SKI SEASON IN BULGARIA’S BANKSO AND BOROVETS OFFICIALLY OPENED

The official opening of the ski season in one of Bulgaria’s most popular winter resort of Bansko took place on 16th of December. Shiny show, star guests and lots of snow welcomed the local and international winter sports lovers.

Fritz Strobl, Olympic downhill champion (Salt Lake City 2002) and another ski legend Mark Girardelli, 5-time winner of the World cup, were the first to ski down the ski slope named after Alberto Tomba.

400 snow cannons are ready to be operational throughout the whole winter season to ensure excellent snow cover on 70 km long pistes.

Prices of lift tickets and passes remain unchanged for the season – 58 BGN for an adult, 52 BGN for university and school students and 40 BGN for children under the age of 12.

As part of the opening ceremony, fireworks lit up the sky above Bansko.

In February 2017, Bansko will host will host the start of World Cup snowboard parallel disciplines.

Ski teachers with fiery torches gave the official start of the ski season in Borovets resort. On this date, the resort marks 120th anniversary of its establishment. Bulgaria’s President Rossen Plevneliev has sent a congratulatory address noting that Borovets has developed at a fast pace and is a symbol of Bulgaria’s tourism. Special guest performer at the opening show was Bulgaria’s representative in 2016 Eurovision song contest, Poli Genova.

The daily passes of only 5 BGN and the free-of-charge night skiing on the opening day caused traffic jam on the runs.

Prices of lift passes for half a day this season are 38 BGN for an adult, 32 BGN for students and senior citizens over the age of 65, and 23 BGN for a child.

There are also new safety conditions on the slopes. The main innovation is a device that measures the possibility of avalanches, there will be people who will monitor the conditions of the snow cover and will prepare weekly newsletters. Such updates will clearly indicate the zone of avalanche-prone areas.