The winner of the Bansko Blog draw is announced. Click play on video above for the Burns night draw.
Congratulations to Giorgos, from Greece and hope he and his friends/family visit Bansko soon to enjoy the superb snow conditions right now.
And of course I wish him happy holidays for his whole weeks' stay at the fabulous two bedroom apartment close to the gondola. Click here to read what others have said about this apartment.
Thank you to the legendary and witty, Chris Denham and Ivanka for conducting the draw using a "Jimmy hat" in Bansko during the Burns night supper held at Richard's apartment.
See below for Chris's recital of Robert Burns and the addressing of the Haggis.
The €25 from Giorgos for 7 nights in two bedroom apartment will be matched by me and €50 donated to charity.
An interesting point for me, was that we had so few people from Bulgaria entering. On enquiring why, it appears many believe most competitions are fixed or corrupt and many thought "where's the catch?". The video proves there is no catch.
The draw was totally random.
I hope this goes some way to change attitudes from the many Bulgarian visitors to this site.
Anyhow, back to the Burns night supper. None of us were Scottish except Lynne, a snowboarder and apartment owner from Glasgow who joined us for the evening with Ed (an American ski enthusiast living in China). She refused my accompanying red wine gravy (or as I prefer, my 'jus') in accordance with Burns Night tradition. No offense taken, Lynne.
Thanks again to Chris (below left) for presenting the draw and to Richard (below far right) for hosting this memorable Burns supper party.
Finally let's not forget Leroy. He tell me he has never seen such photo graphic attention. His smile says it all.
...and he tells me he has become a big fan of Bansko. His second trip saw him progress more with good friends Paul, Jonny and Stuart.
The canceled ladies downhill from St. Moritz has been rescheduled today to Bansko (BUL) and will take place on Friday, Feb. 27th at 12:00 LOC (11:00 CET).
Training runs at both Kitzbuel and Cortina were canceled this morning, both due to falling snow. Organizers later extended the cancellations through tomorrow.
At Cortina there were 25inches on the ground at 6:30 am, with forecasts calling for another 25, prompting the cancellation of Thursday’s super G.
More information regarding rescheduling the super G will be announced on Thursday. Friday and Saturday's downhills, as well as Sunday's giant slalom will take place as scheduled.
At Kitzbuel officials made the call about 9:30. Racers were out for inspection but it was snowing too heavily to get the training run in.
Yesterday I had yet another accommodation enquiry from a Romanian couple and another from a Greek family.
The question was the same. "Your prices are in UK Pounds, can I freeze the euro price now?" The answer was the same: Yes you can fix now and secure your exchange rate benefit. Freeze accommodation price now. Whilst it lasts.
Goldman Sachs are predicting €1=£0.8 in a matter of WEEKS.
The UK pound has strengthened to €1 = £88.7 (or 1.125 euros = £1 )
No euro pound parity!
UK is not the only sick man of europe.
With currencies there's always one winner and one loser.
If you are outside the UK. book your accommodation with me TODAY
great snow in Bansko - come and bring your friends too.
DELAYING BOOKING COULD COST YOUMONEY
We take euros and we fix your booking in EUROS on reservation for ALL non UK guests!
If you have UK pounds, then Bulgaria is getting cheaper (not that its expensive, or anything).
BUT here's the thing Bansko and Bulgaria will probably get even more affordable very soon IF the pound strengthens further against the euros (the local LEV is pegged to the Euro).
Please contact me for a deal on ODD DAYS, WEEKENDS. Two NIGHT STAYS FROM JUST £30 per night (€35 approx). for two people!
TIP: When changing money to Levs in Bansko use the proper Bansko. Rates are very poor from the small booths around the town and close to the lift. Be sure to join Bansko Blog for 5% discount.
A Bansko apartment to rent for €25 for seven nights. Date To close extended to 18th January. Your chance to have an amazing winter holiday for yourself and up to four friends in luxury in Mountain Residence 3.
Mountain Residence 3 is very close to gondola lift
get up and enjoy deserted pistes like the picture above
Not into boarding or skiing?
Less than 10 minutes to Bansko old town square.
Enjoy Bankso just to relax, and take in coffee or early evening stroll round the many new shops.
So if you board or ski or fancy Bansko for a breath of fresh air you'll be sure to have a perfect break. And for the chance to have all this for €25. Normally between €250 and €500 per week you could get this for just €25.
The odds of winning the lottery are 14 million to 1. Enter this draw, at no cost, and it really could be you.
And what's more I will be match your €25 so a useful €50 will be given to The Dancing Bear Park in Belitsa, near Bankso - a great free visitor attraction that relies on contributions to keep its work on a sanctuary for abused "dancing" bears. See video below:
Okay, so what's the catch?
Absolutely none at all. I guarantee this. Just a few conditions:
I have to take a €110 refundable deposit for insurance purposes. But the renter gets that back, assuming no damage, on departure.
The renter can stay once only - so if 2 or 3 nights are taken, that's it. no more.
Usual rental contract must be signed which stipulates no smoking, no boards or skis in apartment.
Four people maximum to the apartment
There are just three weeks the "prize" cannot be taken one in Feb and one in March and one late April. All other dates will be held free for winner to choose until 27th January.
Winner must take up offer by 1st December 09.
To Have a chance of winning, Register now on this page or click here
The draw will take place and be filmed in Bansko on 23rd January. The winner notified by email on the 24th. Winners choose dates to stay in ski season by 27th January. Outside ski season, just check availability 7 days before.
There's is NO CATCH. You don't buy or have to do anything else to win or after the lucky winner wins.
Why Such A Good Offer?
1/ A New Year resolution was to make a charitable effort in '09.
2/ Promote quality apartments to rent at affordable prices.
3/ I want to attract more people to try Bansko.
4/ I also want to accelerate the visitors to this site even more. This will help us all avoid the Bansko Rip-Offs which lie in wait for the unwary. Just register here or below:
PLUS I'll keep you updated on avoiding the new winter season Bansko Rip-Offs/Bansko Cheats. And you get for free the new winter guide to Bansko. From lessons, retaurants, clubs and money saving tips you'll be glad, like others recently, you got your guide.
Why do I "charge" €25 to the winner?
1/ There was a risk that if it was for free then sthe "winner" may decide not to use the prize.
2/ A little cash for good charity could be raised.
3/ FREE draw can contravene some laws!
So will I receive spam email?
No, absolutely not. This is an email OPT IN system.
All subscribers have to confirm that your email is real before you are registered. You then have total control when to OPT OUT.
I guarantee never to sell or loan you email to other parties. I hate spam.
What do I get as a blog subscriber?
You will receive free occasional Bansko news and Blog updates. Please take a look at the previous entries, and you'll get an idea of the sort of content that will be posted here.
So that's it. Grab the chance to win a €500 per week apartment for €25. No catches. No spam. Just enter you name and email below this article.
So I look forward to announcing the winner and remember:
You Have To Be In It To Win It!
When is the deadline for entering?
Subscribe BEFORE MIDNIGHT 18th January 09 for a chance to win your week at just €25.
I am already a subscriber - will I be automatically entered? Yes. Every person already registered will be put in the draw.
I have some questions, can I contact you?
Yes, please comment below or, if you would prefer, use contact form on this page.
Banskoplans to invest 15 million leva (around 7.7 million euro) in infrastructure this year, according to the municipality’s updated plan.
By the end of 2009, the funds will cover the completion of the road between the resort town and the Vihren mountain cabin, as well as the infrastructure of the new parts of the resort – Gramadeto and Asanitsa, the town’s mayor AleksandarKravarov told the Bulgarian newspaper Dnevnik.
“At these places there aren’t even sidewalks yet, and that is why we are making this issue a priority,” Kravarov noted, adding that the resort’s streets will also be fully paved.
The Bansko municipality also plans to construct a 3.2-kilometre summer biathlon run in the area of BanderishkaPolyana – the starting point of many of the lifts to the slopes. “Our aim is in 2010 to host the Summer Biathlon World Championship,”Kravarov commented. This would be the second largest sports meeting at the resort, after the Alpine Ski World Cup for women takes place there between February 28 and March 1 of this year.
Early indications point to visitor numbers up by around 8% from last year.
My comment to day on this news is that the change in Bansko has surprised many visitors this year. It feels like there has been a spring clean compared to last year. Many more new roads and pavements and facilities have gone in.
This extra investment on roads and pavements will help put firmly to bed the historic "building site" reputation, the resort had gained.
It is also worth pointing out that Bansko is totally unaffected by the gas supply issues - as there is no natural gas pipe to Bansko and therefore all power supplies are secure. The resort has functioned with the increase in visitors remarkably well.
In particular the new one way system into and out of the gondola parking has been a success. And the additional facilities to host the summer biathlon championship in 2010 is another positive step.
However not all is positive! This season has brought out restaurant touts, supermarket overcharging and therefore places to avoid.
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive free guide to Bansko. Reading it will show you how to get the best out of Bansko. Accommodation draw ends tomorrow. So sign up now for your chance to win a week's accommodation for just €25 (to charity).
The Victoria is situated opposite the Kempinski on Pirin Street. Another new restaurant for the season and this place is set to be one of the most popular.
Victoria is part of a chain and having eaten here in Sofia, I was keen to get back initial reviews.
And they're positive.
If you fancy Italian and you are in this part of town or have children and need an early meal this is the place to seriously consider coming. The prices are very reasonable with a large 500ml beer at 2.5 Lev (€1.5 approx).
With a very nicely finished interior and friendly service, the Victoria is a welcome addition to the ever expanding Bansko restaurant scene.
You will see this and many other recommended restaurants in the new 2009 guide. Just sign up, confirm you a real person on the first email you will receive and you'll get the full 15 page guide. This includes those places I think you should avoid.
BanskoMehanas are full of traps for the unwary this year. VeceloCelo is one to avoid. I need to warn everyone about this place on the traffic lights, just before the gondola - on the corner.
You won't miss it, as here's a picture of it above and here's another below.
Reports of excessive charging, over priced wine and indifferent service have come in.
From the outside it looks good. But don't be tempted to wander inside. There are many other great places I'll be reviewing over the next few weeks.
Or you can receive the top restaurant and bar recommendations. Bang up to date for the ski season when you subscribe for free. The new guide has 15 pages of info which will keep Bansko cheap for you in these credit crunch times.
Where Should I Hire Skis, Boards and Boots? A question asked by most visitors to Bansko. And even if you've been many times, there are more places to choose from this season.
This article is an extract from "11 Little Known Ways To Get The Best Out Of Bansko" - complimentary to all subscribers.
This 15 page report will save you money when visiting Bansko in 2009.
Being close to the gondola is good, then you can walk back to your accommodation in comfortable shoes and not have to carry your board or skis.
Bansko Ski Mania: 115 Pirin Street opposite Fischer Shop. Tel 0888 788 859. Very helpful service from George, office@sbanskoskimania.com. www.banskoskimania.com BDC: 10% discount SKISCHOOL, RENTALS, GEAR. Emailing first with your requirements and negotiating discount is the best way. Here are 08/09 prices:
PRICES (PER PERSON)
1 day
3 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
Ski, Boots, Sticks
30 lv.
80 lv.
110 lv.
120 lv.
130 lv.
Ski, Boots, Sticks (kids)
20 lv.
55 lv.
70 lv.
85 lv.
100 lv.
Ski, Sticks
20 lv.
55 lv.
70 lv.
85 lv.
100 lv.
Ski, Sticks (kids)
15 lv.
40 lv.
50 lv.
60 lv.
70 lv.
Boots, Sticks
15 lv.
40 lv.
50 lv.
60 lv.
70 lv.
Snowboard, Boots
30 lv.
80 lv.
110 lv.
120 lv.
130 lv.
Snowboard
20 lv.
55 lv.
70 lv.
85 lv.
100 lv.
Snowboard boots
15 lv.
40 lv.
50 lv.
60 lv.
70 lv.
VIP equipment (PER PERSON)
1 day
3 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
Ski, Boots, Sticks
40 lv.
110 lv.
130 lv.
150 lv.
180 lv.
Ski, Sticks
30 lv.
80 lv.
100 lv.
120 lv.
130 lv.
Snowboard, Boots
40 lv.
90 lv.
120 lv.
130 lv.
140 lv.
Snowboard
30 lv.
65 lv.
80 lv.
95 lv.
110 lv.
Tsakiris: Brand new shop. Tel: 0878169447. Just on right after right at lights just before gondola. Brand new ski, boards and boots. Negotiate price to 125 lev max per week for ski/bard and boots. Very helpful and friendly service.
1.Bansko Ski Mania offers ski lessons every day to suit all ages and abilities.
total beginner or very experienced
friendly and professional instructors will ensure that you have a memorable time in Bansko
operate with a maximum of 8 in a ski class - but classes usually go out with less than this).
internationally qualified Instructors who are all experienced professionals.
SNOWBOARDSCHOOL
The SnowboardSchool offers instruction and coaching at all levels from beginner to freestyle. Whatever your standard or ability we can guarantee to improve your skills as well as ensure you have a great time.
We operate with a maximum of 8 in a snowboard class, as we feel this is a safe and professional maximum (however classes usually go out with less than this). All of our lessons are taught by Internationally qualified Instructors who are all experienced professionals.
All Instructors speak English, Greek, German, Russian languages.
PRICES - PRIVATE LESSONS (PER PERSON)
1 day
2 days
3 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
4 hours
120 lv.
220 lv.
310 lv.
380 lv.
460 lv.
500 lv.
2 hours
80 lv.
130 lv.
180 lv.
240 lv.
290 lv.
330 lv.
PRICES - GROUP LESSONS (PER PERSON)
1 day
2 days
3 days
4 days
5 days
6 days
4 hours
70 lv.
120 lv.
170 lv.
210 lv.
250 lv.
280 lv.
2 hours
50 lv.
80 lv.
120 lv.
150 lv.
170 lv.
190 lv.
Lessons. Again Bansko Ski Mania offer fair price and generally good instruction:
From their web site they say, "We operate with a maximum of 8 in a class. These run every day over the winter and are the most economical way to learn new skills in a fun and sociable environment. Group lessons are available all winter to everyone.
Group lessons usually run from 10-12am and 1-3pm with an hours break for."
2.MethodSnowSchool.Tel: +359 24 900 966www.methodsnowschool.com . £150 for three hours. Expensive - but feedback is positive. Also equipment hire.
3.UlenSkiSchool. The biggest by far. Variable quality of instruction. Some instructors very good indeed. Just go to gondola lift. Also hire in the gondola - but not a pleasant experience.
I once did this and found the service poor and the whole process all too hectic.
The Crown Inn, Bansko is one of many new bars, restaurants, shops and clubs that have started business for this season.
The crown is liked for its Stolichno dark strong beer on draft as well as its resident band two piece band that does a great job in getting the atmosphere about right.
You'll see next door to the main bar there is pool and darts - so no surprising you are going to hear many English accents here!
Praise has been mixed for the food, but the burgers are sound.
But not all is good everywhere and what was good last year we are finding can be terrible this year.
Recent extensive testing by me and others means that the reports are up to date in the new Bansko Blog guide: "11 Little Known Way To Get The Best Out Of Bansko" This is now being sent out to all exiting subscribers as well as new subscribers.
Just another 5 days to win a week's accommodation for just €25. I will be matching this and donating to charity. Just sign up with your name and primary email.
The snow is excellent with clear weather.
Here's to your credit crunch beating winter holiday in Bansko
A Bansko apartment to rent for €25. For seven nights. Register by subscribing here for your chance to win.
This is not one of those stupid offers. You know, the ones where they are not what they seem. No, this is a really straight forward, and free to enter, draw to rent a two bedroom apartment in Mountain Residence 3 for total of €25 for a maximum of seven nights.
Mountain Residence 3 is very close to gondola lift so you can
get up and enjoy deserted pistes like the picture above
Not into baording or skiing?
Less than 10 minutes to Bansko old town square.
Just to relax, and take in coffee or early evening stroll round the many new shops.
So if you board or ski or fancy Bansko for a breath of fresh air you'll be sure to have a perfect break.
Just €25. And what's more I will be match this so a useful €50 will be given to The Dancing Bear Park in Belitsa, near Bankso - a great free visitor attraction that relies on contributions to keep its work on a sanctuary for abused "dancing" bears. See video below:
Okay, so what's the catch?
Absolutely none at all. I guarantee this. Just a few simple conditions:
I have to take a €110 refundable deposit for insurance purposes. But the renter gets that back, assuming no damage, on departure.
The renter can stay once only - so if 2 or 3 nights are taken, that's it. no more.
Usual rental contract must be signed which stipulates no smoking, no boards or skis in apartment.
Four people maximum to the apartment
There are just two weeks the "prize" cannot be taken one in Feb and one in March and one late April. All other dates will be held free for winner to choose until 27th January.
Winner must take up offer by 1st December 09.
To Have a chance of winning, Register now on this page or click here
The draw will take place and videoed in Bansko on 23rd January. The winner notified by email that day. Winners can stay from the 27th January!
There's is NO CATCH. You don't buy or have to do anything else to win or after the lucky winner wins.
Why Such A Good Offer?
1/ A New Year resolution was to make a charitable effort in '09.
2/ Promote quality apartments to rent at affordable prices.
3/ I want to attract more people to try Bansko.
4/ I also want to accelerate the visitors to this site even more. This will help us all avoid the Bansko Rip-Offs which lie in wait for the unwary. Just register here or below:
All PLUS I'll keep you updated on avoiding the new season Bansko Rip-Offs/Bansko Cheats.
Why charge €25?
1/ There was a risk that if it was for free then someone may decide not to turn up.
2/ A little cash for charity could be raised.
3/ I generally ignore things that say FREE - so I guessed readers would too!
So will I receive spam email?
No, absolutely not. This is an email OPT IN system.
All subscribers have to confirm that your email is real before you are registered. You then have total control when to OPT OUT.
I guarantee never to sell or loan you email to other parties. I hate spam.
You will receive occasional Bansko news and Blog updates. Please take a look at the previous entries, and you'll get an idea of the sort of content that will be posted here.
So that's it. Grab the chance to win a €500 per week apartment for €25. No catches. No spam. Just enter you name and email below this article.
So I look forward to announcing the winner and remember:
You Have To Be In It To Win It!
When is the deadline for entering?
Subscribe BEFORE MIDNIGHT 15th January 09 for a chance to win your week at just €25.
I am already a subscriber - will I be automatically entered? Yes. Every person already registered will be put in the draw.
I have some questions, can I contact you?
Yes, please comment below or, if you would prefer, use contact form on this page.
Bansko Blog hits its target of over 200 page views in one day.
With 64 visitors yesterday, this web site broke the 60 visitor per day target early. Read on for why this could be good news for you.
In just six weeks the site has not only grown, but has seen people reading, watching and listening to more and more as the content expands.
Visitors from 51 countries are represented here. Bansko Blog readership stretches around the world. The Top 12 countries are:
UK (53.4%), Greece (14.1%), Bulgaria (11.6%), United States (4.3%), Serbia (4.1%) Romania (3.4%), Macedonia (3.0%), Ireland (1.8%), Israel (1.3%), Germany (1.1%), Russian (1.0%), France (0.9%).
Will this reflect a changing mix in the future of visitors to Bansko? It will be interesting to see. But I predict a sharp rise in Serbian and Romanian visitors to Bansko over the coming months.
Over the last thirty days, 1,098 visitors looked at 2,232 pages and stayed for, on average, exactly 3 minutes. Yesterday saw twelve new email subscribers.
So Thank you for visiting today. Here's to getting the best out of Bansko
The web site's aim is to provide unbiased comment on news and reviews on Bansko. The focus is on recognising the good aspects, but also to uncover the things many don't want you to know.
An extensive read of the articles reveals important information and serves to enhance our Banskoexperience.My special thanks go to all those interviewed on the new audios - and to friends who have provided reviews and information. If you wish to help, do please let me know.
My campaign against "Rip Off Bansko" is now well under way. New visitors are arming themselves with the latest news and techniques to prevent being ripped off. This will help keep the Bansko experience a good one for all.
The site redesign is taking time, but will be worth it. Your comments on this are sought. What would you most like to see? Just comment below, or contact me direct if you prefer.
To celebrate these visitor milestones, I have a huge offer:
For just €25 a two bedroom apartment can be yours for a one week rental. One subscriber wins this offer which is open to all who subscribe by 15th January.
I will match this €25 and donate €50 to a Bulgarian charity. I will announce the offer details tomorrow.
ALL past subscribers are automatically entered.
The lucky winner gets a two bedroom apartment at Mountain Residence 3 for four people for a whole 7 nights.
The draw will be in Bansko, on Saturday 23rd January. It will be videoed to show this offer is conducted with integrity.
Ski conditions are great now with loads of fresh snow. Accommodation prize winner can use their prize from the 26th January!
The Happy End Bar in Bansko rocked with the sounds of awake on Friday. Click play above to hear their rendition of "Paint It Black" from the Stones.
The Happy End Bar could be an obvious place to avoid - being situated opposite the gondola. But as reported here before, it may just be the best music night out you'll have in Bansko.
If you like rock in the form of Led Zep, Stones, Hendrix. And grunge, like Nirvana then you won't be disappointed. Awake not only performed the well known standards, but also play their own music - which was rather good. I can see why they received the BG Radio Award (www.pacific-studio.net for all the the band's history) and are busy touring not just Bulgaria but Europe as well.
As for the Happy End - It's best on a Friday and Saturday night to see a live band. There are usually a number of different live acts during the ski season. So do comment if you have seen other bands that impressed.
Expect mediocre food at inflated prices. The Happy End "sache" (mixed grill) is okay and be sure to look at the weight in grammes of the food. Often one dish will serve three people.
Service can be of the non smiling variety - but our waitress was rather good this time. More reports please.
With a DJ who keeps the atmosphere and dancing going during the break, and dancers to add that extra "something" be prepared to enjoy a great night.
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