Bansko Gondola lift station: Picture taken 15.11.11

Bansko lift pass prices 2012. I’m sorry, but there is no official announcement on lift prices. We have to wait until the 1st December.

But, as I have been emailed the same question many times the last few weeks, I’ve decided I would risk being wrong and say that the Bansko lift pass prices will PROBABLY be the same as lift prices in 2011. That is, a day rate of 55 lv for most of the season. 45 lv per day until 20th December and from 1st April 2011.

I’ll update this lift pass prices page when I know for sure. Subscribe to the newsletter, using the form to the right, and you’ll receive updates by email.

UPDATE: Yes these are the correct prices for 2011/2012 bansko ski season.

For 2012 I have useful savings on prebook lift passes. The six day discounted LIFT pass is available to pre book now.

All passes are delivered to our hire shop, SkiMania, just by the gondola — right by the web cam.

Avoid the queue…

click Ski Packages

for more on 2012 lift passes, ski hire, ski school and transfers. Or just go to contact form and send your enquiry.

Ski season is starting

With all the snow making going on right now, the expectation is for a few runs to be open from the 1st December. Watch out for my video blog later this week.

The official Bansko ski season opening is the 17th December. More on this soon. But for now, with all the new places opening up, Bansko starts to take on the bubble of the winter season.

I can’t wait.

Buying lift pass tickets in the resort

Go to the gondola lift KIOSK. Open Thursday to Saturday between 08:30 and 23:00 and Sunday to Wednesday 08:30 to 15:30.

If your pass is for more than a day, then you’ll need everyone in your group to be there. They take a digital photo taken at booth. You can buy your pass anytime the previous day to be valid for the next day.

MaxSport in Sofia sold passes last year. There’s a big MaxSport on Bulgaria Boulevard some 300 m from the ring road in Sofia. But I will be checking, once season has started, that this really is an option. As this might ba a convenient method for people staying in Sofia prior to heading out to Bansko.

Purchase full travel insurance before travelling to Bansko. Checking the small print is essential.

Prepay lift passes and ski hire

The prepay deal right here with BanskoBlog.com is easy to arrange. With an ice cool 20% discount off in resort ski /board hire and a bonus discount too for those who booking transfer too.

Pay in UK Pounds or EUROS credit/debit card via secure paypal.

As always, I work with BanskoSkiMania in Bansko. Small class sizes, professional instruction… this ski and snowboard school is recommended by many. Located just 50m from the main gondola lift. For 2012 we have more snowboards with new Flow and Salomon bindings.

VIP skis and the wonderful Hart skis for strong intermediates and more. Look out for the review of these soon. Or how about the super cool Whitedot freeride skis. Limited stock. Strong intermediates should reserve early to avoid disappointment. Bansko Blog discount applies for all ski hire and lessons.

Bansko Gondola Lift Station: Looking towards ski domain

Leave your skis nowboards and boots at the ski hire shops at the end of your day on the slopes. New equipment for the 2012 season, or just one season old. Free service of skis between rental, including sharp edges and hot waxing. Guaranteed instruction. Click ski packages for more. This deal is only at prepaid price. Three steps to book your discounted ski package:

1. subscribe here at BanskoBlog.com, and attached will be a SKI PACKAGE form to fill in with prices and email back to me
2. you will then be instructed to pay BanskoBlog.com by credit/debit card via secure PAYPAL (or call or email ccard details)
3. you receive your reference number and spreadsheet marked as paid.

Bansko Lift Pass Prices 2011/12 from 01.12.2010 – to 20.12.2010 inclusive and from 01.04.2011 – to 15.04.2011 inclusive

from 21.12.2010 – to 31.03.2011  inclusive

Ski passes for guests of the Kempinski Hotel

All ski passes grant access to the gondola’s fast lane

Children – up to 12 years The season pass grants access to all lifts’ fast lane and isn’t a subject to other price reductions Mountain insurance included (I recommend you buy your own ski insurance before travel). In insurance not included in prepay lift passes.

Exchange rates

Value For Money?  The UK’s Post Office survey in 2011 put Bansko at the top for cheapest/best value skiing in Europe. And for 2012 with extra snow cannon I think the value is beter. But I want more lifts — here’s hoping for 2012/13 we will see the much talked about lift and run expansion start.

Finally, do please comment. Be aware the gondola queues happen at peak times.

Take a peek at the live streaming Q cam to help you choose your time to get up the mountain.

Related posts:

1. Bansko Gondola Lift Opening Times & Prices: Summer 2011 Summer is here, and the Bansko gondola lift is open....
2. World & European Cup FIS Alpine Skiing Comes Bansko In 2012: Heaven Or Hell? World Cup FIS skiing in Bansko 2012. Sounds great, and...
3. Weather From The Lift: Paragliding In Sopot It was hot weather last week. So it was time...

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Refurbished SkiMania store. Eftim gives the thumb up. Picture taken 6th October 2011

The 2011/2012 ski and snowboard hire, lessons, lift passes and transfers special offer for Bansko is now on.

• 22% discount off the in shop prices
  

  New 2012 ladies and gents helmets for hire

• two BanskoSkiMania hire shops — 50 m and 80m from main gondola lift entrance
• small group class sizes

• friends and family lessons
• free ski helmets for children
• free ski and snowboard and boot storage
• discounted lift passes delivered to shop, ready when you arrive
• standard, intermediate (VIP) and advanced slalom (Hart) and freeride (WhiteDot) skis
• 2012 models from Burton, Salomon, Head, Rossignol, Volkl,
• change ski / board / boots free of charge as many times as you like
• six day and thirteen day lift pass deal

• extra discount for booking transfer, lift pass and ski hire/lessons
• extra bonus — subscribe for code
• personal service — email your questions, 8:00 till late

Nearly ready in the shop. Here are ski fitters, and brothers, Blago and Mitko taking a break. Picture taken: 6th October 2011

Save over an additional €20 per person. Bansko Blog ski package clients (over 18) receive:

• 50% off beer for Pirin 75
• 2 for 1 beer at Ti bar
• restaurant discounts
• St Ivan Rilski sushi 2 for 1 beer

more DEALS coming soon.

Welcome to the team

Subscribe for prices, booking form and discount code; or if preferred please email your requirements or use the simple form below.

Click on image to download discount transfer/ski hire/lessons/lift pass prices and booking

I enjoy making sure all SkiMania clients have exactly the right ski and snowboards and equipment. Not sure? Then email me, and I will advise on the best skis and lesson options for your experience.

Happiness guarantee

Hire skis in lower SkiMania shop

 

If, for any reason whatsoever, you feel your lesson was not, at the very least satisfactory, then you get another equivalent lesson — absolutely FREE.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Tip of the day

Six reasons to follow on twitter/bansko

1. weather reports
2. snow reports
3. lift news
4. what’s hot reviews
5. pictures of snow
6. events and promos

Related posts:

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Happy End Podium Dancer, 8th January 2010, Bansko

Bansko weather forecast is for light snow flurries. No video report from Ivanka today or picture. The next best thing is surely this lady from the Happy End podium…  Enough of that. There is a weak weather front over South Eastern Bulgaria but the main warm front will remain in Greece. So snow falls will not be huge today and Saturday, but will continue to keep top up snow cover. Snow conditions reported to be “very good” yesterday and this morning.

Winter Arrives

I have been reading more and more other views on snow, global warming and so on, and whilst its clear glaciers have been retreating in the Alps. They have been doing their melting in the summemonthsr . We have seen consistently big snow falls in April, and there is a view that the season tends to start later but go on longer resonantes well with me.

Here in Sofia today, temperatures have fallen and light snow flakes drop from time to ime. Ski jacket day for me.  Will a proper winter, resume? A baltic winter which often was seen in mid November in Bulgaria. Looking at recent clips of the fall of the iron curtain and the celebrations in Sofia twenty years ago, it looked incredibly cold. But are winter temperatures getting warmer, or just getting later? Who knows; but here’s the forecast for the next few days…

Weather Forecast

Skies will clear in Bansko and Sunday will be bright and sunny and cold. A huge anti cyclone system will bring cold air from the North (Siberia?) and it will remain very cold until at least Wednesday. All pretty good news for ski conditions for Bansko and Borovet and Pamporovo are both loads better. Full credit for the Bansko snow making and piste preparation keeping skiing going throughout this rather snowless December and first half of January.

Three Tips For A Top Start To A Bansko Vacation

More and more visitors are putting there own package together. However, it can be pretty daunting having to sort out your lift pass and ski/board hire and lessons when first arriving. You are also likely to pay top price as the shop owners  know you are keen to get on the mountain. So I have put together some options for subscribers to this blog. All will save you 20% compared to the best in resort price.

1.  Firstly 6 day lift pass. No first day queues, just pick up your pass from right by the gondola lift. Click here to order:

http://banskoblog.com/lift-pass-ski-packs

We now can provide beginners ski packs, and other packs from Ulen and others at useful savings. Full shop up and running soon, but for now just email me for details.

2.  If you have your own skis or boards get them serviced.  Richard got his board done and mt my skis at banskoskimania. A full service just 20 leva (10 EUR approx). There are some flat schusses that need speed. Well waxed and serviced ski and boards make the start of your holiday go well.

2.  Book a table a Victoria Restaurant 119 Pirin Street opposite Grand Arena Kempinsky Hotel). I was last there on the second January, and the vibe there was exceptional. Really upscale, food was good and service were bang on too. Prices bang on. A beer 2.50 lv. They service dark beer (I like them all Shumensko, Kaminitsa and Stolishno) and a huge wine list including TT (Tera Tangra). Call 0749 84161 / 0887 761 500 and for delivery 0291100 / 0887 911 000. Spend 30lv or more on delivery and you get 4 free small Tuborg beers. victoria.bg  /  victoria.bg/en/  for menu.

If you found this useful, then please subscribe for more like this. Regular Bansko updates; made easy.

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Picture Taken: 11:00am Wedneday 13th January 2010

Bansko snow arrived last night. Once again Richard provides the report and photos.  The Plato is open and the ski road back is open see photos below.

Pictures taken: Wednesday 13th January 2010, 10:00am

Snow conditions are much improved and the forecast is for snow tomorrow and Friday. The weekend is looking good and further on to next week as well. Finally lower temperatures . Possible some high winds on Saturday, and with luck,  the front will move up to provide some more snow on Sunday.

For more like this do please subscribe. Six and thirteen day lift passes launching tomorrow; as well as discounted ski packs/ski/board hire soon after. If you have any requirements please contact me as I can send you prices and details direct. These changes will go a long way to remove the first day and arrival hassle. A one stop shop, and genuine financial  saving too.  So please stay tuned for more on this.

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Bansko Gondola Lift Base Station

Bansko lift pass prices 09/10 remain the same as last season. Prices range from 40 leva (EUR20.50) per day from 1st April 2010 to 55 leva (EUR 28 approx) per day high season. With mid season (to 23/12/09 and between 11/1/10 and 31/3/10) 50 leva (EUR 25.60) per day. Season lift pass is a wallet emptying 860 leva (EUR 441 approx). For children up to 12 years old the mid season lift pass is 30 leva day. UPDATE: 2010/11 prices the same as 09/10 season.

Click Lift pass prices 2012

In spite of the season ticket being two months salary for many Bulgarian workers, this is Bansko!  The fact is, that if you plan around 17 days or more of Bansko skiing this season, then investing in a season ticket makes sense – saves time and hassle too.

Now the GOOD NEWS… the prepay deal with BanskoBlog.com 20% discount off in resort ski /board hire and up to 60% off with the ski packages (tuition, ski/board hire). Pay in UK Pounds or EUROS.

Beginner courses start at just 230 euros per person for 4 hours instruction per day, ski/board boot hire, 6 day lift pass. For lift pass inclusive packages you need to book up 7 days in advance.  Just turn up and with your prepaid voucher you pick up your lift pass (no need for photo) and voucher for rental and instruction. It couldn’t be simpler. We work with BanskoSkiMania in Bansko, both jsut have a guaranteed 8 maximum in class (although average is four) and professional instruction… this school is recommend.

Both hire shops are very close to  the gondola lift and you can leave your skis and boots at the shops at the end of your day on the slopes. All have equipment which is either this season or last. Both service the skis between rental, including sharp edges and hot waxing.

This deal is only at prepaid price.

Four Steps To Book Your Discouted Ski Package

1. subscribe here at BanskoBlog.com, and attached will be a SKI PACKAGE form to fill in and email back to us
2. a quote will be sent to you for the two options
3. you will then be instructed to pay BanskoBlog.com by PAYPAL
4. you receive your voucher

If you just need a 6 day lift pass, and its seven days before you arrive, then please go direct to LIFT PASS page to pay for your discounted lift pass (adult €136 compared to €147.5 in resort). You will then receive an email detailing voucher pick up instructions (by the gondola). There are other Bulgaria resorts, such as Borovets, It’s a competitive world — and all of them charge much less for a lift pass than Bansko. OK, none of then enjoy all the snow making machines, and modern lift system of Bansko, but some charge no more than 15 leva (€7 approx) a day. So after a good dump of snow, I’ll be venturing into some of these smaller ski zones. Read on for why I think Bansko has not got a CLUE on how to promote itself — and why, for families, these prices are too high. Bansko Lift Pass Prices 09/10 from 01.12.2009 to 23.12.2009 inclusive and from 11.01.2010 to 31.03.201 inclusive

from 24.12.2009 to 10.01.2010 inclusive

from 01.04.2010 to 30.04.2010 inclusive

The season pass isn’t a subject to other price reductions. Mountain Insurance Include. VAT included.

Exchange rates

Value For Money? If you add up the approximate total cost for a family of four taking a ski holiday in a large two bedroom apartment including accommodation, transfer, lift pass, food and wine. you still get change out of EUR 1,600.  How? EUR 400  flights (EUR 100 each) EUR 400 — for 2 bed apartment ‚EUR 630 for 4 lift passes (2 adult s + 2 children) Save money by prepaying a 6 day lift pass ‚EUR 160  for food and wine (eating in + sandwiches for lunch) TOTAL: EUR 1,590 And for partying skiers where the night life involves drinking and clubs , then the savings on a night out really mount up compared to most of the Alps.

In the Alps (and much of the USA) a large  beer is EUR 9 compared to, typically, around 3 leva (EUR 1.5 approx) in ski season Bansko. But can be a lot less. For smarter bars and clubs expect 5 lev (EUR 2.5).

Why Bansko Needs Better Promotion? Bansko and the lift operator, ULEN need much better promotion. Everything is more competitive this year. Deciding to come to ski in Bansko competes with everything… like staying at home and watching TV, a hot vacation. In quiet periods ULEN should be really offering enticing deals such as: “buy 2 adult lift passes, get one child for FREE” or like the Three Valleys a “family of four discount” For example, the family lift pass price for the three valleys in France is EUR 742! More expensive, but better lift pass value than Bansko for the number of lifts and pistes you receive. Other deals Bansko could offer are:

• seniors lift pass deal
• beginners lift pass deal

Then there is are the key methods that are used to sell a product or service… PR, Advertising and Social Media (twitter, facebook, myspace etc). Bulgaria lags so far behind in the race with its competitors that they have barely moved from the starting line. The opportunity to promote this mountain resort as a quality value and all year round destination is there for the taking. World class golf, MTB, hiking, culture, jazz festival, film festival. Bansko should learn to embrace the new promotional tools to reap the huge benefits it provides to the local economy. At the moment, I have not much evidence of a Bansko that can adapt to market conditions. That all said, Skyscanner has just reported that flight searches for central and eastern europe are UP 154% on last year. This will mean that Bansko will prosper and benefit from the economic crisis. (UPDATE: IT DID 6% UP in 09/10 ski season.)

Conclusion I still believe Bansko offers an excellent value destination, but time will tell if they have their lift pass pricing correct this season. It may be Bansko will really evolve into the St Moritz of Eastern Europe. Yes really! I recently wrote about high end ski fashion having arrived in Bansko — and here there is more wealth than most would expect.

But if the future of Bansko’s growth and success is upscale tourism, then it must market its uniqueness and value. And deliver customer satisfaction in spades. Is Bansko an excellent value destination. Do you agree or disagree? Please comment below. Sign up for my “snogs” (snow blogs), lots of video reports. Be sure to take a look at ski fashion review 2010: http://banskoblog.com/2009/11/ski-fashion-2010/. Top brands revealed — and where to buy them in Bansko, Sofia, UK and online … …and please comment, email, twitter or call me on anything Bansko.

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