Bansko
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Bansko is a small town in the Blagoevgrad district located at the foot of the Pirin mountain in southwestern Bulgaria at an altitude of 936 m above sea level. It is situated at a crossroads of important routes from Central Bulgaria to Greece.
Bansko is a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes, the old pine woods make it a popular place for recreation, sport and tourism and in recent years the town has gained international popularity through the booming development of tourism and cultural events such as the prestigious annual Bansko Jazz Festival. The nearby village Bania located only 5 km from the town is famous for its 27 thermal mineral springs.
A new gondola lift was installed during 2003 which now means you can get up to the pistes from the town in about 10 mins on the lift instead of the previous 45 minute minibus ride up twisty roads. This, along with an expansion of new housing next to the gondola (which is on the south west edge of the town by the river) means Bansko can expect significant growth over the next few years. It is now certainly the premier skiing resort in Bulgaria.
External links
- http://www.bansko.bg
- Pictures from Bansko (http://www.pbase.com/ngruev/bansko)
- http://www.bansko.org
- Pictures from Bansko and Pirin (http://www.bansko.org/copper/)bg:Банско