Hotel Vihren Palace, Bansko

A rapidly expanding town, Bansko is 160km south of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia. Set at an altitude of 935m, it is dominated by Vihren, the highest mountain (2,915m) in the spectacular Pirin range, close to the Macedonian border.

The 75km of ski pistes are located in two main ski - centres- CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600m) and SHILIGARNIKA (1700-2500m). They are approximately 10 km above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are easily accessible for approx. 25 minutes on the new Gondola lift which starts from Bansko. For beginners, there is a highly regarded ski school and area to practise and build-up confidence with younger learners having their own dedicated area full of obstacles, slaloms etc.

The picturesque old town is full of charming cobbled streets with a good selection of restaurants, bars and clubs all reasonably priced. The restaurants serve a good mix of local dishes, pizzas, burgers and even British roast dinners! Three museums record Bansko's place in Bulgaria's history and the 500-year old church is a prominent feature, all are worth a visit. You can also try your hand at ice skating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, bowling, escape room or leisure pool with spa.