Powder snow: heavenly conditions

by Lance on January 27, 2012

The snow came. And it came floating down imparting a wonderful stillness on the mountain. With such powder whoops of joy could be heard from the snowboarders. But it was a shame to see that not every skier was making the most of this fresh powder. On days like this it is virtually impossible to groom a piste, and such times mean many skiers struggle.

The Preacher: a ski solution that works

White Dot

WhiteDot, "The Preacher": part of the advanced collection for rent

So it was time to try this season’s WhiteDot “The Preacher” off piste ski. David, the Bulgairian importer of these British designed skis arranged for the full 2012 collection to be available for rental at skimania (a free swap for all advanced ski renters). So a quick set up from Evtim, a breakfast toasty from the takeaway up from skimania and we were all set.

Width is good

Now I think most people would look at the width and think these must be just for pros. Well the truth could not be more different. These wide skis are super easy to use in deep snow. Any intermediate skier would be fine on these. The positive interest from others with all mountain skis heightened the pleasure of being out on these beauties. Okay, beauty is in the eye of the beholder — but I like the platypus look!

With all the excitement of getting up the mountain to try the WhiteDot Preachers, I forgot the GoPro Hero camera to show this wonderful powder snow up close.

Snow forecast

The skies will be clear although there is another pressure system that could bring some more snow Saturday.

Conditions are set to remain good. 9.5/10 was today’s rating

Tips Of The Day

  • Book Sing Sing, at the Kempinski Grand Arena, next weekend. The fabulous iGroove are playing there Friday.
  • Try Hotel Shiligarnika, 100m behind Bla Bla. Two bars, upstairs has more room and better menu. The mulled wine (hot wine) works well with the rather good home made wine sold here.

 

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Snow report from the piste

by Lance on January 20, 2012

Bansko snow conditions delivered another fine day. The occaisional worn patch, droping the conditions to a 8.5/10. So not perfect; but very good.

The cloud cover is increasing as you see from the picture just taken at 17:25 outside SkiMania shop. A dramatic rise in temperature, so the town’s snow is melting. However, we will see some snow sprinkle from the clouds high up tonight and tomorrow. Will fall as rain in town.

Another few hours today up the mountain saw me trying to master the carving technique. I was taking no chances. So I took time out with six ski instructors. Humbling — but all offering me fab tips — and me working hard to keep up. Any improvement, well I need plenty more hours to claim that. It’s like so many things, the more you know the more you realise how little you really know.

Improving

And so it comes down to instruction.

Skimania have the nicest ski and snowboard instructors I’ve ever known. With more positive feedback than Jimi Hendrix, you’ll be glad you booked you and your family for some guidance from the pros.

As I type this, in the skimania shop, I feel excited that it is ski instruction in Bansko that is not only such value for money, but it’s pure quality. It’s a place for improving skiers to hone their technique.

And that includes me.

After learning the old way some xxx years ago, I’m fortunate that I have such partners. So, here goes, in a wave of apres ski enthusiasm, the biggest secret to a perfect Bansko ski holiday,  is now out…

…grab yourself a lesson.

The bad news

We have just two more days of accepting bookings for group lessons between the 5th and 27th February. So please be quick to book. All pre book group lessons (and private lessons end Sunday 22nd). We’re just so nearly full for these busy periods.

The good news

Same great ski hire and lesson deal: 20% off. Free 2012 calendar too.

Book online. Ski packages page.

Burns night

To celebrate Robert Burns night, the British Chamber of Commerce in Sofia has arranged a fabulous Burns supper. Click here for details.

Tips Of The Day

  • Teppanyaki at the Kempinski — followed by Sing Sing. The night out.
  • Check out homes to rent. A fine selection of homes supporting Bansko Blog.
  • Happy End. The live band always good on a Friday and Saturday night.
  • Sushi time at St Ivan Rilski. Preslav delivers the prefect antidote to meat.
  • beer (3 lev) value. Hotel Shiligarnika — 100 metres behind the Bla Bla. Don;t tell anyone else, please.

 

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Snow Report: Video And Pictures From Piste To Bar

January 15, 2012

The Bansko snow report contains just video action from my GoPro helmet cam. Saturday and today saw some icy patches and exposed areas. Morning is best with the piste getting carved up by mid afternoon. It was cold too. Those with thin cheap gloves were paying the price with hands colder than the snow around [...]

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Snow forecast: dump of the season

January 6, 2012

The Bansko snow arrived today; bringing much joy. The snow forecast looks also good for more snow on Sunday. Powder skiing now on. Even more snow on its way for Monday — so the rest of January is going to be great for taking a break for skiing in Bansko. Over 40cm has fallen so far [...]

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Snow forecast: New Year treats

December 31, 2011

The snow is falling in Bansko and the party has already started. I have rarely seen so many people in Bansko and, this year, we have the combination of great skiing, more white stuff falling from the sky and more food choice than ever before. Happy Bansko days and nights are here. All but one [...]

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Soprano’s: ski chic Italian style

December 26, 2011

The advertisement for Soprano’s restaurant is difficult to ignore as it’s draped over the Happy End, just opposite the gondola lift. But, when trying to find in depth reviews of of this place, I was getting mixed messages. So I asked my top foodie friend, James for his opinion of Soprano’s. James  joined me for a review [...]

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St Ivan Rilski, Preslav and the Sushi

December 23, 2011

Bansko sushi cravings continue. And it’s the new sushi bar at the St Ivan Rilski hotel that is the subject of our review. To help me, I brought along my friend, James Hughes. James is a fully trained chef, and has worked in the hospitality business since leaving school. He is one of the early [...]

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