In winter, Bansko is the most popular ski resort on the Balkans, featuring 75 km of ski slopes and 14 lifts with a snow season lasting from December to April. Being the highest ski resort on the Balkans, Bansko enjoys the deepest and most reliable natural snow in the region. In addition, the resort has 360 snow guns for early season cover and the slopes have snow making capabilities.
Bansko has plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes of various levels of difficulty and some advanced terrain. Have a look at the map here. A race from the FIS Ski World Cup is held at the Tomba ski run in Bansko every year in February. For more information on snow conditions, lift tickets and season passes, as well as live webcams from the mountain, check Bansko Ski official site. There is also the Bansko app that has lots of information about the slopes.
The official website of ski in Bansko
Bansko has a 5 km cross-country track at 1530m altitude which is the location of several annual biathlon competitions and a challenging circuit that makes the most of the mountainous terrain in the region.
The area around Bansko offers tremendous opportunities for winter trekking and off piste exploring. BEWARE of avalanches! Every year a number of experienced free skiers/riders get caught in avalanches around Todorka couloirs. Be prepared with avalanche safety gear and knowledge, research the snow conditions, the terrain and the weather and hire a certified local guide for the first time if you are venturing out on your own.
You can rent snowshoes from M&G Snow School and go explore the areas around town or walk from Shiligarnika to Vuhren Hut on your own or go for an organized leisurely trek at lower elevations with some of the local adventure companies.
Snowshoeing Tours In Bansko, Pirin And Rila Mountains. Hiking In Bulgaria.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Bansko offers a number of winter activities off the slopes. Visitors can go ice skating at the outdoor rink, snowmobiling tours can be arranged with local adventure companies, there is horseback riding and hot springs to be enjoyed in surrounding villages and ice climbing routes can be explored not far from town. (For ice climbing please find a certified guide to accompany you and show you the routes.)