view from the Tipi bar by the snow road

The snow conditions have been consistently rating at 9/10 for several weeks now. The World Cup weekends are over, UK school holidays are finished and we have the Pirin mountain back to ourselves — with all lifts operational.

I did not bother with reporting on the World Cup this year. I was out taking pictures, skiing, filming GOPRO movies and generally sampling new places. Yes it was crowded at times — but not unbearably so. That said, the events went very well and it was a tremendous atmosphere in the Badershishka Poliana area.

The stunts from snowboarders being flung high off a ramp by the snowmobile made for a very entertaining time. Live music on stage including the fabulous Eli from Taboo, the resident live band at Kempinski’s Sing Sing, made for an entertaining Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

A fluffy fresh 10cm of snow fell Tuesday and Wednesday making for a fine day out on the mountain yesterday. The tomba piste was a little icy in places — wonder why!

I’ve also been out sampling all the mountain restaurants and its nice to have another 2 lev beer option at the Izvorite hotel — located off to the right from the beginners run at Chalin Valog.

The Izvorite Wednesday party is fun. Just for watching snowboarders practice freestyle moves — with a 2 lev beer in hand. The Izvorite joins the Shiligarnika hotel and the Peshterite (2 lev beer) as my top three mountain places for sustenance.

Snow Forecast

This weekend is looking much warmer. Wind will close some lifts. Hot sunshine. Best conditions will be in the morning. The resort will be very bsuy this weekend with lift queues. Try and watch the live “Q” cam to decide the best time to go.

For week commencing 5th March, I can see snow arriving Tuesday 6th. There is a risk that this may fall as rain in town. There is also a risk that this may be Wednesday or may not happen at all predicting more that a few days ahead is always a challenge.

Bansko App – free download

On February 14th the new iphone, ipad and ipod touch Bansko app was launched. The number of downloads and the feedback has been very encouraging. Even if you have been out to Bansko for the season — its nice to check the live cams, weather videos and blog.

Much more functionality on its way in future upgrades. All will remain for free; so do download.

Click here for download at the itunes store.

Android, Blackberry and Windows versions will be introduced soon.

Three day lift passes

It’s good to see people booking a second trip in March. Short end of season trips make all the difference. If possible, I recommend coming out on a Sunday for a nice quick and easy transfer and empty midweek pistes.

To maximise your time on piste prebook 3 day lift passes. Just select this option on the ski packages pages.

Related posts:

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

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Picture taken 14th February 2012. Bansko snow road

Another Bansko day of just simply sublime skiing.  Ski conditions here in Bansko are near perfection. This is a magical time to be here. Nearly three metres of snow on Todorka.

Just checking the weather charts, I see there could be some more snow Tuesday. I am as excited as a kid in a candy store… It will get a lot warmer day from Saturday. The town will be wet with melting snow. Be warned.

Whatever happens, there are many good days to be had due to the excellent snow cover.

The last few snowy days

Whilst high winds shut the plateau today (16th February),  finding space to enjoy some first class skiing all over the mountain was easy enough. Ridiculously long morning lift lines of the 14th February, don’t seem to have been repeated. Many skiers have been making their way up in minivans and taxis.

As usual, for me, this weather means Chalin Valog.

In cool and windy weather, the Chalin Valog area delivers protection from biting cold winds. Few, or none at all, lift queues. When it’s cold, like today, my tip is to check out this area.  Wednesday BBQ here is reported to be good (2 lev beer helps).

Many new tracks were made off piste, winding down through the trees, and under the chair lifts. Snow on this scale means a larger skiable domain — a little secret of Bansko revealed to many more visitors over the last few days.

World Cup effects

Gondola lift: Picture taken 15th February 2012.

World cup piste and run closures have created morning pressure points on the lifts. However, later on there have been fewer queues and we’ll see how Saturday and Sunday race days fare.

Joining in the party at Banderishka Poliana and watching the action live from the stadium is surprisingly exciting. I’ll leave the hype to other media — but frankly holding the World cup in Bansko, in peak holiday season, is far from ideal.

I hope never again do we have a World Cup in February or a holiday period. At least not until the day arrives when Bansko has much more lift capacity — and many more kilometres of pistes.

That said, Mr Tomba himself is here — so big publicity.  This weekend will be a superb show.

Watch out for pictures on twitter @bansko.

There are hotel coupons available for saving on World Cup action.

Download my app (it’s free)

My Bansko app is now ready to download here for all iphone owners.

All for free.

I’ve designed it to show the things that I most wanted to see most in a Bansko app. So we worked hard to keep it attractive and fresh looking. But simple, useful and uncomplicated.

You’ll see the live Q cam, Ulen’s piste cams, a piste map, snow reports, open/close status for the ski lifts and pistes. And the BanskoBlog YouTube channel is integrated for over 180 and growing Bansko videos.

All the essential functions for iphone, ipod touch and ipad users. Just a FREE download away.

Using some cool technology it links into an interactive map showing restaurants, bars and before long hotels and other Bansko businesses.

The Bansko Blog iphone app is available for download at the itunes store right now. I’m now working on getting it on all other major mobile platforms for those resisting the pleasures of an iphone (so that’s android, blackberry and windows). All for free.

Related posts:

1. Snow pictures and snow forecast The Bansko snow forecast is good. Snow arrive Wednesday, Thursday...
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. Siri Says Snow In Bansko Bansko weather and snow forecast is brought to us today...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Lovin' Bansko now: January 2012

The Bansko snow forecast is good. Snow arrive Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The snow will fall, temperatures rising on Saturday.

The last seven days have been delivered memorable Bansko snowboarding and skiing conditions. Superb powder for my WhiteDot Preachers and Ones. Then it’s been followed by more on the piste pleasure than I could have ever imagined. A top Bansko ski season keeps rolling on.

More snow arriving will mean fresh powder. Bringing more smiles in Bansko town. Stay tuned to @bansko for updates, and news, via twitter.

Snow torture

The Plato: January 2012

Watching others on the live web cam is nice. The slightly hassled look. Folks striding expectantly to the lift. Nicely cold. It is torture to watch.

I know that torture, I remember that end of ski holiday feeling.

When it is all over for another year. A year of waiting lies ahead.

I remember that it’s just “too far away to contemplate” moment when trying to look forward to the next time in the snow. Which is a too far.

One YEAR away.

Snow fix: bring it forward

Simply perfect pistes: morning plato skiing Bansko January 2012

But I have a tip. Don’t wait that long. Grab a flight. Then book your discounted ski snow board hire, lessons, passes and transfer deal right here. The new online ski packages form is ultra simple to use. So, my tip of the day, is grab some quality Bansko mountain time as soon as you can but book another trip in March soon.

Don’t stop now — have a good (ski) time

Be nice to your boss today. For some it’s that annual review time of year. And may mean bonus time.

Go spend (some) of it on a ski/board trip.

Completing the holiday request form takes a few moments. Another Bansko trip — booked.

Catch the plane, or climb in the car. Bansko season still has plenty more to give us.

If you’re in Macedonia, Greece, Serbia or Romania you’re probably between three and seven hours away.

Loads of great places to stay from places. From places to spas to the more intimate smaller developments. My homes to rent section offers a select and high quality choice. Recommended reading for finding comfortable Bansko homes to make your stay.

Sing Sing: a place to be this weekend.

Sing Sing piano bar at the Kempinski

This Friday 3rd and 4th February sees i Groove come to Sing Sing piano bar at the Kempinski hotel. i Groove are playing and so I’ll be there.

And what’s more, Bansko Blog sponsors, Kempinski Grand Arena, are offering readers a handy 10% off a bottle of spirits. Just make a table reservation on the phone +359 (0) 749 88888, say Bansko Blog booking and you receive your 10% discount.

Related posts:

1. Snow Report: Video And Pictures From Piste To Bar The Bansko snow report contains just video action from my...
2. Snow forecast: New Year treats The snow is falling in Bansko and the party has...
3. Snow forecast: dump of the season The Bansko snow arrived today; bringing much joy. The snow forecast...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Skiing in Bansko requires snow, and you could be forgiven that whilst looking at the sunny Bansko weather forecast, and looking at the web cams, whether it will snow again. Read on for the snow and weather forecast.

Snow Forecast

After a perfect skiing week in Bansko, ending today with high spring like temperatures of 18 C, there is still plenty of the season left to bring folks to Bansko. David’s optimism in our video snow report shows the positive energy of being in the mountains. The sunshine makes for memorable and happy days. Thank you David! White dot skis – very nice.

Take a look at the met chart here; we have a weather front passing over the region Wednesday / Thursday. This will bring a reasonable amount of snow for Bansko, and cooler temperatures. Good news, but be warned some forecast are not showing this as snow and some are showing this as Friday. It is still too early to be certain. But my expectations for new snow are always high. Here’s hoping for a fine spring ski season. The end of season date is always an unknown, generally around the 14th April. Depends on Ulen, the lift operating company.

NEW: Live Web Cam

The new live web cam is still under testing, please click on thumbnail picture for web cam. Your comments on this are welcome. The live cam and weather station has shown me some interesting (read suicidal) road crossing ventures. It’s there for all to monitor lift queues. There was nothing major this weekend – unlike the holiday weekend queues the previous week. Thank you to the team at SkiMania, George Kiselov for all their help and sponsorship of this what I think is a ground breaking cam.

Jamiroquai Headlines Elevation 2011: Festival News

Jamiroquai comes to Razlog, ten minutes from Bansko, for what will be a ground breaking two day festival on Friday 24th June and Saturday 25th June. More details here soon, in the meantime check out: http://www.eventim.bg/portal/bg/concerts/rok_pop/elevation_2011/91037/

If you liked this, please share it!

• Please visit article sponsor: http://www.bearsole.com/travel/
• Please visit our blog sponsors: Bulgarienbo.com

Coming to Bansko soon? We now have same day turnaround. More great feedback from the many clients who’ve experienced our ski packages. Same 20% discount, same top ski shop location. Don’t delay, please book today.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Snow report from me today! A very pleasant morning ski, ruined by some rocks and exposed places. Good in morning. Even the tomba was okay — a little icy in parts. The plato still is shut. Crowded in the afternoon — but lunch in the Peshterite restaurant was an absolute joy in the warm sunshine.

Weather  Forecast

Friday 15th January 2011.

Yes, it’s too warm. Spring like. But big dump of snow expected next week from the 22nd January. Sorry this week’s dump of the white stuff did not amount to much. Weather prediction has been very challenging.

Ti Bar — BanskoBlog 2nd Birthday 2 beers for price of 1

Join us for the BanskoBlog 2nd birthday party at Ti Bar (near Vila Roka).  2 beers for the price of one offer.  Before 10.00pm — Saturday 15th January only.

A beer is normally 2 lev (just 1 euro approx). So this makes this a party that pays to join. Please come and say hello and enjoy your Bansko holidays. Great snow it may not be. But Bansko good times are here.

Your comments and feedback on any aspect of Bansko/Bulgaria are most welcome. If you can’t make it — then just comment below.

If you like this.Share It! Please visit today’s snow report sponsor Bulgarienbo

Tips Of The Day:

• Wear a helmet! Especially so in conditions whee the snow is hard or icy.
• Try the fabulous new St Geoarge’s Palace restaurant (up from Kempinsky, signposted). Fabulous italian food and upscale atmosphere make this my current favourite eating spot

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Improved snow conditions in Bansko. Thank you Ivan for a truly uplifting snow report. The reality right now is a less joyous. Warmer temperatures today and tomorrow and the rest of this week, Rain in town on Wednesday in town… BUT some much needed snow on the higher slopes. Plato still shut.

Stay tuned for more reports. Watch them as they are uploaded by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Be sure to tick the box to be notified be email when a new video is uploaded.

Weather Forecast

Remaining a little too warm. The big dump of snow we were all hoping for has not materialised. Looking like snow for several days mid next week, 20th January. Too early to say for sure. However, throughout this snow challenged time, there are plenty of people having loads of fun in Bansko. Both on the snow and in the bars and restaurants. Take a look at Vanya’s Non Skiing Guide for ideas.

Tip Of The Day:

Please be careful when busy. Still too many avoidable accidents keeping the snow patrols busy. Improve your technique, ski for longer and stay safer. Take some lessons!

Join us for our snow party and BanskoBlog’s 2nd birthday party on Saturday 15th at the Ti bar. Meet our team. Sign up for newsletter for ski hire and lessons discount form and special offer for the 15th Jan.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Our video snow blog today comes from Sania at BanskoSkiMania, BanskoBlog’s ski packages partner. Bansko snow looking better for today, and for the next few days. The much needed snow can be seen in its glory in the video snow report. Everyone has been worried about the warm weather and general lack of the all important white stuff in Bansko. Frustrating times are coming to an end, we all hope. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel and/or follow on twitter for the snow reports as they are posted.

Weather Forecast

Looking ahead, temperatures will be generally nicely below freezing as the current pressure system moves off. Clear sunny skies are likely. However, signs of really massive dumps of snow are not yet in sight. The good news, after all this warm weather, are the much colder temperatures. This means that the snow cannon will do their job and help deliver some respectable piste skiing and snowboarding this week.

Piste Safety: Will You Avoid Injury?

I still see a lack of awareness of piste etiquette , and yet again the gondola medics will be kept busy patching up injuries — most of which are avoidable. Collisions are not uncommon. First day over enthusiasm combined with first day tiredness and lack of fitness is an injury red flag. Add in to the mix that “last run of the day” and, statistically speaking, you could be heading for harm. Please take it easy. Oh yes, whilst getting all boring –  I still see that around 25% of skiiers here have no ski insurance (lift pass insurance included is not sufficient). It is essential to have adequate cover in case of the need for specialist repatriation. It’s not expensive;  and it could save yourself and your family their life’s savings.

Tips Of The Day

Ebay for ski gear: I was checking out my favourite brand of ski clothing. Seemed like ebay has some excellent ski gear bargains. Anyone else had success here?

Ski Packages: Sania in today’s video is one of the qualified instructors for BanskoSkiMania. Lessons are discounted here by 20%. Now taking bookings up to 24 hours before arrival in Bansko. 100% refund guarantee should you not travel to resort. Click FAQ’s for more.

Still some last minute availability of luxury homes to rent.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Just got back from a wonderful morning of skiing. No major queues and weather looking good for next week. More snow on its way. Please see video report. Some high winds, but a nice layer of powder made for memorable first tracks.

Photographs Taken On 27th February 2010

Picture Taken 27th February 2010: Looking up To Top Of Todorka 1 Lift

Piture Taken 27th February 2010: View To Buderitsa

Pictures Taken 27th February 2010

Vaz, 27th February 2010

Picture Taken 27th February 2010

Pictures 27th Febuary: Ulen Kindergarten At Buderitsa

Picture Taken 27th February: Vaz In Todorka Powder

If you enjpyed this and would like more on Bansko, then join today for absolutely spam free email newsletter.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Today’s Bansko weather and snow video report features the return of Ivanka. Generally overcast weather, but with with good visibility and some sunny spells. The fresh 20cm of snow the mountain was busy with those wanting to make fresh tracks through the trees. The higher temperatures meant that the snow inevitably gets a little cut up by 1:00pm.

Snow Forecast

Picture Taken 12th February 2010

The snow cover is very good now, with the previous hard base only showing through on the balkanyada and tomba pistes. Unfortunately this warm weather has meant a lot of the snow in the town melting make it really wet when walking around. The warm temperatures will remain so there will be a mix of rain and snow. for the next three days.

Don’t expect to see much sunshine as the low pressure systems bringing warm moist air from the south create cloud cover. Looking ahead the snow higher up will continue and probably Thursday we will see temperatures start to fall.

Sitting outside the Peshterite restaurant, just off the snow road to Bansko was just warm enough to enjoy the shopska salad, bob (bean soup), kebabche and chip with cheese. Probably my best Bansko lunch ever.

Videos

Today we put some nice bells and whistles in the video report.  Please let me know what you think. I’ve also finished a short video for the BanskoBlog and JJ Murphy’s One Year Old Party on Friday 19th February. But please see my recent article on the evening which will feature Ani Lozanova and her band. I’m delighted to be able to welcome so many new readers over the last week. Thanks for keeping me busy.

Tip Of The Day

Have your skis and snowboards regularly serviced. It makes all the difference to have sharp edges.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It’s video snow reports today. And, oh yes, did I have fun. Brand new Head ski boots (RS 90′s 90/100) from the Head Test Centre revolutionisid my skiing. Not only were the ski conditions much better, but we enjoyed an apres ski tekkie fest editing the video you see above and below. Be sure to watch this for Stefan’s crash. Stefan is a top snpwboarder, check out his last Bansko weather forecast. Oh, I should add that, apart from a little soreness, he was okay.

Weather Forecast

More snow Friday and Saturday. Cold temperatures – around -7C.  Pistes are still compact, but only a few patches of ice. One or two stones can be seen on the piste.

But don’t let this put you off — it’s so much better conditions. More snow will see  improving and less hard conditions some more. Best skiing in the morning.

Video Production

These videos were taken on my usual small Sanyo Xacti camera, some two years old — but ideal for putting in the pocket and taking up the mountain. Basically it’s simple to make these… it’s the editing that takes time. Please comment below or email me on what you would like to see on my video reports in the future.

Tip of the day

Taxis:  never pay more than 10lev to go anywhere within in Bansko town. Agree rate before jumping in.

Ski Packages

Save money on ski / board hire / lessons / lift pass. Simply subscribe to this blog and ou will automatically receive my quote form for huge discounts on prepaid packages. If you book accommodation and transfer,  you can beat the tour operator prices and get top quality too.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.