Bansko Ski Resort:

Definitive Ski Holiday Guide [2026]

Skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria has become the essential last-minute ski holiday destination in recent years. The Bansko ski resort blends affordable prices, reliable snow, and a variety of slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With its picturesque mountain setting, modern infrastructure, and lively après-ski scene, Bansko is a great option for those looking to hit the slopes without breaking the bank. 

Here is everything you need to know about Bansko – the best slopes, what to eat, where to stay and how much it will all cost you. Learn why this UNESCO-protected Pirin area is one of the best last-minute ski holiday locations in Europe, and how to make the most out of your trip here.

БАНСКО
at a glance

SKI SEASON | Mid-December to early April

WINTER SPORTS | Skiing, Snowboarding, Off-Piste, Snowmobile, ATV, Horses

CURRENCY | Euro

WHERE TO STAY | Шале Диана-Росс, Шале Supreme, Шале Chico

HOW TO GET THERE | Fly to Sofia → bus or private transfer

PRICE RANGE | Great price to quality ratio

Хорош ли Банско для катания на лыжах?

Bansko is Bulgaria’s ‘Winter Ski Capital’ and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Eastern Europe. Situated in the foothills of the Pirin mountain, Bansko has excellent accessibility to Bulgaria’s most snow-sure and diverse range.

Holding the title of “Best Ski Resort” since 2013, it has become Bulgaria’s largest and most modern ski area. Bansko attracts many snow-savvy tourists in winter with its 75km of varied pistes and one of the longest ski runs in the world.

Is Bansko good for snowboarding?

Yes, Bansko is universally LOVED by snowboarders of all skill levels. Not only are the slopes ideal, but there is also a snow park with an active community. Many snowboarders from Sofia travel on weekends specifically to ride the jumps and rails. Check out our video on snowboarding in Bansko!

Является ли Банско хорошим местом для группового лыжного отдыха?

Bansko offers a good challenge for groups with mixed abilities with a wide range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you are a pro and want to bring your beginner friends skiing, Bansko is a great choice!

Plenty of accommodation options allow for big groups of up to 35 guests, and ski lessons are cheaper when booked as a group. 

Является ли Банско хорошим местом для группового лыжного отдыха?

Apart from having “bunny” slopes and great accessibility, Bansko has excellent ski schools for children. The ski schools in Bansko offer a variety of programs for children, such as ski kindergarten, kids ski school, and ski academy. The ski schools also have certified instructors who speak English and are experienced in teaching children of all ages. 

The town also offers a variety of entertainment, as well as accommodation options for families, from family-sized apartments to ski chalets with child-care.

Is Bansko good for beginners?

Bansko is a fantastic ski resort to learn skiing or snowboarding. There are 6 blue easy runs, a bunny slope, and plenty of amenities that make it easy to get around the ski area. Most ski schools employ English-speaking instructors with years of experience of turning newbies into confident skiers.

Можно ли научиться кататься на лыжах за 2 дня? It’s entirely possible to learn to ski intermediate, or even hard slopes in just 2 days. Skiing in Bansko provides a great progression curve – but be don’t be overconfident, especially on steep runs or turns, and make sure you’re getting coached by experienced skiers or snowboarders.

Bansko ski area: Where to ski in Bansko?

Bansko has a total of 21 pistes, varying in difficulty for a total of 75km of skiing:

🔵 6 синих трасс (легкие)
🟠 2 оранжевых трассы (средний уровень сложности)
🔴 11 красных трасс (для опытных лыжников)
⚫ 2 черные трассы (для опытных лыжников)

Bansko has one of the most up-to-date lift networks in Europe and at points takes you as high as 2600m. Most of the resort is above 1700m and with 90% snow cannon coverage.

Bansko ski area
Bansko ski area

Какая самая сложная лыжная трасса в Банско?

Todorka is Bansko’s most demanding ski run – a steep, black-rated piste on Todorka Peak. Designed for advanced skiers and riders, it offers a long, challenging descent and spectacular Pirin Mountain views. Not one for beginners.

Какая самая легкая лыжная трасса в Банско?

The easiest ski runs in Bansko are the ski school area (at Banderishka Polyana) and the bases of other ski runs. These areas are dedicated to beginners, ideal for first-time skiers and children. They are all blue-rated and intended for skiers who are learning the basics like stopping and turning.

Где лучше всего кататься на лыжах в Банско?

The 3 most popular runs include Shiligarnika, Chalin Vlog, and Bunderitsa. The first two are suitable for all skill levels, while the last one is fast and steep, and should be attempted by experienced skiers. There’s plenty of other incredible runs, depending on your preference.

The “Ski Road” is a 15km run starting from Todorka peak. It’s an incredibly long one, which most skiers end their day with, as the finish line is in Bansko town. If you’re not quite ready to take it on from Todorka, you can also make your start from Banderishka Polyana – we highly recommend it! 

Where to stay in Bansko for your ski holiday? (Our top picks)

Award-winning chalets able to accommodate solo travellers или groups of up to 35. These traditional Bulgarian chalets are catered и sustainably-ran, while offering daily ski transfers and a free concierge service. You’ll to get the most out of your ski holiday by staying with local hosts that know all the secrets of the resort. 

When does the Bansko ski season begin? What’s the best time to go?

The ski season in Bansko typically starts in December and finishes in April. The exact opening and closing dates can vary from year to year depending on the weather conditions and snowfall. The resort usually opens its slopes as soon as there is enough snow and closes them when the snow melts or when the weather conditions are not suitable for skiing any more.  

Early season: December & January

Bansko skiing usually opens up around the middle of December when snow is usually enough, but the plentiful snow-cannon coverage on the slopes makes skiing and snowboarding very consistent.

Throughout December and January, the weather is a bit colder but the slopes are a lot less crowded. This means that early season skiing in Bansko is much more peaceful and also more affordable.

View Bansko early season guide.

Peak season: February & March

February and the first half of March are the liveliest in Bansko skiing and snowboarding – people have had the first salary of the year and are ready to hit the Bulgarian slopes. The weather a bit warmer, the snow is softer and the town is full of life. Some times there are queues for the gondola and ski lifts, so it’s recommended to start your day earlier.

How to get to Bansko for you ski holiday

→ The best way to get to Bansko is by first flying to the airport in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Direct flights are available from many major cities in the UK, Europe and beyond:
  • London
  • Bristol
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Edinburgh
  • Liverpool
  • Dublin
  • Tel Aviv
  • Berlin

→From there, to get to Bansko from Sofia, you have a few options, depending on your preference:

  • Take a bus, departing from Sofia Central Bus Station. The journey takes approx. 3 hours and it is highly recommended to book in advance from  Obilet, Omio, or Busbud
  • Rent a car, most commonly through TopRentaCar. Approx. 2hrs.
  • Get a private shuttle transfer through Сномады (ideal for groups). This service is free if you stay in a Snomads chalet for your Bansko skiing holiday. Approx. 2hrs.

    Getting from Sofia to Bansko is easy, and if time allows it, you could even take some time to explore the capital city.

Is Bansko cheap for a ski holiday? Price & logistics breakdown

Bansko’s value for money is impressive, compared to resorts in Western Europe, especially so for beginner skiers and snowboarders. This includes ski passes, equipment hire, apres-ski and other activities. Here’s the pricing for essentials in the 2025/2026 winter season.

Артикул Цена в фунтах стерлингов Цена в € Примечания
Местное пиво (разливное 0,5 л) £2.00 €2.30 Бар, самый дешевый в небольших городах, хорошее качество
Пиво из супермаркета (бутылка 0,5 л) £0.80 €0.92 Очень доступно
Кофе (Капучино) £1.69 €1.94 Богатая кофейная культура
Сигареты (пачка x20) £2.70 €3.07 Очень дешево, разнообразно
Ресторанная еда £8.87 €10.23 Щедрые порции
Фастфуд £4.44 €5.11 Отличная цена, большая культура донер
Общественный транспорт £0.78 €0.89 В большинстве городов
Такси (3 км) £2.84 €3.27 Регулируемые счетчики
Тип размещения Цена в фунтах стерлингов Цена в € Примечания
Эко-шале, все включено (лучшее соотношение цены и качества ✔️) £58 €66 Остановка с питанием, например Шале Snomads в Банско (питание, напитки, трансферы)
Отель среднего класса (3-4 ⭐) £62 €72 Центральное расположение, завтрак включен
Бюджетный отель / гостевой дом £35 €40 Хорошая цена, обычно семейные гостиницы AirBnb
Хостел (общая комната) £10 - 15 €11 - 17 В городах, горных хижинах и на курортах
Роскошный отель (5 ⭐) £100+ €115 Спа-курорты, например, в Велинграде, Банско, Софии

For a more comprehensive pricing breakdown, and comparison to UK prices, check out our Bulgaria pricing guide.

Принимают ли карты в Банско?

Most places in Bansko resort accept card payments – restaurants, hotels, bars, shops, etc. However, a few street vendors and small businesses may not have a POS terminal, or may require a minimum payment amount. Therefore, it’s recommended to carry some Euro in cash with you, just in case.

We recommend contacting your bank before your trip, to prevent the risk of getting your card block, as you’ll be making international transactions.

Ski passes can be purchased at the main ski station – Banderishka Polyana – or online. Blank lift pass cards are provided to Snomads chalet guests. They can be topped up easily online.

ЗИМА 2024/2025

ЦЕНЫ в €

Взрослый

СТУДЕНТ (12-18)

Ребенок (до 12 лет)

Ребенок (до 6 лет)

Только гондола (пешеходы)

25

23

18

0.50

Полдня (после 12:30)

43

38

23

0.50

1 день

56

50

28

0.50

2 дня

110

98

54

1

3 дня

163

145

80

2

4 дня

217

193

105

2

5 дней

270

240

130

3

6 дней

325

288

155

3

Все пропуска действительны только в течение нескольких дней подряд.

There are many equipment rental shops in Bansko. Guests of chalets Diana-Ross и Supreme have access to the in-house ski shop, so you can go from your chalet straight to the slopes.

Snomads Bansko Chalet Ski Rental Supreme

Наша мастерская находится прямо напротив наших шале.

ADULT PRICES

ЗИМА 2025/2026

ЦЕНЫ ДЛЯ ВЗРОСЛЫХ В £

6 дней5 дней4 дня3 дня2 дня1 день

Лыжи, ботинки и палки

£70

£65

£55

£40

£30

£20

Лыжи и палки

£50

£40

£35

£30

£20

£15

Сноуборд и ботинки

£85

£80

£70

£55

£50

£30

Сноуборд

£70

£65

£55

£40

£30

£20

Шлем

£25

£20

£15

£15

£10

£5

Снегоступы

£50

£40

£35

£30

£25

£20

CHILDREN PRICES

ЗИМА 2025/2026

ДЕТСКИЙ (ДО 13 ЛЕТ) ЦЕНЫ В £

6 дней5 дней4 дня3 дня2 дня1 день
Лыжи, ботинки и палки

£45

£40

£35

£30

£20

£15

Лыжи и палки

£35

£30

£25

£20

£15

£10

Сноуборд и ботинки

£70

£65

£55

£40

£30

£20

Сноуборд

£45

£40

£35

£30

£20

£15

ШлемБесплатноБесплатноБесплатноБесплатноБесплатноБесплатно

Детские тарифы действуют для лиц младше 13 лет. Цены выше указаны для собственного пункта проката Snomads, цены и оплата у партнеров могут незначительно отличаться. За аренду взимается плата, которую необходимо внести в фунтах стерлингов (£).

ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНЫЕ ГРУППОВЫЕ ЗАНЯТИЯ, 2 ЧАСА КАЖДЫЙ ДЕНЬ

2025/2026

На человека

ЦЕНЫ В €


1 день


2 дня


3 дня


4 дня


5 дней


6 дней

Смешанная группа

54

108

162

216

270

324

Один на один с инструктором

111

222

324

426

518

606

Частная группа из 2 человек

74

148

220

292

361

430

Частная группа из 3 человек

66

132

196

261

324

387

Частная группа из 4+ человек

62

124

185

246

306

365

ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНЫЕ ГРУППОВЫЕ ЗАНЯТИЯ, 4 ЧАСА КАЖДЫЙ ДЕНЬ

2025/2026

НА ЧЕЛОВЕКА

ЦЕНЫ В €


1 день


2 дня


3 дня


4 дня


5 дней


6 дней

Смешанная группа

88

176

259

342

421

500

Один на один с инструктором

217

435

648

860

1064

1267

Частная группа из 2 человек

144

287

426

565

694

824

Частная группа из 3 человек

125

252

374

496

612

729

Частная группа из 4+ человек

117

223

332

442

548

653

Отправить нам сообщение and we’ll help you book ski lessons for your group. Prices are subject to change. Children from 7 years can be taught in standard group lessons for ski or snowboard. Younger children can be taught in private group lessons only.

Things to do in Bansko

If you want to take a break from piste skiing and snowboarding on your Bansko holiday, or you’re simply not a skier, there’s a lot to do in and around Bansko. Here are our top picks, including winter sports, apres-ski, town activities and day trips.

Bansko snowmobile safari

If you’re into winter adrenaline, but want to try something besides skiing, snowmobile riding is a fantastic option. Most people don’t know that you can ride one in Bansko, but we’ve partnered with the single best skidoo service in Bulgaria. Beginners are welcome to join snowmobile safaris and enjoy high speeds and beautiful views. 

Ski touring in Pirin Mountains

Bansko sits at the foot of the Pirin mountain which is an ideal destination for ski touring. In other words: off-piste freeriding with the help of a guide. This raw skiing experience is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers and is a true test of endurance. However, it’s also extremely rewarding and allows you to explore the wild and untouched parts of Bansko, away from the slopes and tourist crowds.

Bansko quad-bike (ATV) adventure

ATVs are very intuitive and easy to use, and make for an awesome journey filled with breathtaking views and fresh air. Reserve a time slot and your group will start from the bottom gondola station – your guide will curate a track and lead you off the beaten path for an off-road adventure that will kick your Bansko holiday up a notch.

Relaxing thermal baths trip

Our team organizes weekly trips to ‘’Izgreva Complex’’ – a traditional thermal baths complex, ideal for recovering after intense skiing or simply savouring the healing properties of the local hot springs. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Bansko in the town of Banya – home of 72 mineral springs that produce water with a temperature of 57 C. The complex also has a spacious restaurant.

Explore Bansko - a town with something for everyone

Start with a walk around the Old Town – you’ll notice all of the old buildings, the Holy Trinity Church with its 30m bell tower, and residential houses – many of which are run as “Mehanas” – traditional Bulgarian taverns. 

But in harmony with its traditional charm, Bansko is a hub for remote professionals and digital nomads – streets lined with coffee shops, co-working spaces, gyms with beautiful mountain views. And of course, Bansko nightlife is nothing less than lively – a variety piano bars, clubs and restaurants will color your stay with joy, and you’ll forget that you came here to ski in the first place.

Apres-ski in Bansko - food, drink and nightlife

And now for the meat and gravy of this guide. We’ll run you through the essentials of Bulgarian food, dining and nightlife so you can make the best of your apres – and get to know Bulgaria like a local!

‘Mehanas’ - try traditional food in Bansko

You haven’t truly experienced Bulgaria if you haven’t eaten in one of its traditional taverns, also known as ‘Mehana’. Interiors are usually made of timber and cobbled stone, with warm colours and hand-made red table covers, reminiscent of a simpler time. Food is hearty, nutritious, cheesy and oh-so-perfect to pair with local alcoholic beverages. Here are our top picks:

Механа Обетсанова: An 18th-century tavern where sheepskins cover the hand-carved chairs and waistcoated waiters glide around the room. Take your pick from a menu that champions meaty mains, such as braised lamb shanks, wild boar in plum sauce, barbecued pork, and slow-cooked veal. They can even collect you from the chalet and drop you back after you’ve eaten.
The House: This is a truly unique traditional timber log house that has to be seen to be believed. It’s easy to miss but well worth a visit. Some of the best and freshest home made food with a delicious Bulgarian menu.
Дедо Йонката - Это один из старейших ресторанов-механа в Банско, расположенный на красивой и оживленной улице Пирин. Очень традиционное меню и атмосфера с некоторыми уникальными блюдами Банско, которые вы не найдете во многих других местах.
Красная горячка: A modern and fun restaurant with a great laid back atmosphere, Serving local and European food on the main Bankso strip up by the gondola. Well worth trying the house wine with whatever you decide to order. Like Mehana Obetsanova we can arrange complimentary pick up from the chalets.

Must-try Bulgarian food in Bansko

  • Баница - Традиционная выпечка, которая исправит любое похмелье и отлично подойдет для завтрака в паре с айран (йогуртовый напиток).
  • Салат "Шопский - Это классический салат, который можно встретить повсюду, и его обязательно нужно попробовать, так как ингредиенты всегда свежие. В салате из огурцов, помидоров и белого сыра используются местные ингредиенты, которые, по слухам, сочетаются с цветами болгарского флага.
  • Боб Чорба – Another national dish and translates as a bean soup, 100% vegan and not to be missed, great with some homemade garlic bread 
  • Свиная рулька - Настоящая красота, которая готовится на медленном огне несколько часов и просто отваливается от кости.
  • Сач - Это блюдо обычно состоит из различных видов мяса и овощей или только из овощей и готовится и подается на обжигающе горячей плите - настоящее зрелище.
  • Chicken in cornflakes – Sounds unusual but a homemade chicken nugget covered in corn flakes with a yogurt dip on the side, what’s not to like
  • Капама – Cooked in a clay pot and made up of sauerkraut, rice and a variety of meats, it’s traditionally a Bansko dish and is a must
  • Каварма – Another is usually cooked in a smaller clay pot, this time with vegetables and with whichever meat is most local and seasonal.
  • Лютеница - Местный соус чатни на основе томатов, который невероятно хорошо сочетается с сырными чипсами или соте из картофеля. Настоящий балканский кетчуп.

Чтобы узнать больше идей, просто позвоните нам или посмотрите руководство, написанное Социальный кочевник.

Bansko nightlife - best bars and night clubs in Bansko

Ниже представлены несколько наших любимых заведений, баров для любителей покататься на лыжах и полноценных ночных клубов, которые привлекают как туристов, так и местных жителей.

Бар Happy End – Situated opposite the gondola so you really can’t miss it. Styled on a traditional Austrian après bar. It’s marginally more expensive here than elsewhere, but worth a look even for just one drink; the interior and atmosphere are really impressive.
Бар Pirin75 - Приятный бар/паб с непринужденной атмосферой и дружелюбным обслуживанием. Попробуйте попасть на один из их знаменитых вечеров электро-свинга.
Бар Euphoria - Определенно стоит заглянуть сюда - это очень модное место, куда люди приходят, чтобы быть замеченными. Днем здесь можно поесть и выпить на солнечной палубе, а вечером здесь обычно выступает великолепная живая группа, и это место действительно становится местом, где стоит побывать.
Караоке-бар - Расположен в двух шагах от бара Pirin 75. Спуститесь по лестнице в подземное заведение. Мы советуем вам использовать это место для эпических турниров по пивному понгу, которые проводятся поздно вечером, пока вы исполняете классику.
Ночной клуб "Флэш - Невозможно представить себе древний болгарский город у подножия Пиринских гор в качестве места расположения ночного клуба, дизайн которого был вдохновлен научно-фантастическим фильмом Disney "ТРОН: Наследие". Самые современные звуковые и световые схемы дополняют иллюзию потустороннего мира.
Паб "Амиго - как для апре-ски в лыжном снаряжении, так и для ночного отдыха после ужина. Заведение построено так, что напоминает массивный альпийский дом со вторым этажом. Живые группы начинают выступать после 9 вечера, и можно рассчитывать на то, что они заведут толпу.
Jack’s House – Bansko’s liveliest nightclub, Dance the night away to the international rhythms of the resident DJ and enjoy a very extensive drinks selection, watch out for the impromptu flame shows behind the bar.

Feel free to follow the crowds and enjoy a bit of bar-hopping, even if that means you lose the last free shuttle to the chalet, distances are small and taxis are cheap!Below are a few of our favourite joints, après ski bars, and full-on nightclubs that attract both tourists and locals alike.

Try these drinks on your night out in Bansko

Выбор на любой вкус

Pirinsko beer – The obvious choice in the Pirin Mountains. Brewed with mountain water, it’s found everywhere in Bansko and tastes best at 2,000m after a long ski day. Find a comprehensive local beer selection and pricing guide here.

Mavrud red wine – A traditional Bulgarian red made from one of the country’s oldest grape varieties, known for its deep ruby colour and smooth taste with blackberry and mulberry notes.

Ракия – The classic Balkan fruit brandy and the true local way to drink. Distilled across the region in many variations, rakia has been produced in Bulgaria since at least the 11th century.

Mastika (Bulgarian Ouzo) – A strong aniseed-flavoured spirit made with mastic resin. Popular across the Balkans, Bulgarian mastika is 47% ABV – enjoy responsibly.

Tip: In Bulgaria, a vodka and coke is usually served separately unless you ask for it mixed. Most bartenders will understand, but it’s worth clarifying.


Look out: Spirit measures are generous – a single is 50ml and a double is 100ml, so pace yourself.

Plan your Bansko, Bulgaria skiing holiday with us!

Our team has been organising and hosting ski holidays in Bansko for 14 years – and our Diana-Ross chalet is a 4-time winner of “Best Ski Chalet” in Bulgaria. We know the town and the mountains inside and out, and we’d love to share our love for Bansko with you.

Reach out to us and we’ll help you plan your ski trip – from the transfer, to your chalet, ski equipment, side adventures and beyond.

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Диана Росс Лучшее шале

Превосходные эко-шале Snomads заставят вас почувствовать себя как дома. Наши профессионалы помогут вам в любой ситуации, а вам остаётся только наслаждаться катанием на лыжах.

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