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ArcticTerns

Skiing

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Bansko ski resort

Bansko is a ski resort in the Pirin Mountains, with slopes for all levels of experience. There is usually plenty of natural snowfall, and snow machines are used when needed. The resort is run by Ulen and stays open the whole season. In case of poor snowfall, some slopes may close. On days with extreme weather, parts or all of the resort may be closed.

Skiing, not for all

A lot of families ski or snowboard during Worldschooling Bansko. We organise group skiing three times a week, which is a very social and connecting activity.
However, not everyone skis. More than a third of the participants doesn’t ski, or tries it and finds it’s not for them. That’s completely fine, there are plenty of activities to do at Worldschooling Bansko to keep the non-skiers busy.
If you are not sure whether skiing is something for you or your children, it’s best to start with single-day passes, until you know whether it is a good fit!

Skiing for different budgets

There are several ways to ski or snowboard in Bansko, depending on your preferences and budget. All ski passes give unlimited access to the gondola and all the ski lifts.
  • Season Pass
  • Recommended if you plan to ski 4 times a week or more. The price is around €950 for adults, €900 for teens (12–18), €500 for children (7–11), and just €50 for children under 7.
    Last year, many got this pass for half price. Ask us about the options. The Season Pass includes fast lane access so you can skip the queue for the gondola.
  • Bansko 20 Pass
  • Includes 20 ski days and is valid the entire season. This is enough for most families during a 6-week stay. Prices are around €800 for adults, €750 for teens, €400 for children, and €20 for children under 7. The 20 Pass unofficially works for the fast lane. In 99% of the cases this has been successful.
  • Day passes –14 day passes
  • Day passes are a good option for people who want to ski occasionally and for people who want to try it out. Multiple-day passes must be used on consecutive days, so you only want to consider on days that you know you will ski these days without a break.
  • Ski road
  • Skiing on the ski road is free. For around €8 you can take a van up the mountain and ski down. The ski resort also offers a gondola-only ticket. It’s a great choice for beginners and for those who prefer to take it slow.
  • Nearby ski slopes
  • In a nearby village approximately 15 min from Bansko, there’s a smaller ski area with much lower prices. We don’t organise any activities there and the slopes are less developed, but it can be a good fit for some families.

Getting to the slopes

The complex offers transport to the gondola station. You can also drive yourself. There’s paid parking at the lower gondola station, around €8 per day. Some people manage to park for free in the surrounding streets, but this only works on quiet days or if you arrive early.
From the gondola station, you take the gondola up the mountain. The ride is included in the ski pass and takes about 25 minutes. Keep in mind that in weekends and during peak weeks the line can get long. Both the Season Pass and the 20 Pass give access to the fast lane, and there are other ways to avoid the line. You can also drive up to the upper gondola station and park there for approx. €10. Some participants park along the ski road, where there are free spots. From there, you can put on your skis and ski down to the gondola. It is only possible to drive up the mountain if it’s quiet or if you arrive early.

Ski and snowboard classes

There are many ski schools in Bansko, but quality varies. We work with a school we’ve had good experiences with, both in quality and reliability, and that’s used to working with our group. They offer a reduced rate for Worldschooling Bansko participants.
Classes start at the upper gondola station. A ski pass is required for the classes. Check with the ski school if you’ll need the full pass though.
The school assesses the levels in the group and adjusts the lessons or group structure accordingly, sometimes mixed with people from outside our group.
Children and parents are not placed in the same group. Kids learn differently and much faster than adults. It is possible to book a private group with your own family, but this is not recommended.
Group lessons two hours long and available from the age of 7. Younger children can take 1 or 2-hour private classes or form a private group with other kids.

Equipment and clothing

Second hand is usually cheaper than renting. Ski and snowboard equipment is best bought in Bulgaria. You can get skis and boots for around €100. If you just want to give skiing a try or plan to ski only occasionally, renting might be a better option.
We don’t recommend buying ski clothes in Bansko, as prices are much higher. A good option is Decathlon in Sofia, check their website for prices.
Things to be aware of:
We are not a party in the ski/snowboard lessons. We only assist with the logistics to make things run smoothly. Any issues should be addressed directly with the ski school. We cannot be held responsible for any problems related to the lessons.