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.

Related posts:

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2. Snow forecast: dump of the season The Bansko snow arrived today; bringing much joy. The snow forecast...
3. Snow forecast: New Year treats The snow is falling in Bansko and the party has...

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Picture taken: 11th December 2010.

The Bansko ski season officially opens on Saturday 17th December, and I’ve just been informed by the Kempinski Grand Arena in Bansko some interesting news.

News, that is almost as exciting as fresh snow — the prospect of winning a super sexy Audi A1 motorcar.

You must act NOW. Go to banskoski.com to register — just 900 participants. This is a TV and poster campaign here in Bulgaria — so will be full soon. Some, possibly most, Bulgarians that I have spoken to think this Audi A1 ski opening promotion will be rigged, or fixed, in some way. I am more optimistic that this will be a fair competition… we’ll see.

Opening season guests

And not just win a car, but also winning a whole load of nice prizes, courtesy of the Kempinski Grand Arena, and Audi.

Like previous years, the Grand Opening of the season kicks off with a ski competition. This year it is called “Beat the  Champions.” This is where good skiers, after preliminary registration, can try their speed in a direct competition with three ski legends:

• Marc Girardelli
• Petar Popangelov
• Michael Valhoffer

Sounds interesting — but I’ll just be watching this part.

Treasure hunt for an Audi A1

But I’ll be participating in, what the press release calls “the extremely amusing game of “Treasure Hunters.”

The press release then goes on to say this is “where guests of the resort can literally dig great gifts from under the snow at Banderishka Poliana, including a brand new Audi A1

In my view, this game will qualify as more than “extremely amusing” for the lucky person who wins that Audi A1. Who would say no to an Audi?

Now you may be thinking, digging — and digging under WHAT snow?

Well, have I got news for you.

There WILL be snow on Friday or Saturday. Why am I so sure?

I’ll let you into a secret. Today I asked the good folks on twitter to join me in a snow dance.

This twittery brewed up a real steam of POSITIVE energy… and now, just looking at the snow forecast, I see there is now a nice cold weather front heading Bansko’s way. Assuming this means snow time, then this “gift” alone will ensure that the ski season opening will be a special celebration. OK, temperatures are a little high – so rain low down is a risk. Watch VIDEO for more.

More prizes from the Kempinski: “The Kempinski group is contributing to the impressive awards package of the game two special prizes – one weekend at Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Bains, St. Moritz, Switzerland, and two weekends at Kempinski Grand Arena Bansko.” Nice one.

The prospect of a sparkling new Audi A1, or a nice stay at the Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Bains or the Kempinski Grand Arena will deliver us up the mountain. Eager to join in the fun. Stay tuned — I’m entered into this. The odds, on the face of it, are great. Just 900 entrants.

St Tropez is visiting Bansko!

The day will finish off at the Happy End bar and club. Here we will see a band, the name of which is being kept a secret,  but are from St Tropez in France. They will play an exclusive gig at the Happy End — 10pm ’till late.

In any event, fresh snow, competition, prizes and the propect of  a Happy End. I’ll be posting what I see in Bansko this weekend right here.

@bansko on twitter and facebook and YouTube Channel for latest. Sign up to my newsletter today and receive a ton of free info along with updates throughout the season.

Need ski/snowboard hire. Or lessons, lift pass or transfer. It all here at BanskoBlog. Click here to go to download prices and booking form.

Will you be there? Are you looking forward to the ski season? Do you fancy a trip to St Moritz? Do you want an Audi A1? Let us know below in the comments below.

Terms and Conditions for participation NOTE: this is an extract from banskoski.com

1) In the game to everyone aged 16 years.

2) Each participant is given starting number of crossing points shown on ID card. Without a personal document does not registered! Points are situated next to the lift station by meadow Banderishka of 10.00 to 12.00

3) Participants must sign a Declaration organizer exempt from liability for any form of damage, injury and trauma.

4) The organizer reserves the right to immediately exclude any participant from the game, without claim or compensation for breach of its rules and / or danger to other participants.

5) The duration of the game is within two hours or until a final casket buried. If you have not found any chests given bonus time (30 min).

6) The chests are numbered. Every number corresponds to the relevant award. The list of prizes to the respective numbers are kept in caskets notary.

7) are formed of groups starting positions in order of arrival of the 100 people who consistently allowed in the search area.

Each group sought prize within 5 minutes. Search time will be detected by unauthorized persons. After the fifth minute participants are required to leave the area to allow the next group of 100 people.

9) For safety reasons, the organizer reserves the right to limit the number of participants at any time.

10) Backpacks, bags, skis and other objects should not be imported into the area of the game. Failure of the participant does not submit such articles, the organizer reserves the right to exclude from the search.

11) There shall be equipment and instruments in demand (skis, snowboards, poles, shovels, etc.) unless they are distributed by the organizer. Allowed knee.

12) If the chest is found, the peg hangs a flag in its place. Then the participant must bring it with starting number for the notary in the final area (stage). Must show valid identification document to establish profitable and to avoid confusion in the awards. Only one casket may be transmitted by the participant.

13) If the participant finds kovezhe (the treasure chest) this immediately terminated his participation.

14) are not allowed to participate representatives of the organizers (Ulen, BF SKI, kiwi) and sponsors.

15) The game takes place in exceptional security measures.

16) According to the time of the game (2 hours), will allow groups of 100 people, respectively, by the end of time.

17) Direct the right to participate in the game receive the first 30 (during) the race skiers’ Wins Champions “held earlier in the day.

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The Bansko World Cup action is over and I had one of the best ski weekends ever here in Bansko. The World Cup Skiing organisation in Bansko was almost faultless. The attention to detail was staggering. In a country which often sees only 80% of the job ever done; a place where I used to wonder if anyone could organise a piss up in brewery. I felt Bansko had a lot to prove in hosting the FIS Audi World Cup Men’s Slalom and Super G round; and they delivered.

Whilst I have to confess to a few press pass concessions, I went out to experience the weekend like most other people here for either holidays or for the world cup event. Sitting with friends in the main stadium most of the time, the action was and coverage was just right. A relaxed approach was taken by most — soaking up of both the event and the sunshine. Some own skiing action seemed to be enhanced by watching the pros show how it should be done.

Ski And Party

Saturday I focused on watching the racing and the lunchtime entertainments. Sunday I was up early with friends to get some superb piste skiing on the corduroy pistes. On just one occasion I witnessed rocks coming through — but generally it was excellent skiing in the clear skies. The sponsors worked hard, most noticeably Milka with tons of free chocolate and Carlsberg — a free beer on the ice bar.

The giant beer bottle ice sculpture made for a predictable photographic prop for us, and many others. Saturday morning saw snow flurries, clearing to plenty of sunshine later om. Sunday was perfect warm sunshine. I can barely resist asking dear readers to go back and check out my lucky Bansko prediction on previous posts.

The bands and girls dancing were all top and made sure a few videos could be spiced up with some fine Bulgarian eye candy. Most of all was that they were genuinely enjoying performing.

Kempinsky Organisation

I was lucky enough to catch up with Tim at the Kempinsky over tea on Friday and he outlined the preparation entailed for these events. More on this another day. But the results of the World Cup Skiing were impressive… non plus ultra designer seating and amazing setting in the VIP section for the prime minister and similar. But my main find in the food an beverage department at the morning bar was a new and absolutely quaffable Quantum wine from Domaine Boyar. This white Chardonnay of the range is to be recommended and widely available.

Snow And Weather Forecast

It is cold, so the snow cover will largely be preserved and topped up by artificial snow from the cannons Tuesday. More snow Wednesday and Thursday will make for an excellent skiing and boarding weekend. It will be busy. This is a long weekend in Bulgaria and many more people from Sofia will be making there way to Bansko.

Get up early to avoid be sure of avoiding queues. If the many busses that were made available to ferry us up for the World Cup are utilised, I think matters could be more controlled than last year at peak periods. Your reports on lift queues are welcome – and tips on avoiding them are welcome too.

Photo Gallery: All Pictures Taken 26th & 27th February 2011

If you enjoyed this, please share it — thank you!

Please visit sponsors: bulgarienbo.com for free real estate listing.

and take a look at crown interiors for a uniquely perfectionist approach to home interior design in Bansko.

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Picture Taken 31st January 2011: New Plato Lift High Above

Bansko weather report from Monday 31st of January comes from Vasilena: – “The last day of the first month of 2011. This is a live broadcast from the ski road in Bansko – especially for Banskoblog.com…

… I am Vasilena Chonova, and I invite you to witness along with me the good conditions here, although the snow is not enough as needed. But in total, the situation is more than nice. We have sun, we have cold, we have no strong wind. And we have many people who are enjoying the snow conditions in Bansko. Now you can see a skier beginner. She is heading towards the Chalin Valog ski run – the best for educating beginners, either in Alpine skiing and snowboarding. I hope the wind didn’t harm the video of this snow report. I’ll see you soon. Best regards! Bye!”

Thank you Vasilena .

Today’s report is sponsored by Crowndevelopments.com — Professionally designed home interiors from perfectionists Warren, and Yana, Mace.

Please book soon to be certain of availability of peak holiday period lessons —  ski hire and lessons discount.

Coming soon: Blog offers – for subscribers only. 70% discounts on luxury treats in Bansko. Join today (It’s free)!

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A night of Bansko snow. So ski conditions are a little better today. Take a good look at Elga. She delivers our video snow report with a distinct, and upbeat, tone in her voice. Once again, Elga is from my ski packages partner, BanskoSkiMania. We have 60cm of snow on upper slopes and 40cm on lower slopes. Eight out of fourteen lifts are open for Thursday 6th Jan. Subscribe for more news and snow reports by email.

Weather Forecast

More snow on Sunday. The big dump of snow happens on the 12th. I am concerned by some warmer temperatures at the weekend. But this will change for next week. So I see the season getting back on track with more snow after the 14th with yet another weather front on its way.

Oh — and the minor earthquake — at 2.9 on the richter scale — was hardly felt. No damage reported.

We Are Two Years Old

Bansko Blog’s 2nd Anniversary “Snow Party” is now set for Saturday 15th January. Meet our contributors including snow reporters. Elga, Sania, Alex, Ivo, David and me! Please sign up for Bansko newsletter. I’ll be sending out your invitation, with all the party details, in the next few days.

Thank you for reading. For the snow reports as they are uploaded, please subscribe to BanskoBlog on YouTube. Your comments below on your Bansko experiences are really welcome. Are you enjoying Bansko — in spite of the lift closures? What are your favourite bars and restaurants?

Tips Of The Day:

• Buy ski insurance before you travel.
• Excercise and get fitter before skiing. It makes a big difference to your enjoyment.

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Bansko New Year’s Eve video snow report comes from Elga from our ski packages partner, BanskoSkiMania. Great job Elga, thank you. The sunshine and crystal clear blue skies are putting on smiles. The snow cannons are working hard to open up more runs. But it’s still a disappointing situation for New Year skiing. Most lifts, and slopes are still shut. Parts of the piste are icy and rocky. The lift pass is still full price. Hardly fair, is it Ulen?

2nd January 2011 Update: Photos From 31st December To 2nd January 2011

Weather Forecast

I see a weak weather front passing over the region on Monday. This will bring a a good dump of snow then. And much better ski conditions. Beyond then, still too early to say for sure. It may be until the 12th January before further significant snow falls.

New Year’s fireworks around the town are a sight to behold: Here’s last year’s video of the midnight hour fireworks:

For more snow reports as they are uploaded, subscribe to the BanskoBlog YouTube Channel and for the occasional newsletter be sure to subscribe to banskoblog.com.  I would like to thank you for visiting the site and to wish you a very Happy New Year. Here’s to Bansko happy times.

If you are in Bansko now, then please add your comments below on how you experienced both the ski conditions and your New Year.

Tips Of The Day:

• Честита Нова Година (pronounced ”Chestita Nova Godina”) is the Bulgarian for Happy New Year
• Try Pirin 75, a new bar opposite the Lion Pub. An alternative venue for those not into watching Sky football.
• Live music tonight in main square and at The Happy End

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Bunderitsa: 21st December '09

Bansko snow report comes from Nick Chongorov. Nick is a member of the Bulgarian Ski Team, today he took his camera. ‘Nuff said.

“…Hello again from Nick. Today was a great sunny day in Bansko. We had Super G training early in morning from 7:30 until 10 o’clock. The temperatures were around -12º C but later on during the day when the sun started shining it got warmer. The conditions were wonderful, because the clear weather during the night took out all the moisture from the snow and the ski trails were groomed perfectly in the evening. The forecast for the next couple of days is for warm weather, but this shouldn’t be a problem since there was a lot of snowfall during the last week.

That’s it from me for now. Take care!”

21/12/09, Bansko

Thanks again Nick. With Borovets and Pamporovo open, it will be interesting to see how this season works out. I just got a feeling that Bansko may well be busier than I thought just a few weeks ago. I mean, anyone who dreams of that perfect day on the snow and then remembers what they know deep down… that a winter holiday is a priority.  I was wondering whether a recession hit Europe will have the cash this year, But who, after seeing thsee pictures  will be digging behind their sofas, raiding savings accounts and generally saying “what the hell” let’s go to Bansko? There’s snow time to lose to head for the snow this winter.

Winter solstice today…

If you enjoyed this and would like to receive more articles like this to your email inbox, then subscribe below, it’s totally free.

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The warm weather in Bulgaria has, from Sunday, taken its toll on the snow conditions on the mountain. The picture above I took from the near perfect conditions on Saturday 28th. 

What a difference one day makes. Here’s a short video taken in Sunday’s rain:

At the moment it is not good. Slushy and heavy snow. What a contrast to the previous day’s crystal clear blue skies. Go to Bansko Flickr Group gallery for recent pictures

The resort is quiet. However Monday’s Razlog market was busy and the warm sunshine was pleasant in the square over looking the municipality building.

Stay tuned for a report on the new golf club house. Pictures and video of this coming soon. Be sure to sign up for these.

Looking ahead, temperatures will drop a little but at this stage, I would not like to predict conditions for next week.

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Bansko Snow Report.  3.9 metres of snow at the top and 1 metre in Bansko town. These pictures tell the story.

Listen to the audio of John and I last week. He’s from Bansko Tourist Information, and had some interesting views.

We have been chatting after the recoding and he’s decided to link his blog directly to this one. So now double the responsibility.

But seriously, from someone who has worked tirelessly giving sound advice in Bansko – day in day out, I’ll say thanks for your vote of confidence!

Bansko Blog Linked

So as of today this Bansko Blog is linked to Bansko Tourist Information.

My welcome to new readers. Your comment on your day in Bansko as well as bar and restaurant reviews are welcome. The aim is to give a realistic view. So please send me the things you dislike about the place as well as the good. All this gets fed back into the guide to help other visitors get the best out of the place.

And judging from recent comments more and more site visitors from many different countries are finding more to like in Bansko than dislike.

I will be adding to this blog more of your reviews over the coming weeks.

If you are still wondering whether to visit, then now is a snow sure time to enjoy a magnificent winter scape. Come and recharge the batteries.

Beat The Recession Blues

Some fresh air may invigorate those creative juices – and pay back your day’s lift pass several times over.

Imagine forgetting all the negative news and treating yourself to some of the best skiing and snowboarding seen this season.

How about Easter skiing in Bansko? Check out our lowest accommodation price guarantee here. Please note that I have just heard lifts may shut on Easter Sunday (13th April). Any firm announcement will be emailed to those registered

If arriving from abroad, take a look at skyscanner for cheapest flights.

I’ve found it a useful flight tool for getting a deal – wherever you are looking to go.

Here’s a picture of Friday’s snow fall.

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