First Snow Signals Winter in Bansko

In this week’s Buzz:

• Reminder from Bansko mayor about the renovations of old buildings

• A new Italian deli opens on Pirin Street

• EU Entry-Exit system postponed until next year

• Red Angel is temporarily grounded due to a black box issue

• Bansko Film Fest

Winter Begins as The Mayor Highlights
Multi-Year Renovation Plan

The first snow arrived in Bansko this week (on the mountains early Thursday morning and in town early this morning [Sunday]). It was only enough for a light dusting, but Ulen took the opportunity, with ambient temperatures, to use the snow cannons and blast out a thin blanket on the ski road.

This week, the mayor of Bansko, Stojcho Banenski, reiterated the municipality’s general development plan that all unfinished hotel building projects and apartment complexes should be finished before new planning applications for these types of developments can be passed. He expects these renovation projects to take another two years to complete.

It looks as though things are moving forward for some of these developments, with a handful of buildings that looked like shells last year now look close to finished, which means Bansko is looking soooo much better.

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 BNB Group

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New Italian deli opens in town
Simon posted about a new Italian deli opening in Bansko opposite the ice rink on Pirin Street. Some people have already visited and posted photos. It’s definitely one on the list to visit over the coming weeks.

Where/How do I register with a GP in Bansko?
Letti wants to know where and how she should register with a GP (doctor) in Bansko. A few people had some information.

Landlord/Agent changing the price of rent & deposit, are they breaking the law?
Jamie posted that he’d had an exchange with an agent to rent a 3-bedroom apartment this winter for his family, but as soon as the owner found out he had young children, they wanted to increase the rent. Shady? Yup. See what people had to say.

Advice on opening a Bulgarian bank account
Tony wants to know which bank is easiest for a third-country national with Bulgaria residency to open an account. Quite a few people had an opinion.

Municipality increases local taxes (first time in 6 years)
Bansko Municipality announced increasing the real estate and household waste taxes in 2025. The extra revenue will go towards providing services to the local community and general upkeep of public areas.

Local/Municipality News

Banskonian Wins TWO Gold Medals at European Championships
Banskonian kickboxer who travelled and participated in the European championships won two gold medals. Congratulations to Katrin Gemkova, who battled against her rivals and managed to come home with two golds! More info.

EU EES System Postponed Until mid-2025
In issue #11 of the Bansko Buzz, I provided information about the EU’s new Entry-Exit System. It looks like some delays have meant the system can’t be launched for a while. More info. Read more about the EES in issue #11 of the Bansko Buzz here.

Bansko Opens New Mini Hydropower Plant
The region’s local water company has opened a new mini hydropower plant in Bansko. The goal is to bring some renewable energy using water. The revenue generated from the power plant will be used to improve water and sewage provisions in the local area. Also, the mayor commented that the last time a power plant was opened in the area was 98 years ago. More info.

Red Angel Temporarily Grounded
Bulgaria’s medical helicopter hasn’t had a black box data recorder installed since it was put into service earlier this year. After having its permit to fly initially granted, the decision was made to ground the aircraft until installation and certification of the black box recorder was completed. A government spokesperson said a military helicopter would be available until all testing had been completed. More info.

Local Fire Service Reminds Residents About Fire Risks at Home
Bansko’s fire department reminded residents that during the autumn and winter seasons, improper or malfunctioning heating and heating appliances can cause the risk of fire in the home. They listed ten safety tips to help prevent fires when heating your home. More info.

Explore the mountain with confidence and peace of mind by getting mountain insurance 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 Film Fest This Week
Starting on Wednesday (20th) until Sunday (24th) is the Bansko Film Fest. If you’re looking for the programme see here. If you want to read about the film fest and what it’s about then see this page.

Asian Fusion Evening at Kempinski
This Saturday (23rd) 7.30pm, the Kempinski Hotel’s Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki Grill is hosting an Asian Fussion dinner. The organisers say that on the evening you will explore Asia's bold and vibrant tastes with a themed evening in a fusion feast that will leave you craving more. [over 18s only; 139BGN pp.] More info.

Harry Potter Quiz
On Wednesday (20th) at 8.30pm in Blagoevgrad there will be a magical adventure filled with interesting questions that only true Harry Potter fans will know. Entrance is 5BGN pp. Excited to go? Gather your friends, grab your magic wands, and get ready for an evening full of magic and fun. More info.

Sukhishvili National Ballet of Georgia Comes To Blagoevgrad
On Saturday (30th) at 8pm, the Sukhishvili ballet team from Georgia will perform in Blagoevgrad. I hear they’re good and their performances are amazing. Read more about the ballet team here and purchase tickets here.

Photo of the Week

They’ve finally finished Pirin Street! This week, they finished pedestrianising the street up from Bunare, including asphalting the top.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.