Bansko Budget Skiing Tips

OK, so budget skiing will be all the rage this year - what with the pound at below €1.3. So what do I need to do to save money? Here are my top tips:

1/ Before looking at Bansko, you may be unsure about Bansko being able to deliver the goods, then you may not know that the Guardian newspaper placed Bansko as the number one budget ski destination.

2/ Many beginners, or those new to skiing, may be a little nervous going for a diy ski holiday. By this I mean you book flights, transfer and accommodation separately. However many apartment owners, including those on here, have local representation that will pick you up from Sofia airport, show you your Bansko apartment and answer all your ski and accommodation questions. So before you leave you can have transfer, lessons, ski hire, left pass all sorted.

3/ If you can book a flight online and send a few emails the job is done. The savings on Bansko accommodation by going direct with owner are illustrated here when booking at Mountain Residence 3. Saving over £100 per person is easily achievable and often a lot more.

4/ Evaluate all the costs of going skiing: ski/board hire, lessons, lift pass, food, nightlife and quality of accommodation. Some of these you can save money see section on supermarkets
So a ski holiday in Bansko does not require a package tour. If its your first time you will have all the information for a successful holiday and a a few clicks on this site and you will probably be better equipped on info than you think.

5/ So whilst you have already made great savings by booking an apartment direct remember that other savings are yours for the taking whilst you are here in Bansko that apply in any resort, like taking your own sandwich for lunch as prices on the mountain are generally more expensive than the town and like being careful to check out meter rate when taking taxis.

6/ If you are going a period greater (or less than 6 days skiing) or just fancy a relaxing morning on a long weekend, think about buying a half day pass for skiing after 1:00pm.

7/ Get some friends together, you'll save on transfer costs and also accommodation costs. A two bedroom apartment is cheaper than a one bedroom apartment on a per head basis. If there's a big group of you then ask for a discount if you take two apartments.

8/ Take just hand luggage for a long weekend. You're quicker through the airport and as, apart from Bulgaria Air and British Airways, the rest are charging you for check in luggage.

9/ Eat in. Read my blog post here which gives ideas for cheaper shopping. My Bansko curry recipe will be in newsletter soon!

10/ Take a taxi to Dobrinishte, Razlog or Banya. Restaurants over half the price and an excellent meal with wine, beer, coffee is to be had for 10 levs (about £4) per head.

and my bonus tip number 11 is to subscribe to my newsletter which will bring you regular news, views, apartment to rent reviews, hotel reviews, money saving tip plus my thoughts relating to restaurants, bars, clubs, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding in Bansko. Subscribers get 5% discount on the already low cost Bansko apartment rental prices.

Self Catering in Bansko

Sometimes the best nights are spent at home in your Bansko apartment with the company of family and friends. So you decide to cook... but then of course you have the task of shopping for the ingredients. So here goes, the exciting guide to supermarkets:

There are several solutions to food shopping. The first, and cheapest way, is to ask your transfer driver to stop at Billa supermarket along Bulgaria Boulevard in Sofia, its along one of the main routes out of the city to the south about 9km from Sofia airport. A large Metro along blvd Tzarigradsko Shosse is good for a big shop, about 3km from airport. 

A detour into Blagoevgrad, Metro again, could also be a plan - especially as a day trip. The next and most popular option is to go to the supermarket as you enter Bansko on the left hand side before the traffic lights. This has most things and is perfectly adequate. If you dont have a hire car, and you wish to go there to stock up, its best to order a taxi - about 10 lev (£4) return journey.

You may also want to visit Razlog on a Monday - market day. Good butchers, fruit and vegetables etc await at very low prices. With no car there are also many small supermarkets down Pirin street and just off the main square. Just be careful as some prices have been known to be inflated. On Sunday there is the Bansko market worth checking out - but remember Razlog will be cheaper.

Whatever you decide for a night in, be sure to try the excellent yoghurt which is great with local honey and preserves and the "white cheese" you will see in packs and at the deli counter. Most wine is good, some of the rakiya (local brandy like grappa) is ok and sometimes not - buy the best and you will be ok. 

As for beer, locals like Pirinsko, but my favourites are Shumensko and Zagorka. With fewer additives in Bulgarian beer, or so local folklore goes, your head will be clear in the morning and you'll be ready to say "Nazdrave!" again the following evening.