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Bansko
Nestled between the
Pirin, Rilla and Rhodope mountain ranges, Bansko is located at the
foot of the Pirin National Park, listed in the World Register of
Natural Heritage. It is a climatic mountain resort with a short hot
summer and long mild winter. Snow falls are abundant, providing a
constant winter snow cover up to 2 m thick. The region is famous for
its cuisine and colourful folklore and offers various entertainment
opportunities. The access to Bansko is convenient even in winter
conditions. The distance to the nearest airport – the Sofia Airport
- is 160 km, and is covered in just 2 hours by car.
Skiing
Bansko is the
youngest and the best developed ski resort in Bulgaria. The skiing
conditions are excellent. The slopes offer runs and tracks for all
types of skiers, from starters to experts, and the ski runs are
maintained in excellent condition. The resort is equipped with
machines for artificial snow. The two major ski regions of Bansko -
the lower called Chalin Valog (1,100 - 1,600 m) and the higher
Shiligarnika (1,700 - 2,500 m) - are situated above the town, on the
northern slopes of the Pirin Mountains. Slalom and giant slalom runs
are available in the Shiligarnika region. The total track length is
75 km with plans to expand this to 95 km by 2006. A gondola lift
provides convenient access from the town to the ski slopes, a
further lift is planned for 2006/07 season. Bansko is applying for
the 2014 Winter Olympics. |
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Summer activities
Bansko is a great place to visit during
the warmer months from May through October. The Pirin National Park
combines breath-taking views with excellent opportunities for hiking and
sightseeing, including plethora of lakes, waterfalls, caves and
historical sights. The town and the nearby villages are known for their
healing mineral water springs, providing opportunities for rest and
relaxation.
Rich history, culture and
traditions
The town of Bansko
attracts visitors with its 120 cultural monuments. It is famous for its
fortified and artistically decorated houses, museums and the Bansko
School of Art. A very interesting site is the Holy Trinity Church, with
its 30 m high bell-tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings.
Every August Bansko hosts the National Jazz Fest. Museum houses and
collections, souvenir shops and romantic holiday residences, hotels and
taverns complement the unique atmosphere of this splendid Bulgarian
resort.
The future
Bansko has attracted
exceptional tourist and investor interest in the last three years. Among
the most notable developments are the expansion and modernizing of the
ski runs and equipment, as well as the construction of new hotels and
residential developments. Regardless of the increased capacity, Bansko
is generally fully booked during the winter months with Bulgarian,
Macedonian, Greek and British tourists making up the bulk of the
visitors. With its year-round activities, rich history and traditions,
and mineral water springs, Bansko represents not only an attractive
tourist destination, but also a great opportunity for the seeing
investor. |
