World Cup FIS skiing in Bansko 2012. Sounds great, and last season the World Cup Men’s event I reported on and enjoyed hugely. But how many people ski visitors realise that for three weekends there are three major ski events all in a row. All in the February holiday season.

The Ski Event Timetable

First off is the European Cup for Slalom on the 12th and 13th February 2012. Second is The World Cup Mens Slalom and Giant Slalom on the 18th and 19th February 2012. Thirdly we have the Womens World Cup Downhill and Giant Slalom on the 25th and 26th February 2012.

I would expect the Tomba piste to be shut for event preparation from around the 20th January and not to be reopened until the 1st March. But I’ll be announcing this as soon as I have reliable info on this.

Bansko is one of just one of five resorts to be selected to host two events this season. The other four are Val D’Isere (France), Lake Louise (Canada), Garmisch Partenkirschen (Germany) and Sochi (Russia and site of next winter Olympics). With around 200 million people watching each event, this extra exposure of Bansko as a resort of international standing is what Tseko Minev (head of Bulgarian Ski Federation, part shareholder of Bansko’s lift operating company, Yulen and First Investment Bank) calls a “great success for Bulgaria.” Bulgaria’s reputation, and Bansko in particular, has been tarnished in the past by some hopeless organisation, such as poor lift queue management as well as the inability to plan for a back up,  such as we witnessed as high winds brought to an end day two of the recent Elevation Music Festival. However, successful major sporting events such as the World Cup Skiing in Bansko helps redress the balance. Bansko has proven itself and for this reason has been chosen once again. Credit is due to all those who made it happen so well at past Women and Mens World Cup events.

World Cup Action: Heaven Or Hell?

Last season I was surprised how manageable it was for me to be able to both ski and watch the world cup. The Mens FIS World Cup was an exceptionally well organised event in 2011. However, I am now concerned that with three events in row, some skiers may decide that, with the Tomba closed, that they should go elsewhere. Whilst I think this would be a mistake I can certainly understand that a six day holiday without the Tomba run could be ski holiday hell for some! But, overall, I felt the exciting and positive vibe in Bansko, the party atmosphere up at Buderitsa and the thrill of seeing the world’s best slalom skiers compete compensated for any inconvenience of the tomba run being shut. In fact, as my video below shows, you can see that the entertainment was top.

Many visitors to Bansko are not interested in the black runs, of which Tomba is the main one, and therefore the focus should be on overcrowding. Last season I sensed that most people found it a positive experience to be in Bansko during World Cup season. Our full ski packages programme went ahead without hitch. As always, any cancellation to lessons from SkiMania prebooked (with early booking 20% discount) via Bansko Blog is covered by my 100% money back guarantee. The same deal applies for lessons prebooked this year. Please subscribe to receive ski packages offer launch details

Bansko VIP Accommodation

The Bell Tower Apartment offers VIP luxury. Click here for my review.

Summer Hiking

For a summer guide contact me for details. Recent clients were from Japan, all retired including a professor on flora and fauna. His most recent guided trip had been a Galapogos cruise and we were pleased that his delight at finding rare species in the Pirin and Rila was as much as he found on those islands famed by the great Darwin. Praise indeed.

Related posts:

1. World Cup Skiing Bansko Men’s World Cup Skiing  – Super Combined and Slalom....
2. A Dream Bansko World Cup Ski Day The Bansko World Cup action is over and I had...
3. World Cup Fun World Cup Ski action video in Bansko. Snow overnight gave...

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

Ski condition video report today, again from Ivanka. She was happy to be recognised from her last ski report by some Russian skiers also having a drink in The Happy End. Thanks for saying hello guys.

Photo Date: 4th December -- Gondola Lift Area and Ski Road Snow Cannon

Bansko Ski Conditions

Ivanka and I hit horrendous ice, after taking piste number six on the second chair up. We arrived at the gondola at 8.00am to avoid the huge queue which developed not much later on. The closing of the serving tomba lift was a wise decision to avoid injury. But then, in stunning sunshine and sub zero temperatures, the hard packed base mainly of artificial snow started to provide amazingly acceptable ski conditions for us.

There are some exposed stones and whilst we enjoyed it all, it is pretty poor ski conditions. But clear sunshine seems to improve everything.

Lift queues up in the Shiligarnika and Buderitsa are up to forty minutes. The ski road is open. The Plato is served only by the T bar drag lift and was icy and less pleasant than the rest. All in all restrited ski conditions.

Weather Forecast

Weather forecast is for snow tomorrow and higher temperatures. Much more snow needed. The recent light dusting was just that. Bansko offering best conditions in Bulgaria with Borovets and Pamporovo reported to be in poor state.

This hard packed snow and even some ice on the snow road to the gondola lift, is dangerous for beginners. This along with the busy pistes makes for challenging conditions. So best to avoid learning on days like these and, if not so confident, be careful. The screach of the ambulance siren was as I went out to the shopping Mall (Bansko Mall by Bansko Royal Towers) would have been just one of many injuries today.

In the last ski fashion article I mentioned  my new Howies merino wool thermal vest. And with conditions of around -12 C, it passed the test.

So it’now time for a jacuzzi, sauana and steam room.

If you’re thinking of coming to Bansko, then try saving some cash and booking direct from owner apartments. Prices from €10 per night per person. Almost all of them have saunas, jacuzzi, massage and many have swimming pools

If you enjoyed this article and would like to receive more like this direct to your email inbox, then please subcribe. Absolutely no spam.

No related posts.

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

The ski season in Bansko started on 8th December when 12,000 people were estimated to be staying in the town to celebrate “The students’ day”. The mayor, Alexander Kravarov, said the students who filled the resort came not only from all over Bulgaria, but from Greece — with at least 200 visitors from there too.

The young, and merry students gave the pubs and bars a good start of the season. Shame I could not be there to enjoy the scene! The ski season has started. Officially, it starts with a bang…

Opening Ceremony

A spectacular official opening ceremony is planned for the 12th December 2009. Snow forecasts look good enough for skiing this weekend. Temperatures suddenly dropped and rain turned into snow on the highest peaks of the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopi mountains. The organizers at Ulen promised that the artificial snow cannons will be working at full blast to make sure there are appropriate ski conditions. And you can see them hard at work on the web cams on the side bar.

And for a good reason – some of the world’s champions in skiing will come all the way to Bansko for the event. This year’s glamorous opening is having a charity cause – raising funds to support children’s winter sports with the motto “Learn to ski”.

Ski Legends Super Race

Ski legends Mark Girardelli, Pirmin Zurbgiggen, Peter Popangeloff, Bojan Krizaj, Paul Accola, Patrick Ortlieb, Peter Mueller and Hubert Strolz are competing against each other, but this time for a noble cause – raising funds for the ski and snowboard education of more Bulgarian kids. All are expected to participate in a parallel slalom competition. The “Bansko ski legend super race” starts at 12:30 on the Alberto Tomba run.

The winners will be announced at 13:30 on a special open stage on Banderishka polyana, where at 14:00 there will be a concert of Bulgarian Music Idol stars. At the same time, all the ski celebrities will give a press conference.

In the evening, the event moves to the town. In my favourite bar for live music, the Happy End,, is where along with the party, there will be a charity auction selling some of the legends’ personal ski accessories at 22:40.

Snow And Web Site Relief

I am more than sure Bansko is worth visiting this weekend. But just ask you to save your cash – book direct with the owner one of these cracking value Bansko apartments.

No need to cross fingers for the snow… and please, come and open the season with us. It’s seemed a long wait, but now white stuff has arrived and I feel good today. This improved web site lay out went live today. What a relief – it’s been tricky — more improvements next week. But I’m very glad its done. So watch the best Bansko feel good video – and find a way to get your butt on a plane, train or automobile to Bansko sometime soon.

My Top 3 Rip-Offs

Not to dampen mine, or anyone else’s enthusiasm, but i’ll have a quick reflection on my personal top three Bansko rip offs in 08/09… will they change for 09/10?… yup — its the usual trio of mehanas rip off tricks, currency exchange fiddle and taxi bandits. Will the ban against touts be enforced this year? I hope so… what’s your wish for the coming season?

Lift prices remain the same as last year. But let’s see Ulen offer some deals for off peak times and for families.

No related posts.

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

Rain and above freezing temperatures come to Bansko.

Temperatures will drop this week but ski and board visitors may be a little disappointed to see some of the best runs, nine and four closed until end of February.

I maintain that the month of March from around the 5th or so, is a great time to come out to Bansko. Most runs will be open – assuming temperatures remain low.

There is no doubt that whilst the Alps have had the best year for probably fifteen years, Bansko is having an average year so far.

But we all know that weather changes and my bet is that, as almost always, Bansko sees some perfect snow conditions during the months of March and April.

Budget conscious skiers are discovering the joys of Bansko. But, and I don’t want to preach, I’m still hearing many tales of both regulars and new visitors alike getting ripped off.

A quick thank you to all subscribers for their feedback to the survey. Already the plans have changed and that is a a good thing.

Join now for the new updated February 2009 Bansko Blog Guide. It’s Free, of course.

And the Bansko Blog Guide is bang up to date on the best places to eat, places to avoid and many tips on getting the best out of Bansko.

The new guide has even more great tips ways from blog readers that help to make Bansko a better place to both visit, own and live in.

No related posts.

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

Bansko ski conditions saw some icy conditions today. Still only four lifts open. See video of the icy top half of the Tomba run and my Christmas Greetings to all readers.

Some queues were around 20 minutes as the picture above shows.

Many visitors come to Bansko for the atmosphere, food and some fresh air. However keen skiers are likely to be disappointed over the next few days. Although light snow is forecast every day for the next four days, it is unclear at this stage whether these will transpire to be the big dump needed to ensure the resort is fully open.

The run down to Bansko is fully open and was pleasant in the sunshine. Impressive snow making coverage has made this possible.

Looks like today’s high winds will subside. It will remain very cold.

But I was glad for all the thermal underwear today Inner gloves saved my fingers

A very Happy Christmas to all readers.

No related posts.

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