Bansko plateau in February's cold days

The last week has seen high temperatures. Glorious Bansko days.

All this meaning melting snow. So I’m taking a look at the weather charts and we will have lower temperatures arriving today. So a little good news; the rate of melting snow will slow down. BUT the heavy rain will really cause severe damage to the snow cover.

Tuesday is looking promising with lower temperatures, and bright sunshine.

Expect more rain in town, and (hopefully) snow on the very upper pistes today. The snow road is still open, but for how much longer it is difficult to say. It is likely there could be snow Thursday — but again hard to predict if this will be falling as snow. It could be snow destroying rain higher up.

The season ending

Whilst Ulen, the lift operator, seem keen to keep lifts open until 16th April, mother nature will have the ultimate say.

The large snow falls in February are helping to keep the upper slopes in good shape for the time being. But when the precipitation falls as rain, then we’ll see some piste closures soon. I only look five days ahead, as longer than that becomes guess work — but, at the moment, there is now sign of low temperatures moving in to give us a vintage end to the season we are wishing for.

The show goes on

Sunshine, and softer snow, do make for a good time to learn to ski. Long days and morning light make it easier to rise in the morning.

Thinking of gear

I don’t know why, but every year I get tempted to look at some gear for the following season. Is it the decent deals on online stores (my polarized Oakley goggles from freezeproshop.co uk were just too enticing a deal to resist) or was it just wanting to keep my enthusiasm going?

Or still working on that carving technique?

I have no idea.

But I do know I am not alone in this desire for a gear refresh. Is your jacket, like mine, looking a little dated?

Now can be a good time to look around for a deal. Most of the links in the ski fashion articles are still relevant. Bansko town has plenty of choice from nice apres ski gear from Conte de Florence and high end brands in Max Sport in the Kempinski to more affordable options elsewhere.

Do be careful when buying gear in Bansko; not all brands sold are the genuine article.

Bansko app and Bansko mobile

I have been encouraged by the comments on twitter on the usefulness of the App. In particular, the usage is looking very good. Motivating news for me to keep the focus on improving it as fast as a programmer and graphic designer can work!

The first of regular updates will be live soon. Be sure to download the Bansko app for iphone, ipad and ipod touch. Comment on itunes if you can.

Whilst the Android app is under development, I’m rolling out a series of upgrades to make the app useful in the summer. A new picture gallery will feature in this first upgrade. More on this soon.

In the meantime, Bansko Blog has a mobile version which is automatically accessed from any mobile phone when going to banskoblog.com. Live web streaming web cams, blog, video and more.

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Fine ski days. More like these coming up

Oh yes, the fresh snow in Bansko has injected yet more excitement into this vintage snow season. I was out again testing freestyle WhiteDot skis in some safe off piste areas.

Happy days.

There’s no doubt about it, my having joined several group skimania classes my technique has improved no end this season. Taking some lessons really make the difference to the many who feel stuck in the “intermediate rut”.

Practice in the fresh snow

And here’s the thing. When we have those big flakes floating like parachutes in the still air, I also see many skiers (not so much snow boarders) struggle to turn.

Time for honing that technique.

From the band of skimania instrutors I’ve been gaining tips from Theodore to Nickolai, Marine to Vessi and of course George himself. There’s a ski and snow board instrutor waiting at skimania that will take your skills to the next level. Be sure to book and if a six day lift pass is to be ordered, I require at least five day’s notice.

Crikey! more snow 

Yes, Monday will see the snow tumble down. Temperatures being a little higher, this will be wet snow lower down. But higher up, this new fall will make for some fine conditions on Tuesday and onwards.

From Friday 15th for at the three days temperatures will rise

Restaurant reviews

Dedo Kotse, pork, peppers and potatoes

Here’s quick round up of some of the places I’ve been visiting over the last few weeks. Like many here, I try and avoid places with touts outside. Just don’t like it (and it’s against the law).

Dedo Kotse, an excellent mehana, which from my recent visit still delivers value and quality. Open all year. Located by the main (lower) square. Live rock music (think Bryan Adama, Bon Jovi style) to accompany traditional Bansko dishes. Local prices and friendly service. Well worth strolling down Pirin street passing the touts and going to Dedo Kotse. Picture above of my  pork dish from Friday evening. Flaming rakia too. A nice touch.

Dedo Kotse, flaming rakia

Queen’s pub has had a beer price increase. Reports on food, and service, still variable.

Euphoria, located by turning right at the main traffic lights, before the Kempinski hotel, has sunny terraces. Good for the longer evenings. Food reports still variable. Menue too large. But friendly and attentive service on my last visit. Excellent live band Wednesday / Thursday. Check before visiting. Live Sky football.

Victoria, opposite the Kempinski, new Bansko menu. Try the spinach salad. No smoking area is huge plus. It is well worth a try. Safe, but still recommended. Delivery service too.

Mezze restaurant at Lavina complex is part of a small Sofia chain. Nice.

Click on image to download iphone app

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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.

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Picture taken 4th February 2012. Banderishka Poliana (ski school meeting place)

Bansko town snow melting for a few days. Warmer temperatures in town of around 4 C have were feeling positively tropical. Here’s a video of the conditions. But read on for the amazing snow news.

But this should be only a temporary moment. It’s dumping snow hard in Sofia.

Whilst up on the Pirin the slopes are delivering. High winds closed the Plato area yesterday.  My views on the The FIS Women’s and Men’s Ski World Cup events are mixed. It is frustrating that some slopes are shut until the end of the month. Short term sacrifice for the long term image and confidence for the development of Bansko’s facilities.

Snow forecast is…

picture taken 4th February 2012. Off piste

January was excellent and now February is already turning out to be very good too. We are set for three days of SNOW. Monday sees temperatures fall again and the town of Bansko made white again. Happy days.

There is a series of snow storms passing through. I am not sure I have seen such weather charts ever before for this region.

As I type this, it is already hard in Sofia and snowing up on the mountain. It is a series of storm depressions centring themselves near and over Greece. They will work their snowy magic on Bansko’s slopes.

My forecast: another 50cm of fresh snow falling between today and Wednesday.

There may be MUCH more snow than this. Possible over 1 metre will fall on Todorka.

The ski conditions by Thursday will be just fabulous. The week commencing the 13th February is now assured to be excellent snow conditions.

UPDATE : MORE SNOW ARRIVING ON SUNDAY 12th & MONDAY 13th. 30cm+!

Too much of a good thing

The downside is…

Closed plateau (Plato) lifts due to high winds again today. The isobars are close together indicating storm winds for the coming days. We’ll see.

The other concern are travel plans. Some flights may get diverted or delayed due to snow. Although I rarely hear for Bulgaria Air being diverted, but this week we saw 1 cm of snow in Heathrow cause disruption in BA’s schedule. Far more problems than 20 cm in Sofia.

The Bulgarian snow ploughs, tractors and gritters have been very visible in town. They are also doing a fabulous job keeping open the main E79 and the Predela pass road from Simitli to Bansko.

That said, I only just made it over the pass last week during a snow storm, some didn’t. Whilst high quality winter tyres make all the difference, snow chains may be required for packed ice and snow. Coming by car? Then chains in the boot that you know how to fit…

… Sapiens qui prospicit (Wise is the person who looks ahead).

Special equipment rental

Skimania’s WhiteDot skis continue to rent well this season — as well as the whole advanced range. Same goes for the VIP range; with a good choice of twin tips and all mountain skis and premium snow boards. Skiers should go wide for this fresh powder snow.

Ski package bookings now being taken for March, but lesson dates filling up fast, so do please book soon. Sorry, no more prepay lessons for February. Some dates for hire, lift passes and transfers available. Five working days notice required

Subscribe for food and drink updates and general Bansko news. My big find are two excellent acts iGroove and Taboo at Sing Sing piano bar. Bansko’s piano bars are well worth a try and Sing Sing is my favourite. 10% discount on a bottle of spirits . Mention Bansko Blog when reserving your table.

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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.

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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.

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6th Janaury 2012. The BIG dump. 11:00 am today

The Bansko snow arrived today; bringing much joy. The snow forecast looks also good for more snow on Sunday. Powder skiing now on. Even more snow on its way for Monday — so the rest of January is going to be great for taking a break for skiing in Bansko.

Over 40cm has fallen so far today and I expect, by Tuesday 10th January well over 80cm of snow to have fallen.

Picture taken by Mark Empsey on 6th January 2012 at the Peshterite restaurant

So if it’s a good time to come to Bansko, then it;s also a good time to save on your ski hire. lessons, lift passes and transfers. Go to ski packages.

If  the live web cam is down — it should be up live again soon. Some queues today; so timing your trip to the gondola lift is important for this peak period.

Readers’ comments on the snow conditions are always welcome. Twitter @bansko. Bansko snow and piste conditions on the mountain are always a help.

And tweet to @bansko any ski info you would like share with others via a retweet. I always follow you back.

Think you are advanced? Can you carve like the instructors? If not, then try some lessons. Learn how to carve those sweeping turns. Like me you’ll start enjoying your skiing more. Same story for snowboarding better.

Don’t take my word for it. Here’s what one client who booked his ski package on Bansko Blog emailed me today:

Tips Of The Day

1.  Name days

Tomorrow, the 7th is a lot of name days in Bulgaria. These are bigger than birthdays for Bulgarians. There are thousands of Ivans in Bansko. So wish your Ivan happy name day on their name day; 7th January!

The full list of names who have their name day on the 7th is:

Ioan, Ioana, Yoan, Yoana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivet, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vanya, Vanyo, Zhan, Zhana

More name day info on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_Name_Days

2.  Homes to rent

A special welcome to a recommended new home to rent. This three bedroom luxury property is in Prespa and with, its log fire, spacious living areas and fine views, it is much more than a place to stay.

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Bansko weather and snow forecast is brought to us today by Siri.

Or rather the Siri that sparks into life at a prolonged press of my Apple iphone 4s button. Gimmick or the future? Well take a look at the video and then come back on Monday or Tuesday to see if the forecast snow arrives, as per Siri’s prediction, in Bansko.

Picture taken: 13th March 2009

Siri’s Snow Forecast vs Me

Actually, the snow will arrive higher up the Pirin on Friday. So maybe we shouldn’t be too harsh on Siri if it does in fact arrive Friday or Saturday — something she seems to think won’t happen in Bansko town.

I made a bold snow prediction for this week in my last video blog, taken at Asenova Kushta restaurant in Godlevo, so it just has to snow. But one thing is for sure, with or without Siri, snow in Bansko is what brings a big smile to many of us.

Siri's Forecast

Enough of me. Just check out Siri in the video. The fact is that the Apple iPhone makes just the perfect skiing gadget. Whilst Siri has already been quite handy, its main use so far, is for taking really decent pictures and video.

Hope they fix the battery software issue soon. Won’t last a day at the moment.

The charts show the huge cold front now starting to move down from Siberia. So, from Russia with love, the front will bring with it plenty of cold air and moisture.

A recipe, for snow.

Stay tuned, watch the live web cam, and I’ll be bringing another video snow report soon.

Tip Of The Day

Click here

We have literally a handful of private lessons slots left in peak holiday periods.

Download your prices and booking form here. 22% discount on in resort prices on ski hire and ski school/lessons.

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The Bansko ski season seems to be ending early this year. Sunday 3rd April will be the last day of the ski lifts will be operating. UPDATE : ULEN CONFIRM ON BANSKOSKI.COM,  THAT LIFTS SHUT SUNDAY 3rd APRIL. I am not certain if this is just a commercial decision from Ulen, or one which is based on their snow forecast. More on this later. But first, David brings us the ski conditions in glorious video.

Thanks David, love the white dot skis! Superb spring ski conditions. High up on the Pirin mountains its been freezing overnight. Up to around 12.30pm the conditions have been some of the best all year. Then the sun has been getting strong — up to 20 degrees on the web cam in town. Take a peek at the web cam. Watch ladies and gents strolling past in spring outfits. So often March is the favourite time to come catch good skiing and serious sunshine in Bansko.

Weather And Snow Forecast

It’s looking like snow Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly Thursday and Friday. Did I say snow? Well, it will be rain in town. My uncertainty is at what height this rain starts falling as snow. Herein lies the problem ahead. It may be only on the plato that there is snow, and elsewhere its rain. The slopes will be damaged and, frankly it may seem a less harsh decision to close the lifts for the week commencing 4th April – a very popular holiday week for UK visitors. This is because of the UK private school holidays start from around the 1st April.

Click For Met Office Weather Chart

Click on the Met Offfice chart to see the low pressure weather system that sits nicely over the region.

Snow, But No Lifts

Have Ulen screwed up? Let’s look at the evidence… I think visitor numbers are lower than expected and are forecast to be lower due to the late Easter this year. So arguably, for Ulen, its best to close the lifts with good notice. Fair enough, there is no point in running empty lifts. Even this would be okay if there was an official announcement on Ulen web site, banskoski.com. But there isn’t — why not? Please tell me Ulen. Or anyone else please comment below.

There is a very high chance that salt will be rubbed into the ski wound. Yes, those “lucky” April Bansko visitors now be facing the prospect of no lifts. But there WILL be more SNOW arriving 4th April. Some cooler air and precipitation should provide a fresh covering — with even off piste potential. Folks staying in Bansko with the prospect of a ski-less winter holiday may have an option. So, assuming the lifts are not working in Bansko, try heading for Dobrinishte Bezbog chair lift. It’s just a 20 minute drive away (best in a 4×4). This lift could be working if there is nice fresh snow. In any event, it’s very beautiful there.

Let me know what you think? Why not register for newsletter, that brings year round news on a whole host of topics from weather to wine. From Jamiroquai and Elevation rock festival to jazz and opera festival comment and news.

UPDATE:  LIFTS SHUT Sunday 3rd April (last day). I now agree with this decision. Snow will be useless. Ulen you tried hard – adjusted your decision based on a revised forecast and then changed it back when it became clear that it will be terrible conditions. There’s no winning.

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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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