Not much new in Bansko over the last week, but we are expecting heavy snowfall starting around Sunday night. There were also some small burst of snow from the clouds today, but we want more. Almost all ski lifts and slopes are open and the resort is much less crowded at the moment. Preparations for the Snowboard World Cup are underway, which will start on the 26th of January, 2018.
This week the 6 seater Todorka lift started operating, taking skiers from Shiligarnika to the top of the Balkaniada ski run. This lift is not recommended for beginners, as it takes you to the start of only red slopes, but you can traverse to the blue Plato ski runs from its top station. The Chalin Valog lift is also working, even though most of the terrain it serves is still closed. Lift lines in the mountain are non-existent, except for the Plato lift where you may have to queue for 5 minutes. Lines at the gondola station are also much smaller, with people rarely waiting for more than 30-40 minutes at peak time. When we arrived this morning at 8:40 there were barely 100 people waiting. Keep in mind that during the weekends this may change, as many people from the Balkans flock to Bansko. The only significant line we saw today was at the lift ticket desk in the afternoon.
Gondola lift line 11.01.18; 8:40AM
We’re gonna be honest about the snow conditions, we’ve had better years here in Bansko. The lack of big natural snowfalls is evident in the snow mixture and the way the snow feels under your skis. And when there hasn’t been any new snow since December 29th, you can really tell the difference between natural snow, artificial snow and a healthy mix of both. The good news is that most beginner and intermediate skiers will barely notice this, but advanced skiers won’t be able to go Mach 3 down the mountain safely and consistently. Warm weather the last few days didn’t help either, but today was as cold as your ex-girlfriend’s heart and the freezing level is supposed to drop. Thankfully, all we need is just a little bit of fresh snow to fix this predicament and the forecast is looking very promising.
All slopes are working, except the Balkaniada ski run, Chalin Valog 1 and the steep part of Chalin Valog 2 (the part you see from the gondola just before reaching the mid station). Conditions above the Banderitsa lift mid-way station are fantastic, as very few people are skiing there due to its “red” rating. The Plato was also very good this morning, but there are still some rocks at the edge of the slopes. Further down, the N.5 ski run was good, except for the snow cannons which were working all day and the groomers could have done a better job last night. Conditions on the red Todorka slope were bad today, the snow cover is a thick layer of artificial snow that is hard as ice, covered by softer/fresher artificial snow. By noon the softer snow is no longer spread evenly over the ice, but rather accumulates in big patches from skiers turning. This leaves 50% of the slope icy, and 50% of it powder and the foggy weather didn’t help at all. Tomba is also in need of some fresh snow and a proper grooming.
The snow park on the Plato is opening feature by feature. We suggest you don’t hit the jumps too fast, as they are small and you can very easily overshoot the landing. Also, don’t barge into the park and start opening features as they will rightfully take away you lift pass!
Ski & Board Traventuria is a leading provider of lift passes, equipment rental, airport transfers and ski school for the Bansko area. To book your next ski vacation in Bansko with us, please check our website – www.skibansko.bg
