The Pirin resort of Bankso is another one of the most popular resorts in the country. It is located in southwest Bulgaria, 160 km from Sofia and 57 km away from Blagoevgrad. Besides offering modern conditions for sporting activities, Bansko is a beautiful town which has preserved its authentic charm and historic heritage.
In Bankso there is snow cover from December to April and most trails are equipped with snowmaking facilities.
The ski zone of the resort provides very good conditions both for beginners and for advanced skiers as well as snowboarders. The best challenge of ski centre Bansko is the Tomba Trail - the most attractive and difficult trail of the resort. It was tested by its namesake - the legend Alberto Tomba, and also by other winter sport stars, among whom Franz Klammer, Rosi Mittermaier and Marc Girardelli.
The ski centre also offers a fabulous 7-km ski trail equipped with snowmaking machines and lighting, which connects the high parts of the resort with the town of Bansko.
The fact that races of the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit are held here is proof of the high quality of Bansko as a ski resort. Bansko hosted the event early in 2009. The World Cup brought some top skiers to Bulgaria, among whom were Lindsey Vonn, Anja P?rson and Tina Maze.
Furthermore, Bansko ski runs offer fabulous conditions for snowboarding. The first snowboard fun park in Eastern Europe, suitable for freestyle boarding, was opened here. Bansko often hosts national and international snowboarding competitions.
The resort offers great conditions and facilities for paraskiing - a tandem flight with an experienced paraglider. There is also an option for skiers to be towed by a kite instead of a paraglider. Such extreme adventures are organized upon an advanced request.
In Bansko a visitor can also practice heliskiing, reaching by helicopter some of the most beautiful and inaccessible peaks of Pirin. Other activities include snowmobiling, trekking with snowshoes or relaxing at one of the many spa centres of the resort.
Bansko ski schools offer a variety of services and courses for both children and adults. Group and individual training is available. There are lessons in skiing, snowboarding and cross country. Equipment rentals are available for guests.
When the sun sets and you feel the pleasant fatigue from a day of outdoor activities, you may retire for some deserved relaxation. The atmosphere of Basko is fascinating - while the challenges of winter's sports rule the ski runs, merriment and good cheer reigns in the many local taverns. The central part of Bansko has preserved its authentic architecture from the time of the Bulgarian Revival. You will be enchanted by the beautiful old houses, churches and museums.
You will also enjoy the taverns offering local delicacies from the region of Pirin such as kapama, shashlik, chomlek, appetizers such as katino meze and banski starets.
Most hotels here offer beauty and rehabilitation programs which make Bansko an excellent spa destination.
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