Snow forecast — the season keeps going

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.