Ski Season Opens in Bansko, But Snow is in Short Supply

In this week’s Buzz:

• Smokey Mountain celebrates its 10th anniversary

• Confusion around where the Bansko bus station is

• Friday Spotlight: The Drunken Egg

• Mountain road restrictions until mid-April

• Christmas magic on the narrow gauge railway

• A new pizza place opening soon in town

• Insider video of the new bar in Bansko with the best mountain views (The Hub)

Opening weekend celebrations go ahead despite limited snow coverage.

Yesterday (Saturday 13th), the ski season started in Bansko, with the usual ski down the mountain with the ski legends, a treasure hunt, and an opening ceremony in the square in the evening with celebrations, local cuisine, folklore music, and fireworks.

See some photos from the daytime and evening events here.

This year is a lot different to last year, with only three slopes open and the inability to ski back to the gondola (needing to take the lift back down to Banderishka Polyana).

However, the lack of snow isn’t out of the ordinary for Bansko. At least two of the last six seasons have seen similar conditions around opening weekend, and it’s expected that with more snow on the way (and a lowering of temperatures), most of the resort will be open for people to enjoy.

A slow start, but lots of wintery happiness as we head into 2026.

One interesting take is the current day pass price for the resort (65 BGN). With the assumption that it’s lower than last year’s price (110 BGN), because only three slopes are currently open. I’d expect the price to increase in January.

Smokey Mountain Celebrating 10 Years in Bansko

To celebrate Smokey Mountain’s 10th anniversary, we’re running a celebration special.

For the whole of next week (15th to 21st), get any one of our burgers from the menu, and unlimited draught Zagorka, house wine, local spirits, and selected cocktails for 1.5 hours, for the great price of 39.41 BGN (every day this week up until 9.30pm).

So, come along and help us celebrate!

READ MORE ABOUT THE OFFER

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

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Why Are There No Shared Transfers Showing for Traventuria?
Leon was searching on the Traventuria website for a shared transfer, but it wasn’t showing any. Discover what people advised he do.

Video Shows Local Municipality Workers Picking up Street Dogs
Flos posted a video of individuals working on behalf of the local Bansko Municipality picking up some street dogs like bags of trash. The video drew a lot of attention (and over 1.5k shares).

I’m Confused About Where The Bus Station is in Bansko
Kristina is a bit confused about the exact location of the bus station in town, as the maps listing for it shows as permanently closed. See where people said to go.

We’re Coming to Bansko for a Holiday. What Are The Average Prices?
John is coming to Bansko for a holiday and wondered whether prices for drinks and a meal had increased much, and also whether you could pay in Euros at the moment. See what people had to say.

I Walked Up Shilligarnik Today, and There’s Not Much Snow!
David posted some photos of the amount of snow he saw when he walked up Shilligarnik [sic] on Thursday this week.

Friday Spotlight: The Drunken Egg

On Wednesday, I visited the newly opened brunch spot in town: The Drunken Egg.

I was impressed. Lots of home-made items on the menu and a range of different dishes on offer (all based around eggs), suitable for a range of tastes and dietary requirements.

Check out the photos and more information in the post.

SEE THE WRITEUP HERE

Bansko & Beyond

The Bulgarian Government Resigns
This week, the Bulgarian Government resigned due to pressure from protests in major cities throughout the country. These protests were due to the proposed budget for next year, which many say is unfair, further separates working people from those well off, and encourages corruption. However, the resignation won’t affect the Euro being adopted next month. Read more.

Mountain Road Restrictions
The usual mountain road restrications from Shiligarnika parking to Vihren Hut came into place on Friday (12th). No traffic is allowed past the parking area due to the ski zone crossing the road. If you want to read the official order in English, then see here.

Cycle Lane Officially Opens
Part of the cycle lane that follows the town’s ring road was officially opened this week by the mayor of Bansko. The section on Nayden Gerov Street (going past The Chef’s House towards Dobrinishte) is now fully usable and looks quite good. This is all part of the municipality’s rural development project. Read more.

Bansko Hosts The Balkan Thyroid Cancer Working Group
This week, Bansko hosted the Thyroid Cancer Working Group for the Balkans and Black Sea Region. More than seventy oncologists, surgeons, nuclear medicine specialists, pathologists and endocrinologists from Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Northern Macedonia and Ukraine gathered for discussions on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancers. Read more.

NOW is The BEST TIME To Sell Your Bansko Apartment

If you own an apartment in Bansko and you’re thinking about selling, then we offer a free valuation and listing of your property. Currently, it’s the best time to sell in Bansko.

We help you through the whole process to get the best price for your property, offering a realistic for-sale price, ensuring that all local property and maintenance fees are paid, showing prospective buyers around, and making everything easy. We have lawyers on hand and use one of the best notaries in the area.

If you’re looking for a local property expert who can help get the best price for your property, contact us today.

SELL YOUR BANSKO PROPERTY

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Events Next Week

Athlete of The Year Awards Ceremony
On Monday (15th), there will be an awards ceremony for Bansko Municipality's Athlete of the Year 2025. This will take place at 5pm in the Ceremonial Hall of the Nikola Vaptsarov-1984 Sports Complex.

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz
This will take place on Monday (15th) at The Chef’s House. The quiz starts at 7.30pm and the entry fee is 10 BGN. More info.

Weekly Pool Tournament Re-starts
On Thursday (18th), the weekly pool tournament is back at Smokey Mountain. The event starts at 7pm (registration from 6.30pm), and entry is 10 BGN per person. More info.

Telescopes Under The Stars (Planetarium)
These will 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 take place in English or Russian. More info.

Canto Piano Bar Opening Party
On Saturday (20th) at 8pm, Canto Bar (below Alpen Restaurant) will have its opening party starting at 10pm. There will be live music and tunes into the early hours. More info.

Handpin Circle in December Workshop
On Saturday (20th), Lotus Vibe is hosting a Handpin circle workshop, whereyou’ll learn about the instrument and acquire basic techniques in how to play it. Only 10 spaces are available and the attendance fee is 60 BGN. More info.

With the Scent of Christmas Exhibition
From Saturday (20th) to 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.

Soap Making Workshop
On Sunday (21st), Anita’s Art Studio is having a soap-making workshop starting at 12noon. At the studio on Nayden Gerov Street, you learn about soaps and get to make your own, while sipping a glass of wine or other refreshment. More info [Translation required].

Children’s Christmas Workshops at Lotus Vibe
On Sunday (21st), Lotus Vibe will be hosting a Christmas workshop for children from 3.30pm to 5pm. Parents/Guardians should contact the organisers to reserve a place. More info.

Christmas Magic on the Narrow Gauge
On Sunday (21st), the usual Christmas edition of the narrow gauge train sets off from Septemvri at 8.55am and heads towards Bansko. It will pass through Bansko around 1pm and end at Dobrinishte at 1.20pm. There will be Santa and other Christmas characters on the train, and it might be best to get on the train at a station earlier than Bansko (to enjoy all of the festive fun). More info [Translation required].

Children’s Workshops and Events at ZZ Playland Cafe
ZZ Playland Cafe has put together a calendar of events and workshops for children at their location on Gotse Delchev Street. These include painting workshops, a chocolate workshop, and a Christmas party on December 23rd. More info.

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Photo of the Week

A view of Todorka from Pirin Street.

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