Bansko Apartment Bulgaria

Apartment in Bansko, Bulgaria. Available for rent.

Ideal for skiing, mountain walking, mountain biking, golfing, or as a sightseeing base.

Apartment address: Apartment D21, Cedar Lodge 4, Bansko.

Location: Very close to the Gondola ski lift. It is about 150 metres and 4 minutes walk to the ski lift, and 10 minutes walk to the delightful historic old town with its cobbled streets and character Mehanas (traditional taverns). There are shops and restaurants close to the apartment and a 5 minute walk to the modern ski-resort centre with nightclubs, ice rink restaurants and bars. Ski hire shops are located between the apartment and ski lift. There are spas, swimming pools, shops and restaurants all within 3 minutes walk. On-site car parking.

Apartment description: New in 2011, this is a spacious one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a quality apartment development.
The apartment consists of hall, bedroom, lounge/diner/kitchen, shower room, and balcony. It sleeps 5 people: 2 in the bedroom and 2 on the double sofabed in the lounge, and 1 on the single sofabed in the lounge. For larger groups there are several adjacent apartments to hire. There is a ski locker and restaurant on the ground floor together with spa and swimming pool in adjacent building.
Free Wi-Fi.

Balcony:
The balcony offers beautiful views across the Glazne river to Mount Vihren and the Gondola, and enjoys a wonderful sunny aspect most of the day.
Bedroom:
Spacious double bedroom with mountain views through the window and door opening onto the balcony.
Lounge/diner/kitchen:
Sofa and armchair both covert to a double and single bed. The dining table seats 5 and the kitchen has cooker, microwave, and fridge. There are panoramic views through the window across Bansko and the mountains, and a door to the balcony.
Bathroom:
Shower, toilet, washbasin and heated towel rail.
Hall: storage space for shoes and jackets etc.
Ski locker: there is a designated ski locker on the ground floor.

Apartment Prices:
Standing charge of 25 Euro plus the following charge per night:
April 1st 2011 to Dec 18th 2011: 30 Euro
Dec 19th to Dec 28th 2011: 50 Euro
Dec 29th to Jan 3rd 2012: 90 Euro
Jan 4th to Feb 5th 2012: 40 Euro
Feb 6th to Feb 26th 2012: 60 Euro
Feb 27th to April 4th 2012: 50 Euro
April 5th to Dec 18th 2012: 30 Euro
***Introductory offer: 25% reduction off above prices***
Price includes cleaning, bedding, towels, toiletries.
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Other typical prices in Bansko (Great value when compared to resorts in the Alps):

Ski pass:
3 days £75
6 days £150

Ski, boots and sticks hire:
3 days £35
6 days £60

Food:
Lunch £5
Dinner £8
Beer £1.50
Wine £2
(these are typical prices in the town, but prices obviously do vary)

Prices up the mountain (approx):
cup of tea: £1
Hot wine £3
Coffee: £2
plate of chips: £2.50
Burger and chips: £4.50

See also resort website for more detailed pricing.

Travel:
There are several low cost airlines now flying to Sofia. These include Wizzair from Luton and easyJet from Gatwick with both operating daily schedules. EasyJet fly twice weekly to Sofia from Manchester and Air Bulgaria operate flights from both Heathrow and Gatwick to Sofia.

Transfer:
Car: Bansko is a 2.5 hour car drive from the airport at Sophia.
Typical price Car hire for a Ford Focus is about £95 for 4 days.

Taxi: Approx £150 total return for group of 4
http://mitch-transferbg.com/

Train: 6-hour train journey from Sophia. Aparently this is quite an experience in itself, and runs through the mountains and some great scenery.

Minibus: £25 - £40 per person depending on group size. Many minibus companies operate including:
http://www.banskoexpress.com

Ski information:
Resort altitude 990m
Highest lift 2600m
Vertical drop 1610m
Total pistes 70km
Nursery areas 1
Pistes: Beg/Inter/Adv 5/8/1
Gondolas: 1
Chair lifts: 7
Drags 6

Skiing credentials:
Bansko has recently hosted FIS World Cup alpine ski races: the women raced in 2009 in two downhills and a super G.
The men's circuit made its first stop at Bansko in 2011 with a super combined and a slalom.
It will also host in February 2012 the FIS World Cup ladies' downhill and super G, and men's giant slalom and slalom. In February 2012 Bansko will host a round of the Alpine Skiing World Cup for both men and women.

Alpine and biathlon competitions take place regularly. It is expected that the summer biathlon world cup will also take place in Bansko.

Summer Activities:
In recent years, the town has gained international popularity as a pop and jazz scene after the start of the annual Bansko Jazz Festival and consequently the annual Bansko pop-star concert featuring top pop stars. This year the Bansko Jazz Festival is 4-11th Aug 2012.

Otherlocal activities include: Mountain biking, Golf, white water rafting, horse riding, mountain walking, and fishing.
South of Bansko is the National Park Pirin, which is included in the UNESCO list for cultural and natural sightseeing. The park is rich with lakes, waterfalls, caves, venerable trees and historical sites.
There are many short walks from Bansko itself through the woods and in the lower mountains or to local lakes and past tiny chapels and other places of religious or historical interest.
The gondola operates during the day in the summer months, offering access up the mountain to many walks or take a taxi ride to one of the mountain huts and plan your walks from there. There are walking maps readily available in Bansko but the main trails are well marked.

BANSKO TOWN
Bansko is alive with history (starting from 100BC!), beautiful architecture and tradition – combined with all the shops, Mehanas (local taverns) and entertainment that you could want. The town square is approximately 15 minutes walk from the Apartment where many of these can be found and you will walk down Pirin Street, which also offers traditional and modern shops, supermarkets, ski shops, banks and Post Offices.The unique combination of a well developed mountain resort and a living historical town turns it into an elegant place for entertainment. Virtually every house has its own story to tell, which indeed can turn your vacation into a journey to the Bulgarian traditions. The traditional Bansko taverns (called "Mehana"), with their exceptional charm and style offer local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live folk music. Many local cafes and bars offer refreshments. Discos and night clubs work without time limit, and usually close early in the morning.
BANSKO NIGHTLIFE
During the ski season, there is no shortage of ‘Apres Ski’ to suit all tastes. For example, the ‘Happy End’ bar is just at the base of the Gondola and you can relax there with a drink or a coffee after coming down from the slopes. This becomes one of the busy night-time bars in the evenings. If you prefer a quieter evening, there are countless Mehanas where you are welcome to come in and have a drink or a coffee and children are also welcome. Within Cedar Lodge itself, there is a restaurant and spa (not yet open)
Casinos: If you fancy a night at the Casino whilst in Bansko, there are now two – one at the ‘Strazhite Hotel’ opposite the Lion Bar on the main road from the Gondola and the other half way down Pirin Street on the right as you walk to the town centre. You can play Roulette, Black Jack, Poker and a selection of Fruit Machines. Just remember not to spend it all on the first night!
10-Pin Bowling: This is again at the ‘Strazhite Hotel’ next to the Casino. There are also pool tables, a bar/café and mini arcade machines and is suitable for children of all ages. The lanes are not full sized but are neon-lit which adds to the fun of playing to the lights!
Ice Skating Rink: This rink was new in 2008 and is an amazing, new, state of the art rink for all abilities and with a large amount of arena seating. It is situated about 10 minutes walk from Cedar Lodge.
FOOD & DRINK
It is extremely easy to eat well and for a very reasonable price – all over Bansko. The local eating places are called ‘Mehanas’ and there are almost 100 in the area. Often you will find that these have been created from old family homes and the owner is also your waiter – therefore, they are proud to present their dishes and happy to recommend a menu for you. The menus are nearly always translated into English but be careful …. the translations can be a little misleading on occasion! However, we have never had a bad meal and have found that the Mehanas are very child-friendly and welcoming. It is worth noting that the Bulgarians will not necessarily serve the entire meal at the same time – you may find your vegetables arriving and then the rest of your main course a little later! However, they are happy to accommodate your requests if you make it clear when ordering. It is also worth noting that the Bulgarians traditionally serve food at luke-warm temperature – although we have noticed this changing as more western European influences appear. Meals can cost as little as £7 (14 Bulgarian Lev or €7) per head, with a pint of beer at approx £1.50 and an excellent choice of Bulgarian Merlot and Cabinet Sauvignon wines. The local drink is ‘Rakiya’ – beware!! Naturally, meals are more expensive within the Hotels where an impressive, fine dining selection may be also found. Local dishes include the ‘Sache’ which is a sizzling stone plate brought to your table with meat, vegetables and spices – often shared by 2. Also the ‘Kapama’ and ‘Banski Starets’. Meat is often pork but chicken is nearly always available too. Children’s meals are not offered but the options will keep little ones happy too!
SHOPPING IN BANSKO
There are many different kinds of shops in Bansko – from the old, traditional gift and trinket shops to modern supermarkets and banks. The shops are spread out all over town so you will be able to shop as near, or as far, from your apartment as you wish! There are also a selection of ski related shops adjacent to Cedar Lodge where Rossignol ski equipment may be purchased and you will also find Salomon, Atomic, Burton, North Face and Quicksilver in town. Many of the craft shops contain traditional wood items as well as some items that may prove difficult to take home such as a selection of knives and ornamental guns! There is a selection of traditional knitwear on sale as well as the normal Bulgarian trinkets, bracelets and china. You will also see older ladies selling knitted items in the town square. You are also able to purchase popular branded clothing such as Diesel, Von Dutch, Levi, Adidas and Nike. The number of English-speaking shop workers is increasing and they sometimes try very hard to appear helpful which can appear pushy to some. However, they are genuinely happy to help you and will often negotiate on price so it is worth a try if you are spending a fair amount!

Bansko weather website: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Bansko/6day/bot

Historical climate data for Bansko:

Contact:

John Challener, 8 Lingwood Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3JT Tel: 01202 488551 Email: john@christchurchyachting.co.uk

Reviews:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/travel/2011/10/22/bulgaria-skiing-holiday-review-bank-on-bansko-for-skiing-115875-23505141/

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/20042/Bank-on-Bankso