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Bansko
The archeological traces of the inhabitants of Bansko and the Razlog valley in general date to the early periods of the Roman Empire.
There are several housing structures at the outskirts of the town, which date to 100 BC. However, there is no consensus nor credible theory on who these people were.
Until 5th October 1912, Bansko was a part of the Ottoman Empire, but enjoyed a quasi self-rule autonomy granted by the sultan. The town was ruled by an assembly of the elders, while justice was administered by the Turkish judge in Razlog. It was incorporated into Bulgaria in 1912 as a result of the First Balkan War.
Bansko, once mainly a stockbreeding and travelling merchant community, has nowadays become a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes and the old pine woods make it a popular site for recreation. In recent years, the town has gained international popularity after the start of the annual Bansko Jazz Festival and consequently the annual Bansko pop-star concert featuring top pop stars. The nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is known for its 27 thermal mineral springs.
A new gondola lift was built in 2003 to replace a minibus ride up to the ski slopes of Todorka. Several other gondolas and ski lifts are in the process of being built. These developments, along with the construction of extensive housing and recreational facilities around the gondola (which is on the southwest end of the town by the river), have made Bansko a popular and growing destination.
In Bansko town there are a lot of shops, old style pubs, disco clubs and a cinema.
Bansko is the youngest ski resort in Bulgaria. Recently it has
become very popular among bulgarian and foreign skiers. This is due mainly to
the perfect snow conditions. Often there are snowfalls, that leave more than 50
sm of fresh powder. Other thing Bansko is famous for are the great old style
pubs in the town.
Above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin are located the two main ski-centers
- the low altitude CHALIN VALOG (1100-1600m) and the high altitude SHILIGARNIKA
(1700-2500).The longest ski run is 2,5 km with vertical drop of 700m.
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