JJ Murphys, Bansko

JJ Murphys, Bansko
Originally uploaded by LanceNelson

Murphys

Bansko Blog Live

Bansko Blog is now live at www.banskoblog.com. After a survey of existing subscribers, the new site is designed to deliver the information anyone interested in Bansko will need.

After 80 posts here, site visitors had steadily climbed to such an extent that a new site with web cams, advanced search facility was required. What's more I needed an easier to read text - so new site has black on white text.

Just since November over 4,000 people have viewed this site from 63 countries. Check out new site with up to date news, tips and reviews here.

Nearly 200 people have joined the site and receive regular updates.

Just click on the logo or click here to go to the new site.

Thank you for making this the biggest Bansko blog on the internet. The online authority for Bansko.

If you are into twitter then follow me on www.twitter.com/bansko

PS: Cheapest accommodation guarantee now launched

Cheap Flights from United Kingdom

Snow In Bansko. Hot In UK

Still snowing fall in Bansko which now means almost guaranteed perfect ski conditions for at least the next week. Should be perfect for the Women's Slalom event next weekend.

Well I have been enjoying sunny Britain. Today was just beautiful and, a tenuous connection with Bansko, meant that I could get my paraglider out and go flying. Wonderful thermals up to around 1,300 feet (400 metres approx) and fine views. See picture taken just a few hours ago.

I even managed to find time to take a short video. see below.



Which brings me to paragliding in Bansko. If you fancy a tandem flight its something well worth doing. I know several of the Bulgarian tandem guys and I would have no hesitation recommending them. However I have to add that not all ski insurance policies automatically cover tandem paragliding flights.

Bansko got some good publicity for its cost in the UK press this weekend. But I have to point out that Bansko has more than its fair share of traps for the unwary.

One reader mentioned I was a little negative when reporting on the traps. Saying that other places are the same. Problem is yes a few are, I agree. But I would prefer that we all avoid the traps and that visitors get a realistic view of Bansko rather than marketing spin. but thanks point taken!

Enjoy your season, wherever you go.

Owners Say: Bansko Property For Sale

Are you a property owner in Bansko? Judging by the site members survey, an active part of the Bansko Blog readership is from Bansko property owners. And you asked me, how do I sell my property?

Read on to see how this question got me thinking. And how renting may be the way forward to sell property - not just in Bansko, but any overseas property.

Why Not Try Before You Buy?

When I was in the market for a new car, a good few years back, I undertook the following process. I looked at the internet, read the specifications, ordered a few glossy brochures.

But I still didn’t do anything.

Then I arranged a test drive of the two types of car I wanted to buy. This was when the real fun came. The Toyota dealer just took my drivers licence and let me go and play on the country roads. Well if I was uncertain then, I was completely convinced now.

It was the Celica for me, and the decision to buy urgently was made.

What Went Right, And What Went Wrong

Now, I was pretty ecstatic and was looking to place my order. I had armed myself with internet prices, imports from Holland etc. The problem was my local dealership couldn’t get the price close to their competition.

Why was I going to spend over £3,000 more for the pleasure of buying locally? They all come from the same factory and had near identical spec. So the test drive worked well because I bought the Celica. But it went wrong for the dealer because he didn’t get my business - except for many years of servicing.

Property Sales: Rent Before You Buy

So it occurred to me how sensible it is for owners to rent their property when resales are very competitive. If they are looking to sell sometime in the future, then this is a strategy I recommend. This is because they can most effectively market to people when they are at their most receptive to buying the lifestyle. When they are relaxed and on holiday.

I would therefore advise those who are not sure about renting to think about it, and think about taking control of the process.

The Bansko Guide To Renting

To help you, I am still in the process of putting a rental guide together which will include an offer to rent on this site and another. All rentals go to you and you develop the relationship with the renter.

For owners that it can be very rewarding when people email you back thanking you for the wonderful holiday they have had. and also useful getting their comments for improvement.

And when you come to sell, then you have a database of potential clients to market to directly and you may find that more and more.

If you are an owner, please be sure to register today to receive the guide. I expect this will prove very popular and will be full of helpful tips on how best to set about renting. If you have any comments on your experience of renting in Bansko, or overseas generally - then do please comment below.

SNOW !!! Lots OF IT

2.25 metres at the top. More due tomorrow.

PS. More snow in Bansko as I type. The next few weeks will be really good on the mountain. Check out accommodation here - email for lowest price on the net.

Coming out in after the ski season? Then take advantage of the special offer Euro 29 per night deal here.

All rates come with a Guaranteed lowest or we match. Please check out new site www.banskoblog.com. Easier to read and improving all the time.

Cheap Bansko Accommodation; Guaranteed!

Cheap Bansko rooms to rent. Guaranteed cheapest. From just €12 per person per night.

I finally have started the new site banskoblog.com and I thought what better way to celebrate than offering a guarantee that I can offer the cheapest accommodation.

So for a limited time for visitors from 1st May the pricing will be as follows: Spacious two bedroom apartment 200m from gondola with large sitting room and bedrooms.. well click here for all the details.

Apartment Price:

1 to 2 people: €29 per night
3 to 4 people: €34 per night

BOOK NOW: LIMITED TIME OFFER
CLEANING INCLUDED

Extra person on sofa bed €9 per night. To book just email me your dates and pay on arrival.

No catches.

I GUARANTEE To Match The Price If You Find Cheaper

If you find an apartment on the web that is more than 80m2 gross area in size within 300m from the Gondola Station, built within the last five years - then I will immediately refund the difference if you notify me within 14 days of booking.

No Quibble Guarantee

Cleaning must be included.

It's a great time to get away enjoy mountain air - or tour the area. Or inspect your own apartment's progress. Sort out snagging or furniture. It's now affordable to get out there and make sure you get it right.

Check out amazing car hire deals and transfers by clicking here or joining the mailing list to get the latest news and reviews.

PS: Still some dates in ski season. Email for best price. I will ensure you get the best deal possible on the internet.

Prank Call By 8 Year Old. Have A Laugh

Nothing About Bansko today. Just an fabulous prank call audio.

Enjoy:

http://www.snotr.com/video/2269

Which Bulgarian Wine And Beer Is Best?

It’s not widely recognized that Bulgaria produces world class wine. They fail to hit the price points for exporting quality wine.

But fear not, when in Bulgaria you will be spoilt for choice.

Tip: Chardonnay and Muscat (Muscadet) seem to be the best white wines (check out Menada’s Trinity white wine).

The top 20 wines for the Bulgarian Wine of the Year 2008 were (in alphabetical order): Those in bold I have tried, and like a lot!

Chateau de Val Cuvee Trophy 2006 (Chateau de Val)
Encore 2007 (Katarzyna Estate)
Enira Reserva 2006 (Bessa Valley)
Levent Grand Selection chardonnay 2007 (VK Rousse)
Levent Grand Selection 2006 (VK Rousse)
Maxxima Private Reserva 2003 (Maxxima Cellars)
Minkov Brothers Cuvee 2007 (Sis Industries)
Nobile Rubin 2006 (Logodaj)
Question Mark 2007 (Katarzyna Estate)
Roto 2006 (Terra Tangra)
Rubaiyat chardonnay 2006 (Vinex Preslav)
Santa Sarah BIN41 merlot 2007 (Santa Sarah)
Santa Sarah Privat 2006 (Santa Sarah)
Santa Sarah Snow Wine 2005 (Santa Sarah)
Solitaire Elenovo merlot 2006 (Domaine Boyar)
Terra Tangra Cuvee 2006 (Terra Tangra)
Terra Tangra Grand Reserva 2006 (Terra Tangra)
Uniqato Rubin 2006 (Damianitza) Via Diagonalis 2007 (Kastra Rubra)
Vinissimo American Barrel 2006 (Rachev & Son).

For 2009, try Maxxima and No Man’s Land is consistently excellent. It’s affordable and sold in Bansko supermarkets.

For every day wine, Telish and Mezeek in a box with the equivalent to four bottles is perfect for apartment ski holiday red wine drinking in Metro, they both cost just 17 lev (€8.50 approx). That’s €2.25 per botthle. Stunning value for a wine of this quality

Beer

Shumensko (begins with a "W" in Cyrillic), Zagorka, Pirinsko, Tuborg, Kamenitsa are my favourites in that order.

Do try the dark "Stolichno" beer for a good strong flavour.

Get more like this. register for latest February Bansko Blog Guide. Get ready for new site.

Enter you photos and videos in the competition http://www.flickr.com/photos/banskoblog/ .

Win a T shirt!

Why Enter The Bankso Blog Photo And Video Competition?

Lance Nelson

The Bansko Blog photo and video competition is now open.

Go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/banskoblog/

The Bansko Blog photo competition is now open. On 1st April 2009 the nominations the top 10 photos and top 3 videos will be put forward to the final Bansko Blog Winter Photo Competition Prize - 2009.

The winner will be decided by a panel of judges selected from Blog subscribers.

Your photos and /or videos can be from anywhere in the Razlog valley and can be manipulated, enhanced, photoshopped etc.

The winner is the photo with most votes and will receive a free Bansko Blog T shirt. The winning video will also receive a Bansko Blog T shirt.

The top 10 entrants must agree for their photo and top 3 Video entrants to be published on my web site.

Your photos and videos could have been taken at any time in the past 5 years.

So post your photos and video to this group and thank you in advance for taking part. I am sure we will all enjoy looking at the entrants

Thank You, Lance

PS: None of my pictures can win, of course.

Are you a property owner, resident or visitor? Then be sure to join the blog to be kept up to date on all things Bansko. New February Guide updated from recent feedback.

Alberto Tomba and Balkaniada Shut Due To World Cup

Rain and above freezing temperatures come to Bansko.

Temperatures will drop this week but ski and board visitors may be a little disappointed to see some of the best runs, nine and four closed until end of February.

I maintain that the month of March from around the 5th or so, is a great time to come out to Bansko. Most runs will be open - assuming temperatures remain low.

There is no doubt that whilst the Alps have had the best year for probably fifteen years, Bansko is having an average year so far.

But we all know that weather changes and my bet is that, as almost always, Bansko sees some perfect snow conditions during the months of March and April.

Budget conscious skiers are discovering the joys of Bansko. But, and I don't want to preach, I'm still hearing many tales of both regulars and new visitors alike getting ripped off.

A quick thank you to all subscribers for their feedback to the survey. Already the plans have changed and that is a a good thing.

Join now for the new updated February 2009 Bansko Blog Guide. It's Free, of course.

And the Bansko Blog Guide is bang up to date on the best places to eat, places to avoid and many tips on getting the best out of Bansko.

The new guide has even more great tips ways from blog readers that help to make Bansko a better place to both visit, own and live in.

Bansko Ski Conditions

Bansko ski conditions have been good in the morning but snow has been getting heavy due to the warmer temperatures than expected at this time of the year.

Not the best - and not as good as the Alps this year. 135cm of snow on upper slopes is still fine. Many visitors are reported to be very happy with conditions.

But for so many visitors I am missing the point talking about snow. A mixture of adequate skiing, modern lifts, great nightlife, varied and affordable restaurant scene, spacious accommodation makes Bansko a compelling offering in these economic times.

Bansko is more than the sum of its parts. That's why more experienced skiers enjoy it more than they should.

Property owners are making an increasing number of our subscribers, and the redesigned website will have an owners area with free sample contract download. This will be sent to all subscribers in a few weeks.

Advance warning for owners.

The new web site will have a rental section with a difference.

Back to the pistes...Too many runs are closed in preparation for events. If I was choosing a time to go to Bansko - then I suggest leaving it until around 7th March. Oh for the curse of school holidays!

Bansko is a resort under construction, and like everywhere in the world there are huge environmental assessments to be made before extending the ski terrain. I reckon they will get there with more lifts - but this is a decision that goes way beyond local government decision making.

For now, its an affordable resort to visit. Nirvana will never exist - but there this year reports are more upbeat than last year. Great boarding and skiing to be had - on a nice and new lift system on some truly satisfying terrain. And no longer quite the building site of last year.

Probably the most demanding of clinets are the regulars, the owners and those with vested interests. We all wish Bansko well. But this is the place where I say how I see it. My view changes but most of all the desire is to get the best value, Tomorrow I will give pass on a tip in the Banso guide for subscribers. This tip has just saved a reader a whole load of cash. Stayed tuned. Best of all join the Bankso Blog and receive regular updates. Visitor, resident and property owner alike I welcome your comments.

If you want the best snow right now - then head for the Alps. Lift pass price is more but often you get four times the mount of ski piste. Like a party, got a family to pay for, on a tight budget. Then why not give Bansko a try this year?

My Birthday Bansko Snow Offer

Today is my birthday. To celebrate the superb Bansko skiing conditions and the amazing snow falls in England today, I am offering a Bansko room booking SPECIAL OFFER!

Fancy a ski weekend or ski midweek? A recent visitor said she felt so much better after getting fresh air, exercise and beating those winter blues.

Imagine relaxing in your home from home after a great days out in the snow. Take a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath.

How about a massage to relax those weary muscles?

It's all here. And all at a price that cannot be beaten for location and space.

Fancy a meal out or cook in? You choose.



Why not enjoy a candlelit evening in with a glass of wine? Or perhaps take a rest in the afternoon, and rock to a live band at the Happy End Bar, like the one above which was playing the other night, on a Friday or Saturday night at the Happy End Bar.

Dance by the podium dancers - male versions also do their thing.



Or go check out the Snow Dogs at the Friendly Bar or watch the latest sports event on Sky at the Lion Bar and restaurant. All these are less than 5 minutes walk from the apartment building.

Or why not hit one of the many clubs such as Oxygene, Club Leglo, Graphite, Party Place, Payner in the centre of town?



Don't ski? Then stroll around the historic town, shop or take a coffee. Or why not try ice skating at the new ice skating ring just 70 metres away?

You pay €60 per night for all of March and April for 2 bedroom apartment with large sitting room and just two minutes walk to the lift.

That's just €30 per night per person with two people sharing per night. Offer subject to availability and will end 20th February

No need for reservation, just pay on arrival.

Includes cleaning, all bedding and towels. Apartments equipped with CD, TV and DVD's for all the family.

Email me now on lancenelson1@gmail.com now.

Nazdraze!