Bansko’s Early Winter Magic

In this week’s Buzz:

• Where’s best to go grocery shopping on Christmas Eve

• A magical surprise: ski season opens 8 days early

• What happened to the Банско/Bansko Official Facebook account?

• Bansko Street Dogs Charity Bazaar on Saturday

• Two more new places are opening in town 🥳 

Waist-Deep Snow, Festive Fun,
and a Busy Weekend in Town

Ski Season has officially started in Bansko with the resort operator (Ulen) opening the season eight days early on Friday (6th) due to great conditions.

After some epic snowfall across the Pirin mountains over the last week to ten days, they decided to open nearly all of the lifts and slopes in the resort. This came as an early Christmas surprise to skiers and boarders eagerly waiting for the announced opening day of Saturday 14th.

How much snow was there? On the road up to Vihren Hut, the snow was up to at least waist height. Lots of wintery happiness sprinkled all over the mountain 😁 

Want to see some photos from the opening day? Click/Tap here.

Many different bars and restaurants also opened for student weekend (this Friday, Saturday and Sunday), so things were quite busy in certain places (some at 100% capacity).

It also looks like Dobrinishte has resolved a recent electricity issue, as their ski slopes are open from tomorrow (Monday 9th).

The Chef’s House

The Chef’s House: A place where food and atmosphere intertwine in harmony, leaving impressions that will be remembered long after your visit. Learn More.^(featured) 

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 116 New Posts, 💬 461 Comments, 👍️ 2,391 Reactions

Do I Get The Fast Track Gondola Queue With A Season Pass?
Myster wants to know when you’re queuing up for the gondola with a season pass whether you get fast track. A few people had some information about how it all works.

Gray’s Pies Back With Pie Day on Wednesday
Graeme is back with pie day: savory pies in two different sizes. I’ve tried the chicken & leek one before and liked it a lot. If you like a good pie then get your order in soon. He’s also doing a pie day on December 26th and January 8th. It’s worth trying if you haven’t already.

How Do I Apply For a Parking Permit in Bansko?
Jerome wants to know the process for applying for a parking permit in Bansko: paying a yearly fee to park anywhere in the paid parking zones. Some people had advice.

Where is The Best Place To Go Grocery Shopping on Christmas Eve?
Lisa posted that she and her family are arriving to Bansko on Christmas Eve and want to go grocery shopping. A few people had some local suggestions.

Some Guests Are Staying For NYE, Do They Need a Ticket To Enter Bars?
Liz posted that she’s got some guests staying over on New Year’s Eve and they said they most likely won’t get into bars that night without a ticket. There were a lot of different opinions on what happens in town on NYE.

Local/Municipality News

Is the Банско/Bansko Official Facebook Account Not So “Official”?
Earlier this week, a new Bansko Municipality Facebook page popped up with a post here. It looks like the “official” one has become “Discover Bansko”, an advertising association. I reached out to a few people for more information but haven’t received a reply. A bit bizarre. 🤷 

Bansko Given Prestigious Award From The Lonely Planet
In issue #14 of the Buzz, the main story was about Bansko being given 3rd place in the top ten cities to visit in 2025 by the Lonely Planet Blog. This week, the award for Bansko was delivered to the municipality. More info.

Music, Dancing & Fireworks Open Festive Period in the Town Square
On Friday, people came together in the town square to celebrate the start of the festive season. There was music, dancing, and fireworks (and even a visit from St Nicholas!). The Christmas lights were also switched on. More info.

Bansko Wins Bronze at Folklore Festive in Pazardzhik
The 15th annual edition of the Thracian Rosary Folklore Dance Festival took place recently in Pazardzhik. Dancers took part from 29 groups all across Bulgaria. Bansko made an “…exceptional impression with their emotional participation and established their authority as one of the best self-made dance groups in the country…” More info.

Explore the mountain with confidence and peace of mind by getting mountain insurance for the winter season from Uniqa. Get a quote & buy online.

Shared transfers from Sofia Airport to Bansko with Traventuria. Get to Bansko quickly and in style during the winter season. Always on time and as low as €11. Check availability.

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Events Next Week

Bansko Street Dogs Christmas Bazaar^(featured)
On Saturday (14th), Bansko Street Dogs is having a charity Christmas bazaar at 4Directions (18 Nayden Gerov Street here) from 2pm onwards. There will be stalls with items on sale by local people, games & prizes, food & drink (cake 😍), and winter sale gear. More info.

Municipality Events This Week
On Tuesday (10th) at 5.30pm is the “Christmas Smile” children’s concert at the Tourist Information Center. On Thursday (12th) at 6pm is a folklore concert at the main community center. On Saturday (14th) at 9am will be the opening of the ski season at Banderitsa Polyana and at 5.30pm a culinary exhibition & folklore concert in the main square. On Sunday (15th) at 11am is a Christmas charity Bazaar by the local school.

Nestwork Charity Christmas Party
On Friday (13th), Nestwork Coworking is hosting its annual charity Christmas party at Castello restaurant. This year they’re supporting the “Bansko For You” charity foundation. The event is open to all, and they will sell raffle tickets for 10BGN. More info.

Mountain Rescue Annual Winter Safety Lecture
At 7pm on Tuesday (10th), the mountain rescue service will hold an online lecture about mountain safety during winter. This will be on their Facebook page (most likely in Bulgarian) and will include topics like mountain rescue, avalanche safety, mountain medicine, and equipment. More info.

BSD Quiz Rumoured to be on Monday 23rd
Love the Bansko Street Dogs quiz? Looks like there’ll be one on the 23rd of December. If you want to book in a team before the official announcement goes out, feel free to message their Facebook page here. (I hear there are some teams booked in already!)

Photo of the Week

Opening day of the ski season: groomed slopes and low-lying clouds.
Looks magical.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.