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.

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.

Still the same great 20% off for prepay.

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. Hire, lift passes and transfers still fine.

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% off a bottle of spirits when mentioning 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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The recent snow falls in Bansko provided improved ski conditions. Richard shows the weather, and describes his assessment of the conditions day. And it’s all good for him! With many put off coming to Bansko by the lack of snow, there were few lift lines to speak of and the sunny spells made for a fine day. More fresh snow overnight and tomorrow. For the latest “No B.S” snow reports subscribe to Bansko Blog YouTube channel.

Picture Taken 23rd January 2010

Weather Forecast

I prefer taking a look at the UK’s Met Office weather charts, http://www.weathercharts.org/ukmomslp.htm, when forecasting weather for the next five days. And today I thought I would share with you what I see for Thursday:

UK Met Office Weather Chart:Thursday 27th January 2011

If you are able to locate Bulgaria in the map above, you will see a number of weather fronts in a low pressure weather system crossing the region. This will bring precipitation, and therefore snow in Bansko on Thursday.

Picture Taken Sunday 23rd January 2011

Temperatures will be cold this coming week. This is good news, as the piste preparation for the Tomba Men’s World Cup course for 26th and 27th February can continue. I think therefore, it is highly likely that the event will go ahead as planned.

Restaurants: Have You Found Your Favourite For 2011?

My revised Top 10 restaurants will be out soon. But in there will my recent favourites: ByTheWay (Lavina complex; classic Italian, excellent service: upscale vibe), The Kempinsky (especially the Sushi and Tempanyaki restaurant), St George’s Palace (Italian and international dishes, stylish setting), Avalon Hotel (no smoking — yes!), Axemans (burgers and good service) and the Victoria (value Italian dining, opposite the Kempinsky).

A full list will be sent out in a newsletter to subscribers soon. But what are your favourites in Bansko and the surrounding area? More reports please from the Pirin golf club restaurant would be welcome — and any others that you have enjoyed so far this ski season.

Thank you to bulgarienbo.com for sponsoring the snow report today. For a free listing of your Bansko property, click here.

Welcome to our new bansko blog sponsor: Crowndevelopments.com — Professionally designed home kitchen and furnishing style from perfectionists, Warren and Yana Mace.

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Tips Of The Day

• Last few group lesson places available for ski school in February. Click for 20% off ski/snowboard lessons and hire. Book soon to avoid disappointment.
• Buy your lift pass for the following day at the gondola station after 4:30 (shuts 10:30pm Thursday to Saturday. 5.30pm Sunday to Wednesday)

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This snow report is hot! And that’s not just the warm sunshine you see here; nor the sprinkling of overnight snow. Keep watching till the end.

No lift queues, and glorious sunshine made for me a much better day in the mountains than it had right to be. Vassilena joined me to help on extend video coverage. Great job. Thank you. Even though it’s very far from perfect ski conditions, there were people, like us, out enjoying the sunshine.

After another great dinner at St George’s Palace restaurant, and a fine local mehana pork steak at the Kulato, in Bansko, it was nice to get out and blow the cobwebs away. There were some tricky icy patches. A few stones were to be avoided too. The plato is shut and less than half the runs are open.

Picture Taken 16th January 2011

Snow arrives on Friday 21st through to Sunday 23rd. After that, it is still too early to be sure. Please subscribe to newsletter for more snow and weather news and to youtube for the snow and weather reports as they go live. In addition, we have more info on the forthcoming World Cup Bansko stage: 26th and 27th February. I recommend coming to Bansko for this World Cup weekend. Not to ski particularly — but for a tremendous party atmosphere. An event watched by tens of millions of people all around the world. As media partners for the event, Bansko Blog will be bringing you World Cup interviews, info and news over the coming weeks.

Blog Sponsor

With record numbers of web views this last week, the blog team are opening the site for more snow reports and blog sponsors. Thank you to bulgarienbo.com for sponsoring the snow report today. For a free listing of your Bansko property, click here.

Picture Taken On The Tomba 16th January 2011

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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

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