For the last few years, some friends have converged to a ski resort for a week. Past trips include Cervinia (Matterhorn) and Val d’Isère (the three valleys). This year, inspired by my long weekend in Sofia in September, I suggested we hit Bansko in Bulgaria.
For one thing, Bulgaria is very reasonably priced. For example, our transfer to Zurich from Val d’Isère last year took about five hours and was a set price of 80€ per person. The transfer from Sofia airport to our resort was just 100€ for seven people.
The pistes are not extensive like the three valleys, and there are only a couple of black runs. But for three days on the slopes, we were all happy. From novice to expert there is something for everyone. One piste on the way back is seven kilometres long and its a very nice easy run in the afternoon.
I was advised by a friend to buy the priority pass for the gondola. As of 2019, the normal ticket for 3 days is 180 Lev. The priority is 240 Lev and it is very worth while. This will save you at least an hour of queueing for the ride up to the slopes. The gondola ride itself takes about 20 minutes.
One thing though is the food on the slopes… The canteen options are what can only be imagined as a very budget USSR canteen for mutants. Simon and I took one glance from the door way and about turned. That is something I will never un-see. Think very un nutritious. I wouldn’t feed an animal that.
I highly recommend that you visit the VIP Room for lunch – and its best to make a booking. Lunch will be around 40-50€ and well worth it. We had a birthday boy with us and the VIP Room presented him with a massive cake and a trick candle that kept re-lighting (its the little touches). Plus they have boot warmers and will give you slippers for the restaurant. The treat of putting on warm boots ready to hit the slopes for the afternoon is amazing.
We had a fantastic guy for our transfer – Svetlio (+359 88 7485174) – he collected us from the airport, was totally fine that we had a couple of people delayed due to snow. He took us to Decathlon for sports gear, Lidl for food shopping, a service station for beers for the journey and also toilet breaks (necessary after the beers!). On the way back, my flight was a couple of hours after the main group, so he was happy to take me into Sofia, wait for me and return me in time for my flight in the afternoon. Svetlio looked up details for us to ensure that everything ran as smoothly as possible.
We stayed at Predela apartments – which initially I booked via air bnb and then directly with Jane Dickinson – she manages a couple of the apartments there. The location of our apartments was excellent. Only 200m walk to the gondola and there is a ski hire shop in the complex which will charge you 20Lev a day for boots, poles & skis.
And of course a ski holiday is never complete without a massage or two. Across from our apartments, there is the Sport Hotel – and they offer a range of services. I had my first HAMAN – what a treat after a hard day of skiing. All hotels require pre-booking and payment for spa and services.
Do take some Bulgarian Lev cash with you – some places just don’t accept cards – or if they do, it might not be the card type you have. It’s better to be sure.