Ski Packages
Bansko ski and snowboard hire, ski school, ski packages, lift passes and transfers for 2011/12 are now booking at discounts. NEW: online booking form click on image below. Please read FAQ’s before sending email. Six day and thirteen day prepay passes are available only. Fit/collect equipment and passes the afternoon before rental start if you wish. Overnight storage of ALL you equipment in shop for free. FAQ’s.
Booking online is a great deal, whilst helping to ensure that I can continue providing snow reports, reviews and the live web cam. Thank you for your support. Ski lesson bookings now only being taken for dates 28th February to 12th April. (turn up and pay system during 6th February to 26th February due to World Cup events and possible gondola lift queues). Email me for options.
Click on image above to open ONLINE bookng form
- Leave your skis, snowboards, poles, boots, helmets at the ski shops
- low cost fully insured transport options for up to 40 persons
- location, just 50m from gondola
- custom ski and snowboard packages
- You Say
Special Offer: 2012 Bansko ski calendar. Last few weeks to book to reserve yours.
The Bansko Blog & SkiMania 2012 Calendar
- book today to reserve your 2012 Bansko calendar
- seven fine Bansko pictures.
- Pick up in ski shop.
- Minimum spend €117 / £100
Tailor made ski / snowboard packages
Most combinations of hire, private and group lessons, skis, snowboards, helmets, lift passes and transfers. NOTE: All lessons full for February.
Unable to complete the online form? Online booking form help email orders@banskoblog.com
Subscribe for Bansko tips and info.
READ FAQ’s before emailing me your questions. Thank you. Download here the Bansko iphone app for resort info (it’s free).
WhiteDot Freestyle 2011/12 Skis (available for "advanced" category bookings
“…skimania were extremely helpful, friendly and patient. Mario, our instructor, was perfect and demonstrated how to get seven non-skiers onto the slopes and confident in less than three days…” Milton (UK)“A great week’s skiing, and good service from BanskoSkiMania, thank you for sorting that all out.Richard Millman (UK)
“… the guys were really nice and charming taking our skis immediately and bringing us all our equipment every morning with a smile” — James Allen (UK)
“Hi Lance, We have recently returned from our holiday and would like to thank you for your help with equipment hire and ski lessons arranged with Ski Mania. George and his team could not have been more helpful or more pleasant which greatly enhanced our holiday experience.. You even managed to arrange a lovely fall of snow just as we arrived. Couldn’t be better! We hope to be able to use your services again next year. Enjoy the rest of the season. Many thanks‚ Eileen C. Kerr (UK)
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The friendly welcome is just the same this season. George, Evtim, Blago, Mitko, Milena and Elena and all the team have been working hard to improve everything for 2011/2012 season. A refurbished shop with more boot fitting space.
And a new stock of 150 rental skis and snowboards, new Salomon and Flow bindings, 130 new boots and over 100 new ladies, mens and childrens helmets. Over 450 skis and boards in stock. SkiMania always give you a choice.
Before booking your ski and snowboard hire in Bansko, take a few moments to watch the short video interview with George of BanskoSkiMania. Geoage is my partner for ski and snowboard hire and lessons. He reveals what he sees as important when deciding upon ski and snowboard hire and instruction in Bansko. Read YouSay for more.
Please read FAQ’s
Ski and snowboard hire, lessons, lift passes and transfers (pay driver direct). 2011/12 ONLINE BOOKING
Interactive prices and booking online BANSKOBLOG Ski Packages 2012
Booking Process
Vasi and her students and their ski Diplomas. January 2012
- complete online booking form (ski rental, ski lessons, lift passes, transfers available). FAQ’s.
- we send payment request
- you pay by by credit/debit card (or euro / lev direct BG bank transfer) via PayPal
- within 24 hours you will receive payment confirmation; then reference number
Picture: 2nd March 2011
BanskoBlog’s ski and snowboard hire / ski school / private tuition lift pass and transfer service:
- save over in resort prices
- avoids first day hassle for lift passes
- the right package for your needs
Ski hire is a significant part of a ski holiday’s expense — and one worth saving money on. But never worth sacrificing quality, or choice, for.
I’m familiar with the first day hassle; hire, lift pass, ski school and lessons. So join many others who enjoy a smooth start to their Bansko holiday — all whilst getting the best value deal in Bansko. Ski school group class sizes are generally under five persons, outside peak holiday periods. Booking ahead is essential. At least three days’ notice required.
Why prepay?
New VIP Snowboards
Turning up in any ski resort and hiring your gear is fine… but you will pay more than you need.
Prepay assists planning schedules. It saves money that is passed on in the rates BanskoSkiMania offer exclusive to Bansko Blog readers.
BanskoSkiMania enjoy a fine reputation for quality service, small class sizes and reliability. See You Say for feedback. We focus on delivering the best value for money in Bansko. Top brand, and mainly new, equipment; always serviced, small class sizes, enthusiastic and dedicated instructors and convenience.
Don’t risk the qualify of your ski school and ski hire, book inline today. contact page. We are here to answer your questions and to ensure that you have the right equipment and instruction for your needs.
100% money back happiness guarantee
If your flight to Bulgaria, and subsequently holiday, is cancelled due to:
- volcanic ash
- inclement weather
If, for any reason whatsoever, you feel your lesson was not at the very least satisfactory, then tell George the same day and you get another equivalent lesson — absolutely FREE.
Eleven Reasons For Booking Your Hire, Lessons, Lift Pass & Transfer With Bansko Blog
- be prepared for your first day — ski/board rental + lift pass pick up on arrival in Bansko the day before (if you can); ready for your first day on the slopes (shop open up to 10:00pm by prior arrangement)
- flexibility to upgrade to VIP (twin tip and all mountain) skis,
- location & convenience — two hire centres within 50m of the gondola. No more walking with ski gear
- experienced and knowledgeable staff in the business for 11+ years
- 160 brand new skis and snowboards for 2012. 140 new ski / snowboard boots for 2012.
- snowboards and skis are serviced before you hire them, many are new. Maximum of two seasons old
- peace of mind. English speaking instructors — properly qualified to teach you, and your children, in Bansko
- Hart and Head Super Shape Advanced Slalom and Giant Slalom Skis. WhiteDot Freeride & Freestyle demo skis
- free helmet hire for children. New adult helmets for hire. Save by prebooking these too.
- transfers from insured drivers in properly serviced vehicles with winter tyres
- free 2 for 1 voucher at Ti bar, 50% off 2 beers at Pirin 75.
BanskoSkiMania: right opposite gondola
Sign up for the newsletter to the blog for your ski package form. Add your name and email in the form at the end of this article. Follow simple instructions. Pay by credit / debit card (via PayPal) or by email phone credit or debit card.
Does PrePaying For A Lift Pass Always Save Money?
There is a risk that adverse weather may prevent skiing on all six days, or indeed you take a day off. Bear this in mind when pre booking your lift pass.
Check out 2011/12 lift pass prices: to help decide. A day’s rest from skiing can be a fascinating cultural experience in Bulgaria, or it can be a spa and shopping day.
NOTE: 2011/2012 prepay lift passes exclude mountain insurance. Please arrange adequate winter sports cover at the the time of booking.
Location of ski shop
115 Pirin Street.
As you pass main light up the hill towards the gondola lift SkiMania shop 1, is on the left.
Shop 2 is located opposite the car park road to the gondola lift, just 20m up from shop 1.
GOOGLE map click BanskoSkiMania for location
Holiday weather
It’s impossible to always predict weather. It is highly advisable to buy insurance that covers lift closure and holiday cancellation.
6 day and 13 day lift passes do not include mountain insurance.
If you plan 20+ days skiing in Bansko, then buying a season pass is a good option. It’s very easy to buy a lift pass at gondola station, they take a digital picture. It’s all pretty quick. Click for more info on Lift Pass Prices. In resort lift pass purchase: Buy a lift pass from the gondola at the following times:
- Thursday to Saturday 08:30 to 18:00 and
- Sunday to Wednesday 08:30 until 18:00 (2010/11 they were open till 20:30 Thurs to Sat; but not 2011/12)
If you are buying a one day lift pass for the following day, you can purchase from the gondola kiosk anytime. You can also purchase your lift pass for the following day from MaxSport in the Strazhite hotel or MaxSport (on Cherni Vrah) in Sofia. Download the ski package booking form. Any questions? Please click on FAQ’s first. Then please comment below with your questions. See contact for other ways to speak to us.
Ski Package Testimonials
Hart Skis: Just arrived for hire for the 2011/12 Ski Season
“I would definitely recommend booking equipment hire and lessons in advance through this site. The price was very cheap and the shop is pretty much next to the gondola and they let you keep your boots for the duration of your hire so you don’t waste time getting ready in the morning. The staff are very helpful (particularly when my girlfriend broke her wrist) and helped my friend re-tighten his bindings on his own board even though he did not hire through them. We ordered group lessons which were very good, we were evenly split according to our skill level and the groups were not large (we pretty much had 2 to an instructor – not sure whether that was luck?!). All in all a great service and a special thanks to Lance who has been very helpful and very quick to respond to any queries.” — Raj (Cheshire, UK)
“Hi Lance, The trip was fantastic and everything went off without a problem. The driver was great and it worked out cheap between three. The ski hire was good too and the guys were really nice and charming taking our skiis immediately and bringing us all our equipment every morning with a smile but the person we most wanted to highlight was the ski instructor mario: he was, by all accounts, a fantastic teacher and also a really nice bloke and Alice was really happy with her lessons. So, thanks for all your help and if you want to know about anything else don’t hesitate to drop me an email.” — James Allen (UK)
New 2011/12 ski helmets for hire Ladies, think pink
“Hi Lance, first of all may I thank you so very much for arranging our lift passes and equipment hire, everything ran smoothly and arriving on 8th March we had an incredible week! Snowing constantly for the first 3/4 days and then glorious sunshine afterwards! I booked through yourself at BanskoBlog.com, no complaints what so ever! Bansko Ski Mania the ski hire company are literally at the bottom of the slopes, friendly staff, excellent well serviced equipment. Lift passes were ready for us when we arrived and we could even pick them up the day before, so no delays on our first day of skiing! Also an excellent saving on the prices we saw in resort! Thank you once again!” — Simon Froggatt (UK)
“Hi Lance, We returned to UK on Boxing day (2010) after a short delay at Sofia. Without exception we all enjoyed a wonderful week of skiing. As beginners, we were able to ski every day as the nursery slope, 1 blue run and the snow road were open for the duration of our visit. Thanks for all your help in getting the lessons and equipment booked. As you said in your blog, George is very helpful and the skimania were extremely helpful, friendly and patient. Mario, our instructor, was perfect and demonstrated how to get seven non-skiers onto the slopes and confident in less than three days. By the third day we were able to ski down the snow road and on the fourth day went down several times on our own. The holiday was perfect and a great start to the Christmas season and we all have great memories of our accomplishments. We are even considering doing the same again next year!! Thanks once again to you and your contacts for giving us such a great experience. All the very best for the rest of the season to your and everyone over there.” — Milton (UK)
one of BanskoSkiMania shops in Bansko
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{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello!I have one question.Can i buy my ski pass before i arrive in Bansko?
Thanks!
Hi Anna, Yes you can. Six day pass minimum period. All prices in ski packages prices form which can be downloaded from this page. Thanks for your question. Lance
Hi, when do the lifts open this year?
Hi, we are a mixed group of skiers and non-skiers, is there much going on for non skiers, are lift passes cheaper?, is there a nice choice of cafes up the mountains for walkers? Many thanks
Hi Helen, Thank you for your message. Yes there is a lift pass for non skiers, cheaper — we await 2012 proces but hear that will be the same as last year. At Buderishka Polyana ther is a VIP restaurant new for this season. Looks really nice — but expect prices to match surroundings and locations. The rest are a hit and miss affair. A bit basic but do the job if hungry. Alternatively try the Peshterite you wil need to get a taxi to Chalin Valog. and its just across the ski road
Lance, hi from Makedonija. When we can expect snow in Bansko, any predictions?
Yes, snow in Bansko on Wednesday. Too early to predict more But looking quite good. Only concern are temperstures, which could rise a little. stay tuned for a forecast later this week. Thanks for asking and reading.
Lance
hi why cant i select 2 hour ski lessons on booking form
Hi Chris,
Thanks for stopping by,
If you do not have Excel (or openoffice) you will striggle to make changes. But no problem, please just send me an email and I will complete the booking form for you.
I d like to ask if there is not snow can we take the money back if we hire boots , ski an sticks? we will be in Bansko from 30/12/11 until 8 of january
Hi, we love the blog so far, full of really useful information! Are there any nursery slopes which you can use, where you don't need to pay for a lift pass, before buying a pass for the rest of the week? thank you
Hi Liz, You can use the ski road that leads to the gondola… this is a good place to take you first few moments on skis. Obviously you will have to walk up after each little ski. The little nursery lift at Banderishka Polyana has two free lifts… but of course you have to get up there… but just by a gondola pass and not a full lift pass for this. I’m delighted you are finding some useful info here. Do come back and let us know how you got on — and of course any things you particularly liked – or disliked.
Hi Lance,
Seven of us are arriving on Monday and I am trying to get a quote for 9 days ski hire, 3 days full ski lessons, and a 9 day ski pass. Please could you help as I am running out of time at this end. Tried to do it online but would only give 13 day ski pass.
Thanks Sarah
Hi Sarah,
will email you. You have ski hire for any number o day — but prepaid lift passes are for 6 and 14 days only.
Hi Lance,
we are grope of 8 skiers,
and we attend to be in bansko at : 12/1.
we love to be off piste most of the time..
is their lot of off piste aria?
and what the condition of that?
thanks ahead.
Eli miles.
Hi Eli,
There is some terrific through the trees skiing when there;s fresh snow. The last four days have been amazing for this. More snow on Saturday should see more good off pists. We have special Whitedot skis to hire for this purpose. All with prebook discount over turn up and rent. Also Advanced HArt world cup skis — my allround favourite.
Bear in mind the potential is all to do with the conditions. DO NO VENTURE OFF PISTE WITHOUT A GUIDE. Bnsko is one of the most dangerous resorts for going off piste in the wrong places. Far too many people have died risking it. PLease be very careful.
We are a group of 5 arriving FEb 10th/11th. looking for ski hire and passes. If we hire from you can we leave equipment with you at the end of each day then collect each morning? we are at Hotel Lion which is a bus rode away from /gondola I think. thanks
Hi Lynn,
Yes the Lion is a bua ride away and yes you leave your skis, snowboards, boots and poles in the shop. This is what I do, why walk far in ski boots, is what I say. Please email me your requirementa or the form — it\’s going to snow again tomorrow
Can you tell me when the ski season ends in 2012 as we would like to visit the week leading up to easter sun 1 april to tuesday 10 april
If the ski season does include these dates do you know what the weather / snow conditions have been like at this time in previous years?
Hi Andy,
Officially the season ends the 15th April. However weather is weather and this is not guaranteed. These last weeks are my personal favourite in Bansko — often some fresh snow and often sunbathing conditions in the afternoon and long long days. Really nice.
BUT no weather pattern is easy to understand in one lifetime. However whatever the weather, I am see most people having an excellent time here this year. Things have improved and the reports (see yousay) are coming in of really happy visitors.
I will end by saying, without being particularly helpful i know, that for a really pretty much guaranteed snow session go to glacier skiing in the Alps in mid April… Chamonix, Hintertux glacier etc etc or indeed the USA. Steamboat is wonderful
Hi lance, my husband an I are arriving in Bansko on the 14th of February, we have never skied before and would like to hire everything that we need for 3 days plus lessons for 4 hours a day with a group, could you give me a price for that. I am really looking forward to it!!!! Maria
Hi Maria, thanks for this. will send you an email…. but just go to ski packages menu on blog — prices are there. thanks Lance
Hi Lance,
Am I able to book a car transfer for 3 people from Sofia Airport to Bankso through you? We'll be arriving on the 7th January and leaving Bankso on the 13th. How much would this transfer cost?
Cheers,
Liz
Hi Liz,
£117 return. for your transfer. email me if you should decide to book. Regards, Lance
Hi Lance,
I want to ask you a question about buying snowboards. Is there a shop that I can buy snowboard and other stuff in Bansko or can I buy them from Banskoskimania? Because I don't want to rent, I want to buy my own. Thanks.
Hi Yigit, Yes you can buy boards in Bansko lots of shop and most boards. SkiMania do not sell new.. But pop in and we may be able to point you in the right direction! Have a great time in Bansko.
Hi lance,
Are you located close to gondola?
As I have rented an appt in royal tower, which I am led to believe close to gondola.
So am looking for a hire shop close by.
Regards
Dom
Hi Dom Yes very close to gondola, just by the web cam. We have many people who stay at Royal Towers who book with us. We now have online booking go to http://banskoblog.com/lift-pass-ski-packs%E2%80%8… for prices and booking. Thank for stopping by.
Hei Lance, we are 28 pax coming to Bansko on 14-19.3.2011. We take our own boots, but nearly all of us would need skis and sticksfor 4 days. Would there be any group price for us? We could do the online bookin and everubody will pay themselves, but if there could be somekond of reference for Gorou Wendy-Tours? Most of us are intermediate or good skiers.
Hi Tapio, thank you for reading. Please send me an email. go to contact page! Lance
Hi
Were are from Uk and would be 4 of us, only one person would need boots/snowboard and we would all like 3 days passes, we would require on the 5th-7th of Feb 2012, how much would that cost us with discount?
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan, Please can you go to the new online booking form under ski packages menu. There are no 3 day prepay passes available, just buy these at gondola. All prices include discount. PLUS a free Bansko calendar. Have a great trip to Bansko and stay tuned for snow and weather reports.
Can I arrange a lesson for 6 years old kid? is it possible the lessons to swtart at 12-13 o clock?
Dejan
Hi
We are a mixed group, arriving late Friday 10th February, staying in Royal Towers.
We need to book 4 X 6-day ski packages of equipment plus lift passes for adults, one with a combo of 3 days snowboarding and then 3 days skiing: is this possible?
Also, we have two children with us, aged 5 and 6. We would like to prebook equipment plus ski passes plus lessons for them too. The 5-year old is a beginner while the 6-year old has skied one week before.
Also, how much would you charge us for a transfer to and from Sofia – 4 adults plus 2 children in total. Thanks
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your message. Please go to the ski packages page for online form or email me : lance @ banskoblog.com for assistance.
Hi, We are arriving on the 4th Feb for a week, it will be our 4th visit to Bansko, can't wait. We have booked everything ourselves this year, and I am just about to book the skis etc through you, but wondered about the transfer.We need a transfer from Sofia on the 4th, but on Sat 11th we are going to Sofia till Monday, but wanted to visit the Rila monastry on the way back to Sofia. What is the best/ mnost ecconamical way to do this? get a one way booking to Bansko , then a taxi on the 11th and ask him to wait for 2 maybe 3 ? hours whilst we go round the monastry? Is this feasable and will it cost alot?
thank you
Kim
Hi Lance, I don't seem to be able to download the order form. Was interested in prices for 6 day vip boad hire with 6 day mountain passes and 3 days of board lessons. Also can you send prices for 3 days lift pass and daily passes – do you also do a complete package with lessons board hire and pass? We will be in Bankso on the 4th Feb.
thanks
Susan
Hi Susan, please go to contact page to send me an email and I will sort out. But if you click on download an online form pops up. Go to ski packages page. Thank you for your patience.
Hi Lance,
Can you tell me if you accept credit cards in your store in Bansko? I'm undecided how many days lesson I'd like so want to decide once I've arrived.
Thanks
Hi Charlie, I am sorry, no cards accepted in the shop. Only prepay can cards be used.
Hi
Am looking book flights for 25th Feb can't seem to get package for that date hence doing it myself – Will need transfer from Sofia + ski hire & passes for 4 people, subject to getting accomodation sorted could be on my way, looks like you are the guy to provide most of what we need. Was really hoping for half board, something close to slopes and on a bit of a budget as this is an after thought, any ideas please.
Thanks
Michele
Hi Michele, please drop me an email and I will try and assist.
My husband and I will be in Bansko mid-February. We are expert skiers and would like to rent skis/boots/poles for three days. What is the difference between "expert" and VIP skis? Also, what are the prices in euros please?
Hello, advanced skis are to go for a choice of Head Super Shapes to the stiffer Hart skis. For this super powder snow, you also can have WhiteDot (Ones, Preachers, Redeemeers and so on ) no charge for swapping everyday if you wish. Have skis to suit the conditions, your style, skill and mood.
Hello, please read FAQ\’s link on ski packages page for the differences (mainly stiffness) Intermediates benefit from VIP as it wil help you to learn carving. Advanced / expert skiers are of the highest quality. Euro conversion can be done by your ccard issuer their rates vary.
Hi Lance,
We are a group arriving on 24th Feb for two weeks. Dept 11th March. On week 1 we will need about 6 approx snowboard boots, board, ski pass.
On week 2 there will be additional 2 people for skiing.
Because we are in Bansko for two weeks we will not be snowboarding everyday and we will take in some other local activities. Is it possible for us to hire equipment 3 days, 2 days, 4 days etc.. as we need it? And what would your rates be?
Many thanks,
Lynda.
My Apologies Lance,
My last email I asked for prices.. I see prices on website, what I wanted to know is because we will be group of about 10ppl for 2 weeks, hiring from you can you do us a deal? but also allow us to hire day to day?
Kindest regards,
Lynda.
Hi Lynda, Thank you for your comment. The prices are already discounted. Yes, you can hire on a day by day basis (subject to availability). This give you the flexibility to take a day off and not pay. But of course you may have to have your boots and skis fitted each time as they will go back in the rental pool after each day\’s hire. Maybe best if you email me direct. Kind regards, Lance
Hi Lance
I'm trying to arrange a ski break for my 40th birthday in December this year, which would mean that I will be there from 4th dec 2012 for 7 nights. I can't seem to find anywhere when the ski season starts in Bansko? Some sites just say December and others say late November? I don't want to book flights, equipment etc and arrive to find the slopes closed. Can you help?
Man thanks
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
The best way to do this is to leave it sto the last minute — see what is happening to the snow. Lifts open before official opening IF there is snow. No snow, No show )as Eric Clapton once said. So don not book flights now, they remain cheap at that time of year. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Lance
I will be arriving Monday 13th evening for 10 days and I am looking to book 9 day ski hire (Own Boots) and lift pass. Can you send me a quote please… Thanks Steve
Hi Steve, There are no prepay 9 day passes. I am sorry but we need at least 5 working days for the lift pass. Buy pass at gondola lift station. Whilst it is too late for the 13th to pr book we have an online booking form under ski packages that is for booking ski hire. lessons, lift passes and transfers. Kind Regards, Lance
trying to find lessons for my son who will be 4years 11months when we travel next year. I don't want to book my holiday if i can't get him lessons. Can anyone help no one answering emails.
Dear Kirsten, Just to be clear you mean ski hire companies! You have not sent any email to banskoblog.com!
As far as I am aware, nearly 5\’s are encourage to go into the ski kindergarten run by Ulen. Just turn up an pay, Its a mis of ski and play. If you are in a quiet period next year then I suggets you email me and I will see if I can arrange an instructor for your son.
hi Lance!
i'm a beginner and i have a small question: 30 y old at 190 tall and 98 kg weight with a small knee problem what would be less stressful for my joints? ski or snowboard?
how much will it cost me for 4 day(4h/day) group school and equipment?
thanks in advance
Hi Stefan, probably skiing — but it depends on the knee problem. Few injuries with skiing — so that would seem the best way. all prices as per online booking form. thanks for stopping by and commenting
hello,
i am arriving in bansko on the 31/03 and plan to stay until the 07/04 do you think the lifts will be open and everything will be running.
thanks
Yes, they are due to be. Obviously predicting that far ahead for weathre is virtually impossible. But 2.5 metres now should last nicely. Make sure you have insurance to cover the risk of lift closure.