Bansko Previsioni Neve

Just back from a weekend in Bansko and thought it was great. There are quite a few comments on here about the gondola ride to the ski area but we were at the station at 7.45 every morning and walked straight on. No queues at any of the lifts either. Lets be honest, Bankso is a small resort as far as runs go and desperately needs extending if the ski area is to match the amount of accommodation so anyone who takes their skiing seriously should be up and out early as the runs get dug out by mid-afternoon anyway. From 8 until 1/2 is the time to be on the mountain. As a small resort and skiing for a few days though, Bansko is hard to beat. All the higher runs are wide and well-groomed, the 2 main Reds are excellent and the 3 big Blues all great fun. Most skiing is through the tree line and the lifts are all modern, and well-maintained. If you want to start your skiing at 10 though, be prepared to queue. As a resort Bansko has its pluses and minuses. The newer part of town is pretty awful, mostly made up of nasty bars and non-authentic restaraunts. Its ok for a night and will appeal to a younger crowd, I guess, but we spent most nights in the old town where there were a handful of decent bars and some superb Mehanas. I guess it caters for all types and all of it is clean (for Bulgaria) and safe. Overall then, for a weekend break it's a good resort made better by the prices, the food and the people.