FAQ’s: Ski/Board Hire, Lessons, Lift Passes & Transfers

Welcome to Bansko Blog FAQs

At Bansko Blog, we understand that planning your skiing or snowboarding adventure in Bansko can raise various questions. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the essential details when booking with us on the website and in the Bansko Blog App. Please take a moment to read through these FAQs, and if you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us. Your satisfaction is our priority.

 

  1. Why Choose the Bansko Blog Pricing and Booking Form?

Our pricing and booking form is efficient, time-saving, and ensures accuracy. Since the 2008/09 ski season, we’ve maintained our reputation as the go-to value-for-money service that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Our specially developed form guarantees that you can book precisely what you need for yourself or your group.

 

  1. Where to Find Pricing Information

For detailed information on ski and snowboard hire, as well as lesson prices, please click here.

 

  1. Meeting Point for Group and Private Lessons

All Group and Private Lessons assemble right by the prominent piste map, which is conveniently located opposite the gondola lift.

 

  1. Discount Code

We’ve retired the need for a discount code; now, all discounts are automatically applied for your convenience. We recommend subscribing to the Bansko Blog newsletter for the latest tips and advice.

 

  1. Meeting Point for Group and Private Lessons

All Group and Private Lessons assemble right by the prominent piste map, which is conveniently located opposite the gondola lift

 

  1. Confirmation Email Not Received?

Chances are you’ve received an email confirmation. Please check your spam folder, and add “orders@banskoblog.com” to your contacts.

 

  1. Ski and Boot Storage

Yes, you can store your skis and boots overnight in the ski shop, and it’s free. If you have your own skis and boots and some of your group is renting from Bansko Blog, you can also store them for free. Otherwise, a small fee is applicable directly in the shop.

 

  1. Ski and Snowboard Swaps

Swapping skis, snowboards, or boots during the rental period is allowed and free of charge for all renters of premium equipment. Premium boots are from Lange, and most are new or nearly new. We offer a wide range of premium skis and snowboards for all levels of ability, including top brands like Volkl, Rossignol, Head, Salomon, and more.

 

  1. Ski and Snowboard Shop Locations

Bansko Blog exclusively partners with SkiMania, and there are two shops conveniently located 50 meters from the gondola building entrance:

  • 92A Pirin Street (main reception, just up from the gondola lift traffic lights).

And    113 Pirin Street (opposite shop number 1).

  • You can’t miss them; check the location map link in your booking confirmation for easy navigation.

 

  1. Secure Online Payments

Rest assured, your online payments are secure. We use MyPOS, one of Europe’s premier payment providers. We never store your credit card details, and your order is entirely processed within MyPOS.

 

  1. Bitcoin and Lightning Payments

Yes, you can use Bitcoin and Lightning to pay. If you wish to pay for the entire rental with Bitcoin or Lightning, please contact us for a manual payment request. Also, reach out to us directly for Bitcoin payment for your airport transfer.

 

  1. Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy is simple and straightforward: we do not store credit card details, nor do we share, sell, or rent customer details with any third parties.

 

  1. The Happiness Guarantee

Applies to lessons from our partners, SkiMania. If you’re not satisfied with your ski or board instructor, simply inform the manager on the same day, and you’ll receive another like-for-like lesson for FREE. Plus, you can change your skis and boots to another model of the same price or lower price band as many times as you wish.

 

  1. Cancellation Policy

Various cancellation policies apply to different circumstances. Please refer to our detailed cancellation policy on our website.

 

  1. Need Assistance with Booking?

If you encounter any issues with the online booking form, you can contact us via our website form, email at “orders@banskoblog.com,” or WhatsApp at +359 892 348600. You can also reach out to us on our Facebook page: Bansko Blog Facebook.

 

  1. Quality Equipment Brands

Rest assured, all our rental equipment is manufactured by recognized brands such as Head, Rossignol, Salomon, Volkl, Atomic, Burton, and Fischer, among others.

 

  1. Multilingual Instructors

Our ski instructors are fluent in English, Russian, and Bulgarian, with some instructors also proficient in Hebrew, Greek and French (please notify us well in advance for Hebrew, Greek and French).

 

  1. Group and Private Lesson Schedules

Group lessons are conducted in the morning (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM), each lasting 2 hours. Private lessons start in the morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM), subject to availability during peak seasons.

 

  1. Meeting Point for Lessons

All lessons meet at Banderishka Poliana, right by the prominent PISTE MAP, located at the top of the gondola lift. The Skimania reception will provide further guidance.

 

  1. Qualified Instructors

Rest assured, all our ski instructors are ISIA qualified.

 

  1. Booking Reference Number

You’ll receive your booking reference number via email immediately after placing your order. Please have it ready on your phone or in print when visiting Skimania.

 

  1. Transfer Information

Your transfer details, including contact and telephone number, will be sent in your confirmation. Reconfirmation is not necessary unless there’s a change in your flight time or date.

 

  1. Currency Accepted by Transfer Driver

Our transfer drivers only accept cash €Euros, Bulgarian leva, US $ Dollars and UK £ pounds (issued by the Bank of England) notes only. We use xe.com for the conversion rate from euros to the other accepted currencies.

 

  1. Medical Insurance in Bulgaria

Medical insurance is required by law in Bulgaria. Ensure you have adequate ski holiday insurance for your safety.

 

  1. Skiing with Children

We offer guidance on skiing with children, including the suitable age for learning and whether to choose group or private lessons. Feel free to reach out for personalized advice. Group lessons require a minimum age of 6 years old. Private lessons 5 years old minimum.

 

  1. Ski Equipment and Accessories

We provide helmet rentals for your safety, including special ladies’ models at no extra charge. Ski blades are also available upon request. Ski Jackets and trousers are available for hire in the booking form under ski / snowboard equipment options.

 

  1. Booking Deadlines

You can book our services up to two working days before your planned hire, lessons, or lift pass. Please note that services can be refused without reason but with a full refund of monies.

 

  1. Extended Stays and Special Requests

If you plan to stay longer than 14 days or have special requests, please contact us directly for a quote and customized arrangements.

 

  1. Lost, Stolen or Damaged Equipment

In case of lost, stolen or damaged equipment, you are responsible for replacement and repair costs. We recommend taking out our special insurance that covers ski rental cancellation and equipment loss, theft, or damage. This insurance option (tick box) must be selected at the same time as your booking.

 

  1. Detailed Cancellation Policy

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we want to ensure you’re informed about our cancellation policies:

  • If cancellation is due to airline flight cancellation, leading you to cancel your holiday, then a 50% refund of your deposit will be issued.
  • To request a refund, you must advise us before the day of hire/lessons.
  • If pregnancy prevents you from traveling to Bansko, you will receive a 95% refund of monies paid for ski/snowboard hire and lessons.
  • The Happiness Guarantee does not offer a cash refund.

 

  1. Company Information

At Bansko Blog, we take pride in providing you with reliable and enjoyable skiing and snowboarding experiences. Here’s some essential information about us:

  • Bansko Blog & App: Since 1998, Lance Nelson has been delivering trusted content on banskoblog.com. Since 2012, the Bansko Blog App has served millions of Bansko visitors with vlogs, lift info, restaurant booking, and much more.
  • Booking Form Management: The booking form at https://book.banskoblog.com and in-app is managed by Zavedenia.BG OOD, Mladost 1A, 29A, Entr.V., Sofia. Company Reg. No: 200693745. MOL (Manager): Atanas Tonchev.
  • Ski and Snowboard Hire and Lessons: BanskoSkiMania, our partner, has been in operation since 2003. Your contract for hire and lessons is directly with them, and your balance of payment is also made to them.

 

  1. Additional Information

For any further inquiries or specific concerns not covered in these FAQs, please feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to make your Bansko adventure enjoyable and memorable.

Thank you for choosing Bansko Blog for your skiing and snowboarding experience in Bansko. We look forward to assisting you with a fantastic winter vacation!