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.
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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.
