Bansko has turned into the most advanced Eastern European winter resort.

Its skiing areas extend between 2000-2500 m above sea level – and its state-of-the-art lift network and 70km of pristine runs provide for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.

Every year Bansko is host to a growing number of national and international ski and snowboard competitions. This year part of the Ski World Cup takes place in Bansko.

There are ample places that offer ski or snowboard lessons and equipment rentals. Beginners and professionals are virtually guaranteed to have a great time on the slopes between the end of November and mid April. Snowboarders will enjoy the half-pipe facilities.

Since Bansko also hosts a multitude of biathlon championships, fans of cross country skiing are not left out. The nursery slopes are ideal for families with children and also for sledging.

But Bansko is much more than just a winter resort. It offers activities and fun all year round.

Hiking to one of the more than 150 mountain lakes in the Pirin National Park is a hit with the visiting families. Splendid nature, rare plants and gorgeous lakes (where you can even see wild horses, if you are lucky) make for a memorable experience. The shortest routes are not more than 40 minutes (one direction) from the starting point Vihren Hut. Shuttle buses connect it to the Bansko town centre in summer.

There are various quite well marked hiking routes for all levels of hikers.

The more serious hikers have the option to go trekking from hut to hut, where they can stay overnight, amidst completely unspoiled nature. Something rarely available in other parts of Europe.

The Tourist Info Centre sells detailed maps with all the various hiking routes.

Due to the alpine character of the Pirin Mountains, mounting climbing is also a very popular summer sport in Bansko. You can get up to the Vihren peak without stress but you also can hire a guide and climb some steep mountain faces.

Mountain biking has become much in fashion over the last years and you can rent bikes at many hotels and from specialised shops. A map with mountain bike routes is available from the Tourist Info Centre.

For the more adventurous Bansko offers paragliding down from the mountains.

Predominantly in spring white water rafting on the river Struma is great fun for the family or a group of friends. Some of the mountain lakes (famous for their Bulgarian trout) and the nearby rivers are ideal for fly and coarse fishing. You can combine it with a picnic for the family (just make sure you bring some extra food in case you don’t catch anything. And don’t forget to obtain a fishing license beforehand or go with a local guide).

There are several horse riding stables in the vicinity of Bansko that cater to beginners and experienced riders. They offer everything from a one-hour excursion on horse-back in unspoiled nature with a following picnic for the whole family to several-day trekking in the Rila National Park for the enthusiast.

A pleasant family excursion is a visit to the park for liberated dancing-bears in Belitza. There you can watch the bears in their natural habitat.

In summer there are various swimming pools in Bansko and neighbouring Dobrinishte where you can splash out with your kids. The more than 100 (!) traditional taverns in Bansko (called "mehana") are famous throughout Bulgaria for their local cuisine (mainly stews and meat dishes) and their bands playing traditional folk music (that will tempt even you to join in the local "horo" dance after a drink or two). In addition Bulgarian cuisine also offers a great variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. Bulgarian tradition has it that you should start every meal with a salad and a "rakia" (Bulgarian schnapps).

Nowadays there are all varieties of restaurants in Bansko, pizza places, steak houses and even Indian cuisine. Cafes abound and most Discos and night clubs work without time limit, usually closing early in the morning.