Bansko skiing is, undoubtedly, a skier’s dream coming true! Do you want to hit the slopes in March and April in Europe? If yes, let’s go on a ski holiday to Bulgaria. The town of Bansko is where all the skiing action is! In March, the town gets plenty of sun and snow. In April, you have mild weather with excellent snow coverage.
Bulgaria is undeniably a paradise for skiers with breathtaking snow-capped mountains greeting them as they descend the magnificent slopes. However, with Bulgaria offering skiing opportunities in several ski resorts, where should you go?
Perhaps you were wondering whether to ski in Bansko or Borovets? Instead of exploring the various Bulgarian ski resorts, we have explored them for you.
In truth, out of the several ski resorts in Bulgaria, Bansko ski resort won us over and it will win you over too!
Bansko Skiing Resort — Why it is Perfect for Skiers
Bansko, centered between the Pirin National Park and an ancient town, has made a name for itself over the years, becoming the largest ski resort in Bulgaria. The Bansko skiing resort quickly climbed up the ranks, surpassing other resorts to become the top chosen destination for skiing among beginner and experienced skiers.
Bansko Ski Map
Here is a ski map of the slopes in Bansko:
In Bansko, you can choose from 22 slopes with 6 Blue Pistes, 8 Red Pistes, 2 Black Piste, 2 Ski Routen Pistes, and ski lifts with 4 Surface Lifts, 9 Chair Lifts, and 1 Gondola. The N.10, the ski road, and N.1 slopes are three of the easiest slopes to conquer hence the busiest.
Besides the Bansko piste map that you can download, let’s look at the ski map that you can observe while queuing for the gondola.
When the sun is out, on the weekends, and during the holidays, hit the slopes early because you’ll find skiers dominating the slopes from all over the world.
If you want to avoid the crowd, the weekdays will be more to your liking. This does not mean Bulgaria can’t provide a good ski weekend though, does it?
If you are taking a Bulgaria ski holiday for the scenic views, visit on clear days to soak in the scenery made up of a cluster of tall pine trees in Pirin mountain as you slide down the varied, long, and broad runs.
More importantly, know the right season to visit Bansko for a ski holiday you’ll never forget.
Bansko Ski Pass Prices for Winter Season 2023-2024
Updated Bansko ski pass prices for season 2023/24 are here. The winter season is from 16 Dec 2023 to 14 Apr 2024.
Before you book the tickets to go on your Bansko skiing holiday, let’s take a glimpse at the prices:
Ski Pass Prices Bansko 2023-2024
| Seasonal Ski Pass 2023/2024 | |
| Type of Pass | Price |
| Adults | BGN 1,700 |
| Students (12 to 18 years old) | BGN 1,600 |
| Seniors (up to 74 years) | BGN 1,600 |
| Children (7 to 11 years old) | BGN 900 |
| Children (under 6 years old) | BGN 100 |
| Seniors (over 75 years old) | BGN 100 |
Bansko Ski Pass Adults 2023/2024
| Bansko Seasonal Ski Pass 2023/2024 | |
| Adults | Price |
| Gondola Lift (round trip) | BGN 44 |
| 1/2 day (after 12:30) | BGN 75 |
| 1 day | BGN 96 |
| 2 days | BGN 180 |
| 3 days | BGN 280 |
| 4 days | BGN 370 |
| 5 days | BGN 465 |
| 6 days | BGN 550 |
| 9 days | BGN 825 |
| 13 days | BGN 1,155 |
| Bansko Twenty | BGN 1,400 |
| Drag Lift – bottom station (1 day) | BGN 16 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko Ski Pass Students (12 to 18 years old) Seniors (up to 74 years) 2023/2024
| Bansko Ski Pass 2023/2024 | |
| Students (12 to 18 years old) Seniors (up to 74 years) | Price |
| Gondola Lift (round trip) | BGN 39 |
| 1/2 day (after 12:30) | BGN 64 |
| 1 day | BGN 86 |
| 2 days | BGN 165 |
| 3 days | BGN 250 |
| 4 days | BGN 330 |
| 5 days | BGN 410 |
| 6 days | BGN 500 |
| 9 days | BGN 745 |
| 13 days | BGN 1040 |
| Bansko Twenty | BGN 1300 |
| Drag Lift – bottom station (1 day) | BGN 16 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko Ski Pass Children (7 to 11 years old) 2023/2024
| Bansko Ski Pass 2023/2024 | |
| Children (7 to 11 years old) | Price |
| Gondola Lift (round trip) | BGN 28 |
| 1/2 day (after 12:30) | BGN 37 |
| 1 day | BGN 48 |
| 2 days | BGN 90 |
| 3 days | BGN 130 |
| 4 days | BGN 160 |
| 5 days | BGN 180 |
| 6 days | BGN 215 |
| 9 days | BGN 285 |
| 13 days | BGN 425 |
| Bansko Twenty | BGN 700 |
| Drag Lift – bottom station (1 day) | BGN 16 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko Ski Pass Children (under 6 years old) Seniors (over 75 years old) 2023/2024
| Bansko Seasonal Ski Pass 2023/2024 | |
| Children (under 6 years old) Seniors (over 75 years old) | Price |
| Gondola Lift (round trip) | BGN 1 |
| 1/2 day (after 12:30) | BGN 1 |
| 1 day | BGN 1 |
| 2 days | BGN 2 |
| 3 days | BGN 3 |
| 4 days | BGN 4 |
| 5 days | BGN 5 |
| 6 days | BGN 6 |
| 9 days | BGN 9 |
| 13 days | BGN 13 |
| Bansko Twenty | BGN 20 |
| Drag Lift (bottom Station) | BGN 1 |
| Prices include VAT |
Gondola Lift ticket for people with disabilities (two way) BGN 1
Gondola Lift for people who accompany people with disabilities (two way) BGN 1. You need to provide a doc for providing assistance.
Ski School in Bansko
Snowbord and ski school for adults Bansko 2023/2024 (groups)
| Adults school in groups | Cross-country ski school | ||
| Ski and snowboard school for adults | Price 1 day (4h) | Price 1/2 day (2h) | Price 1 day (4h) |
| 1 day | BGN 105 | BGN 75 | BGN 75 |
| 2 days | BGN 190 | BGN 130 | BGN 130 |
| 3 days | BGN 270 | BGN 180 | BGN 180 |
| 4 days | BGN 345 | BGN 230 | BGN 230 |
| 5 days | BGN 415 | BGN 280 | BGN 280 |
| 6 days | BGN 470 | BGN 315 | BGN 315 |
| 9 days | BGN 660 | BGN 440 | BGN 440 |
| 13 days | BGN 895 | BGN 590 | BGN 590 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko ski school for children (up to 11 years old incl) season 2023-2024
| Ski and snowboard school for children (groups) | Price 1 day (4h) | Price 1/2 day (2h) |
| 1 day | BGN 90 | BGN 60 |
| 2 days | BGN 160 | BGN 105 |
| 3 days | BGN 230 | BGN 140 |
| 4 days | BGN 290 | BGN 180 |
| 5 days | BGN 345 | BGN 210 |
| 6 days | BGN 395 | BGN 250 |
| 9 days | BGN 560 | BGN 370 |
| 13 days | BGN 750 | BGN 455 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko ski school individual 2023-2024 season
| Adults ski school individual | 1 adult | 2nd adult |
| 1/2 day (2h) | BGN 195 | BGN 110 |
| 1 day (4h) | BGN 345 | BGN 190 |
| 2 days | BGN 525 | BGN 310 |
| 3 days | BGN 750 | BGN 440 |
| 4 days | BGN 980 | BGN 570 |
| 5 days | BGN 1185 | BGN 690 |
| 6 days | BGN 1350 | BGN 795 |
| 9 days | BGN 1890 | BGN 1120 |
| 13 days | BGN 2565 | BGN 1510 |
| Prices include VAT |
| Children ski school individual (up to 11 years old) | 1 child | 2nd child |
| 1/2 day (2h) | BGN 175 | BGN 90 |
| 1 day (4h) | BGN 290 | BGN 145 |
| 2 days | BGN 460 | BGN 250 |
| 3 days | BGN 650 | BGN 350 |
| 4 days | BGN 850 | BGN 450 |
| 5 days | BGN 1025 | BGN 540 |
| 6 days | BGN 1170 | BGN 620 |
| 9 days | BGN 1650 | BGN 870 |
| 13 days | BGN 2210 | BGN 1185 |
| Prices include VAT |
Bansko Ski Hire
When you’re on your Bansko skiing holiday, you will be on the hunt for an affordable and reliable ski rental shop. The ski centres in the country offer more than ski rental gear from the latest brands but also skiing and snowboard lessons from experienced and qualified skiing instructors.
Mega Ski Centre is a reputable shop in Bansko, offering several different services. For those who are always looking to compare various shops to get the best prices, you can visit Alpine Resorts.
Bansko Skiing in March and April 2024
Most skiers prefer to ski in Bansko in March and April due to the excellent snow conditions and wonderful weather. It’s a fantastic way to spend time with your family and friends during the winter holiday.
The months of March and April usually see snow-capped mountains. At the top (2,550m high), the snow coverage is around 180cm. At the Banderishka Polyana (1,620m high), the snow coverage is usually around 1m.
The Bansko skiing resort attracts tourists from Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Romania, among other countries each year. Long lines at the gondola that form in Feb, are all gone.
Bansko Gondola Opening Times
- The gondola opens at 8:30 AM during the off-season. During peak season, it opens at 8 AM
- Always check the gondola’s opening timings
- The queue starts to decrease around 11:30 AM
- Get your lift pass and skiing equipment before getting in line for the gondola (if you can, get it a day before)
“Is there any alternative route that road skiers can take to reach the top of the gondola station?”
Although you can take the asphalt road leading to the gondola station, you will find it difficult to find a parking space due to the limited parking space. Due to bad weather conditions, the police may ask you to turn around.
Another route to get to the top of the gondola station is to go there by taking a free shuttle bus. The line for the bus is short and moves faster but the downside is traffic. During peak hours, it doesn’t matter which alternative route you take to reach the top of the station, as you’ll still find yourself waiting in line. So, try being an early bird or visit the Bansko skiing resort when the turnout is low.
“Are you ready and excited to go on a Bulgaria ski holiday?”
If you are headed to Bansko for skiing, you need proper coverage, and no ordinary jacket will do!
North Face Bansko Jacket
Designers, inspired by the European alpine scene, designed the North Face Bansko Jacket. Whether you’re an avid or first-time skier, the jacket is an excellent winter covering to wear when hitting the slopes.
The breathable and waterproof jacket will protect you while giving you full mobility as you ski. North Face Jacket is available in several different sizes – you are bound to find your perfect fit! You can’t purchase the North Face Jacket on Amazon as it’s sold out.
Apart from skiing, Bulgaria also has wonderful tourist attractions. While there are numerous attractions to see in the country, one attraction that comes to mind is the Rila Monastery.
Rila Monastery Half-Day Trip
Rila Monastery is a large religious structure that draws large crowds each year. For over 1,000 years, the large structure has served as a prominent religious centre. You can book a Rila Monastery Tour to explore the vibrantly decorated frescos, winding balconies, and cobblestone courtyard. From the monastery, you can admire the captivating mountains.
Where to Stay in Bansko?
If you are choosing between which Bansko hotel to stay in, here we made for you a selection of hotels in Bansko. Additionally, we’ve selected a chalet which ranked #1 on Trip Advisor and was awarded Travellers’ Choice for 2020.
Bansko Hotel
You will find several wonderful accommodation options in Bansko to stay in while you enjoy the skiing area. Here is a list of hotels and guesthouses along with a few highlights to help you decide:
- Excellent location
- Mountain view
- Comfortable and spacious
- The gondola lift is a 10 minute walk
- 100m from the gondola lift station in Bansko
- Free parking
- Warm ski storage
- Excellent breakfast
- Welcoming and friendly hosts
- Spacious rooms
- Sauna
- Kind and helpful hosts
- Nearby gondola lift (750m)
- A quiet place with a great town location
- Five-star hotel
- Situated next to the gondola station
- Get access to high in-demand slopes such as the black slope, Alberto Tomba
Lucky Bansko Aparthotel SPA & Relax
- Five-star hotel
- Heated ski wardrobes
- Transportation to the ski trails and lift station
Pirin Golf and Spa Luxury Chalet
- Four-star hotel
- The gondola station is a short 10-minute walk from the hotel
- Spacious storage space for skis
Grand Hotel Bansko – Fitness & SPA
- Four-star hotel
- Located close to the gondola station
- Ski storage space
Bansko Chalet
- Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor and awarded Travellers’ Choice Award 2020
- The main ski lift is a short walk away, however daily shuttle service is available
- Fully catered with breakfast, afternoon tea and hearty 3 course evening meals on 6 nights
Snowflake Chalet and Snowflake Lodge
- Three-star hotel
- Reach the bottom of the lift station from the hotel on foot in 10 minutes
- Dining and entertainment facilities
- Situated in the Shiligarnika ski station, overlooking the Pirin mountain peaks and the lift station
- Ideal for families
- Ski storage spaces located on the ground floor
Bansko Ski Adventure is Waiting
Looking to ski in Bulgaria? Look no further! Bookmark the dates in your calendar now because adventure is just around the corner!
Envision yourself in Bansko, skiing on the slopes as you turn corners, breathe in the fresh cold air, and admire the beauty around you. The entire experience of staying in a ski resort in Bansko will draw you back to Bulgaria.
If you happen to be on your Bulgaria ski holiday around Mar 1st, you will be in for a treat! Mar 1st is the Baba Marta Day. The locals would love and appreciate it if you wish them Happy Baba Marta (Chestita Baba Marta) in Bulgarian.
And last but not least, we always recommend taking a screenshot on your phone of the Emergency contacts for your travel destination.
Bulgaria Emergency Contacts
The following are contacts for Emergency in Bulgaria:
Contact Bulgaria emergency by dialing 112
Contact Police on 112
Bulgaria Mountain rescue contact: either 00359 887100241 or 112
