Bansko puts rescue teams to the test

In this week’s Buzz:

• It feels like my money doesn’t go as far as it used to. Anyone else think the same?

• Search and rescue exercise to take place on Thursday

• Mayor issues order for dog census to be completed by end of November

• Bansko looks to attract more Polish tourists for ski holidays

• Learn to breakdance workshop

• Fire breaks out at aparthotel in Bansko

• A few weeks of quiet in town before preparations begin for ski season

A simulated aircraft accident on Thursday will bring together mountain rescue teams, HEMS, the Bulgarian Air Force, Border Police and other emergency services

On Thursday (5th), a full-scale search and rescue exercise will take place at Banderishka Polyana, involving several government administrations/agencies and volunteer organisations.

The exercise, named SAREX-26, is set to run from 10am to 1pm and will simulate an aviation accident requiring a coordinated mountain rescue, and will involve the following organisations:

• Bansko Mountain Rescue Service

• Mountain Rescue Service Dog Team

• Bulgarian Border Police

• Fire Service personnel from Bansko, Blagoevgrad and Sofia

• Bulgarian Air Force

• HEMS Sofia

• Bansko Police

• Pirin National Park

• Sveto Blagoveshtenie Medical Centre

More than one helicopter is expected to be in the area, with the Bulgarian Air Force, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS: Red Angels), and the Border Police helicopter all expected to participate. So, there might be quite a lot of flights between Banderishka Polyana and the main gondola car park in town.

I assume spectators will be permitted as long as they don't interfere or get in the way. The two main activity areas will be in the Banderishka Polyana area and at the base station (car park) of the gondola. If I were going up to Banderishka Polyana I'd either park at the top of the gondola and watch from there or drive up to one of the car parks above the location on the mountain road – there is a partial aircraft structure being used for the exercise that is fairly close to the mountain road (uphill from the I ❤️ Bansko sign).

The exercise objective is to “…assess the readiness of the participating organisations and improve coordination and cooperation between them when responding to an aviation accident and conducting a rescue operation in mountainous terrain.” It looks like a lot of planning and effort has gone into it all and hopefully everything goes to plan.

One thing I noticed in the above photo. The pilot/air crew are posing for a photo while a helicopter (hopefully not theirs!) takes off in the background. It’d be pretty embarrassing if your helicopter is stolen like that. 😂 

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 57 New Posts, 💬 264 Comments, 👍️ 736 Reactions

I want to get rid of an old sofa. What’s the best way?
Miroslav wants to buy a new sofa, but wants to get rid of his current one. Stores won’t help him out, so he asked the community. A few people had different suggestions.

My money doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to. Anyone else think the same?
Roy posted that he’s been looking at the amount he spends in EUR compared to BGN and says it feels like his money doesn’t go as far as it used to since euro adoption. Some people disagreed.

I watched this great video on the history of Bulgaria
Ian posted a YouTube video on the history of Bulgaria and thinks we should watch it because it’ll be educational.

Are apartments still around £15-25k to purchase?
Some people thought it was a joke at first, but Alex asked whether he’d be able to buy an apartment in Bansko for £15-25k (€17-30k) when he comes to town this weekend. See what people had to say.

Bansko & Beyond

Bansko mayor publishes order for dog census
The local municipality has published an order by the mayor, Stoycho Banenski, that a census of all domestic dogs in the municipality is to be conducted. The census is expected to start in a few days, but no other information is available beyond the fact that it will be completed by 30th of November and that Deputy Mayor Magdalena Yuseva is overseeing the project. I expect we’ll see a post or two on social media this coming week. Read the order. [Translation required.]

New bar opening in town where Contrabar is/was
A new bar called Maimunarnika (roughly translates to The Monkey House) will open sometime in November where Contrabar is/was on Yavor Street, across the road from the closed-down Bansko Mall. It will be a bar with music, après-ski, and food. Their Sofia location seems quite popular. Read more.

Bansko waste collection services unchanged for 2027
Bansko Municipality has published its waste collection and cleaning services order for 2027. A direct comparison with the 2026 order shows no changes to collection frequency or service areas. Read the order. [Translation required.]

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• Fire breaks out at aparthotel in Bansko (St John area) [Translation required.]

• FC Bansko with fifth consecutive victory solidifies second place. [Translation required.]

• Bansko looks to attract more Polish tourists for ski holidays [Translation required.]

• Bulgaria’s food price row escalates as retail chains face inspections and fines

• Bulgarian firms fined €310,000 over fake German butter

• Bulgaria and Malta with second-lowest household electricity prices in EU 

Recommended Businesses

Join over 80 million people using Revolut. Hold euros in your account and pay local Bansko businesses easily. Sign up for an account now.

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Want to know about upcoming businesses opening, early rumours (that turn out to be true), and a bit more insight into what’s happening in Bansko? Join The Beehive. Learn more.

Shop online & receive packages delivered to Bansko with GGBG. Regular journeys from the UK, Germany and the USA to Bulgaria. See website for info.

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Events Next Week

Bansko Run Club
On Tuesday (3rd), meeting at 6.30pm at Altspace Central location on Gotse Delchev Street, have a run with others around town, covering a distance of 5km and finishing up at a local bar. More info.

Learn to breakdance workshop
On Tuesday (3rd) from 7pm to 8.30pm, children six years and over can join hip-hop scene sensation Trixter (aka Dobrin Yanev) at the Moveo studio on Tsar Samuil Street to learn how to breakdance. Breakdance “…combines unconventional movements, impressive footwork, acrobatic elements and improvisation, and encourages freedom, rhythm and your own unique style.” Price is €10. More info.

Experience a journey of self-discovery through reading (Razlog)
On Wednesday (4th), at Ether Studio in Razlog, join Maria, Irina and Kristian to explore the roots of your own strength and inspiration, using creative techniques and guided by the sounds of Krissy. The session will cover four heroines from classic novels with their unique expressions of feminine energy. Starts at 6.30pm. Price is €12. More info. [Translation required.]

See Ya Art event
On Saturday (7th) from 3.30pm at Molerite Mehana, join for an afternoon of art, good wine, and great company. Artist Asen Kirov will guide you in creating your own interpretation of Vihren. No previous painting experience is needed. The price is €30 and includes a glass of wine, a selection of traditional Bansko appetisers, and all painting materials. More info.

Services of Remembrance
The British Embassy Sofia has organised two remembrance services in Bulgaria. On Remembrance Sunday (8th), a service will take place at the British Community's Military Cemeteries in Plovdiv at 11am. On Remembrance Day (Wednesday 11th), a joint ceremony will take place with the embassies of Ireland, Germany, Italy and France in Sofia at the Central Sofia Cemeteries, starting at 10.50am. More info.

There’s also a jazz festival happening in Plovdiv Friday (6th) to Sunday (8th). More info.

Organising an event in or around Bansko? Submit it for consideration here.

Photo of the Week

A mistle thrush venturing around the Eco Park.

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

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