The official opening of the 2008/2009 winter season took place at the Bansko winter resort on November 29, with Winter Olympics and World Champions Hanni and Andreas Wenzel, Italian ski master Gustavo Thoeni, downhil champion from Austria Harti Weirather and five-time World cup winner Marc Girardelli set to attend the festivities.

The AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup for women will take place in Bansko between February 28 and March 1, 2009. The season's official end is on April 30, 2009.

As Bulgaria’s most developed winter resort, Bansko’s facilities for skier and snowboarders are diverse and suitable for most taste and ability levels.
Slopes:

Bansko’s slopes have a total length of 70 kilometres, with the longest possible downhill ride being 16 kilometres. The resort’s highest point is 2,560 metres above sea level and its lowest one is 1,000 metres above sea level.

From the total slopes, 30 per cent are suitable for beginners, 45 per cent – for advanced skiers and snowboarders and 35 per cent for experts. More detailed information about each slope and its level of difficulty can be found on Bansko’s official website.

Lifts:

A total of 24 lifts of different types, with a total length of 25 kilometres, service Bansko’s slopes, suited to the various abilities and needs of skiers and snowboarders. The lift facilities include one gondola lift, six four-seat chair lifts, one tree-seat chair lift, three anchor type tow lifts, three single tow lifts and ten children draggers. More information on Bansko’s lift facilities and the slope they service can be found on Bansko’s official website.

Prices:

Bansko remains one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe. Although the constant construction and crowds in the place make it not entirely enjoyable, the low prices partly compensate and attract tourist looking for more affordable ski destinations.

The price lists for lift passes, wardrobe, the ski and snowboard schools, parking and other services for the 2008/2009 winter season were recently published. Lift pass prices also include insurance. For a complete list of the prices and the time periods for which they are valid, visit Bansko’s official website.

Generally, lift passes (for adults) which allow unlimited times’ use of all the ski lifts cost between 40 and 55 leva (around 20 and 27 euro) for one day, 118 and 162 leva (around 60 and 83 euro) for three days, 227 and 311 leva (around 116 and 160 euro) for six days, 439 and 599 (225 and 307 euro) for 13 days. The price ranges depend on the period of the season, with the cheapest one being between April 1 and 30, followed by December 1 to 23 and January 5 to March 31, with the period around Christmas and New Year’s (December 24 to January 4) being the most expensive. A full season’s pass for the ski lifts costs 760 leva (around 390 euro).

Some discounts are available on those prices, such as 10 per cent for those who rent full ski equipment and15 per cent for renting ski equipment and using an instructor.

Resources:

Bansko’s official website contains useful practical information, including:

Map of all the slopes and lifts
Panorama Cams broadcasting Live from Bansko
Status of slopes
Status of lifts