the Pirin mountain, the town of Bansko has the power of attraction to Bulgarian and foreign tourists all year round. The mountain’s highest point – the peak of Vihren, looks like a truncated pyramid with an impressive vertical wall, whose base is covered with ever-lasting snow. It is no accident that Slavs called Pirin “gods’ mountain.” “No human heart could remain unmoved in front of the majestic marble forehead of Vihren; no soul could help admiring the variety and colours of Pirin’s woods…”

Bansko is a town that implies authenticity with its own past, the rich cultural and historical heritage, preserved folklore and crafts, remarkable and original architecture, and the genuine atmosphere of old little towns of Bulgaria.

All this, combined with the fabulously beautiful nature, makes the town equally attractive during all four seasons of the year.

For those keen on mountaineering Bansko is a wonderful place for the organization of alpine passages along the tourist paths of the nature reserve, pronounced for “Pirin” National park.

The town’s surroundings are also of great interest for tourists: beautiful natural spots, outdoor spa pools, historical sites etc.

In summer Bansko offers its golf-players two perfectly equipped golf courses, located right next to the town within a picturesque and environmentally-friendly site.

Invaluable for holiday-makers in summer, Pirin turns into real heaven for skiers in winter. The geographical location of the town allows the blanket of snow to last from late autumn to late spring, which guarantees the continuation of the ski season for no less than five months a year. To people keen on ski sports Bansko offers excellent conditions for it: ski-runs with high technological indicators, ski tows for beginners and advanced, cabin and seat lifts, ski schools, ski lockers.

Every year people are increasingly interested in going on winter holiday in Bansko.

Whereas the present capacity of the resort is 8 000 people a day, in 2006 it is expected to reach 12 000 people. The actual equivalent of this capacity is measured into 40 new ski-runs with total length of 65 km (safeguarded and maintained in perfect condition), 26 km of ski lifts that comply with the most recent achievements in the world design, as well as comfortable 4- and 5-star hotels, built in the last couple of years.

The great speed of the resort’s progress is due to the construction of a ski infrastructure and the building of new modern hotels, which guarantees high-quality ski holiday for every guest. In the last 2 years we have witnessed the steady register of the trends for the increasing price of land and property, located on the territory of the municipality of Bansko, as well as for the fast growth of investments in various infrastructural aspects. Besides, really rapid is the building progress of tourist sites such as hotels, apartments, restaurants, and pubs, as well as whole complexes that provide adequate rest during all seasons of the year.

Another secret of the successful formula of Bansko is hidden in the unique atmosphere of the amazing synergy of the old and new, the fascinating mixture of the traditions, preserved during the centuries, and the ultra modern facilities. After the adequate relaxation on the ski-runs, the resort guests love to be immersed in the atmosphere of the old houses, surrounded by thick walls, and the small cosy taverns with region-traditional cuisine and local folklore.