site.btaBansko Named Bulgaria's Best Ski Resort in 2023

Bansko has been named Bulgaria's best ski resort for the 11th time. The distinction is based on an anonymous vote by professionals, service users, tour operators, travel agents and media organizations, who were polled between June 26 and October 13 on www.worldskiawards.com.

Also in the World Ski Awards Poll, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko was named Bulgaria's best ski hotel.

This year, again, over 4 million respondents took part in the anonymous poll, making it not just the largest survey in the industry but one of the most representative polls globally.

Ski tourism is a vital segment of the world travel market. Every year, skiers make 400 million visits to 2,500 ski resorts worldwide, which offer 6 million beds.

Run by the Yulen company under a concession contract, the Bansko ski resort in Mt Pirin, Southwestern Bulgaria has featured prominently in the World Ski Awards rankings since 2013, an achievement which is only matched by Kitzbuhel in Austria, Val Thorens in France and Deer Valley in the United States.

Yulen AD Marketing Director Ivan Obreikov commented: "We are happy that we won the 'Oscar' of ski tourism for the eleventh time, which is good for the image of the town, the ski area and Bulgaria as a preferred place for an upscale skiing experience, where you can get the best value for your money."

Obreikov noted that a full season's ticket for the ski facilities in Bansko can be obtained until December 15 for a price of BGN 1,500, which has remained unchanged for two years despite soaring inflation and high energy prices.

In the summer of 2023, Yulen made a substantial investment to upgrade the TechnoAlpin snowmaking technology it applies in Bansko, as a result of which the equipment can produce the necessary snow for the whole system of ski runs in just 72 hours, weather permitting (a temperature of under minus 2 C and low humidity).

The operator has bought two cutting-edge snow groomers for the upcoming winter, which will ensure the highest standard of maintenance of the ski runs.

As usual, Bansko will host events on the season's calendar of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. A World Cup men's slalom and giant slalom will be held there between February 10 and 11, 2024. The world Alpine ski elite will gather in Bansko on the occasion. Bulgaria will be represented by its top star Albert Popov.