Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Have just returned from a week's skiing in Bansko. I have previously skied in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, USA and Canada. I went to Bulgaria in fear and trepidation.

However, I need not have worried. Bansko is a great little resort!!

All the lifts and ski equipment are brand new and of good quality. Mountain restaurants and other facilites (including toilets) are also new and of high quality. Food on the montains is wholesome and good value. The skiing is through the trees with attractive runs well prepared although poorly marked. Also, the resort does have a limited number of runs but, for a week there is probably enough for most people.

My wife and daughter were in ski school and had very good experiences although I did hear some horror stories about some of the instructors. However I think quality here will continue to improve with experience.

Stayed at the hotel Bansko which is categorised as 4*. Probably more like three although warm, clean and rooms are adequately furnished. Swimming pool and gym excellent. The only criticism would be the food. We went with Neilson who only offered half board. Evening meals at he the hotel were very poor. I get the feeling that this is typical of all the main hotels (Bansko, Pirin and Strazehite). But, all was not lost, as the town has a large number of very good tavernas that offer excellent food and drink in great surroundings, most with live local music.

I have to say that we are very fussy about the quality of food and drink as well as service. I tried three or four different tavernas and was not disappointed once. Staff were friendly and attentive food of good quality and served hot. Local wines, beer and Rakia (spirit) were excellent. A good three course dinner with wine and coffee can be had for around £10 per person. Who needs half board at those prices.

The town of Bansko is a mixture of fairly run down properties, some modern hotels and some very pretty old parts around the church and main square. It looks as though there will be significant new developments there over the next few years both in terms of property and ski runs.

If you are looking for a budget holiday of the beaten track then I can thoroughly recommend Bansko.

We have just returned from bansko yesterday (Sat 21st) We stayed at Bansko too,no doubt we seen or even met each other while we were there.
Totally agree with your comments,food was not as we brits would expect,must admit we did not find too many good places to eat out in the town,one place was the taverna which had the menu board outside,that was excellent value and quality.
We got a bit bored with doing the same runs all week but they were very good all the same.
Food in hotel was always luke warm,few people complained but nothing was done about it. I had a go at the rep but she was not interested at all.
Guests were even denied a glass of water with their evening meal which i thought was totally out of order. They said water, tea and coffee was only available at breakfast ??? (not good for customer satisifaction)
Would like to know who you are, could you id yourself out of curiosity??