Why Bansko Is the Ultimate Winter Destination – Complete Guide

Bansko is not just a cheap holiday destination, it offers great value for your money. With ski slopes not worse than the ones in the Alps, delicious and affordable cuisine, bustling nightlife, friendly locals, hot springs and stunning nature, it won’t disappoint you.

Bansko has been trendy in Bulgaria for years, but it was only recently that the resort started to get more foreign attention. Why is Bansko becoming a popular winter resort in Europe? What can you do in Bansko beside skiing? And what do you need to know before visiting Bansko? We have all the answers in this article.

Let’s find out more about the beautiful town of Bansko and what you could do there.

Why is Bansko so popular?

There are many reasons that combined make Bansko a gem in its field. Unlike other ski resorts, Bansko is actually a small town with around 8500 inhabitants. There is an old part with cobblestone streets and restored traditional houses build with stone. I think, this makes a place feel more homely and authentic, than just a bunch of big hotels. Another reason why Bansko is popular, is the fact that it is really easy to get to, both from the capital, Sofia, and our neighbouring countries.

It has been distinguished as one of the world-leading ski resorts with up to 80 km of slopes, along with many Austrian and Swiss ski resorts, according to the ranking of one of the largest test portals skiresort.info.

Last, but not least, Bansko is an affordable winter holiday destination. Even though prices are higher than in the rest of the country, when you compare it to other resorts in Europe, it is great value for money.

5 things to do in Bansko in the Winter

1. Skiing and snowboarding

As I have mentioned above, Bansko is renowned as one of the best ski resorts in Europe, so various winter activities are the main reason for tourists to visit.

Bansko has 75 km of ski trails, of which 35% are for beginners, 40% for advanced skiers and 25% for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski resort is very versatile with trails for everybody. In the upper part, above the treeline, you can also enjoy breathtaking views over the Pirin Mountain.

The place is also great for beginners or for kids to learn how to ski. There are numerous ski schools to choose from, many of them also available in English. A 2-hour group lesson costs 46 EUR p.p., whereas a one to one lesson – 95 EUR.

Keep in mind, that the resort gets very busy in the high season (late December to February). The queue for the gondola lift that takes you up to the slopes from Bansko can get quite long, so try to be there as early as possible, they open at 8:30 daily. Alternatively, there is a 11km long road from the town to Banderishka Polyana (the top station of the Gondola lift). You can either get there by car and park it for the day, or pay for a transfer/taxi to get you there.

2. Relax in a thermal SPA

There is nothing more relaxing after a long day on the slopes than jumping in a hot spring or enjoying a massage. And even if you don’t ski, what a better way to spend your day instead while your loved ones explore the slopes.

Bulgaria has an abundance of natural hot springs, and many of them are situated in the mountains. The hot spring facilities are not in Bansko itself, but in the near town of Banya, just 6km away. There are many SPA-hotels and some of them also offer entrance to their hot spring pools and SPA-areas even if you are not staying in the hotel. This is absolutely a must-do when you are in the area.

3. Have dinner at a mehana (typical restaurant)

Mehanas are traditional Bulgarian restaurants, with massive wooden tables and chairs, colourful woven table covers, often with folk costumes and other classical decorations on the walls. The food is served in beautifully painted clay dishes, and it is accompanied by folk music.

Bulgarian cuisine is often underrated, but you will be surprised how tasty and versatile it can be. Check out our guide on the traditional dishes here. Kapama is something for you to try in Bansko, if you eat meat. It is the traditional dish for the region, and it is often called Banska kapama. Different kinds of meat (chicken, pork or veal) are slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot with sauerkraut. Sometimes sausages, peppers or rice are added.

4. Day trip to the Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries on the Balkan peninsula. The place is not only full of history, but it is really beautiful and it takes you back in time, since many of the buildings date centuries back. It is just an hour and a half drive from Bansko, so it is perfect for a day trip, if you have a rental car and the weather is bad for skiing. If you want to discover more reasons why you should visit Rila monastery, this is for you:

Rila Monastery is Amazing: 3 Reasons to Visit

5. Enjoy the nightlife

For a small town, Bansko boasts numerous clubs and bars. In the winter they are packed with tourists, but also some locals. With the affordable prices of drinks and the variety of music in each one of them, I am sure, there is something for everybody. Whether you are into more relaxed music, just want to enjoy a drink or want to dance and party till dawn, Bansko can offer you everything. Some of the bars even offer live music and international artists in the main season.

Is Bansko expensive?

Bansko is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe, according to Post Office Travel Money’s annual Ski Resort Report. A daily ski pass for an adult costs about 48 EUR, which isn’t extremely cheap, but still lower than most of the popular resorts in the Alps with comparable range of ski slopes. Prices for food in the town are also very reasonable, on the ski slopes they are a little bit higher though.

As to the prices for ski equipment, in case you have to rent it – it is quite cheap with 15 EUR p.p. per day and 10 EUR for kids. It even gets cheaper if you rent for a longer period of time.

Do you need a car in Bansko?

Bansko is quite a small town and very walkable. You can get everywhere in under 30 minutes. So, I wouldn’t say a rental car is necessary in Bansko. However, if you also want to make day trips in the region, a rental car is a must, in order for you to be more flexible and get to even less popular places, where public transport is not readily available.

How to get to Bansko?

Bansko is about 150 km south from Sofia. For the most part, you drive on the highway Struma A3 southbound, before you take the exit towards Route 19 to Bansko for the last 40 km. It takes just under 2 hours by car. Your second option will be to take one of the regular bus lines that operate on this route.

In case you are coming from one of our neighbours, Bansko is very well-connected too. The border with Greece is just 100km to the south, and for the most part it is connected by a motorway. The border to North Macedonia is 76km to the west, and the Serbian border is a bit further away – 200km.

Why is Bansko perfect for digital nomads?

Not only is it a popular holiday destination, but Bansko is very famous and preferred in the digital nomad community. The small town impresses with very fast internet connection, lots of coworking spaces, affordable accommodation and laid-back lifestyle. Many expats choose it, because Bansko is not only a resort, but a small town with all the amenities you need all year round. What is more, it is nestled in the footsteps of Pirin mountain, with many possibilities for spending time in nature. Overall, according to expats and locals, you can have great work-life-balance in Bansko.