With the snow-clad Pirin Mountains within easy reach, the ski resort town of Bansko offers opportunities for indulging in a variety of winter sports. Peaks of the nearby Pirin National Park, like Vihren and Todorka, form the backdrop of this picturesque town.
Bansko is an under-the-radar ski destination, featuring not just skiing and snowboarding slopes but scenic glacier-fed lakes and alpine valleys. Numerous trails suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers cross the region’s diverse landscape, and many of them are accessible year-round. Head to Todorka for fantastic skiing in winter, hiking in summer and magnificent peak views through the seasons. The Tomba run, named after an Italian skier, is extremely popular too. You could even try out the Kolarski and Banderitza slopes. If snowboarding is more your style, the town has a superb freeride scene with deep snow drifts under the mountain peaks. Accessing the slopes is also easy thanks to the Bansko Gondola and well-maintained ski lifts, such as Ski Lift Banderitsa 1.
The charms of Bansko extend well beyond its outdoor activities and nature views. The town also has a vibrant après-ski atmosphere and a rich architectural heritage. The Holy Trinity Church, near the Old Town area, is a fine example of Bulgarian National Revival style construction filled with striking frescoes and paintings. At Neofit Rilski Museum next door, you'll see a traditional house designed in the typical Bansko fortified style. Velyan house, a Bulgarian Renaissance structure made from wood and stone, is worth checking out too.