
  Richard Galkowski from United Kingdom
  

  We have just returned from a glorious week's skiing in Bansko. We own an apartment in Paradiso Verde and this has improved immensely since last year with the opening of the hotel and associated facilities. Because of our apartment, we have been going to Bansko for the past 4 years and last week was by far the best we have had there. The heavy snow fall just as we arrived allowed us to enjoy all types of conditions and the clear skies and sunshine at the beginning of this week were just fabulous. As for the resort, it has become more expensive over the last few years especially up the mountain (white coffee 5 Levs, sausage & chips 16 Levs). That said, there are some excellent restaurants away from the town square where a 3-course dinner & drinks for 4 people can be as little 100 Levs. The gondola queues continue to be a problem but getting there by 0830hrs or later than 1030hrs should see you getting to the top of the mountain within 30-40mins (as long as it is not Christmas or half-term!). Overall, it is an excellent resort that is improving every year but it will need more ski runs soon if its popularity continues to grow as it has done over the past 5 years. Highly recommended.

• February 02, 2012
  Glen from United Kingdom
  

  Had an excellent week in Bansko 14-21 Jan. The queue for the gondola was about 5-10 mins. There was loads of snow with only one lift shut as they were preparing the run for the world championships! The food was absolutely brilliant, we didn't have one bad meal and ate out every night. Right from a simple shopska salad and pizza, up to fillet steak or sushi!!
  The Bulgarians that we met were mostly friendly and they love to banter!
  Could do with another gondola for the busier times of year, but it's a young resort in terms of investment and will get better every year.
  Can't wait until next year now, too long though I'd go back tomorrow!

• February 01, 2012
  Rodeo Girl from United Kingdom
  

  Just back from the most amazing week of skiing in Bansko, a mixture of sunny days and 3 days of whiteout which left us with brilliant snow coverage and powder snow. We were at the ski store by 8.20am each day to collect our skis then straight onto the gondola queue. I think the most we waited was about 10 mins on the first day but that was as everyone was in a muddle about where to go after getting fitted for skis, boots etc. No probs at all. The queues for the chairlifts, tows etc were about a couple of minutes at the most and they do their best to fill each seat going up no the chairlifts each time. I went to Ulen Ski School, prebooked through Balkan Holidays and our instructors Mario and Marianna were fantastic. I had previously only skied about 6 or 7 times in Scotland and by the end of the week I was skiing red runs. Their English was very good and they taught us well. The food around the gondola station can be expensive but we mostly had a large slice of pizza and a bottle of coke for about 10 levs which we thought was fine. If you go inside the restaurants it can get pricey depending on what you have. The queues to sit inside can get long also if you don't get in for about 12.00. All the locals we met were very friendly and helpful and we couldn't complain about them. We stayed at the Stratzhite Hotel which was about 5-10 mins away and found this very comfortable too. The food in the hotel was a bit bland but it was edible. We ate out a few nights in the local town and the food was good. There is a good selection of places to eat and drink and at a mixture of prices depending on your budget. The only concern we had was the packs of wild dogs wandering about at the top gondola station and in the town. They follow you or come and sit beside you when you are eating outside but the don't bother you. They can just be a bit daunting as they are so big and especially when you are eating! All in all we had a great holiday, great skiing due to the major snow dump and met great people. So good we are all planning to go back as a massive group next year! It's not an expensive place to go and it's cheap for food and drink. This is not because it's bad but just as the Bulgarians have not yet caught up with prices in other parts of Europe but give it time and they will probably catch up.

• January 24, 2012
  david cummings from United Kingdom
  

  Bansko is a good place to ski if you are lucky enough to be there on a quiet week. Just come back after a week and the amount of people on the pistes and waiting in queues was horrendous. Although the resort is in a world heritage site the ski runs need to be expanded and improved. Unfortunately, the tree hugging hippies of this world don't want that, they believe that they have the right to dictate to the rest of us what we can and can't do in this life.
  Been going there every year since 2008, the prices in that time in the town have shot up. The car park for the gondola was 3 lev now it is 10, the prices for meals have nearly doubled and local beer was 2 lev for a pint and now it's 3.50. The business owners think that the tourists from the UK are there to be ripped off because "we earn more than they do" (yes, that's a quote). Bansko is beginning to make the same mistake that Spain did 30 years ago and price themselves out of the market and their idea of customer service is also many years from being acceptable. Some people I guess will disagree with the above. Time will tell.

• January 23, 2012
  Gary from United Kingdom
  

  Just had a great week in Bansko! The snow was good. Eating out is cheap and to a good standard. My family had lessons with Method Ski School. They were all very pleased and having the only English Instructors on the mountain helped them all come on a lot! Thanks to the team for making it a great week!

• January 21, 2012
  BG Skier from Bulgaria
  

  Just to let you know that Bansko ski area is built inside a national park, a UNESCO world heritage site.

  In the summer of 2011 the government said that Ulen was using around 65% more land than the concession rights they had been given by the state. Still, the government seems not to care about this breach.

  Skiers are, of course, unaware that a 120-year old virgin forest has been cut in Pirin mountains for the ski zone to be built. And the capacity of the ski zone is now around 3 times smaller than the beds available (even when taking into account that some of them are empty), although the concession says that the number of beds in Bansko should not expand because of the ski zone. Currently there are plans to expand the ski zone inside the national park - a vicious circle...

• January 20, 2012
  Karen from United Kingdom
  

  Best place ever - we love it!! Learnt to ski here with local guides and have been coming ever since. Great slopes, (some more challenging than others) for mixed ability although my son, who boards black runs, is now getting bored. For the more sedate skier (i.e me and hubby) the place is amazing! Great value, great accommodation, great restaurants and great people - all 'round fab resort!

• January 18, 2012
  Kevin from United Kingdom
  

  I am returning to Bansko for my third ski trip 22nd - 29th Jan, and there is nothing wrong with the place. At last a ski resort that is affordable and friendly. The Ulen ski school instructors are all very friendly and for what is costs very good value for money. I would like to say for first timers thinking about Bansko do not be put off by people who go looking for faults actually finding fault. Give it a go, go with an open mind, do not expect alpine conditions or facilities and you will enjoy it. Remember, you get what you pay for. I love the place. I remember it's not my country I am the guest and am treated well for it.

• January 17, 2012
  Dazzler1 from United Kingdom
  

  Just back from my second time in Bansko

  Good points:
  - Once on the mountain the lift system is excellent. Mostly modern chair lifts. Even at busy times there is not much queuing
  - great for intermediate skiers/boarders
  - the town environment has improved. Not as much of a building site
  - the new Wigwam bar on the ski road
  - good choice of accommodation. Have stayed in two nice hotels - the Lion and the Strazhite. Lion the better of the two but both still good
  - I didn't experience much unfriendliness. Some Bulgarian people are grumpy but you get that everywhere. I've experienced much worse in the French alps.

  The bad:
  - the queues at the bottom gondola station. If you are there at a busy time you must get to the gondola station early, before 8.30. After that you will be in for a long wait. If you arrive and there is a long gondola queue but the minibus queue is small then take the minibus up the moutain. If you get one of the first minibuses at 9am you will be skiing before 9.30.
  - absolutely avoid this resort at New Year. It is far too busy. And by New Year I mean the Western one and the Eastern Orthodox one.
  -when we were there the gondola broke down for nearly a whole day. Thousands of frustrated people unable to access the mountain
  - I'm not sure it's such a great place to learn as the jump from beginner slopes to the main slopes is quite marked.
  - advanced riders may get bored quickly
  - I'm not sure where they all came from but there was a shockingly poor standard of skiing and boarding. Either wildly out of control people riding fast beyond their limits or poor beginners struggling on difficult pistes. It can be dangerous and for the first time in 20 ski holidays I suffered quite a bad collision when a Romanian chap skied straight into me. You will be pleased to know that when the resort is quiet and mostly locals are around the standard is much higher - I just think when we were there this time there was an influx from other countries for the New Year. Again absolutely avoid both Eastern and Western New years.
  - Ulen catering on the mountain. Expensive rubbish and they don't care if they serve you or not. This is quite a difference from the last time at Shiligarnika area at Bansko where there were a number of independent vendors who competed for custom.
  - prices in resort have become much higher since we last visited. The nearer to the gondola the more you will pay.
  - piste management. Even with a reported 1.4m base rocks still appeared near the surface of the snow. Some runs are worse than others but it was still a surprise to see.

  On the whole it is a good place. I would say Bansko badly needs to improve access to the mountain. It is also clear that the resort has expanded rapidly and the skiable area on the mountain requires similar rapid expansion to meet demand. I think eventually when it fully matures that Bansko will be an awesome resort, maybe even as good as many in the Alps. It didn't quite make it yet though. I may go back in a few years when the mountain infrastructure scales up to meet the rest of the town.

• January 11, 2012
  Dragan from Serbia
  

  If you want to spend your holiday waiting for gondola lifts, Bansko is excellent place for you. Usually the waiting period is approximately 2-4 hours. Too many hotels for a ski resort of 70 km.

• January 11, 2012
  Happy Aussie from Australia
  

  Been three times to Bansko and as long as you miss the school holidays (the Rommanian ones) and get up in the morning to be at the gondola by 8-8.15am, you will have a great days skiing.

  I don't think Bansko suits beginners unless you go on the lower slopes which fewer people visit. But ski school doesn't go there and so you don't find out about these lower slopes until you know the resort. Most 'smaller' ski sites don't suit beginners as it's hard to avoid the quicker skiers (that's life) unless there is plenty of space. The intermediate skier will enjoy both the top of the mountain and the lower slopes and there is lots of fun to be had (especially avoiding beginner skiers!) and not doing a head dive or a wipe out into the back of the main gondola station as you take the short cut onto the ski road.

  We found the town of Bansko to be very welcoming and that's about a 20-30 minute walk away from the ski hotels, don't be confused between the locals in the town and the ski hotel area as the Bulgarians that we've come across are very welcoming as long as you treat them with respect!

  Have a great time in Bansko and may well see you there on our fourth or fifth trip coming up soon!

• January 09, 2012
  Leigh from United Kingdom
  

  Been to Bansko 4 times and due to go back at the end of this month. If you stay in Kempinski it's amazing in every way, it is the best value for money ever. All you moaners should remember the phrase "you only get what you pay for". Best ski holiday I've been on and best value for money! Recommend to everyone.

• January 05, 2012
  Angela from United Kingdom
  

  It's 5th January 2012 and the gondola queues are horrendous!! Got ski bus from hotel at 8.30 and joined the gondola queue at 8.50. We finally got off the gondola at 11.30, 3 hours after leaving hotel.
  This, with three freezing cold children, was the worse experience ever. Had to moan on here as this has ruined our holiday. You have been warned.

• January 05, 2012
  AngryFinn from Finland
  

  After one week in Bansko, I will not recommend the place to others before I see some serious efforts to improve safety in the pistes! Our group of 5 got run over or into 7-8 times... and mostly these high speed runners don´t even look back. Instructions and supervision? I don´t know but we felt lucky to come home safe. One particular nationality seems to need more attention than others...

• December 28, 2011
  Eurotourist from Greece
  

  Because I want to prevent someone from thinking that I am prejudiced, I want to state that we were in Bansko at November with a big company and it was very nice. Because of that we arranged our Christmas vacation to be in Bansko. If I was prejudiced, I was positive prejudiced.

  But, after what we faced, I can say only one thing: none in Bansko, never again.

  It proved in more than one occasion that Bulgarians have hostile intentions against the foreigners. I can't say why is that. When we were there, we saw doormen in clubs hitting women!

  The behaviour of the waiters and the staff was offensive and absolutely rude. And the prices were the same like in Greece and sometimes even higher.

  To say the truth we went in some restaurants / clubs that the behaviour was barely acceptable. In 1-2 occasion it was even fine. But that was the exception.

  I recommend that for the next 10 years, no tourist from other country must go to this hostile to the tourists Bulgarian village. We must show them that their rude, hostile and uncivilized behaviour will not be accepted.

  No tourist in Bansko.

  [note from the editor: edited for the sake of relevance]

• December 18, 2011
  dave Bulgaria from Bulgaria
  

  Fotis from Greece
  Kate from United Kingdom

  March is the best month to ski, the pistes are empty. I do not know why you say more snow in Borovets? It is hit and miss, but Bansko has been best 5 out of the last 6 years!

• December 09, 2011
  Theo from Greece
  

  Hello, I'm planning visiting Bansko at 12-16 of January. I want to know will there be any snow? We are going just for snowboard. Thank you.

  [note from the editor: this post will remain for a short time]

• November 29, 2011
  Kate from United Kingdom
  

  Hey there, I'm looking at booking Bansko in late March.. Will there be any snow?? I'm kinda worried there wont be.

  [note from the editor: this post will remain for a short time]

• November 22, 2011
  fotis from Greece
  

  Snow during February in Bansko is perfect!! and drinking is free at any age....
  Now I have my question, is there any prediction for snow condition at new years period? Thanks.

• March 18, 2011
  Winter Fun Man from United Kingdom
  

  I love Bansko. I know everyone in Bansko and they are all friendly. I also love Skiboarding, the Bansko men teach very well.

• March 15, 2011
  Jon Robinson from United Kingdom
  

  Had a week's holiday in Bansko last week. Missed the Half-Term holidays so not too busy. Sunday was very busy though, as Bulgarian public holiday, and the 'locals' so the gondola queue was an hour, at 9am. However, the rest of the week, we were getting our skis at 8.30, and on the slopes by 9.15, and the queue for the gondola was never out of the front door.
  We stayed at Hotel Strazhite - very nice, although food was getting a bit samey by the last day. Ate out in the old town, at about £20 each, but the food was bloomin' marvelous, and we had a free glass of wine, and a free shot of some local fire water stuff. Can't remember the name of the place but it's on Neofit Rilski, called something like Paccinis, and the old guy is called Uncle George. They were really friendly, and even catered well for our friend who is vegetarian, and wheat and dairy intolerant!

  We will be going back next year.

• March 10, 2011
  katie from United Kingdom
  

  Got back from Bansko Bulgaria around a week ago. We stayed in the Kempeski hotel, opposite the gondola. We were really impressed, it's definitely a 5 star hotel. The bell boy was rude though, telling us to move our bags as soon as we got in. I told him that not to shout at me or my family and he said I will do what I want. Our room was excellent: a double room, a bathroom, a kitchen, a lounge area with a double sofabed in (very impressed). The walk to the ski rental center was nothing across the road. They sorted us out with skis, boots, poles and helmets. The staff were very helpful! The gondolo ride was long but the queues were not bad as it wasn't half-term week. But the 1st day was the world cup and overall, it took us just over 3 hours to get our equipment and queue up for the gondolo. My instructor was really inappropriate, he was flirting with me even though I am married. I complained and moved groups. Nothing was bad. Enjoyed the holiday.

• March 07, 2011
  Klaus Beversluis from United Kingdom
  

  Just back from our first trip to Bansko and had a really great time. We stayed at St Ivan Ski (& Spa) complex. Found it under StIvanBansko.com web site. We rented 2 X 1 bed linked apartments which were very nicely furnished and equipped, with 32" lcd tv`s Playstations, Ipod Boomdocks etc & baths! There were some queues at the gondola when we were there as school hols but we hired our ski equipment from Explore Bansko and they have a 4X4 ski taxi and they picked us up at our apartments each day and took us back in the evening and also took us up to the mid station on a few days to avoid the gondola queues, it was like being a VIP!. Pete the owner of the apartments at St Ivan provided us with his Bansko Guide he has complied which has loads of great places to eat etc and other useful info which I highly recommend. I think there is an e-mail address on his web site for anyone who wants a copy. We will definitely be going back.

• March 06, 2011
  Matt from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a week snowboarding in Bansko. This was our 2nd year and just as good as last time. Was a bit worried after no snow for 3 weeks+ but it snowed whilst we were there and all the slopes were very well maintained, even the snow road right down to the base of the gondola. Didn't realise we had hit the end of the FIS World Cup event so that was a good surprise if a bit busy to get up the mountain in the morning.

  On the gondola queue posts I've read, even on the final day of the world cup we still only queued for 35mins to get up the mountain, and during the whole week we never queued for longer. I've queued for much longer in other more expensive resorts around Europe. Once you're on the mountain I don't think we had to queue for more than a few mins for any lift. Either the gondola staff are doing something different in how they get people on now or the '4 hour' queue posts are being exaggerated somewhat.

  With the lift passes, I read the posts on here and was cautious so purchased just 2 days passes which worked fine. I have had lift pass issues in other resorts but this was because I was daft enough to keep the pass close to my mobile phone which effectively wiped the card and stopped it from working, maybe something similar has happened here. Also, one of our group sprained his shoulder and had to get transported down the mountain and to the medical centre, this was done free of charge as we purchased the lift pass from the gondola station and not our tour operator, saved a lot of hassle with insurance companies etc..

  Anyway, back to Bansko, the snow was good, food was good and still cheap, nightlife gets better each year. We found everyone to be very pleasant and not rude in any way, in fact the worst people there I'm sorry to say was us Brits! We stayed in a hotel that predominantly had Brits, Greeks, Russians and Germans staying and the only ones who felt it necessary to go around shouting and banging on doors at 3am was, you guessed it 'the Brits'.

  If you want a good pint and decent food then 'The Crown' pub is just the job. Much like the Lion bar except without the smoke and cramped seating area. Shows all the sport and has a DJ.

  We will be going back next year as Bansko still offers the best value for money you'll find at present. If you can avoid half-term and the main Greek\Bulgarian holidays then you'll have a weeks, trouble free skiing\snowboarding for sure, if you can't then don't expect to be able to just walk up to the lifts at anytime and not expect a wait of some sort. I would recommend Bansko to anyone other than the really experienced skier\boarder as they may find the slopes limited.

  If you are a beginner\intermediate then it's ideal and if you want lessons then I can recommend Method Snow School who have lots of British instructors.

• March 04, 2011
  Keith Jordan from United Kingdom
  

  I would like to comment on some of the recent posts - I've been going to Bansko since 2005 (usually a group of 8) and never had a problem with any lift passes. So I can only assume it's a glitch and not a scam? - although you do need to be aware that if you buy a pass online or from a tour operator you are not covered for medical rescue from the mountain in the unfortunate event of an accident - you will need either to have your insurance documents or a credit card. If you buy your pass at the gondola you are insured and will be rescued and treated in the medical centre for free.

  In term of safety - I have just got 5 kids (all girls as well!!!) ranging now from 20 down to 10 - and again we have never had any problems - lifties although abrupt, have often helped our girls get on and off lifts - I guess when it's really busy (and we go every Feb half-term) you need to be aware of the other people around you, which is no different to any other resort. (and the new lifts definitely make a difference to get up the mountain)

  Finally - food does vary considerably in quality and price and heat! - look around, see what people recommend below - there are loads of great places to eat and this year I think prices have fallen back a little from previous years (we ate out this year for about 200BGN / £100, including wine / beer / starters for 8 of us in 4 different restaurants) - if you get offered something just check the price and know exactly what you are getting (don't pay £50 for a bottle of local plonk!)

• February 28, 2011
  Dimitris from Greece
  

  I was in Bansko again for skiing but also to watch the FIS World Cup. I was really surprised by the excellent organization of this very major sporting event. Bravo

• February 21, 2011
  Paul Smith from United Kingdom
  

  One of our group had exactly the same problem with lift pass - 4 day pass stopped working on day 4, but the ticket desk just said "no refunds". My friend knew we were waiting on the mountain, so just gave in and bought a day pass. This was the only negative of our whole trip. If it's a scam then it's very short-sighted. If not a scam, then "sort it out Bansko", you obviously have an organisational problem there.

  Aside from the skiing, the town is great - relaxed, very friendly and cheap. Food is a bit basic but fresh and plentiful, and don't be surprised by the fact that dishes come when they're ready, regardless of what you or your guests are still eating.

• February 20, 2011
  Russ Flory from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a great week in Bansko (19th Feb 2011).
  Stayed at Hotel Banderitsa, which was generally pretty good.
  Quality of food was really okay, if a little cold at times. Plenty of it though.
  The spa was nice, but the jacuzzi was out of order and the pool is too cold.
  Our room was on the ground floor and was exceptionally noisy in the morning. Impossible to sleep after 6ish.
  One thing I wanted to share with you though was an issue I had with my lift pass.
  I bought a 6 day lift pass at the gondola station. On the second morning, the pass would not scan. I went to the Kasse office and they refused to issue another as they had no facility in their computer system. They told me to argue my way through the lifts with the operators. I went back to the gondola and they refused me, so back to the kasse desk for another argument. Eventually they came back to the gondola with me and told the lifty to let me through. Once up on the mountain, same issue at every lift.
  Went back to the ticket office and was told to be forceful with the lift guys and even to jump over the barriers (yeh, right).
  Next morning went back to the office with my tour rep (Bulgarian) and he tried to argue with them, but again no good.
  Basically, if the pass stops working for any reason at all or if you loose it, that's your money gone.
  I did use it for two more days, but in the end, the lift guys were refusing me, so missed the last two days of boarding. Could have bought day passes but refused on principle.
  My advice to anyone going to Bansko is to buy day passes. Over 6 days it was only 20 leva more (£10) and you could sell them for 20 leva on the way down, even at 1500 hrs.
  It was really a shame, as otherwise the holiday was excellent.
  Also try the Irish bar for the cheapest pint in Bansko. The food was cheap also. Tell them you know Mac and they may give you 20% discount.

• February 16, 2011
  Tom from United Kingdom
  

  Went to Bansko 06th-13th Feb 2011. Second time there.
  Weather was clear blue skies. Came back with a sun tan!
  Slopes well maintained by snow cannons and previous snow fall.
  Queue for main gondola varied from busy to empty depending on the time you go. Once up, no queues at all.
  Nightlife was brilliant as ever. Lions is quality and Amigos is a gem. Great live music. Recommend a Bullfrog to drink!!
  Hotel Azure = best steak in Bansko, hands down. Located just past lions to the left opposite Amigos Pet Shop.