Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria
Bansko Ski Resort
From 936 m to 2,600 m in the Pirin Mountains: runs, lifts and ski school.
Bansko now 7°C Overcast Top -3°CThe ski area has three main sectors: Banderishka Polyana, where the gondola arrives, Shiligarnika above it and the highest part, the slopes of Todorka. Lower down there are wide blue runs for beginners; higher up, long reds and the steep blacks where World Cup races are held. Bansko is one of the few Balkan resorts to host FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and FIS Snowboard World Cup events.
Which levels are the runs for?
Approximate split, based on Orjinaltur guides' observation. See the resort's website for the official run list.
First-time skiers
The short, wide runs around Banderishka Polyana, ski school meeting points and the moving carpet are here. Group lessons are the fastest way to learn in the first two days.
Intermediate
The long red runs of Shiligarnika and Todorka. Once the crowds thin out in the afternoon, the best descents are the non-stop runs from the top.
Advanced
Steep black runs known from the World Cup and, with good snow, off-piste terrain. Always go off-piste with a guide.
Snowboard
Wide runs and a snowpark make it easy for snowboarders. Snowboard and boots rental is about €27 a day.
Gondola and ski road
The 8-seat gondola leaves from the station at the southern end of town and reaches Banderishka Polyana in about 25 minutes. In high season there can be queues between 9:00 and 10:00; boarding between 08:00 and 08:30 or using your hotel shuttle is the best solution. A gondola return ticket (for non-skiers) cost €27 for adults in 2025/26.
At the end of the day, if there is enough snow, you ski down to town on the ski road. At the start and end of the season the ski road may be closed; then you come down by gondola.
Bansko piste map
The up-to-date piste map and which runs are open are published daily on the resort's official website. We suggest saving the map on your phone and comparing it with the big board at the gondola station.
On the slopes now
Bansko town · 936 m
Top of the slopes · 2.560 m
Data: Open-Meteo, 14.10.2026 02:10 (Bulgarian time). Snow depth is a model estimate; check the resort's daily report for official measurements.
Ski school and lesson prices
| Lesson | Daily | 6 days |
|---|---|---|
| Group lessons, adults | 1 gün 56 € | 6 gün 252 € |
| Group lessons, children | 1 gün 48 € | 6 gün 212 € |
| Private lessons, adults | 1 gün 185 € | 6 gün 725 € |
| Private lessons, children | 1 gün 156 € | 6 gün 628 € |
| Mini ski school (ages 4-7) | 1 gün 54 € | 6 gün 231 € |
Official 2025/26 ski school rates. Write to us if you would like an English-speaking instructor; we arrange it as part of the tour.
Equipment rental
| Equipment | Daily |
|---|---|
| Ski set (skis, poles, boots), adult | 19 € |
| Ski set, child | 14 € |
| Snowboard + boots, adult | 27 € |
| Snowboard + boots, child | 19 € |
| Helmet | 6-8 € |
Rent your gear on the evening you arrive, not on the first morning. Boot fitting is done before the gondola queue.
Ski pass + ski school + hotel in one package
Let's put together the right hotel and lesson plan for your level.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Bansko ski area?
According to official data there are 14 gondolas and lifts, 15 runs and 2 ski roads. The highest lift-served point is about 2,600 m.
Is Bansko good for beginners?
Yes. The wide blue runs around Banderishka Polyana, ski schools and children's areas are ideal for beginners.
How to beat the gondola queue?
Taking the gondola between 8:00 and 8:30, or going up at midday and skiing in the afternoon, shortens the queue. In high season some hotels also run a shuttle to the slopes.
Last updated: 13 October 2026 · Information compiled by the Orjinaltur Bansko team.
More from the Bansko guide
Follow Bansko every day on @bansko
Snow reports, slope photos, events and season news. Bansko's official account @bansko is run by the Orjinaltur team.