Bansko Goes Global at The Weekend

In this week’s Buzz:

• I received a parking fine. How do I pay it?

• Local municipality reminds residents & tourists about recycling waste

• What will the snow be like in March/April?

• Bansko like a local tour with Nick from the Bansko Buzz

• 5-course fine dining event at The Chef’s House

• List of regular events every week during the winter season

• Observations about price rounding and being given Leva instead of Euros

International Snowboarding Competition Returns for Another Year

The Bansko World Cup (aka the FIS Snowboarding World Cup) comes to Bansko at the weekend. For the last 9 years, Bansko has hosted this event, which brings over 100 athletes from 20+ countries to compete for the win. It also means the town attracts competitors, their teams, and tourists who want to watch the competition.

Here’s a rundown of the timing for the event issued by the organisers:

Friday 16th
6pm — teams parade from Four Points (opposite Pirin 75) to Happy-End
6.30pm — official opening ceremony

Saturday 17th
Banderishka Polyana
9am — Qualifiers
1pm — Finals

Town Square
5.30pm — Start
6pm — Awards ceremony
6.30pm — Bib draw
7pm — Music concert

Sunday 17th
Banderishka Polyana
8.45am — Qualifiers
12.45pm — Finals

2.30pm — Awards ceremony (at the finish area)

If you ski or snowboard in Bansko, then remember that the slopes/lifts will be busier in general, and Tomba will be closed on both competition days. To read more about the Bansko World Cup, head to their website here.

5-Course Fine Dining Event at The Chef’s House

We are proud to present the return of multi-award-winning chef Steve Vella to The Chef’s House for an unforgettable culinary experience. This time, we’re elevating the experience with Aleks Popov and his mesmerising saxophone performance.

Experience the perfect combination of flavours with this 5-course dinner:
1. “Fake” Caprese Salad (burrata, tomato, edible soil)
2. Steamed Bun (with truffle braised beef cheeks)
3. Cacio e Pepe Risotto (with snails & crispy kale)
4. Chef’s Beef Fillet (with serrano ham, chicken mousse, garden herbs & crushed potatoes)
5. Home-made Pumpkin Cheesecake

The perfect harmony of fine dining and live music: only €75 per person (includes a bottle of Logodaj wine per 2 persons).

👉️ BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 234 New Posts, 💬 1,277 Comments, 👍️ 4,414 Reactions

I Received a Parking Fine, But How Do I Pay it?
Debbie recently got a parking fine and wanted to know how to pay it. See what methods people suggested.

Just Booked My Trip, But Hearing Stories of People Being Ripped Off in Bansko
Jade wants to know whether there’s any truth to Facebook and other social media posts about people being ripped off in Bansko, and whether it’s really that bad or just a load of hype.

Crystal Ball Prediction: What Will The Snow Be Like in March/April?
Scott wonders what the weather and snow conditions on the mountain are like in March and April, as he’s considering coming to Bansko to ski.

I’m Looking For Ginger That Isn’t From China. Anyone Know Where to Buy?
Anastasia asked whether anyone knew of a shop/store selling fresh ginger that wasn’t from China, as she wants one that's organic and less heavily sprayed than the Chinese ones.

NRA & CPC Visit Bansko Ski Resort
I posted that the NRA (National Revenue Agency) and the CPC (Consumer Protection Commission) were visiting Bansko (and other winter resorts) to ensure businesses are acting lawfully regarding the transition from BGN to EUR prices.

Bansko & Beyond

Local Municipality Reminds People of Recycling Waste
Bansko Municipality has reminded people to separate their waste (glass, plastic, and cardboard/paper) and place these recyclable items in the green, yellow, and blue bins around town. Such a shame they don’t empty them more often in busy periods, though. Read more.

Bansko Starts The New Year With Sports Gold
Stella Yanchovicina took part in the World Paralympics in Slovakia, winning gold for Bulgaria in the Giant Slalom. This puts her on track to be selected as a competing athlete for the Bulgarian team at the Winter Paralympic Games in Italy in March. Read more.

Recent Winds & Snowfall Cause Issues With Access Roads To The Mountain
The weather has been quite changeable over the last week in Bansko, with high winds causing trees and branches to obstruct roads and close them. The mayor issued a warning to residents and tourists to be careful. Read more.

New to Bansko? Skip the tourist traps and join Nick for Bansko Like a Local tour. An insider’s guide to the best bars, restaurants/mehanas and hidden gems. Learn more.

Shop on Amazon & get packages delivered to Bansko with GGBG. Regular transport from the UK, Germany and the USA to Bulgaria. See website for info.

Travelling out of your home country this year? Get travel insurance designed by travellers. True Traveller: one policy to cover all of your activities. Learn more.

Join over 60 million people using Revolut. Hold Euros in your account and pay local businesses in Bansko easily. Sign up for an account now.

Enjoy reading the Bansko Buzz every Sunday? Caffeine fuels Nick’s Sundays as he researches and writes the newsletter. Buy Nick a coffee.

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Events Next Week

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz
This will take place tomorrow (Monday 12th) at George and Mary. The quiz starts at 7.30pm and the entry fee is 5€. More info.

Rethinking: Therapy Cards (Razlog)
Harmoniya is running a therapy cards session in Razlog on Tuesday (13th) at 7pm. This event should help you uncover the answers that are already inside you. Price is 17,90€. More info.

Telescopes Under The Stars (Planetarium)
These take place on Fridays and Saturdays 7pm to 8pm (price 7€) and lectures on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm to 4.30pm (price 5€). The lectures will be in English or Russian. More info.

With the Scent of Christmas Exhibition
Running until Tuesday 20th of January, the Young Bulgarian Artists Association will have a "with the scent of Christmas" exhibition at the Tourist Information Center in Bansko. Display times are when the information center is open.

Beer Buddies Craft Beer Tasting
On Friday (16th) at 7pm, Pivoteka craft beer shop is having a beer tasting event for individuals who want to try craft beer but aren’t to sure which one to choose. Try up to five different beers. Entry price is 7€. More info.

Girl’s Talk — Art for the Soul
On Saturday (17th) from 12pm there will be a cosy painting session designed for girls and women at Anita’s Art Studio. Price is 25€ and includes tea, coffee and macarons. More info.

DJ Dian Solo 90s and 2000s Party at Bar Canto
On Saturday (17th), starting at 9pm, DJ Sian Solo will be playing the greatest hits from the 90s and 2000s at Bar Canto (underneath Alpen Italian restaurant). Dancing and drinking until late. More info.

Event Day at Anita’s Art Studio
On Saturday (17th), Anita’s Art Studio will host an event day that includes: a painting workshop (12pm), a soap-making & wine workshop, and a wine-tasting evening. Prices vary. More info.

Regular Weekly Events

Here is a list of the regular events that will be happening every week throughout the winter season:

- Pub Quiz: Monday from 7pm at different venues (Bansko Street Dogs).
- Bansko Run Club(ish): Tuesday at 6.30pm meet at Altspace Coworking (Central).
- Latin Dance Night: Tuesday from 7pm at Four Leaf Clover.
- Pool Tournament: Thursday from 6.30pm at Smokey Mountain.
- Bingo: Thursday from 7pm at The Hub.
- Friday Beers: Friday 6pm to 8pm at Altspace Coworking (Central) [BYOB].
- Latin Dance Night: Friday from 7pm at DiVino.
- Karaoke: Friday from 8pm at Tipsy 360.
- BSD Saturday Sale: Saturday 10am to 2pm at Bansko Street Dogs shelter.
- Sunday Walk: Sunday from 11am, meeting at the gondola.

Photo of the Week

When the night lights come on, the town reveals something different.

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