Apologies for the few & and poor quality photos… You may watch a couple of videos here & here, as well…
Close enough to spend a couple of days, quite cheap and around 70kms of ski runs… Few but good reasons for me to visit Bansko for skiing three times so far.
Bansko
Bansko ski center is located on southern part of Bulgaria on Pirin National Park. Roughly an hour and a half drive from Promahonas; border check point with Greece. Bansko has attracted all these recent years winter seasonal tourists since it’s been both well facilitated and relatively cheap destination. Could be a bit crowded at weekends and on the runs near the gondola top.
Accommodation
Well, I think that I have tried all the possible ways. During my first visit there, along with my gang another four guys, we stayed on Tofana Hotel; you see ski in/out was a priority at that time. Despite the cheap stay (talking about 2,4 euros per night!), the overall impression was not so good; breakfast was awful and we had to drive every afternoon to the village to cover our needs. Second time, again with my ski gang, we chose to stay at Lion Hotel, all inclusive, in a value for money price of 25€ per night; the food was guaranteed and rooms were pretty nice. Third time, couples’ visit during Christmas, we stayed in MPM Hotel Guinness. All inclusive, in a good bargain (80€ per night), booked via Explosivo Travel Agency. The Room was perfect and Christmas dinner exceptional.
Coffee and drinks
Apres ski in Happy End and night drink either in Euphoria (early enough) or Pirin 75, a cosy small bar. We did visit some underground after hours bars but they were way too underground!
Eating out
According to my experience so far, be slightly cautious about having lunch or dinner out; I was not really impressed and almost nothing met my expectations. Only exceptions were, Euphoria and VIP Room Club; the first offers descent but not exquisite dining all day long and the second one fine eating but slightly pricey. Yet, as an advice, you would better either book an all inclusive room or cook on your own; most apartments have a stove.
Important reminders
If you drive yourself don’t forget to take a vignette as soon as you cross the borders and to have your headlights on!
Road network is not so good… Be patient and do not speed up!